If you want the warmest December in Egypt, head south and head inland along the Nile. The rule is simple: the further south the latitude, the warmer the day. Aswan and Marsa Alam lead the table, with Luxor close behind; Cairo and Alexandria are mild, and the Sinai mountains are cold. This ranking uses approximate long-term daytime highs for December, plus sea temperature for coastal towns, and names a hotel from our guides in each region. All figures are approximate, as of 2026, and a single week can vary by 3-4°C.
Ranking at a Glance
| Rank | Region | Daytime high | Night low | Sea | Named hotel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aswan and Abu Simbel | approximately 25-27°C | approximately 10-12°C | n/a | Old Cataract Aswan (historic wing) |
| 2 | Marsa Alam | approximately 25-26°C | approximately 15°C | approximately 25°C | Shams Alam Beach Resort |
| 3 | Luxor | approximately 24-26°C | approximately 8-11°C | n/a | Steigenberger Nile Palace Luxor |
| 4 | Sharm El Sheikh | approximately 22-24°C | approximately 12-14°C | approximately 24-25°C | Ghazala Beach Hotel |
| 5 | Hurghada and El Gouna | approximately 22-23°C | approximately 12-14°C | approximately 23°C | Steigenberger Al Dau Beach Hotel |
| 6 | Dahab and Nuweiba | approximately 21-23°C | approximately 10-13°C | approximately 23°C | see Dahab hotels |
| 7 | Cairo and Giza | approximately 19-21°C | approximately 9-12°C | n/a | Marriott Mena House |
| 8 | Alexandria and St Catherine | approximately 15-19°C | approximately 3-8°C | approximately 19°C at Alexandria | see Alexandria hotels |
1. Aswan and Abu Simbel
Aswan is Egypt’s warmest big town in winter, with clear skies and approximately 25-27°C. The Nile corniche is comfortable for felucca rides, Philae Temple and the Nubian villages, and the hot midday cooling of summer is replaced by a gentle sun. Abu Simbel, four hours south by road, is similar but windier at dawn. Stay at the Old Cataract on the granite promontory above the river, or browse Aswan hotels for mid-range options. The Aswan guide and Philae Temple pages cover the sights.
2. Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam is the warmest Red Sea resort area in December, at approximately 25-26°C, with a sea of approximately 25°C and nights near 15°C. Reef-hugging resorts sit in sheltered bays, and Abu Dabbab and Marsa Mubarak offer turtle and dugong snorkelling. The Shams Alam Beach Resort in the southern area near Wadi El Gemal suits a quiet beach week. It is remote, so expect a 1-hour transfer from Marsa Alam airport to some resorts. See the Marsa Alam guide and Hurghada vs Marsa Alam.
3. Luxor
Luxor reaches approximately 24-26°C by day, with a sharp fall at night to approximately 8-11°C. Temple touring is at its best, and the West Bank is walkable until mid-afternoon. The East Bank corniche is the classic base (the historic Winter Palace is closed for restoration until 2027, so look at the Steigenberger Nile Palace or West Bank guesthouses); our Luxor hotel guide covers budget and mid-range. Start at the Valley of the Kings before 8am.
4. Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm has the warmest sea on the coast at approximately 24-25°C and daytime highs of approximately 22-24°C, though a north wind can make beaches feel fresh. Naama Bay and Sharks Bay both have house reefs. The Ghazala Beach Hotel in Naama Bay is a mid-range all-inclusive on our Sharm hotel guide. See the Sharm guide.
5. Hurghada and El Gouna
Hurghada averages approximately 22-23°C by day and the sea about 23°C. It is windier than Sharm, which is why kitesurfers love El Gouna but sunbathers sometimes cover up. The Steigenberger Al Dau Beach Hotel sits on the central seafront; for a calmer lagoon setting, see the El Gouna guide and El Gouna vs Hurghada. Hurghada has the most flights from Europe, which keeps flight prices lower.
6. Dahab and Nuweiba
Dahab runs approximately 21-23°C with a breezy sea of approximately 23°C. It suits budget divers and freedivers and has a relaxed mood. Read our Dahab guide and Nuweiba-Taba coast guide.
7. Cairo and Giza
Cairo is mild at approximately 19-21°C, with cooler mornings at the Pyramids and light-jacket evenings. It is excellent for walking sightseeing but not a beach-style warm base. The Marriott Mena House at Giza is a good place to stay for early-morning pyramid access. See Cairo hotels.
8. Alexandria and St Catherine
Alexandria is cool and occasionally wet in December at approximately 15-19°C, and St Catherine in the Sinai mountains falls to single figures at night, with possible frost on Mount Sinai. They are for sightseers, not sun-seekers. See Alexandria hotels and the Sinai peninsula guide.
How to Choose
- Beach and warmth: Marsa Alam or Sharm El Sheikh.
- Culture with warm days: Aswan or Luxor, finishing with a Red Sea stay.
- Cheapest flights: Hurghada.
- Quiet resort: Sahl Hasheesh or Marsa Alam.
Combine the Nile and the coast for the best of the month, and see Egypt in December for the full picture. For festive plans see Christmas in Egypt and New Year’s Eve in Egypt, and for the whole season the Egypt winter sun guide.
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
Compare Egypt flights, browse Aswan tours and check current rates for Marsa Alam hotels. Rates for 21 December to 3 January rise sharply, so book early, and see the national tourism site Egypt.travel for official information.