Weather in Sharm El Sheikh in May

How May compares

May is the 5th warmest month of the year in Sharm El Sheikh and ranks 3rd of 134 destinations we compare for May - see where else is hot in May. Within Egypt it is 1st of 4 (Egypt in May). Against London's average high of 16.6°C in May, Sharm El Sheikh is 18.0°C warmer by day and 14.3°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in May

The typical May day in Sharm El Sheikh peaks at 34.6°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 38.4°C or more. About 100% of days top 25°C and almost every pass 30°C. Nights average 22.6°C; one night in ten drops to 18.6°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest May day here reached 43.5°C (2018-05-23) and the coldest night 14.5°C (2005-05-03).

Rain in May

Dry (3 rainy days or fewer): about 0 days with 1 mm or more, 0 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest May was 2001 with 3 mm, the driest 1991 with 0 mm. Humidity averages 28%.

Sea temperature in May

The sea averages 24.8°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 24.1°C to 25.3°C. For the warmest sea here, come in August (28.7°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 11.3 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 13.4 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 04:53 and sets about 18:25 local time in mid-May. Average cloud cover is 16%.

Is May a good time to visit Sharm El Sheikh?

It is a reasonable choice: hot days - though the heat can be intense at midday. The best months for Sharm El Sheikh on our scoring are April, March, November; months averaging 25°C or more: Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov.

Expect proper heat, not mild spring sunshine

Coming from the UK, the temperature change is substantial: Sharm El Sheikh's average daytime high is 18°C above London's in May. Days reach 30°C on 94% of occasions, so plan for heat rather than hoping for cooler spells. The hottest days can reach 38°C or more, making prolonged activity in the middle of the day uncomfortable. Keep walking and anything energetic for the morning or later in the day, and leave room for shaded breaks. Lightweight, loose clothing, a hat and regular drinks are sensible priorities. May works well if you enjoy hot weather, but it is less forgiving if heat tends to leave you tired.

Good swimming weather, with long sunny days

The sea averages 25°C, making May a comfortable choice for swimming rather than a month when getting into the water takes resolve. With about 11.3 hours of sunshine across 13.4 hours of daylight, there is plenty of time to enjoy the water without staying exposed through the hottest part of the day. Rain is unlikely to disrupt plans, so shade and sun protection deserve more attention than waterproofs. Humidity averages 28%, giving the heat a relatively dry feel, though that does not make strong sunshine harmless. A swim-focused holiday fits these conditions well; keep a cover-up handy and take breaks away from direct sun.