Hurghada
travel guides

The best time to visit Hurghada is between October and April when daytime temperatures sit between 22 and 30 °C. Winter months (December to February) are the peak tourist season because Europeans fly in to escape cold weather - expect higher prices and busier beaches. Spring (March to May) is excellent for diving, with calm seas and visibility above 25 metres. Summer is scorching at 35-40 °C, but hotel prices drop sharply and the sea remains warm and inviting for early-morning or sunset swims.

Hurghada International Airport (HRG) is just 5 km southwest of the city centre. Most visitors arrange a hotel shuttle transfer in advance - it is often free or costs around EGP 100-200 (EUR 2-4). Taxis wait outside the arrivals hall and charge EGP 150-250 (EUR 3-5) to Sekalla or El Dahar. Always agree on the fare before getting in, as meters are rarely used. Private transfer services can also be pre-booked online for around EUR 8-15 depending on the drop-off location.

Hurghada has no metro or formal bus network. Most visitors get around by taxi or ride-hailing apps like inDrive and Careem, which are cheaper than flagging down a cab on the street. Short rides within Sekalla cost EGP 30-60 (EUR 0.60-1.20). Public minibuses run along the main coastal road between El Dahar and the southern resorts for about EGP 5-10, but they have no fixed timetable. For island trips and diving, boat transfers depart from the Marina or Sekalla port. Many resort areas are walkable, but the 35 km coastal strip means a car or taxi is necessary for longer distances.

Three to five days is ideal for most visitors. Two days covers a Giftun Island snorkelling trip and a desert safari, while a third day lets you explore El Dahar old town and the Marina. Divers should plan at least four to five days to fit in multiple dive sites including the Abu Nuhas wrecks. If you want to add a day trip to Luxor (roughly four hours by road), budget an extra full day.

Hurghada is generally safe for tourists and has a visible tourist police presence along the main resort strip. Petty crime like pickpocketing is uncommon compared to larger Egyptian cities, but standard precautions apply - keep valuables secure and avoid unlit areas at night. The biggest practical risks are aggressive taxi pricing and unlicensed boat operators, so stick to reputable companies and agree on prices upfront. The resort areas south of Sekalla have gated security and feel very safe at all hours.

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