Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh in December?
On climate data, Sharm el-Sheikh comes out ahead overall in December. See the per-criterion details below.
HurghadaPhoto: Oooways · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sharm el-SheikhPhoto: Serhio Magpie · CC BY 4.0Key figures in December
| Criterion | Hurghada | Sharm el-Sheikh |
|---|---|---|
| Day | 23 °C | 23 °C ★ |
| Night | 17 °C ★ | 16 °C |
| Sea | 25 °C | 25 °C ★ |
| Rainy days | 1 rainy days | 1 rainy days |
| Sun | 5 h/day ★ | 5 h/day |
Winner by travel type
Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh in December: the short answer
In December, Sharm el-Sheikh comes out ahead on the overall climate score (Hurghada 92/100 vs Sharm el-Sheikh 93/100). That is a snapshot of one month, though — which one truly fits depends on what you want from the trip, so the breakdown below goes criterion by criterion.
Across the whole year Hurghada averages a climate score of 83/100, Sharm el-Sheikh 78/100. Both profiles below are historical monthly averages, not a forecast.
Weather in December, side by side
By day, Hurghada sits near 23 °C and Sharm el-Sheikh near 23 °C — warmer in Sharm el-Sheikh. At night it is roughly 17 °C versus 16 °C.
On rain, Hurghada sees about 1 rainy days in December and Sharm el-Sheikh about 1. Hurghada gets more sunshine (5 vs 5 hours a day).
Sea temperature and swimming
In December the water is about 25 °C at Hurghada and 25 °C at Sharm el-Sheikh — warmer for swimming at Sharm el-Sheikh. Over the year, Hurghada is comfortable for swimming (from ~21 °C) in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December, Sharm el-Sheikh in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December. Peak sea warmth is August for Hurghada and August for Sharm el-Sheikh.
Rain and sun across the year
Over a full year Hurghada records roughly 4 rainy days and Sharm el-Sheikh about 4. At their sunniest, Hurghada reaches about 10 hours of sun a day (June) and Sharm el-Sheikh about 10 (June). If dependable dry, sunny weather is your top priority, weigh these annual totals alongside the single month above.
Best time to visit each
Climatically, Hurghada is at its best in February, March, November and December, while Sharm el-Sheikh peaks in February, March, November and December. If your dates are fixed, pick the destination whose strong season overlaps them; if you are flexible, plan around these windows.
Which suits which kind of trip
Based on the December scores for each travel style:
Beach & swimming: Sharm el-Sheikh scores higher in December.
City breaks: Hurghada scores higher in December.
Active & hiking: Hurghada scores higher in December.
Family: Sharm el-Sheikh scores higher in December.
Verdict: which should you pick?
There is no single winner — it depends on your month and your priority. For December specifically, use the head-to-head above; over the year, Hurghada carries the slightly higher overall climate score. Choose Hurghada if its strong months and profile match your plan, Sharm el-Sheikh if its do. The month-by-month pages for each destination give you the full picture before you book.