Marsa Alam in November: Weather, Sea and the Best Things to Do

Is November a good time to visit Marsa Alam?

Yes — for most travellers it is one of the best months of the year. November sits at the end of the autumn season, when the long, scorching days of summer have passed but the Red Sea still holds much of its summer warmth. That combination is rare: you can spend hours snorkeling without feeling chilled, then head into the desert in the afternoon without wilting in the heat.

It is also a month with a little more breathing room than the busy spring season, so reefs and boats feel less crowded. If you are weighing November against other months, our month-by-month guide to the best time to visit Marsa Alam compares the whole year.

Weather in Marsa Alam in November

Think of November as warm rather than hot. In July and August, daytime temperatures often reach 38–40°C; by November the days are far gentler, and in the peak of winter they settle in the low-to-mid 20s °C. November falls comfortably between the two — sunny, dry beach weather that most visitors find just right.

The Red Sea coast is a desert climate, so rain is rare and blue skies are the norm. Two things change compared with summer: the days are shorter, and the evenings cool down noticeably once the sun sets, especially out in the desert. Pack accordingly and you will be comfortable from morning to night.

Sea temperature and snorkeling conditions

The sea warms through the summer to around 29°C and cools through the winter to about 22°C. In November it is somewhere in between and still pleasantly warm, because the water holds its summer heat long after the air has cooled. Most people snorkel comfortably in swimwear and a long-sleeve rash guard; if you feel the cold or plan to spend a long day in the water, a thin wetsuit makes it even more comfortable.

Visibility on the reefs is typically excellent, and boat trips to the southern reefs run whenever sea conditions allow. As at any time of year, it is worth keeping a spare day in your plans in case a sailing is moved for the weather. For the best spots on the coast, see our guide to snorkeling in Marsa Alam.

The best things to do in Marsa Alam in November

Swim with dolphins at Sataya Reef

The sea is calmest and warmest from spring through autumn, which makes November a lovely month for the full-day Sataya dolphin snorkeling trip. The boat leaves from Hamata harbour, about two hours south, for two snorkeling stops around the horseshoe reef of Sataya (Dolphin House), where a resident pod of spinner dolphins rests by day. Sightings are frequent but never guaranteed, and the coral is spectacular either way.

Snorkel with sea turtles at Abu Dabbab

For an easy half day, the Abu Dabbab turtle snorkeling trip takes you just north of Marsa Alam to a calm, shallow bay where green turtles graze on the seagrass. You wade in from the beach, so it suits beginners and children — and the warm November water makes it a pleasure for the whole family.

Dive the reefs — and Elphinstone

Late summer into autumn, roughly August to November, is the classic season for oceanic whitetip sharks at Elphinstone, one of the Red Sea’s most famous dive sites. It is an advanced site with currents and depth, suitable for experienced, Advanced-certified divers. Our guided Marsa Alam diving trip includes two boat dives chosen for the day’s conditions and your level, and beginners can arrange a supervised try-dive instead.

Ride the desert at sunset

November is ideal for the desert. The afternoon is warm rather than hot, so a quad ride over the dunes is pure fun, and the cool evening is perfect for dinner and stargazing at a Bedouin camp. The Marsa Alam desert safari combines quad biking, a camel ride, an Ababda Bedouin village and a barbecue dinner under the stars. Bring a warm layer for after dark — desert evenings can feel surprisingly cold. Our desert safari guide compares all the desert trips.

Take a day trip to Luxor

Sightseeing in the Nile Valley is far more comfortable once the summer heat has broken, which makes November a good month for the Luxor day trip: the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon and Karnak in one long day. It is a very early start with about four hours on the road each way, so read our Luxor day trip guide before you book.

What to pack for Marsa Alam in November

• Light summer clothes and swimwear for the daytime.
• A warm layer — a fleece or light jacket — for desert evenings and the early boat-trip starts.
• A long-sleeve rash guard for snorkeling, and a thin wetsuit if you feel the cold.
• Reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses: the sun is still strong.
• Closed shoes and a scarf or buff for quad biking in the desert.
• Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits in Luxor.

Our complete Marsa Alam packing list covers everything else.

A sample November week

1. Arrive, settle in and try your hotel’s house reef.
2. Morning snorkeling with turtles at Abu Dabbab.
3. A lazy beach or pool day.
4. Full-day dolphin trip to Sataya Reef.
5. Rest in the morning, then a desert safari with dinner under the stars.
6. Luxor day trip — or a dive day if you are certified.
7. A slow last day before your flight home.

Alternating active days with quiet ones keeps the week relaxed, and never booking a long day trip for the day before you fly removes the stress of an early start. All our excursions include hotel pickup and drop-off, so you will not need a car.