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Known for its ancient history, Red Sea beaches and bustling cities like Cairo and Alexandria, Egypt is a popular choice for British holidaymakers.
Between half a million and a million sun-worshipping Brits travel to Egypt annually, with many visiting from December to February.
But new research shows that holidaymakers could save £300 by pushing their winter sun break back a couple of months.
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.
Hot air balloon rides are a popular tourist activity in Luxor, Egypt, offering aerial views of ancient temples and monuments
The Giza Necropolis in Egypt is one of the most famous and enduring monuments from ancient Egyptian civilization
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 per cent 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..
First Choice data shows that prices for Egypt holidays in peak summer holiday months of July and August, often topping £1,100 per person.
Pictured: Mosque of Muhammad Ali, also known as the Alabaster Mosque, located within the Citadel of Cairo, Egypt
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 February 22, 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, said: ‘The hack to getting two affordable summers in one year?
Egypt’s Red Sea coast is home to coral reefs, diverse marine life and world-class diving sites
‘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.
