Diving Egypt in January – The Ultimate Winter Diving Guide | Red Sea

Diving in Egypt during January offers a unique and often superior alternative to the busy summer months. While the air and water temperatures are cooler, the conditions are far from prohibitive. Divers are rewarded with exceptional underwater visibility, significantly quieter dive sites, and unique marine life encounters, particularly with macro species. With the proper thermal protection, a January trip to the Red Sea provides a peaceful, high-quality diving experience that rivals any other time of year.

🌡️ Egypt January Weather Table for Key Dive Destinations

The following table provides a detailed overview of the typical weather conditions you can expect when planning your diving Egypt in January trip. This data is compiled from historical climate averages and forecasts for 2026 .

Location	Avg. Air Temp (°C)	Min Air Temp (°C)	Max Air Temp (°C)	Sea Temp (°C)	Sunshine (Hours/Day)	Rainy Days	UV Index	Wetsuit Recommendation
Hurghada	19°C	11-16°C	21-23°C	23°C	9	0-1 days	6 (High)	5mm – 7mm Fullsuit
Marsa Alam	21°C	11-19°C	23-24°C	23-24°C	9	0-1 days	6 (High)	5mm – 7mm Fullsuit
Sharm El Sheikh	18-21°C	16-18°C	21-23°C	23-24°C	9	1 day	6 (High)	5mm – 7mm Fullsuit
Dahab	16-22°C	13-16°C	20-25°C	22-23°C	9	1 day	6 (High)	5mm – 7mm Fullsuit
El Gouna	19°C	16°C	21°C	24°C	9	0-1 days	6 (High)	5mm – 7mm Fullsuit

☀️ Weekly Weather Patterns for January

To give you a clearer picture of how conditions evolve throughout the month, here are the typical weather scenarios for a northern (Hurghada) and a southern (Marsa Alam) destination.

Hurghada (Northern Red Sea)

• Early Jan (Weeks 1-2): Predominantly sunny (85-97% probability). Daytime temps reach 21-22°C, with nights cooling to 10-12°C. Chance of isolated showers is very low (under 4%).
• Late Jan (Weeks 3-4): Remains mostly sunny (88-93% probability). Daytime highs around 22°C, with nighttime lows around 10°C. Winds can pick up slightly by the end of the month.

Marsa Alam (Southern Red Sea)

• Early Jan (Weeks 1-2): Exceptionally sunny (91-95% probability). Maximum air temperatures of 22-24°C. This is an ideal window for southern liveaboards.
• Late Jan (Weeks 3-4): Still predominantly sunny (86-88% probability). Daytime temperatures can peak at 25°C. The chance of an intermittent shower is minimal (2-4%).

🌅 Sunrise & Sunset Times in January

Daylight hours are sufficient for a full day of diving activities, with the days becoming gradually longer as the month progresses .

• Early January (1st): Sunrise ~06:30, Sunset ~17:00
• Mid January (16th): Sunrise ~06:30, Sunset ~17:10
• Late January (31st): Sunrise ~06:25, Sunset ~17:22

Is January a good time to go diving in Egypt?

Yes, January is an excellent time for diving in Egypt, particularly for divers who value visibility and solitude over scorching heat. While the peak summer months see water temperatures soar, January offers a refreshing change of pace. The “winter” in Egypt is mild, and the Red Sea remains very much open for business. Think of it as trading the crowded, busy highways for a scenic, empty backroad—the destination is the same, but the journey is far more relaxed .

The conditions are stable, and for those willing to pack a slightly thicker wetsuit, the underwater world is just as vibrant, if not more so, than in July.

What are the water and air temperatures in Egypt in January?

In January, you can expect air temperatures to range from 18°C to 22°C (64°F–72°F) during the day, with water temperatures holding steady between 21°C and 23°C (70°F–73°F). This makes it the coolest month of the year, but “cool” is a relative term. The daytime air is perfect for sitting on the dive deck without being overpowered by the sun. However, it’s crucial to remember that desert temperatures drop quickly after sunset, often falling to 10°C–12°C (50°F–54°F) at night .

For context, a dive shop in Dahab reports that even in January, daytime temperatures hover around a pleasant 23°C (73°F), making it comfortable for surface intervals .

How good is the underwater visibility in the Red Sea during winter?

Underwater visibility in January is often at its annual peak, frequently exceeding 30 to 40 meters (98 to 130 feet). The cooler water temperatures reduce the amount of plankton and algae in the water column. This results in crystal-clear conditions that feel like diving in a giant, transparent aquarium .

Imagine the difference between looking through a slightly foggy window and a perfectly clear one. That’s the upgrade you get in visibility during a January dive. Liveaboard operators consistently report exceptional visibility during winter months, making it a photographer’s dream .

What marine life can I see when diving Egypt in January?

While the resident reef fish are present year-round, January offers special sightings, including an abundance of macro life and active predators.

