• Most travellers go to Egypt in December, but February is the country’s ‘second summer’, offering some of the best weather and snorkelling conditions of the year. 

• First Choice data shows that February Egypt trips can be up to £300 cheaper. 

• Cooler temperatures make once-in-a-lifetime experiences, from the Pyramids to Abu Simbel, more comfortable. 

14th January 2026: Egypt has always been a popular winter sun destination, offering reliable weather and warm beaches.  

According to booking data from travel company First Choice, December is the most popular time to book a trip to Egypt. 

But Brits looking for the ultimate winter-sun escape should think beyond early winter.  

What many don’t realise is that the weather often improves as winter goes on while costs per person plummet. 

By February – and even into early March – Egypt enjoys some of its best conditions of the year, without peak-season crowds or prices. In Red Sea resorts such as Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh and Marsa Alam, days sit comfortably in the mid-20s, with mild sea temperatures to match. 

For snorkellers and divers, February is widely regarded as one of the best months of the year – even within Egypt’s popular winter season. 

Lower boat traffic and reduced plankton mean underwater visibility is at its clearest, while slightly cooler water places less stress on coral. The result is exquisite, clear conditions that rival long-haul destinations such as the Maldives or Seychelles. 

The Red Sea is home to more than 1,000 species of fish and over 300 species of coral, around 10% of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Guides also report regular sightings of turtles, dugongs and reef sharks throughout February. 

A full-day snorkelling cruise to Mahmya and Giftun Island offers a snapshot of February at its best, with white-sand beaches, mild water and colourful reefs- all just a five-hour flight from the UK. 

What’s even clearer than the sea is the cost difference.  

First Choice data shows that prices for Egypt holidays in peak summer holiday months of July and August, often topping £1,100 per person, which breaks the bank compared to Euro summer destinations such as Spain, Greece or Turkey which typically cost £200- 300 less.  

But head to Egypt in February and the same Red Sea resorts can be enjoyed for roughly £300 less, while arguably delivering an even better experience.  

Even when comparing winter sun in Egypt at the start of the season vs the end, the savings are clear. A trip in February sees savings of about £100 compared to trips a few weeks earlier.  

But the perks of travelling in February aren’t limited to the price.    

Cooler temperatures make sightseeing far more comfortable, from the Pyramids and Luxor’s temples to the Egyptian Museum. It’s also one of the best months for a sunrise hot-air balloon ride over the Nile and the Valley of the Kings. 

On 22nd February, visitors can also witness the Abu Simbel sun alignment, when sunlight reaches the inner sanctuary of the temples – a phenomenon that occurs just twice a year. 

Kevin Nelson, Managing Director at First Choice Holidays, says February offers a rare balance of conditions and value: 

“The hack to getting two affordable summers in one year? Have your Euro summer and then skip the winter sun in December and January. February in Egypt offers the perfect winter escape conditions, making it the ultimate second summer on the Red Sea” 

For travellers looking to spread their holidays across the year, a week’s all-inclusive stay at the Jaz Blue Marine Resort is just £423* per person, offering the ideal base on the Red Sea, with its own waterpark and a private beach.as well as many snorkelling and water excursions on its doorstep. Max your savings and grab up to £500 off 2026 trips with First Choice for a limited time. 

For Brits willing to plan smart, the recipe is easy to follow, Euro summer, then Egypt in February. Warmer weather, better value and the delight of enjoying two summers while everyone else is stuck with just one.