May holidays in Egypt from Astana: tours

May holidays in Egypt from Astana are most conveniently spent in the first ten days of the month: the air stays at 28–32 degrees, the water in the Red Sea warms up to 24–26. Departure on 1–3 May gives the maximum reserve of days, and seven to nine nights are enough for the beach, snorkeling and one excursion. Hurghada and Marsa Alam are the warmest options, Sharm El Sheikh and Dahab are windy.

What to consider when choosing dates

For the May holidays to Egypt from Astana, those who want to change the cool spring for the warmth of the sea plan. Let's figure out which dates to take and how many days to set aside.

Which dates are suitable for a short vacation

The first ten days of the month are optimal, while the heat has not yet become exhausting. In Egypt in early May, the air stays at around 28–32 degrees, the water in the Red Sea is about 24–26. By the middle of the month, the thermometer rises higher, and desert excursions are harder to endure. Holiday weekends in Kazakhstan usually coincide with the first days, so departure on 1–3 May gives the maximum reserve of time. If you take dates after the 20th, you will hit the peak of the dry season. For a short vacation in Egypt, it is better to choose departure at the beginning of the ten-day period.

How many days to set aside for the trip

For beach holidays without haste, seven to nine nights are enough. The flight from Astana takes several hours, plus the transfer to the hotel, so the first day goes to travel. In a week in Egypt it is realistic to swim, go snorkeling and go on one excursion. Ten days allow you to add a second trip — for example, to the pyramids or to Luxor. If your vacation is limited to five days, take Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh with a direct flight so as not to lose time on connections. A two-week trip to Egypt in May is tiring even for heat lovers.

Which resorts are chosen in May

Egypt's resorts in May differ in water temperature, wind and occupancy. Here is what is important to know about each destination.

Red Sea destinations for beach holidays

Hurghada and Marsa Alam give the warmest start to the season. In Hurghada, the water warms up to 25–26 degrees, the wind is mild, and the coral reefs near Giftun and Utopia islands are especially colorful in May. Marsa Alam is quieter and suitable for diving, but the infrastructure is more modest. Safaga attracts with budget hotels and proximity to the reefs, although the beaches here are shorter. El Gouna is an option for those who appreciate lagoons and calm water without waves. Everywhere in Egypt in May the wind season starts, and on open beaches it can be dusty. For families with children, Hurghada is more convenient because of the gentle entry into the sea.

Is it worth going to Sinai in late spring

Sinai in May is cooler than the mainland, but the wind is stronger. Sharm El Sheikh remains the most popular destination: the bays are sheltered from the wind, the water is 24–25 degrees, but prices are higher than in Hurghada. Dahab is chosen by snorkelers and kitesurfers — it blows almost constantly here, and the Blue Hole gathers divers from all over the world. Nuweiba is cheaper and calmer, but it takes longer to get there. Taba is suitable for those who want seclusion near the border with Israel. In late May in Sinai it is already hot during the day, and pleasant in the evening. If wind is a minus for you, it is better to postpone Sinai in Egypt to autumn.

What happens to the weather and sea in late spring?

The weather in Egypt in May moves from comfortable to hot, and this is the main factor in choosing dates. The sea warms up unevenly, and the wind changes the sensations.

How the khamsin wind affects holidays

The khamsin blows in Egypt from April to June and brings dust from the desert. On such days the sky becomes hazy, visibility on the reefs drops, and sand gets into the eyes and equipment. Usually the khamsin lasts two to three days, then is replaced by clean air. In Hurghada and Marsa Alam, dust storms are weaker than in Sinai. If the khamsin catches you in Egypt, postpone the sea trip and stay by the pool. Diving is not canceled on such days, but there can also be turbidity under water. Watch the forecast in the evening so as not to ruin the holidays.

Where the water is warmer and where it is cooler

The warmest in Egypt is in the south of the Red Sea: Marsa Alam and the Hurghada area give 26–27 degrees. In Sharm El Sheikh and El Gouna, the water is a degree or two cooler due to depth and currents. Dahab and Nuweiba in Sinai are the coldest points: there in May it is about 23–24 degrees, and the wind intensifies the feeling of cold. Taba warms up later than the rest due to its northern position. The difference of a few degrees is noticeable during long swimming, especially with children. For those who get cold, choose the southern resorts of Egypt.

How to prepare for the trip?

Preparation for a trip to Egypt for the May holidays from Astana begins with documents and ends with packing a suitcase. Here is what is worth thinking through in advance.

Documents, insurance and money

Arrange medical insurance for a trip to Egypt before departure; it is asked for in tourist areas. Take cash in dollars or euros and exchange it at banks, not at the hotel. Cards of Kazakhstani banks are accepted in Egypt to a limited extent, so count on cash. The Egyptian pound will be useful for tips, taxis and street food. Small bills will simplify payments: change is often given in pounds at an unfavorable rate. Keep part of the money in the hotel safe, and do not carry everything with you. Before the trip, check the current requirements with your travel agency.

What to put in the suitcase

In May in Egypt, you need light clothes made of cotton and linen, covering shoulders and knees. Take two swimsuits so that one has time to dry after the sea. Sunscreen with high SPF, sunglasses and a hat are mandatory: you can get burned in a couple of hours even on a cloudy day. Sandals for the beach and comfortable sneakers for excursions will come in handy. Medicines for diarrhea, antihistamines and bandages will be useful on any trip. A warm sweater will be needed for evenings in Sinai, where the wind is cold. Mosquito repellent will be useful by the pool after sunset.

Visa and entry rules change: check the primary source — the electronic visa portal of the Arab Republic of Egypt, https://visa2egypt.gov.eg/eVisa/. The information on this page was verified on 18.09.2026.

What to do at the resort during the May holidays?

Entertainment in Egypt in May is not limited to the beach: the sea and the desert offer plenty of options. Choose according to the weather and your mood.

Underwater world and sea trips

May is the best month for snorkeling in Egypt due to coral blooming. The reefs near Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Sharm El Sheikh are full of fish and colors at this time. A one-day boat trip with two or three stops should be booked with a reputable operator. Diving centers offer try dives for beginners and safaris for certified divers. In Dahab and Nuweiba, strong wind raises waves, so choose bays. A mask and snorkel will also come in handy at the hotel beach, where there is often a reef. A sunset yacht trip will add romance in the evening.

Sightseeing tours and evening leisure

Sightseeing tours to the Giza pyramids and to Luxor from Egypt take a whole day due to long transfers. From Hurghada to Cairo it takes about six hours one way, so take a tour with an early departure. In Sharm El Sheikh, trips to Ras Mohammed and Mount Sinai are popular. In the evening, Egypt's hotels host shows, discos and hookah areas. In Hurghada there is a promenade with cafes and shops, in El Gouna — a marina with restaurants. Souvenirs — papyrus, oils, spices — buy in specialized shops. Street food is cheap, but avoid raw vegetables and tap water.

In short

• The May holidays in Egypt from Astana are best planned for the first decade of the month.
• Hurghada and Marsa Alam offer the warmest water, Sharm El Sheikh and Dahab — wind.
• The khamsin wind brings dust for two or three days; it is better to have backup plans.
• In the suitcase you need light clothing, SPF and a first aid kit.
• Snorkeling and diving in May are especially spectacular due to coral blooming.