Weather in Egypt in January

January climate overview

Daytime highs across Egypt in January run from 19.1°C (Cairo) to 22.2°C (Marsa Alam). Even in Marsa Alam only 12% of days reach 25°C. Nights average 11.8°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Cairo fall to 6°C or below.

Rainfall in January

Expect around 1 rainy days (1 mm or more) in January, with Marsa Alam the driest (0 days) and Cairo the wettest (1 days). The wettest January at Marsa Alam between 1991 and 2020 was 1997 with 9 mm; the driest was 1993 with 0 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 23.2°C around Egypt in January - warmest at Sharm El Sheikh (23.3°C). That is comfortable for swimming.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 7.9 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 10.6 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

January against the rest of the year in Egypt

January is the 12th warmest month of the twelve in Egypt. It is 1.6°C cooler than December and 1.4°C warmer in February. The hottest month here is August (36°C) and the coolest January (21°C).

Which part of Egypt in January?

• Most sunshine: Marsa Alam, 8.3 h a day.
• Driest: Marsa Alam, about 0 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Sharm El Sheikh, 23°C.
• Hottest: Marsa Alam, 22°C by day.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): Cairo, 19°C.

What to pack for Egypt in January

Based on the averages: light layers - warm in the sun, cooler in the shade; a warm layer for evenings, when it drops to around 12°C; swimwear - the sea is 23°C.

Similar weather elsewhere in January

Within 1.5°C of Egypt's January daytime average: Orlando (21°C), Gran Canaria (20°C, sea 20°C), La Gomera (20°C, sea 20°C), Agadir (20°C, sea 17°C), Hanoi (20°C). See the full ranking for January.

Which coast should you choose?

Marsa Alam is the strongest choice if warmth is your priority, with daytime averages of 22°C and nights at 14°C. Sharm El Sheikh matches that daytime temperature, but its 12°C nights make an evening layer more important. Hurghada is slightly cooler during the day at 20°C, with nights averaging 13°C. All share a sea temperature of 23°C, so the water offers little reason to favour a particular destination. January suits travellers who prefer comfortable outdoor conditions to strong heat. For swimming, plan around the warmer part of the day and have something dry to put on afterwards: mild air can feel less welcoming once you leave the water.

Cairo and the practicalities of a January trip

Cairo is the coolest option here, averaging 19°C by day and 8°C at night. That makes it a reasonable choice for spending time outdoors without planning around strong heat, although early starts and evenings call for warmer clothing. For context, London averages 7°C by day in January, so Egypt still offers a clear step up in daytime warmth. Across the country, average sunshine of 7.9 hours gives January plenty of appeal for outdoor plans. Pack light daytime clothes alongside a jumper or jacket, rather than treating this as a summer wardrobe trip. The main catch is the contrast between pleasant afternoons and cooler nights, especially in Cairo.