Weather in Egypt in December

December climate overview

Daytime highs across Egypt in December run from 20.6°C (Cairo) to 23.7°C (Marsa Alam). Even in Marsa Alam only 25% of days reach 25°C. Nights average 13.6°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Cairo fall to 7°C or below.

Rainfall in December

Expect around 0 rainy days (1 mm or more) in December, with Hurghada the driest (0 days) and Cairo the wettest (1 days). The wettest December at Marsa Alam between 1991 and 2020 was 2010 with 11 mm; the driest was 1991 with 0 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 24.5°C around Egypt in December - warmest at Sharm El Sheikh (24.7°C). That is comfortable for swimming.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 7.8 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 10.4 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

December against the rest of the year in Egypt

December is the 10th warmest month of the twelve in Egypt. It is 4.0°C cooler than November and 1.6°C cooler in January. The hottest month here is August (36°C) and the coolest January (21°C).

Which part of Egypt in December?

• Most sunshine: Marsa Alam, 8.3 h a day.
• Driest: Hurghada, about 0 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Sharm El Sheikh, 25°C.
• Hottest: Marsa Alam, 24°C by day.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): Cairo, 21°C.

What to pack for Egypt in December

Based on the averages: light layers - warm in the sun, cooler in the shade; a light jumper for evenings (14°C at night); swimwear - the sea is 25°C.

Similar weather elsewhere in December

Within 1.5°C of Egypt's December daytime average: Sal (24°C, sea 24°C), Orlando (22°C), Gran Canaria (21°C, sea 21°C), La Gomera (21°C, sea 21°C), Hanoi (21°C). See the full ranking for December.

Which part of Egypt is best for warmth?

Marsa Alam is the strongest choice if warmth is your priority, with daytime temperatures of 24°C and nights around 16°C. Its sea temperature of 25°C makes swimming appealing, though getting out may feel cooler than staying in. Sharm El Sheikh has the same sea temperature and days around 23°C, but its 13°C nights make an evening layer more important. Hurghada sits between them for overnight warmth at 15°C, with 22°C days and a slightly cooler sea at 24°C. These are good conditions for travellers who prefer gentle warmth to strong heat. Even in Marsa Alam, only 25% of days exceed 25°C, so do not plan around consistently hot afternoons.

What to expect in Cairo and what to pack

Cairo is the coolest option here, but its 21°C daytime average is still comfortable for spending time outdoors. The bigger catch is the drop to 10°C at night: dress for the afternoon alone and you may feel cold once the day cools. Pack light daytime clothes alongside a jumper or jacket and long trousers for evenings. On the coast, a removable layer is also useful rather than filling your bag only with beachwear. Egypt averages 7.8 hours of sunshine daily in December, so sunglasses and sun protection still belong in your luggage. Plan swimming for the warmer part of the day and keep cooler evenings for activities that do not depend on warmth.