Sharm el-Sheikh Weather in May

May: hot, dry days

May feels like summer arriving early. Afternoons can be fiercely hot, with highs around 35°C, while evenings stay warm. Rain is absent, and long sunny days make this a reliable month for the beach and Red Sea snorkelling. The water is a better escape from the heat than a long walk through town.

Naama Bay is handy for a swim and an easy evening stroll. Save desert trips and sightseeing for cooler parts of the day; the midday sun can make exposed places feel punishing. May is hotter than April and cooler than June, but it's already a big step up from the milder months.

What to do, and when

If you love diving, May's clear, dry weather suits boat trips to Ras Mohammed National Park. Ask your operator about the route and sea conditions, then spend the hottest part of the day in the water or back at your hotel. For a break from the coast, St Catherine's Monastery is a long drive inland, so the heat matters there too.

May Day, on 1 May, is a public holiday in Egypt. It's not a major Sharm-specific festival, and holiday effects can vary. Don't expect the city to revolve around an event.

Crowds and local tips

May is generally quieter than the winter high season, when Sharm draws visitors seeking milder weather. You may find better hotel deals than from November to March, though prices vary by property. It's busier than the hottest summer months for some travellers, but there's no guarantee of a bargain.

If you hate crowds, May can be a good shoulder-season choice, as long as you're comfortable with the heat. For Ras Mohammed, ask about a boat departure from Sharm's marina rather than assuming every trip leaves from Naama Bay. Pack a light snack for the ride, or try grilled fish in the Old Market after you return.