Last updated: January 18, 2025
South Sinai, Egypt experiences a unique climate classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as BWh and BWk, representing a hot desert. The region showcases a remarkable temperature range, with minimums dipping as low as -3°C (27°F) in January and soaring to a maximum of 43°C (110°F) during the peak of summer in July. The annual average hovers around a mild 23°C (74°F), highlighting the stark contrasts that characterize this arid landscape. These climatic conditions not only shape the local ecology but also influence human activities and lifestyles in this stunning region.
The temperature patterns in South Sinai, Egypt, exhibit marked seasonal variations, influenced by its desert climate. January and February are characterized by cooler temperatures, with minimums around -3°C (27°F) to -1°C (30°F), gradually transitioning to more moderate averages and higher maxima as spring approaches. By April, temperatures begin to rise significantly, culminating in sweltering summer months, with July peaking at a maximum of 43°C (110°F) and an average of 30°C (87°F). The heat persists through August, but begins to taper off in September as the region shifts into the cooler autumn months of October and November. Here, temperatures decrease to more comfortable averages, eventually dropping to lows near 4°C (40°F) by late December. Overall, South Sinai experiences a distinct progression from winter chill to intense summer heat, punctuated by brief transitional periods that reflect the region's arid environment.
Sharm el-Sheikh experiences a significant temperature range, with a minimum of 6°C (44°F) in January and a scorching maximum of 43°C (110°F) in July monthly temperatures in Sharm el-Sheikh. In contrast, Saint Catherine can be much colder in winter, reaching a minimum of -3°C (27°F) in January, while its summer peak hits 36°C (97°F) in August monthly temperatures in Saint Catherine. Meanwhile, Dahab enjoys milder winter temperatures with a low of 8°C (46°F) in January and a summer high of 38°C (101°F) in July monthly temperatures in Dahab.
Precipitation in South Sinai, Egypt, is minimal throughout the year, marking the region as one of the driest areas in the world. Monthly rainfall averages are exceedingly low, with January and April recording only 3 mm (0.1 in), and a slight increase in February and March bringing 10 mm (0.4 in) and 9 mm (0.4 in), respectively. Notably, the summer months from June to September witness a complete absence of rainfall, underlining the severe arid conditions characteristic of a desert climate.
As the year progresses, October brings a modest increase in precipitation with 5 mm (0.2 in), while November and December see negligible amounts of 3 mm (0.1 in) and 2 mm (0.1 in), respectively. Rainfall is infrequent, with most months experiencing zero days of rain, except for February, which sees a single day of precipitation. This seasonal pattern underscores South Sinai's dry climate, where the scarcity of rainfall plays a crucial role in shaping the local environment and ecosystem.
In South Sinai, Egypt, sunshine duration exhibits a remarkable seasonal pattern, characterized by a steady increase from winter to summer. Beginning with January, the region enjoys 245 hours of sunshine, which gradually escalates each month as spring unfolds. February sees an increase to 293 hours, followed by a further rise in March to 344 hours. By April, the daylight stretches to 356 hours, heralding the onset of more sunnier days. This upward trajectory peaks in July, where sunlight reaches its zenith at 400 hours, marking the height of the summer season and offering ample opportunity for outdoor activities and tourism.
As summer transitions to autumn, there is a noticeable decline in sunshine hours, though the total remains remarkably high. August still boasts 385 hours; however, by September, this figure diminishes to 348 hours. The trend continues into October and November, where sunshine hours drop to 330 and 301, respectively. Interestingly, December maintains a robust 299 hours, indicating that while the days may be shorter, South Sinai remains a sunny destination even in winter. Overall, the region's sunshine duration underscores its appeal as a year-round haven for sun-seekers.
