Sharm El-Sheikh, a renowned Egyptian resort town, is located along the southeastern coast of the Sinai Peninsula. Known as the “Pearl of the Red Sea,” it draws divers, swimmers, and marine-life enthusiasts year-round with its balmy aquamarine waters and shocking coral reefs. But water sports are just the beginning: from shopping at the colorful old town bazaar to stargazing in the desert and exploring world-famous architectural sites, this global travel destination offers a panoply of bucket list experiences for every traveler. The subtropical desert climate means that no matter when you visit, the sun will be shining — that said, the weather varies slightly from season to season, and depending on what activities you prefer, some months are better than others. Keep reading for a breakdown of Sharm El-Sheikh by season.

Best Times for Sunbathing and Water Sports: Spring (March – Mid-May) and Fall (October – Mid-November) Spring and fall are tied for the best time to enjoy the Red Sea. Comparably warm and arid, both seasons have average daytime temperatures of 77°F (25°C) and sea temperatures of 73°F (23°C). One of the most popular snorkeling spots is Sharks Bay, home to 250 types of dazzling coral reefs and 1,000 species of marine organisms (it’s also a short boat ride from the wreck of the SS Thistlegorm, the infamous ship sunk by German bombers in World War II). Palm-fringed Naama Bay, a central hub for luxe hotels and restaurants, is more suited to sunbathing and lounging with a cocktail and a book, though water sports and boat rides are available year-round. Beyond the beaches, Ras Mohammed National Park is one of the world’s most famous diving sites and an award-winning nature reserve. Spanning two islands, Tiran and Sanafir, and 185 m² (480 km²), the park is teeming with diverse desert habitats and coral ecosystems — not to mention calm aquamarine water perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.

Best Time for Sightseeing: Summer (Mid-May – September) Summer in Sharm El-Sheikh is dry, hot, and exceedingly sunny. The heat can be intense — daytime temperatures reach upwards of 104°F (40°C) — so save your swimming and sunbathing for the evening and spend the earlier hours of the day exploring city landmarks. For breathtaking architecture, visit The Heavenly Cathedral, the largest Coptic church in Sharm El-Sheikh. This hilltop cathedral is resplendent with lavish stained-glass windows and intricate frescoes depicting Biblical tales. Time-travel back to ancient Egypt at the King Tut Museum, an expertly curated museum in the basement of Genena City Mall. Filled with handwritten documents and photographs by Howard Carter, the man who first discovered King Tutankhamun’s tomb, the museum offers a firsthand archaeological perspective into the wealth and majesty of Egypt’s most famous pharaoh.

Best Time for Visiting the Desert: Winter (Mid-November – February) The winter months are reliably mild, with temperatures ranging from 64°F (18°C) to 73°F (23°C). Crystal-clear skies and virtually nonexistent rain make winter the perfect season for a tour of the jaw-dropping desert landscape. Countless guided tours offer unique ways to explore the desert, including safari excursions, quad bike trips, camel rides, and Bedouin feasts set beneath the sparkling stars. The most famous desert destination is Coloured Canyon, named for its shocking layers of purple, gold, yellow, and red rock formations.