Plan New Year in Egypt with our winter guide: best Red Sea resorts, visa options, routes, prices and hotel surcharges, plus what to expect on New Year’s night.
Each year, more travelers trade the familiar winter chill for the warmth of the Red Sea coast. Egypt ranks among the most popular winter getaways thanks to its mild climate, reasonable prices, and a wide choice of activities. Celebrating New Year’s here lets you combine a bright holiday with beach downtime, cultural excursions, and active pursuits.
This guide covers what to do in Egypt over New Year, the entertainment to expect, and how much the holidays are likely to cost. It shows how to make a winter break not just warm, but truly memorable.
Egypt traditionally ranks among the most popular international destinations to ring in the New Year, confidently holding a place in the top five during the holiday period.
The travel season runs year-round, but climate matters when planning. Summer, especially in the south, can be too intense for many: temperatures reach +35–40 °C. The sweet spots are autumn (October–November) and spring (April–May), when it’s comfortable for beaches and sightseeing. Spring, however, can bring the khamsin—a hot desert wind that causes sandstorms and pushes temperatures toward forty degrees—so autumn tends to be the safer bet.
In winter, Red Sea water stays around +20–22 °C, suitable for swimming and sunbathing. The Mediterranean, by contrast, isn’t great for winter dips; its best season is April to November. For excursions, the cooler months from November to February are ideal, while Nile cruises are best planned from October to May. In summer the river level drops significantly, since the Nile no longer floods. With these nuances in mind, you can choose a time that maximizes your enjoyment of Egypt.
When blizzards and frost grip Russia, Egypt stays temperate: air temperatures hover around +20–25 °C and the Red Sea warms to about +22 °C. That’s good news for those who want sunshine, swims, and a proper dose of daylight in midwinter.
Egypt also offers a broad range of all-inclusive packages at 4- and 5-star hotels, which keeps the trip comfortable and helps avoid extra expenses—something many travelers value. Resorts gear up for the festivities with decorations, New Year’s dinners, and show programs. Guests can expect concerts, fireworks, animation, and other entertainment that set the holiday mood.
Winter suits not only beach time but also excursions—to the pyramids, Luxor, or on Nile cruises—since the temperatures make sightseeing pleasant and safer. Against the higher price tag of Europe in winter, Egypt comes across as a budget-friendlier option without sacrificing comfort. In practice, it feels like a pragmatic alternative: a chance to pair celebration with beach relaxation, cultural discoveries, and a touch of an Oriental fairy tale.
Russian citizens need a tourist visa to enter Egypt. It can be obtained on arrival, arranged online in advance, or—in certain cases—replaced by visa-free entry.
Visa on arrival. Visas are issued at Egyptian airports such as Cairo, Hurghada, or Sharm el-Sheikh. It’s a sticker in the passport and allows a stay of up to 30 days. Cost: 25 USD.
Payment is in cash; having the exact amount in dollars helps avoid unfavorable exchange rates.
Electronic visa (eVisa). Travelers can apply in advance via the official eVisa portal. A single-entry visa for 30 days costs 25 USD; a multiple-entry visa valid for six months (each entry up to 30 days) costs 60 USD.
Payment is possible only by bank card issued outside Russia. Processing takes up to seven working days. After approval, a download link is sent by email. The visa is automatically linked to the passport, but printing a copy is practical.
Visas for children. If a child is listed in a parent’s passport, they enter on the parent’s visa. If the child has their own passport, a separate visa is required.
Visa-free entry: “Sinai Only.” If the trip is limited to the Sinai Peninsula (for example, Sharm el-Sheikh) and no longer than 15 days, the visa fee can be skipped. A special “Sinai Only” stamp is issued at the border.
For entry, you’ll need a passport valid for at least six months after the trip, a migration card (handed out on the plane or filled in at the airport), and proof of accommodation such as a hotel voucher.
In winter, Russian travelers most often choose the following:
Sharm el-Sheikh. On the Sinai Peninsula, this resort is loved for its coral reefs, warm Red Sea, and wide range of hotels. Winter brings comfortable weather—air around +22–25 °C and water about +22 °C. It’s ideal for diving, snorkeling, and trips to Mount Sinai or St. Catherine’s Monastery. For stays up to 15 days, visa-free entry is possible under the “Sinai Only” regime.
Hurghada. One of the most popular resorts with a large network of all-inclusive hotels, well-suited to families. Winter temperatures are around +20–24 °C. Gentle, shallow beaches work well for children. From Hurghada, excursions to Luxor, Cairo, or desert safaris are convenient.
El Gouna. An upscale resort near Hurghada designed as a tapestry of islands and canals. Expect a calmer pace, high-end hotels, yachting, water sports, and golf. Winter temperatures are similar to Hurghada.
Marsa Alam. A southern resort that draws nature lovers and divers. It’s home to some of the best coral reefs and rare marine life, including dugongs. Winter temperatures sit near +23–25 °C.
Cairo and Giza. While not beach destinations, many combine the sea with visits to Cairo and Giza. Winter is comfortable for seeing the pyramids, the Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum.
Luxor. A perfect choice for ancient history enthusiasts. Winter is gentler than summer, allowing time to explore the Karnak Temple Complex, the Valley of the Kings, and other landmarks in comfort.
Taba. A resort in northern Sinai near the border with Israel, popular with those seeking a quiet break and excursions to Israel and Jordan.
Each of these destinations appeals in winter thanks to the mild climate, clear sea, and a wide variety of things to do.
Many visitors come for more than the beach—they want to immerse themselves in Egypt’s extraordinary history and culture.
