Egypt holidays

Planning Egypt holidays for 2026 or 2027? Swapping a British winter for warm days by the Red Sea is one of the easiest wins in package travel. Between October and April, holidays to Egypt 2026 bring sunshine, a warm sea that's still perfect for swimming, and a fantastic choice of All Inclusive resorts for families, couples and keen divers — whether you're booking for this winter or already looking ahead to 2027. Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada and Marsa Alam each have their own take on a Red Sea holiday, all within around five to five and a half hours of the UK.

If you'd like to see more than the beach, it's just as easy to pair your stay with the pyramids or a Nile cruise. Check out our Egypt All Inclusive holidays or discover more winter sun holidays.

Why choose Egypt?

When Europe has packed away the beach towels for another year, Egypt is still very much in holiday mode. The Red Sea stays warm enough for swimming through winter, with coral reefs that make snorkelling and diving just as rewarding whether you're trying it for the first time or already hooked.

There's another reason people keep coming back, too. Egypt gives you plenty of choice without asking you to compromise. Big All Inclusive resorts work well for families, quieter hotels are a good choice for couples and it's easy to add Cairo, Luxor or a Nile cruise if you'd like your beach holiday to include a little history as well.

Egypt winter sun holidays

Egypt is one of the most reliable winter sun destinations, with daytime temperatures typically between 22°C and 30°C from October to April, while the Red Sea usually stays between 22°C and 27°C — so swimming, snorkelling and lazy beach days are still very much on the cards when much of Europe has turned chilly. It's a solid pick whether you're booking winter sun for 2026 or already planning ahead for 2027.

Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada and Marsa Alam all promise sunshine through the winter months, but each offers a different style of holiday. Compare our winter sun holidays and find the right one for you.

Where to go in Egypt

Sharm El Sheikh

Best for: Diving, couples and families

You don't have to be a diver to appreciate Sharm El Sheikh holidays. Ras Mohammed National Park and the Straits of Tiran are among the Red Sea's most-popular underwater spots, while Naama Bay has a lively mix of restaurants and bars. Nabq and Sharks Bay are home to many of the resort's larger family hotels.

Hurghada

Best for: Families, water sports and All Inclusive holidays

Hurghada holidays are built around flexibility - everyone can holiday their own way. Long sandy beaches, boat trips, diving, kitesurfing and big All Inclusive hotels mean everyone quickly settles into their own routine. It's also one of the easiest Red Sea resorts to reach from the airport, making it a popular choice for families.

Marsa Alam

Best for: Quiet beaches, snorkelling and diving

Marsa Alam holidays are all about the Red Sea. The reefs are the main reason people come, with turtles, dolphins and even dugongs spotted in these waters. Its quieter beaches and slower pace suit anyone who'd rather swap busy promenades for long stretches of coastline.

El Gouna

Best for: Couples and stylish stays

If heading out for dinner is part of your holiday, El Gouna holidays deserve a look. Built around marinas and lagoons just north of Hurghada, it's known for smart hotels, waterfront restaurants and a more polished feel than many of Egypt's larger beach resorts.

Dahab

Best for: Divers and laid-back holidays

Dahab has grown around the sea rather than around big resorts. Divers come for famous sites like the Blue Hole, while everyone else is drawn to its low-rise seafront, mountain backdrop and cafés that spill out onto the promenade.

Taba Heights

Best for: Quiet escapes

Taba Heights is less about ticking off attractions and more about making the most of its setting. Sitting in northern Sinai, it’s a small collection of beachfront hotels backed by mountains, where the beach and the Red Sea are never more than a few steps away.

Nile, Luxor & Cairo

Best for: History and sightseeing

Many people pair Red Sea holidays with a few days inland, ticking off the pyramids in Cairo before heading south to Luxor or a Nile cruise. It's an easy way to experience Egypt beyond the beach without saving it for another trip.

Sharm El Sheikh holidays

Sharm El Sheikh sits on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula and is one of Egypt's best-known Red Sea resorts for couples, families and divers. The reef is never far away here, whether you're booking a diving trip to Ras Mohammed National Park or simply leaning over the end of the hotel jetty with a snorkel. Naama Bay has the busiest atmosphere, while Nabq and Sharks Bay are home to many of the larger family-friendly hotels. Take a look at our Sharm El Sheikh holidays to find the area that’s right for you.

Hurghada holidays

Hurghada stretches along Egypt's Red Sea mainland and is a favourite with families looking for beach days with plenty of choice. Some people barely leave the hotel, while others fill the week with boat trips, water sports or afternoons exploring the coastline. Long sandy bays, a huge choice of All Inclusive hotels and a transfer of around 20 minutes all add to its appeal, while nearby El Gouna offers marinas, lagoons and a different pace for an evening out. Explore our Hurghada holidays.

All Inclusive & family holidays in Egypt

Egypt has become one of the UK's favourite places to book an All Inclusive holiday because everything is geared around a chilled-out week in the sunshine. Big beachfront hotels bring together pools, restaurants, kids' clubs and entertainment, so there are plenty of ways to fill the day without constantly making plans.

Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh have the widest choice of family-friendly hotels, while Marsa Alam is a quieter alternative if you'd rather spend your time on the beach or in the water. Browse our Egypt All Inclusive holidays and family holidays in Egypt, or keep an eye on our cheap holidays to Egypt and last minute Egypt deals if you're flexible on dates.

Nile cruises & things to do

A week on the Red Sea doesn’t have to be the whole story. Add Cairo for the pyramids of Giza, or head south to Luxor and Aswan, where temples and tombs line the Nile. A cruise is the classic way to join those sights together without packing and unpacking at every stop. Our guide to things to do in Egypt shows how beach time and Egypt’s bucket-list sights can share the same holiday.

More Travel Guides to Plan Your Egypt Holidays

We also have travel guides for plenty more destinations you'll love, including El Gouna | Hurghada | Makadi Bay | Red Sea | Sharm el Sheikh