Weather lowdown
April is the first of the generally hot months in Sharm el-Sheikh although the heat is not as intense as in the summer. The daytime temperature rises to an average maximum of 30°C, while the temperature typically falls no lower than 20°C overnight. Temperatures also rarely deviate from the long-term average values by more than a few degrees.
On average there is less than 1mm of rain per April and most Aprils pass by without any measurable rain, so a typical April holiday in Sharm el-Sheikh will remain completely rain-free. There is an average of 300 hours of bright sunshine, exactly ten hours per day, during April, and many days feature largely unbroken sunshine. The average sea temperature begins to creep up during April, and averages 23°C which makes underwater recreation attractive.
The khamsin wind, a hot, dry and dusty wind associated with the track of depressions over north Africa and the Mediterranean Sea, can produce sand and dust storms at this time of year, and while the Sinai Peninsula is one of the less prone regions of Egypt, it does experience such storms from time to time during April. April can thus be quite a windy time of year to visit Sharm el-Sheikh.
Where to stay
Hilton Sharm Waterfalls Resort
There are many accommodation options at Sharm el-Sheikh although they vary considerably in quality, so you need to choose wisely. The Hilton Sharm Waterfalls Resort is particularly handy for the attractions at Ras um-Sid, which is one of the main diving and snorkelling and sunbathing resorts in Sharm el-Sheikh. The hotel also has its own stretch of private beach.
Four Seasons Resort
For those with particularly large budgets, the Four Seasons Resort in 1 Four Seasons Boulevard is worth considering, which boasts spectacular views.
Iberotel Lido
The 4-star Iberotel Lido is a good place to stay for relaxation and also for good on-site sporting facilities.
Falcon Hills Hotel
For those who want to stay close to Ras um Sid but whose budgets are too limited for the Hilton Sharm Waterfalls Resort, the Falcon Hills Hotel is a good nearby option, offering cheap but still reasonably good accommodation and services. Self-catering options include the Poolside Apartment in Delta Sharm.
Hit the Beach
Tiran Island
Tiran Island is off the Egyptian mainland, and thus must be accessed by boat, but it boasts numerous beaches which are relatively free from crowds of tourists. This island is often accessed as part of guided trips to the Ras Mohammed National Park, which also contains numerous beaches including the Main Beach, Yolanda Beach, Old Quay Beach and Khashaba Beach.
The Main Beach is the most popular resort with tourists although it can become crowded. Both the Ras Mohammed National Park and Tiran Island are great resorts for diving and snorkelling, as they boast spectacular reefs and species of fish, while Tiran Island is also close to some shipwrecks.
Eating and drinking out
Hard Rock Cafe
There are many good restaurants to choose from around Sharm el-Sheikh. The Hard Rock Cafe at El Salam Road, Nabq Bay, close to the Laguna Vista Resort, is a good American-style restaurant.
Camel Bar & Roof
The Camel Bar & Roof, situated at the Camel Hotel in Naama Bay, offers good Indian, Italian and British food, which is inexpensive and has a Bedouin-style interior, and also boasts a sports bar downstairs.
SOHO Square
SOHO Square offers a considerable range of evening and overnight entertainment and houses five bars and a nightclub and the evenings feature regular music provided by local DJs.
Tavern Bar
For those after traditional British-style pub and bar meals, the Tavern Bar is a good place to try, and it also features Karaoke nights on Thursdays and Saturdays and parties on Friday nights.
Things to do
Ras um Sid
April is quite a good time of year to visit the beach resort of Ras um Sid, which lies to the south-west of Sharm el-Sheikh, just to the west of the Sharm el-Sheikh port. The Temple is a large diving and snorkelling site in the middle of the bay, which is a large and impressive rock, surrounded by numerous coral reef and fish species.
There are other impressive diving and snorkelling sites off the coast, including Fiasco, Paradise, Amphoras and Pinky's Wall, each of which offer different attractions. Amphoras offers the remains of two-handled clay vessels or amphoras, associated with an ancient shipwreck from over two hundred years ago. Some of the reefs in the region are reported to be up to 2 million years old.
The main Ras um Sid dive site is suitable for all divers, ranging from novice to experienced, with depths of up to 80 feet, and boasts numerous reef fish. The area is also known for being away from the main crowds of tourists, offering scope for a quiet time and relaxation. The beaches around Ras um Sid are pleasant and offer sunbathing and relaxation opportunities, though they are small and can sometimes become quite crowded.
Elite Dive Centre
The nearby Hilton Waterfalls Hotel has an Elite Dive Centre for the benefit of novices who would like assistance and would like to take advantage of training and dive courses in the area.
Stars Gazers Night
Stars Gazers Night is also worth trying out at this time of year. Visitors are picked up from their choice of hotel at 17:30, and are taken into the Sinai desert in air-conditioned vehicles, and given the opportunity to go star gazing in the desert, seeing relatively close-up sights of the likes of Jupiter, Saturn and the moon, once the sun has set. A traditional Bedouin dinner is provided, along with soft drinks and water.
It is advisable to take a passport, camera and comfortable walking shoes. There is also entertainment provided, for example fire throwers and belly dancers, as part of the experience. The trip takes about five hours in total.
