Skip to main content
Hurghada

Hurghada travel guide

Capital of the Red Sea Egyptian Governorate

Things to do43 experiences
Best time to visitNovember to April
Nearest airportHRG · 6 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC+3
Population214,247

About Hurghada

Hurghada is a coastal city that serves as the largest city and capital of the Red Sea Governorate of Egypt. Hurghada has grown from a small fishing village to one of the largest resort destinations along the Red Sea coast, stretching close to 40 km.

Places to visit in Hurghada

  1. Giftun Islands

    Giftun Islands

    Beach · 8 mi from centre

    A protected group of islands off Hurghada with white beaches and coral reefs for snorkeling. Day trips leave from the marina; bring reef-safe sunscreen and choose operators that follow park rules.

  2. El Gouna

    El Gouna

    Neighborhood · 12 mi from centre

    A resort town north of Hurghada built around lagoons, with marinas, beaches and restaurants. It is popular for kitesurfing, and small boats connect its waterfront areas.

  3. Hurghada Grand Aquarium

    Hurghada Grand Aquarium

    Zoo · 9 mi from centre

    A large aquarium with tanks displaying Red Sea marine life, plus a small zoo area. It is a good option for families or a break from the sun during the hottest part of the day.

  4. Makadi Bay

    Makadi Bay

    Beach · 19 mi from centre

    A resort area south of Hurghada with sandy beaches and offshore reefs. Many hotels have their own piers leading to snorkeling spots, so bring your own mask and fins.

  5. Sahl Hasheesh

    Sahl Hasheesh

    Beach · 15 mi from centre

    A resort bay south of Hurghada with a long promenade, calm water and a submerged old pier for snorkeling. It is quieter than central Hurghada, making it a good choice for a relaxing day.

  6. Mons Porphyrites

    Mons Porphyrites

    Historic · 31 mi from centre

    Remote Roman quarries in the Eastern Desert, where rare purple porphyry stone was mined for emperors. Visit with an organized desert tour, as the site is remote and the roads are rough.

  7. Mons Claudianus

    Mons Claudianus

    Historic · 37 mi from centre

    An ancient Roman granite quarry in the mountains of the Eastern Desert, with a fort and huge abandoned columns. Reach it with a guided jeep tour, and bring plenty of water.

  8. El Mina Mosque

    Religious

    Hurghada's largest mosque, a landmark by the harbor in the downtown area. Non-Muslim visitors can view it from the outside; dress modestly and avoid prayer times if you plan to enter.

Things to do in Hurghada by type

43 tours, tickets and experiences across 7 categories. Pick a type to see what is available for your dates.

How long
  • Over 6 hours 18
  • 1-3 hours 4
  • 3-6 hours 3
  • Flexible 2
Good for
  • Families 4
  • Couples 4
  • Youth 4
  • Senior 4
Ways to go
  • Private 2
  • Small group 1
Browse all things to do in Hurghada

Top experiences in Hurghada

Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 43 available.

See all things to do in Hurghada

Where to stay in Hurghada

Popular hotels in Hurghada, out of 249 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Hurghada

Best time to visit Hurghada

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Hurghada is November to April, when average daytime highs are around 71–84°F and rain falls on about 1 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 59° – 73° 0
Feb 57° – 71° 1
Mar 63° – 77° 1
Apr 69° – 84° 0
May 75° – 89° 0
Jun 81° – 94° 0
Jul 84° – 97° 0
Aug 85° – 98° 0
Sep 80° – 93° 0
Oct 74° – 86° 0
Nov 67° – 80° 0
Dec 61° – 74° 1

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Hurghada weather forecast

  • Wed 21 Oct 80° 70° 0%
  • Thu 22 Oct 82° 71° 0%
  • Fri 23 Oct 83° 74° 0%
  • Sat 24 Oct 84° 75° 0%
  • Sun 25 Oct 83° 75° 0%
  • Mon 26 Oct 83° 74° 0%

Know before you go

Currency
Egyptian pound (EGP)1 US dollar ≈ £53.9
Language
Arabic
Calling code
+20
Driving
On the right
Time zone
Africa/CairoUTC+3
Capital
Cairo

Upcoming public holidays in Egypt

  • Christmas Day (Orthodox)عيد الميلاد المجيد
  • Revolution Day 2011 / National Police Dayعيد الثورة 25 يناير
  • Sinai Liberation Dayعيد تحرير سيناء
  • Labour Dayعيد العمال
  • Easter MondaySham El-Nessim
  • Islamic New Year

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Hurghada

These are the airports closest to central Hurghada. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • HRG Hurghada International Airport6 mi (9 km) from the city centre
Search flights to Hurghada

Getting around Hurghada

A swarm of white minibuses (Toyota Hiace) called micro bus serve the area, with a flat fare of LE2–3 (Dec 2022). They run fixed routes, mostly along the coastal strip, picking up and dropping off anywhere along the way. Ask around for your destination before getting in - if it's not this bus, it's probably the next one already pulling up. They're cramped and crowded, and young women may have to ward off pests.

By e-hailing

Uber and Careem operate in Hurghada and can be convenient for short trips within the city, avoiding much of the haggling required for ordinary taxi rides. Prices are shown in the app, but availability, waiting time and final pickup point can vary by area, time of day and demand. App fares have increased compared with older guidebook prices, so do not rely on past examples.

By taxi

Taxi drivers in Hurghada have an astonishing talent for spotting tourists from far, far away; look at the approaching car and it may stop for you — at a price.

Hurghada travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Hurghada?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Hurghada is November to April, when average daytime highs are around 71–84°F and rain falls on about 1 days a month.

What is the weather like in Hurghada?

August is usually the warmest month in Hurghada, with average highs of 98°F (37°C). February is the coolest, with average lows of 57°F (14°C). The wettest month is typically February, with about 1 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Hurghada?

Hurghada International Airport (HRG) is the closest airport, about 6 miles (9 km) from the centre of Hurghada.

What currency is used in Hurghada?

Hurghada uses the Egyptian pound (EGP). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ £53.9.

What time zone is Hurghada in?

Hurghada uses the Africa/Cairo time zone (currently UTC+3). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

How do I get around Hurghada?

A swarm of white minibuses (Toyota Hiace) called micro bus serve the area, with a flat fare of LE2–3 (Dec 2022). They run fixed routes, mostly along the coastal strip, picking up and dropping off anywhere along the way.

What are the best places to visit in Hurghada?

Top sights in Hurghada include Giftun Islands, El Gouna, Hurghada Grand Aquarium and Makadi Bay. A protected group of islands off Hurghada with white beaches and coral reefs for snorkeling. Day trips leave from the marina; bring reef-safe sunscreen and choose operators that follow park rules.

What are the top things to do in Hurghada?

Popular experiences you can book in Hurghada include From Hurghada: Cairo by Flight, Discover Luxor - Full-Day Tour and Discover Egyptian Museum, and Giza - Full-Day Tour. Destina Holidays offers 43 tours and activities here.

What kinds of tours and activities can I book in Hurghada?

The most popular types of experiences in Hurghada are cruise & water tours (11), day trips & excursions (10), city tours (8) and outdoor activities & adventure (8). Filter by type when you search to compare prices and availability for your dates.

Where should I stay in Hurghada?

Popular areas for hotels in Hurghada include Sahl Hasheesh, Hurghada and Makadi. Well-reviewed options include V Grand Beach Resort Sahl Hasheesh Ex.Pyramisa and Steigenberger Aqua Magic.

How many hotels can I book in Hurghada?

Destina Holidays currently lists 249 properties in and around Hurghada, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.