• Macro Life: The slightly cooler water brings out the nudibranchs. These colorful sea slugs are far more active and easier to spot on the reefs .
• Reef Fish: You’ll still see all the classics—Clownfish, Angelfish, Butterflyfish, Lionfish, and giant Moray eels .
• Pelagic Activity: Predatory fish like Tuna and Giant Trevally are often more active in the shallows. While less common, large rays and sharks are still possible, especially on offshore reefs like the Brothers or Daedalus . One diver on a forum noted seeing Oceanic Whitetip sharks and loads of dolphins on a winter trip south of Marsa Alam .
• Dolphins: Pods of Spinner and Bottlenose dolphins are resident in the Red Sea and are frequently encountered at sites like Shaab El Erg (Dolphin House) regardless of the season .

Which Egyptian diving destinations are best in January?

Hurghada, Marsa Alam, and Dahab are all excellent choices in January, each offering a slightly different experience.

• Hurghada: The northern Red Sea hub offers sheltered sites and a massive variety of day trip options. The Giftun Islands provide calm conditions perfect for winter diving .
• Dahab: Known for its shore diving, Dahab is ideal in January because you can avoid long boat rides in the cool air. Iconic sites like the Blue Hole, Canyon, and Lighthouse are all accessible from the shore, making it a comfortable and unique winter option . One traveler described Dahab as “smaller, more friendly and freer” than other resorts .
• Marsa Alam: Further south, Marsa Alam is generally slightly warmer. It is the gateway to legendary dive sites like Elphinstone Reef and is a prime location for meeting dugongs and sea turtles. Liveaboards departing from here can also reach the remote St. John’s Reef .

What kind of wetsuit do I need for diving in Egypt in January?

A 5mm or 7mm full-length wetsuit is essential for a comfortable diving experience in January. While 21°C-23°C water might not sound frigid, remember you will be inactive for up to an hour. A good quality 5mm suit is the minimum for most divers. If you feel the cold easily, a 7mm suit, or adding a hood and a neoprene vest, will make a significant difference .

Equally important is what you wear between dives. The wind chill on a boat can be biting. Packing a warm, windproof jacket, a beanie hat, and warm socks to change into after your dive is just as crucial as your wetsuit .

Are the dive sites crowded in January?

No, January falls within Egypt’s “quiet season,” meaning you will encounter far fewer divers at the most popular sites. The summer crowds have dissipated, leaving a sense of tranquility both above and below the water. You will often find yourself sharing a reef with just your small group, rather than a flotilla of other dive boats. This leads to more intimate encounters with marine life and a more personalized experience with your dive guide .

One diving forum user, seeking to avoid crowds, was specifically recommended a liveaboard trip to the southern Red Sea in the winter for a less busy experience .

Is a liveaboard trip possible in Egypt during January?

Yes, liveaboard trips operate throughout January, though itineraries can sometimes be adjusted for weather. The Red Sea is a year-round liveaboard destination. While the summer months are best for the deep south itineraries, the popular “Wrecks & Reefs” routes (often including the famous SS Thistlegorm) are perfectly diveable in January .

Liveaboards offer the advantage of having your accommodation and gear ready, and they are often equipped with heated indoor saloons where you can warm up between dives. Operators note that while southern routes are accessible, they may adapt plans based on sea conditions to ensure guest comfort and safety .

How should I prepare for a diving trip to Egypt in January?

Preparation is key to enjoying a winter diving holiday. Focus on thermal regulation and packing smart.

1. Thermal Protection: As mentioned, bring or rent a 5mm or 7mm wetsuit. Do not forget a hood.
2. Pack Layers: Pack like you would for a variable climate. T-shirts for the sunny days, but also sweaters, a medium-weight jacket, and jeans for the chilly evenings .
3. Post-Dive Gear: A warm, dry changing robe or fleece-lined parka is invaluable on a boat. Pack a separate bag with warm, dry clothes to change into immediately after your final dive of the day.
4. Reef-Safe Sunscreen: The Egyptian sun is still potent, even in winter. Protect your skin, especially on the boat .
5. Travel Insurance: Ensure your insurance covers diving, and consider any additional coverage for trip disruptions due to winter weather, however rare.

Conclusion: Why Choose the Red Sea for a Winter Dive?

Choosing Egypt for a diving holiday in January is a decision to prioritize quality over convenience. It’s a trade-off: you swap the guaranteed heat for guaranteed peace, quiet, and unparalleled visibility. It’s a time when you can truly connect with the reef without the distractions of crowds. With the right preparation and a 5mm wetsuit, you’ll discover that the Red Sea in winter is not a compromise—it’s a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

❓ Diving Egypt in January Frequently Asked Questions

🏁 Your Winter Diving Checklist & Call to Action

Ready to escape the winter blues for the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea?

🔹 Book Early: While it’s the low season, popular dive centers and liveaboard spaces fill up with savvy divers.
🔹 Contact a Dive Center: Reach out to a SSI or PADI-certified dive center in Hurghada, Dahab, or Marsa Alam to check their January schedules and rental gear quality .
🔹 Pack Smart: Use the checklist above to ensure you have warm layers for the surface and a suitable wetsuit for the depths.

Don’t just dream about the perfect dive—make it a reality. Contact a Red Sea dive specialist today to book your January adventure and experience the tranquility of winter diving!