Weather lowdown
Although temperatures begin to cool off a little during September at Sharm el-Sheikh, the daily weather is still hot. The daytime temperature reaches an average maximum of 35°C, and the temperature falls to an average minimum between 26 and 27°C overnight. Temperatures rarely fluctuate by more than a few degrees either side of the long-term average, and thus days with maxima of 40°C and above are rare, particularly late in the month. 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 very rare during September. An average September has no days with measurable rainfall and an average of less than 1mm per month. There are 330 hours of bright sunshine during an average September, equating to an average of 11 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.
On the rare occasions that rain does fall, mainly around the nearby Sinai mountains, it can trigger flash flooding, but the likelihood of encountering this during a holiday at Sharm el-Sheikh is very small.
Where to stay
Coral Sea Splash Resort
The Coral Sea Splash Resort at Nabq Bay is relatively inexpensive, and boasts many and varied amenities and an on-site water park.
Aqua Blu Sharm
For those interested in the Aqua Nabq Dive Centre or the Aqua water park, there is also a good on-site hotel, namely Aqua Blu Sharm.
Cleopatra Luxury Resort
The Cleopatra Luxury Resort, while fairly expensive, provides relaxing children and some good spa pools and a kids club.
An Egyptian Place in the Sun
Some holidaymakers may prefer to be self-catered, and there are many good options for self-catered accommodation including An Egyptian Place in the Sun (located at the Delta Sharm holiday village).
Hit the beach
Nabq Bay
The beaches around Sharm el-Sheikh provide particularly good facilities for swimming, diving and snorkelling in the surrounding seas at this time of year. Nabq Bay offers good diving and snorkelling opportunities, and there are many famous shipwrecks around the seas off the east coast, or alternatively you can relax and take in the species of flora, fauna and coral reefs that characterise the Bay.
Shark's Bay
A good, and quieter, alternative is Shark's Bay, which is situated to the south of El Sheikh Zaied Street, off the south-east of Sharm el-Sheikh, and this, too, offers good diving and snorkelling opportunities.
Eating and drinking out
Blue Fountain
There are numerous eateries at Sharm el-Sheikh, some of which have very good reputations, although some are much better than others. For those who like Mediterranean cuisine, the Blue Fountain Restaurant at 1 Market Square in Carrefour gives good food, at relatively inexpensive prices, and offers outdoor eating.
The Lounge
The Lounge at Mall 6 in Naama Bay, next to the Carrefour supermarket, offers a varied menu with a range of international food options, and also provides Thursday night karaoke.
Pirate Bar
The Pirate Bar has live music and is a good bar for relaxing in and escaping the from hustle-bustle around Naama Bay. It is located at the Fayrouz Resort and is notorious for serving very large burgers.
Space Sharm el-Sheikh
One of the largest nightclubs in the area is Space Sharm el-Sheikh, located next to Naama Heights Hotel, and which is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and serves primarily as a nightclub. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays feature special musical events, for example Wednesdays feature Bounce, and Saturdays feature Urban Nights which feature drum and bass, hip-hop, and rhythm and blues. There are also good views over the Red Sea and the nearby mountains.
Things to do
Aqua Nabq Dive Centre
Why not give a speed boat tour a go with Aqua Nabq Dive Centre. The tour includes the opportunity to go snorkelling at Tiran Island, the aforementioned Aqua Blue water park, and a Banana & Tube ride in which you sit in a "banana" and are towed along by a speed boat, giving a strong sense of moving fast and close to the water, but without a significant risk to safety. The company also offers dive trips to various locations including Ras Mohammed and the area around Dahab to the north of Sharm el-Sheikh.
Kite Junkies
Kite-surfing is an increasingly popular activity around the coastal resorts of Egypt nowadays, and September is a good time of year to try it out. Kite Junkies is the first kite-surfing centre to have established in Sharm el-Sheikh (first introduced in July 2007) and is situated at Regency Plaza Resort, Nabq.
There are courses available, supplied by qualified instructors, for novices who would like to learn how to kite-surf. The main surf area is on a stretch of beach within the grounds of the Regency Plaza Resort, just ten minutes away from Sharm el-Sheikh Airport. There are two separate surf areas, one for intermediate and advanced riders and one for beginners.
Those who wish to go kite-surfing with Kite Junkies must purchase a service pack first. The company also offers rental equipment on-site. The company's services are highly rated by most previous customers.
