Plizio Visual Lab

Red Sea

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Sea

Weather…

The Red Sea is a narrow strip of water extending southeastward from Suez, Egypt, for about 1,930 kilometers to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Covering an area of approximately 438,000 square kilometers, it lies between the African continent and the Arabian Peninsula within a tectonic rift valley. Geologically, it is a young sea where seafloor spreading continues at a rate of one to two centimeters per year, reaching a maximum depth of 2,211 meters. The sea is known for its high salinity, averaging 40 parts per thousand, caused by high evaporation rates and a lack of significant river inflow. Its warm waters, ranging from 21 to 30 degrees Celsius, support a bustling ecosystem featuring over 1,000 invertebrate species and 200 types of hard and soft corals. Since the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, the Red Sea has served as one of the world's most critical maritime trade routes, linking the Mediterranean Sea with the Indian Ocean and facilitating global commerce.

Location: Egypt
Nearby: Aswan (77 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	16	18	22	27	31	34	34	35	33	29	23	18
Rain mm	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

📋 Practical info

🧭

Getting there

The area is typically reached via major coastal resort towns like Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh, or Marsa Alam by air or road. Boat tours and dive safaris depart daily from the main marinas along the coast.

📅

Best season

The best time to visit is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Water temperatures are comfortably warm during these months, and the intense summer heat is much less severe.

⛰️

Terrain & paths

The coastal regions feature sandy beaches, rocky shorelines, and extensive offshore coral reef systems. Underwater terrain is highly diverse, varying from shallow, calm lagoons to dramatic deep drop-offs.

🎒

What to bring

Pack your snorkeling or scuba diving equipment, high-SPF reef-safe sunscreen, and appropriate swimwear. A light windproof jacket is highly recommended for breezy and cool evenings on the boat decks.

🅿️

Parking

Parking is generally available at coastal resorts, designated public beaches, and dive centers in the towns. Most international visitors rely primarily on organized transfers, hotel shuttles, or local taxis.

⚠️

Safety

Always swim or dive with a trusted buddy and respect marine life by maintaining a safe distance. Be constantly aware of local ocean currents, sudden drop-offs, and stay well-hydrated in the dry desert climate.

⏱️

Time needed

A typical visit ranges from a half-day snorkeling trip to a multi-day liveaboard diving expedition. Travelers often choose to spend several days or a full week exploring the diverse coastal environments.