What to Pack for the Red Sea, Month by Month
A packing list calibrated to Marsa Alam's real climate — not the airline brochure version.
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.
Keep reading
- The 8 Best Dive Sites Near Marsa Alam (and How to Reach Them)From Elphinstone walls to Dolphin House lagoons — a diver's guide to the Red Sea sites within reach of Shoni Bay.
- Marsa Alam vs Hurghada: Which Red Sea Destination is Right for You?Two airports, two very different holidays. Here's the honest comparison no tour operator will give you.
- All-Inclusive Marsa Alam Resorts With a Real House ReefMost all-inclusives advertise "house reef." Few actually have one. Here's what to look for.
- Marsa Alam Airport (RMF) Transfers: A Practical GuideHow to get from RMF to your resort — times, costs, and the mistakes to avoid.