Weather lowdown
November is a popular time of year to visit Sharm el-Sheikh, for while the daily weather is reliably dry and sunny, it is not accompanied by the intense heat associated with the summer months, and the temperatures of the surrounding seas fall less sharply during the autumn than over the land surface. Daytime temperatures rise to an average maximum of 27°C, and fall to an average minimum of 19°C overnight, and are combined with generally low humidity. Temperatures rarely fluctuate by more than a few degrees either side of the long-term average, and the long-term averages thus give a good indication of what tourists can expect during a typical holiday.
As in many other parts of the world, November is the 'wettest' month of the year in Sharm el-Sheikh, but the mean monthly rainfall is a mere 3mm, and on average there are only 0.4 days with measurable rainfall, meaning that many Novembers pass by without any measurable rain. There are 270 hours of bright sunshine during an average November which is equivalent to 9 hours of sunshine per day. Sea temperatures fall back to around 25°C during an average November but this is still easily warm enough to support underwater activities and is adequate for swimming in.
Although rain is very rare during November, when it does fall, it can lead to flash flooding, mainly in the hillier parts of the region such as the Sinai mountain range.
Where to stay
Sultana Gardens Resort
Accommodation options are numerous around Sharm el-Sheikh, but some are considerably better than others, so choose wisely. The Sultana Gardens Resort at Shark's Bay is a good bet for those hoping to make use of the attractions at Shark's Bay and stay in accommodation close by.
Royal Savoy Hotel
A particularly high-end, expensive, luxurious hotel is the Royal Savoy Hotel close to SOHO Square, which is ideal for couples seeking an expensive honeymoon.
Iberotel Palace
Another high-end, though not quite as expensive, option is the Iberotel Palace, at El Maya Bay, which offers diving and snorkelling opportunities off the coastline.
Sunshine Divers Club
Those on a tight budget can consider the Sunshine Divers Club at Shark's Bay, offers cheap and good B&B accommodation, as well as diving facilities and training on-site, and also scuba diving training and trips.
An Egyptian Place in the Sun
An Egyptian Place in the Sun (located at the Delta Sharm holiday village) is among the many good options for those who prefer self-catered accommodation.
Hit the beach
Shark's Bay
Sharm el-Sheikh boasts numerous good beaches. Shark's Bay is well worth a visit at this time of year, which is situated to the south of El Sheikh Zaied Street, off the south-east of Sharm el-Sheikh. There are shops, bars and restaurants close to the sea front, while the bay also offers good diving and snorkelling opportunities.
Naama Bay
Naama Bay will appeal more to those who don't mind hustle-bustle and like to have access to entertainment close by, and it also houses the Red Sea Diving College. It is a particularly good area for scuba diving. There is also a major shopping centre nearby, though be prepared for some shopkeepers to try and entice you into their shops and charge extortionate prices.
Eating and drinking out
Fawanees Cafe & Restaurant
There are many restaurants available to choose from within Sharm el-Sheikh. The Fawanees Cafe & Restaurant is a good option for a combination of Lebanese, seafood and steakhouse cuisine, and is relatively inexpensive.
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.
El Fanar Beach Resort
The El Fanar beach resort boasts beach parties on Wednesday nights, which typically start at around 11pm, and also Latin-themed musical events on Thursday nights. On other nights of the week, there is still some entertainment as the resort also includes a nightclub and a disco.
Half Crown
If you want good pub meals, the option of watching important sporting events, and some good musical entertainment during the evening and overnight, it is hard to go wrong with the Half Crown, situated on El Frossia Street.
Things to do
Aqua Blue Water Park
Those interested in water-themed entertainment should try Aqua Blue water park. It is located at Hadaba, to the west of Sharm el-Sheikh port on the south-facing coast. Day trips are offered and include lunch, and transfers to the Aqua Park Hotel. The water park offers 32 water slides, including 12 that are specifically for children, and a range of water pads and playgrounds and swimming pools. The complex also includes a promenade of cafes and restaurants and is open by day and night. For those who would like to sunbathe at the nearby beach at the south coast, a shuttle bus is available to take visitors there.
Aqua Blue Centre
The Aqua Blue Centre also offers numerous organised trips, including quad bike and camel trips into the heart of the Sinai desert, where visitors are picked up from their choice of hotels and taken to the site of the trips in air-conditioned vehicles. Other trips that the centre provides include boat trips to Ras Mohamed and Tiran Island, trips to the top of Mount Sinai, and trips to the capital, Cairo. As is the case with the water park, these day tours provided by Aqua Blue are highly rated by most visitors.
Falcon Adventure Sharm
Falcon Adventure Sharm is a good place to try for organised tours of the attractions at and around Sharm el-Sheikh. They are an Egyptian-owned company, with some British management too, and are thus especially focused towards British tourists while combining considerable knowledge of the local area.
Based at Laguna Vista, Nabq Bay, the organisation offers a mix of Red Sea trips, safari desert trips, historic and cultural trips, and family trips. There are Red Sea cruises, scuba diving trips, and safaris by jeep, quad bike and sand buggy.
The company organises trips to the top of Mount Sinai, where holidaymakers can visit St. Catherine's Monastery, and also organises trips further afield, including trips to Cairo (the capital) and Jerusalem. Trips to the aforementioned Aqua Blue water park are also offered.
