What to Wear in Hurghada: Complete Packing Guide for Egypt 2025

One of the most common questions travelers ask is "What should I wear in Hurghada, Egypt?" This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about dressing appropriately while staying comfortable in Egypt's premier Red Sea resort. ## Understanding Hurghada's Climate and Culture Hurghada is a beach resort town where tourism is the main industry, creating a more relaxed atmosphere than other parts of Egypt. However, it's still important to respect local culture while enjoying your vacation. The climate is hot and sunny year-round, with temperatures ranging from 20-35°C depending on the season. ## What to Wear at Beach Resorts and Hotels **Inside Resort Areas**: Most hotels and beach resorts in Hurghada have relaxed dress codes. You can comfortably wear: - Swimwear at pools and private beaches - Shorts, t-shirts, and tank tops - Summer dresses and sundresses - Flip-flops and sandals - Beach cover-ups when moving between pool and room **Resort Restaurants**: For hotel restaurants and bars, smart casual is appropriate. Evening wear can include light dresses, nice shorts, or casual trousers with collared shirts. ## What to Wear in Public Areas When venturing outside your resort to local restaurants, shops, or downtown Hurghada, modest clothing is respectful: **Women Should Wear**: - Lightweight pants, capris, or maxi skirts (covering knees) - T-shirts or blouses that cover shoulders - Maxi dresses or midi-length sundresses - Light cardigans or shawls for covering shoulders - Comfortable walking shoes or sandals **Men Should Wear**: - Long shorts or lightweight pants - T-shirts or casual shirts (avoid tank tops) - Comfortable walking shoes or sandals ## What to Wear for Desert Safaris Desert safari adventures require specific clothing for comfort and sun protection: - Long, lightweight pants (protect from sun and sand) - Long-sleeve cotton shirt or lightweight hoodie - Closed-toe sneakers or hiking shoes (essential for quad biking) - Sunglasses and hat or cap - Scarf or bandana (protects face from sand) - Avoid jewelry that could get lost or damaged Evening desert tours can get surprisingly cool, so bring a light jacket. ## What to Wear for Diving and Snorkeling **Snorkeling Trips**: - Swimsuit with rash guard or t-shirt (sun protection) - Water shoes for rocky entry points - Cover-up for boat ride - Hat and sunglasses for boat journey **Diving Excursions**: - Comfortable clothing for boat ride - Swimsuit worn under wetsuit - Sun protection for surface intervals ## What to Wear for Cultural and Religious Sites If visiting mosques or historical sites: **Women**: - Long pants or maxi skirts (ankles covered) - Shirts with sleeves (covering to elbows) - Headscarf (often required for mosques) - No see-through or tight clothing **Men**: - Long pants (no shorts) - Shirt with sleeves - Closed-toe shoes (remove for mosques) ## Seasonal Clothing Recommendations **Summer (June-August)**: - Lightest, most breathable fabrics - Maximum sun protection - Wide-brimmed hats - Light colors to reflect heat **Winter (December-February)**: - Light layers for daytime warmth - Sweater or light jacket for evenings - Long pants for cooler mornings/evenings **Spring/Fall (March-May, September-November)**: - Mix of light and medium-weight clothing - Layers for temperature changes - Comfortable for all activities ## Essential Packing List for Hurghada **Clothing Essentials**: - 3-4 swimsuits (dry time between uses) - 2-3 pairs shorts and 2 long pants - 5-7 t-shirts and 2 long-sleeve shirts - 2-3 sundresses or casual dresses - Light cardigan or cover-up - One smart casual outfit for nice dinners - Underwear and socks for 7-10 days - Sleepwear **Footwear**: - Comfortable walking sandals - Flip-flops for pool/beach - Sneakers for desert activities - Water shoes for snorkeling - Nice sandals or casual shoes for evenings **Accessories**: - Wide-brimmed sun hat or cap - Sunglasses (UV protection) - Beach bag - Light scarf (multipurpose) - Small crossbody bag for outings **Sun Protection**: - High SPF sunscreen (50+) - After-sun lotion - Lip balm with SPF - Rash guard for water activities ## What NOT to Wear Avoid these items to respect local culture and stay comfortable: - Very short shorts or mini skirts in public areas - Sheer or see-through clothing - Clothing with offensive slogans - Heavy jeans (too hot for the climate) - High heels (impractical for most activities) ## Shopping for Clothes in Hurghada If you forget something or want local items, Hurghada has plenty of shops: - Beach cover-ups and swimwear at resort shops - Lightweight clothing at local markets - Traditional Egyptian cotton gallabiya (comfortable robes) - Scarves and shawls at souks Prices are negotiable in local markets – expect to pay 30-50% less than the initial asking price. ## Laundry Services Most hotels offer laundry services (usually charged per item). Some resorts have self-service facilities. For longer stays, this allows packing lighter. ## Final Clothing Tips **Fabric Choices**: Natural, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen work best. Quick-dry materials are excellent for beach and water activities. **Color Choices**: Light colors reflect heat and are cooler. Dark colors show less sand and dust if you're doing desert activities. **Layers**: Even in summer, bring one light layer for air-conditioned restaurants and buses. **Respect and Comfort**: The key is balancing respect for local culture with staying comfortable in the hot climate. Resort areas are more relaxed, while public spaces require more modest dress. ## Conclusion Packing for Hurghada doesn't have to be complicated. Bring lightweight, modest clothing for public areas, your favorite swimwear for the beach and pool, and appropriate gear for desert adventures. With this guide, you'll be comfortable, respectful, and ready for all the amazing experiences Hurghada has to offer. Ready to pack your bags? Book your Hurghada safari adventure and start planning the Red Sea vacation of a lifetime!