Trade Snow for Sand: 8 Reasons to Visit and Dive Hurghada This Christmas
For most of the world, Christmas means cold weather, frantic shopping, and the stress of organizing a massive family gathering. But what if this year, you traded the traditional “white Christmas” for a tranquil “blue Christmas”? What if your holiday soundtrack was the gentle lapping of waves instead of holiday traffic?
Welcome to Hurghada during the festive season.
While you might not associate the Red Sea with holiday cheer, December and January offer a unique blend of perfect diving conditions, pleasant topside weather, and a delightfully stress-free atmosphere. It is, arguably, the most restorative time of year to visit.
At Scubadore Hurghada, we see the joy on our guests’ faces every December. They have traded chaos for calm, and cold for sunshine. If you’re dreaming of a truly unforgettable holiday escape, here are eight compelling reasons why your next Christmas should be spent exploring the incredible waters of Hurghada.
1. The Perfect Escape Temperature (No More Scorching Heat)
While the summer months are glorious, the air temperature can be intense. December and January bring the absolute best topside climate for a relaxed holiday.
- The Climate: Air temperatures typically range between a comfortable 20°C and 25°C (68°F–77°F). This is perfect for walking the marina, enjoying lunch on the sundeck, or taking a desert excursion without the need to hide from the sun. You get the warmth of a tropical destination without the relentless heat, making your time between dives infinitely more enjoyable.
2. Water Clarity is at its Annual Peak
For serious divers and underwater photographers, winter can be a highly desirable time to visit. Why? Because the cooler water often means less plankton and fewer algae blooms.
- Maximum Visibility: This reduction in plankton can translate directly into maximum visibility. It’s not uncommon to experience visibility exceeding 40 meters (130 feet) during the winter months. When you can see the entire reef structure unfold below you, the sense of scale and the vibrant colours are simply breathtaking.
3. The Water is Still Luxuriously Warm
Don’t let the word “winter” fool you. The Red Sea is a massive thermal battery. While the water is cooler than its August peak, it remains perfectly comfortable for diving.
- Comfortable Diving: Water temperatures hover between 21°C and 23°C (70°F–74°F). With a quality 5mm or 7mm wetsuit (which we provide!), you can easily enjoy two long, satisfying dives without ever feeling chilled. Compared to any other cold-weather destination, this is a tropical luxury.
4. Guaranteed Sunshine for a True “Blue Christmas”
Leave the grey skies and slush at home. Hurghada’s climate guarantees a sunny, bright, and dry holiday.
- Reliable Weather: The reliability of the weather during the winter months is a huge selling point. You can book your dive days knowing that you will be greeted by clear skies and perfect diving conditions, providing the ultimate contrast to a typical cold-weather holiday.
5. A Festive, Stress-Free Atmosphere
The Red Sea offers the ultimate antidote to holiday stress. Swap the crowded malls and long queues for the tranquil rhythm of the ocean.
- Serenity and Mindfulness: The deep, rhythmic breathing required for diving is a natural form of meditation. By forcing you to focus entirely on the present moment, diving provides a therapeutic escape that genuinely resets the mind—the perfect gift to give yourself during the stressful holiday period.
- Festive Cheer: Many resorts and restaurants in Hurghada mark the season with beautiful decorations and special dinners, offering a touch of festive cheer in a relaxing, warm environment.
6. Low Season Crowds (Underwater)
While the resorts might be busier with Christmas vacationers, the dive sites themselves are often less populated than in the peak summer European holiday season.
- Intimate Encounters: Fewer divers in the water means less noise, less silt, and a more natural environment for marine life. This significantly enhances your chance of intimate encounters with shy creatures. Our small groups already ensure an uncrowded boat; in the winter, the reefs themselves feel more personal.
7. Potential for Unique Marine Activity
The slightly cooler water can sometimes change the dynamic of the marine ecosystem, offering the possibility of unique sightings, especially on exposed, offshore reefs.
- Active Predators: Cooler water can sometimes encourage larger predatory fish to be more active. It’s a fantastic time for watching big schools of trevally or tuna hunting in the currents. The reefs remain vibrant, and our guides know exactly where to look for interesting seasonal activity that is specific to the winter months.
8. The Scubadore Advantage: Your Logistical Lifeline
Booking a holiday dive trip should be easy. Our operational philosophy is perfectly designed for the winter traveller:
- No Gear Hassle: We provide high-quality, serviced equipment, saving you the bulk and expense of packing heavy gear.
- Maximize Your Holiday Time: Our expert, local guides handle all the logistics—checking the conditions, choosing the sheltered dive sites, and planning the day seamlessly—ensuring every minute of your valuable holiday time is spent enjoying the Red Sea, not worrying about planning.
This Christmas, trade the cold for comfort, the chaos for clarity, and the shopping mall for the Red Sea. We guarantee it will be the most unforgettable and relaxing holiday you’ve ever had.
