What to Pack for the Red Sea, Month by Month

Marsa Alam has two seasons: warm and very warm. But the water temperature and wind matter more than the air.

December – February (water 22–24°C)

• 5mm wetsuit for diving, 3mm for snorkeling
• A light fleece for evenings
• Reef-safe sunscreen (always)

March – May (water 24–26°C)

• 3mm wetsuit
• Windbreaker — afternoons can blow

June – September (water 27–30°C)

• Shorty or rashguard
• Wide-brim hat, lots of water
• Aloe vera; the sun is no joke

October – November (water 26–28°C)

• 3mm for long dives
• Light layers for sunset

Every month: reef-safe sunscreen, polarised sunglasses, a refillable bottle.