Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh in December?
In December, Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh are overall neck and neck — it comes down to your priorities.
HurghadaPhoto: Oooways · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sharm el-SheikhPhoto: Serhio Magpie · CC BY 4.0Key figures in December
| Criterion | Hurghada | Sharm el-Sheikh |
|---|---|---|
| Average daily high | 23 °C | 24 °C |
| Average daily low | 17 °C | 16 °C |
| Sea | 25 °C | 25 °C |
| Rainy days | 0 rainy days (est.) | 0 rainy days (est.) |
| Sun | 5 h/day | 5 h/day |
| Humidity | 57 % | 49 % |
Winner by travel type
Hurghada or Sharm el-Sheikh in December: the short answer
In December, Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh are essentially level on the overall climate score (both around 93/100). The decision comes down to the individual criteria below.
This comparison focuses on December as a representative month for the pair; for any other month, use each destination's month-by-month pages. Across the whole year Hurghada averages a climate score of 83/100, Sharm el-Sheikh 79/100. Both profiles below are historical monthly averages, not a forecast.
Weather in December, side by side
The average daily high is about 23 °C in Hurghada and 24 °C in Sharm el-Sheikh — warmer in Sharm el-Sheikh. Average daily lows are around 17 °C versus 16 °C.
On rain, Hurghada sees about 0 rainy days in December and Sharm el-Sheikh about 0. Sunshine is comparable (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. 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 2 rainy days and Sharm el-Sheikh about 3 — the drier of the two overall is Hurghada. 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 January, February, March 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 (Hurghada 88 vs Sharm el-Sheikh 90).
City breaks: Hurghada scores higher in December (Hurghada 98 vs Sharm el-Sheikh 97).
Active & hiking: Hurghada scores higher in December (Hurghada 93 vs Sharm el-Sheikh 91).
Family: Sharm el-Sheikh scores higher in December (Hurghada 94 vs Sharm el-Sheikh 96).
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.