Weather lowdown
Temperatures continue to climb during May in Sharm el-Sheikh, and the daytime temperatures rise to an average high of 34°C, which may be too hot for many, but the nights are rather cooler with an average minimum temperature of 24°C. Humidity levels are generally low which detracts from the intensity of the heat. Temperatures also rarely deviate from the long-term average values by more than a few degrees, and thus these values are typical of what you can expect for most of a May holiday in Sharm el-Sheikh.
Most Mays are completely free from rain, with an average of well under 1mm of rain per May, and no days with measurable rainfall. Sunshine totals are high at this time of year with an average of just over 340 hours of bright sunshine, approximately 11 hours per day, and many days feature largely unbroken sunshine. The average sea temperature creeps up to 25°C during May, which provides excellent scope to engage in underwater activities and get some relief from the daytime heat.
The khamsin wind, a hot, dry and dusty wind associated with the track of depressions over north Africa and the Mediterranean Sea, typically peaks during April and then becomes increasingly infrequent during May. Sand and dust-storms are possible during May in association with this wind, particularly early in the month, but are increasingly rare during the latter part of the month.
Where to stay
Sultana Gardens Resort
The Sultana Gardens Resort at Shark's Bay is a good bet for those hoping to make use of the attractions at Shark's Bay and stay in accommodation close by.
High End Hotels
An expensive option for the romantically inclined is the Stella Di Mare Beach Hotel & Spa, while another high-end option is the Iberotel Palace, at El Maya Bay, which offers diving and snorkelling opportunities off the coastline.
Sunshine Divers Club
Those on a tight budget can consider the Sunshine Divers Club at Shark's Bay, offers cheap and good B&B accommodation, as well as diving facilities and training on-site, and also scuba diving training and trips.
Hit the beach
Terrazzina Beach
For those after musical entertainment, who don't mind a fair amount of noise while they are around the beach, Terrazzina Beach is situated at the west end of Sharm el-Sheikh, off El Khazan Street. It is suitable for sunbathing but not one of the better spots around Sharm el-Sheikh for diving and snorkelling. There is plenty of dance-themed entertainment and also a restaurant at the resort.
Ram um Sid
For a quieter resort, Ras um Sid is worth visiting, which contains numerous spectacular diving and snorkelling sites where spectacular coral reefs, fish and shipwrecks can be surveyed, while it is also good for relaxing and sunbathing.
Fairuz Restaurant
There are also numerous foreign restaurants, and the Fairuz Restaurant at the King of Bahrain Street, Naama Centre, offers high quality Lebanese cuisine, and is situated within a shopping centre, making it a suitable spot to have lunch or dinner as part of a shopping trip.
Camel Bar & Roof
For entertainment and nightlife, the Camel Bar & Roof, as well as being highly-regarded as a restaurant, doubles up as a bar and source of nightlife entertainment. Sporting events are regularly shown on TV screens in the bar, the bar serves a range of bar meals, and resident DJs provide music.
Things to do
Mount Sinai
With the weather tending to be hot, but not as excessively so as in the summer months, May is quite a good time of year to pay a visit to Mount Sinai, which lies to the north-west of Sharm el-Sheikh. The climb to the top of the mountain is quite long, with approximately 750 steps, so you will need to be fit to make it, but due to the increasing altitude during the ascent, temperatures should not be especially hot.
Sharm Excursions offer day-trips to Mount Sinai, in which you will be picked up from your choice of hotel and then driven at night to the summit of Mount Sinai, which is approximately 2285 metres above sea level, and given the opportunity to watch the sunrise from the top of the mountain.
St. Catherine's Monastery
Breakfast is provided on the way to a visit to St Catherine's Monastery, which is an impressive fortification and has been faithfully preserved, and also features the biblical Burning Bush, where the Bible (Exodus 24) claims that Moses spent forty days and forty nights before hearing the Ten Commandments.0