Pyramids of Giza: the monumental pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure, alongside the enigmatic Sphinx guarding the plateau’s ancient secrets.
Other pyramids: beyond the famous trio, the Bent Pyramid, the Red Pyramid, and the Step Pyramid of Djoser offer equally impressive sights.
Luxor and Karnak: cities known for vast temple complexes that astonish with their scale and architectural richness.
Elephantine Island: a sacred site with ancient temples, archaeological remains, and the Aswan Museum.
Abu Simbel: two rock-cut temples in southern Egypt, fronted by colossal statues of pharaohs.
For museum lovers and urban explorers:
Egyptian Museum in Cairo: home to the famous treasures of Tutankhamun and thousands of artifacts that illuminate ancient life.
Alexandria: a city renowned for its classical heritage, including the ruins associated with the famed Library of Alexandria.
Cairo’s mosques and the Khan el-Khalili market: the capital’s largest bazaar, where the atmosphere of the East and distinctive souvenirs are part of the experience.
Other eras leave their mark, too:
Mount Sinai: the place where the prophet Moses received the Tablets of the Covenant. At its foot stands St. Catherine’s Monastery, considered one of the oldest in the world.
The Suez Canal: a landmark 19th-century engineering project linking the Mediterranean and the Red Sea.
Taken together, these sights make Egypt a place where ancient history seems to come alive at every turn.
There is direct air service between Russia and Egypt.
From Moscow: direct flights operate to Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada, and Cairo. Several airlines fly these routes, including EgyptAir and Aeroflot. For example, flights to Sharm el-Sheikh run up to 24 times per week.
From other Russian cities: direct regional services may be limited. In that case, consider a connection via Moscow or other European cities.
Flights with connections: if direct flights aren’t available, route via major European or Middle Eastern hubs such as Istanbul, Dubai, or Doha. Airlines like Turkish Airlines, Emirates, and Qatar Airways offer these options.
Charter flights: many tour operators run charters to Egypt’s main resorts. Package deals bundle flights, transfers, and accommodation in one offer.
As for fares, prices vary. For example, tickets from Moscow to Cairo start from 21,669 rubles. Schedules and availability can change, so checking early typically pays off.
For late December 2024 to early January 2025, prices for Russians in Sharm el-Sheikh depend on factors such as hotel category, length of stay, meal plan, and departure date.
4-star hotels with all-inclusive: from 103,606 rubles for two people for 6 nights with check-in on December 30. 5-star hotels with all-inclusive: from 121,510 rubles for two people for 7 nights with check-in on December 18.
In Hurghada over the same period, prices also vary by these factors.
4-star hotels with all-inclusive: from 78,376 rubles for two for 7 nights with a December departure. 5-star hotels with all-inclusive: from 186,660 rubles for two for 6 nights with a December departure.
To save, consider departures on December 25 for 7–8 nights—these can be 5–15% cheaper than leaving right before New Year’s. Picking dates up to December 28–29 can also lower the package price. In practice, the pricing curve rewards those who shift their trip a few days earlier.
Tour operators report that many hotels in Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh apply surcharges for New Year’s banquets, though some include the festive dinner in the room rate. The extra fee varies by hotel level and ranges from 30 to 150 USD for children and from 45 to 300 USD for adults.
For example, at Ali Baba Palace 4* (Hurghada) the surcharge is 50 USD for a child and 100 USD for an adult. At Hawaii Paradise Aquapark 5* (Hurghada) it’s 30 USD for a child and 60 USD for an adult. At Charmillion Club Aqua Park 5* (Sharm el-Sheikh) it’s 45 USD for a child and 90 USD for an adult, and at White Hills Sharm El Sheikh 5* it’s 90 USD for a child and 180 USD for an adult. The highest surcharges are at Rixos Radamis Blue Planet Hotel 5* (Sharm el-Sheikh): 150 USD for children and 300 USD for adults, according to PEGAS Touristik.
Most Egyptian hotels require mandatory payment for New Year’s dinners. In some, however, the banquet is optional.
In addition, Christmas dinners held on December 24 are usually optional, but in some hotels they are mandatory and already included in the rate. For guests from Russia, in a number of properties a surcharge for the dinner on January 6, the eve of Orthodox Christmas, is also mandatory.
On New Year’s Eve, Egyptian hotels traditionally put on a full entertainment program. Expect live music from invited performers, discos, themed activities, and a midnight fireworks show to welcome the New Year.
Almost all hotels host a festive banquet with sparkling wines and dishes that go beyond the standard menu. The level naturally matches the hotel category: the higher the class, the more varied and refined the offering. In luxury properties, the celebration is organized at the highest standard.
Special attention goes to Rixos properties, which prepare a dedicated music program. Rixos follows a Turkish-style concept that puts the spotlight on headline acts and an energetic holiday atmosphere.
In Rixos hotels in Sharm el-Sheikh, concerts and shows are scheduled from December 31 to January 6 with performances by artists and groups such as Cote d’Azure Gala Band, Lunnas, DJ Twins, Golden Trombone Orchestra, DJ Willy William, Birol Tokat, Mert Aydin, Behzat Gerceker & Enbe Orchestra, Claps Band Show, and others.
Hotels are decked out with garlands, Christmas trees, and light installations. Animators and staff keep the mood lively, sometimes organizing themed costume parties. Many properties offer a separate children’s program with games, workshops, and a meeting with Father Frost.
New Year’s night in Egypt blends local color, warm hospitality, and festive spirit—an easy recipe for a celebration that lingers in memory.