Weather lowdown
On average, August is the hottest month of the year at Sharm el-Sheikh, though only marginally hotter than July. The daytime temperature reaches an average maximum of 37.5°C, and the temperature typically drops no lower than 28°C overnight, and thus August is not a good time of year to visit for those who don't like heat. Temperatures rarely fluctuate by more than a few degrees either side of the long-term average, but during spells with above-average temperatures, some days exceed 40°C. However, humidity is generally low which detracts from the severity of the heat. Visitors should thus take plenty of water and protection from the sun.
Rainfall is non-existent during the month of August- the long-term average rainfall for July is 0mm and there are on average 0.0 days with measurable rainfall. An average August boasts just over 370 hours of bright sunshine, an average of 12 hours per day. Sea temperatures are at their warmest during August and September, with an average of 28°C, which makes diving and other underwater activities particularly attractive at this time of year, benefitting from warm seas and also providing relief from the outdoor heat.
Where to stay
Xperience Sea Breeze Resort
The Xperience Sea Breeze Resort at Shark's Bay has a private beach area, and is very handy for the main attractions at Shark's Bay as well as offering swimming pools, Jacuzzis and special offers for couples.
Iberotel Palace
The Iberotel Palace, at El Maya Bay, should cater for a wide range of holidaymakers and is very handy for diving and snorkelling opportunities off the coastline.
Laguna Vista Garden Resort
A good romantic retreat option is the Laguna Vista Garden Resort at Nabq Bay.
Sharks Bat Umbi Diving Village
For those on a tighter budget, the Sharks Bay Umbi Diving Village offers cheap and basic but high quality accommodation, and a good dive centre for those interested in getting some training for diving in the local area.
Sharks Bay Oasis
For those after self-catering options, Sharks Bay Oasis is very handy for the attractions at Shark's Bay.
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. 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
Fares Seafood
If you like seafood then Fares Seafood at The Old Market is a highly-rated choice. There is a wide variety of seafood available on the menus, including shrimps and crabs, and portions tend to be large.
Union Jack Bar
The Union Jack Bar at the Sharm Bride Hotel, Nabq, serves a variety of British-themed food at reasonably low cost, which is well-received by visitors.
Monty's Bar
Monty's Bar in Hussain Salam Street offers a number of cocktails at relatively low prices, and also pool tables, Wi-Fi, and TV screens for the benefit of those who would like to catch up with sporting events. It is a primarily British-themed bar and it also serves as a nightclub overnight, when there is regular musical entertainment including hip-hop.
Tavern Bar
For good pub meals, and further opportunities to view sporting events from overseas, the Tavern Bar is a good choice, which serves Sunday roast carveries and full English breakfasts.
Things to do
Ras Mohammed National Park
The Ras Mohammed National Park is well worth a visit at this time of year, since most of its main attractions are underwater, rather than in the outdoors and exposed to the daytime heat. It is currently Egypt's only National Park. It is located at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, to the south of Sharm el-Sheikh. The seas off the coast are ideal for diving and snorkelling and contain some spectacular features, including large varieties of coral reefs, fossils and fish.
Elegant Voyage
The Elegant Voyage group offers snorkelling trips to Ras Mohammed, combined with air-conditioned transportation (useful given the heat at this time of year), lunch and soft drinks. The day trips last approximately 7 hours, and are available on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and have been well-received by tourists.
The dive and snorkel locations offer good views of a sunken ship and Tiran Island. The main meeting point is located in the north of Sharm el-Sheikh, just off El-Talwar Street.
Sinai Excursions also offer day trips to the Ras Mohammed area with opportunities to snorkel at three stops, which includes guides and food and soft drinks are provided, although you will need to bring your own snorkelling equipment.
Ocean College Dive Centre
The Ocean College Dive Centre is a good port of call for those interested in exploring the dive sites in the area. It is based at the Hilton Waterfalls Hotel at Naama Bay and has been one of the leading dive operators in the region for many years, having been established since 1998.
For novice divers or visitors who want to learn how to dive effectively, there are various courses available for novices including Discover Scuba Diving, PADI Scuba Diver and Open Water Diver.
There are also numerous courses available for experienced divers, including PADI Adventure Diver and PADI Specialities. There are also numerous organised dive and snorkel trips. Dive equipment is not provided by default as part of the dive packs, but can be booked in advance. The centre has been highly recommended by most reviewers.