The UV Index in South Sinai, Egypt, reveals significant fluctuations throughout the year, highlighting the region's potential for intense sun exposure. In January, the UV Index registers at 6, categorized as high, necessitating a burn time of approximately 25 minutes before skin damage occurs. As winter gives way to spring, the UV levels rise sharply, peaking at an alarming 12 during the summer months of May through August. In April, the index reaches a critical level of 11, categorized as extreme, where outdoor activity should be approached with caution due to a drastically reduced burn time of just 10 minutes.
As the year progresses towards autumn and winter, the UV Index begins to decline, yet remains noteworthy. September sees the index at 11, followed by a drop to 9 in October and 7 in November, still categorized as very high and high, respectively. By December, the UV risks lessen further, with an index of 5, indicating moderate exposure and allowing for safer outdoor activities with a burn time of 30 minutes. This data underscores the importance of sun protection in South Sinai, particularly during the peak summer months, when the potential for skin damage is at its highest.
UV Risk Categories
In South Sinai, Egypt, daylight duration showcases a distinctive rhythm that shifts with the seasons. Starting with January, the region experiences approximately 10 hours of daylight, which gradually increases as winter transitions to spring. February and March maintain 11 hours, but by April, daylight extends to 12 hours, inviting longer days perfect for exploration. The transition into summer sees the maximum daylight stretch to 13 hours from May through August, providing ample time for outdoor activities and relaxation under the sun.
As summer wanes and autumn unfolds, daylight duration begins to diminish. September revisits 12 hours, signaling a gradual return to the shorter days of late fall. In October, daylight drops to 11 hours and settles back to 10 hours for both November and December. This cyclical pattern of daylight not only enriches daily life in South Sinai but also emphasizes the importance of planning for outdoor ventures, especially during the peak summer months when the extended daylight enhances opportunities for adventure and exploration.
Dahab, Egypt, experiences a desert climate with warm summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from 16°C (61°F) in January to 31°C (88°F) in July, with peak highs reaching up to 38°C (100°F) in May and September. Precipitation is minimal throughout the year, with January and February receiving the most rainfall at 3 mm and 12 mm, respectively. The area enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in the summer months, with July boasting the highest at 400 hours. For more details on the climate, visit Dahab climate.
Saint Catherine, Egypt, experiences a diverse climate with cool winters and warm summers. January sees temperatures ranging from -3°C to 21°C, while summer months like July and August can peak at 36°C. Precipitation is minimal, with January receiving 4 mm and August recording none at all. This region enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in June and July, boasting over 400 hours of sunlight. For more details, visit Saint Catherine climate.
Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, boasts a diverse climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round and minimal rainfall. From January to March, temperatures gradually rise from an average of 16°C (62°F) to 21°C (70°F), with maximums reaching up to 35°C (95°F) in March. The summer months, particularly July and August, see average highs around 34°C (93°F) and abundant sunshine, totaling nearly 400 hours in July. Precipitation is rare, with only 1 mm of rainfall reported in January and October, and the rest of the year remains virtually dry. For more detailed information, visit Sharm el-Sheikh climate.
Taba, Egypt, experiences a hot desert climate, characterized by mild winters and sweltering summers. Temperatures range from a chilly 3°C (38°F) in January to a scorching 43°C (109°F) in September, with minimal precipitation throughout the year, mainly falling between January and February. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, especially during the summer months, reaching up to 400 hours in July. With virtually no rainfall from May to September, Taba is ideal for sun-seekers. For more detailed information, visit Taba climate.
In conclusion, South Sinai, Egypt, presents a captivating climate profile characterized by its extreme temperatures, minimal precipitation, and abundant sunshine, combined with notably high UV index levels. The region's seasonal variations in daylight duration further enhance its appeal for visitors and locals alike, with long summer days inviting exploration and adventure. However, the intensity of sunlight and UV exposure necessitates careful consideration and protection against skin damage, particularly during the peak summer months. Together, these climatic attributes shape the landscape of South Sinai, making it a unique destination that balances natural beauty with the need for environmental awareness and personal safety.