May holidays in Egypt from Almaty: tours

May holidays in Egypt fall during the peak of the warm season: the water in the Red Sea warms up to +24…+26 °C, the air stays around +28…+32 °C, and there is practically no rain. From Almaty to Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, direct flights are available with a duration of 5–6 hours. Resorts operate as usual, hotels are busy, so it is worth booking a tour 2–3 months before departure.

When do the May holidays begin and how are they spent in Egypt?

A holiday in Egypt in May coincides only partially with Kazakhstani days off, and this is worth taking into account when planning. The Red Sea resorts operate as usual on these dates.

Dates of the May days off in Kazakhstan and their coincidence with Egyptian holidays

In Kazakhstan, the May holidays cover the first days of the month, and in Egypt some of them pass without official celebrations. The Egyptian side lives by its own calendar, where state dates are mixed with religious ones. Tourists from Almaty usually take a short vacation and fly for 5–7 nights. Solemn dates here rarely coincide with Kazakhstani ones, so the resorts are not overcrowded with local vacationers. Holidays pass calmly, without mass processions in tourist areas. Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh receive guests around the clock. Egyptian infrastructure operates normally on these days. The holiday turns out to be predictable.

State and religious holidays of Egypt in May

In May, Egypt celebrates Labor Day, as well as several religious dates depending on the lunar calendar. Egyptian Easter and Sham El Nessim fall in spring, sometimes capturing the beginning of the month. Ramadan in some years also falls on the May holidays. During such periods, cafes and shops in Egypt change their schedules. The May holidays in Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are felt weakly, because tourist areas live to a separate rhythm. Egyptian cuisine in hotels is served all day. Dahab and El Gouna maintain a relaxed atmosphere. Local residents rest with their families during the holidays.

What do you need to know before traveling for the May holidays?

A trip to Egypt for the May holidays begins with documents, finances and logistics. Below are the key details for tourists from Kazakhstan.

Visa, passport and insurance for citizens of Kazakhstan

Processing documents for a trip to Egypt requires attention to deadlines. The holiday period is high season, and queues at the airport are possible. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry. Medical insurance is mandatory, the policy covers hospitalization and treatment. The Egyptian side accepts tourists from Kazakhstan at the airports of Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. Check the cost and validity period of the visa before traveling. The holiday period does not change the processing procedure. It is better to keep documents in hand luggage. Keep copies separately.

Money, communications and rules of behavior

Financial issues in Egypt are easier to resolve with cash. The Egyptian pound is the local currency, exchange takes place in banks and official exchange points. Holidays here do not affect the exchange rate. Dollars and euros are accepted in tourist places, but change is given in pounds. Cards work in large hotels in Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. In markets, in taxis and in Marsa Alam, cash is needed. A local SIM card is sold at the airport and in communication stores. Egypt meets this period with working communications. Roaming of Kazakhstani operators is expensive. Alcohol is not consumed in public places. In Dahab and El Gouna the dress code is free, in the city it is more modest.

How to choose a resort for a holiday in May

The resorts of Egypt in May differ in atmosphere, prices and infrastructure. The choice depends on what is important to a particular tourist.

Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh and El Gouna

Large resorts of Egypt in May offer the maximum set of services. The May holidays in Hurghada are lively, hotels are busy. Sharm El Sheikh attracts with coral reefs right by the shore. El Gouna is a quiet option with lagoons and boutique hotels. Egyptian cuisine, spa and entertainment are available in all three places. The May holidays in Sharm El Sheikh coincide with the peak of the season. It is worth booking hotels 2–3 months in advance. Hurghada is cheaper, but noisier. El Gouna is more expensive and calmer.

Marsa Alam, Safaga, Dahab and Taba

Small resorts of Egypt in May are suitable for those who seek silence. Marsa Alam is famous for diving and untouched reefs. The May holidays in Safaga are modest, prices are lower. Dahab is the capital of budget diving and kitesurfing. Taba stands near the border with Israel, its infrastructure is minimal. Egyptian nature in these places is better preserved. The May holidays in Dahab attract young people. Safaga is convenient for day trips to Luxor. Marsa Alam is remote, but the hotels are of high quality.

How to spend time during the May holidays?

In these spring days in Egypt, it is time for the sea, sun and excursions. Activities at the resorts are diverse.

Beaches, sea and underwater world

Sea water in May is warmed to +24…+26 °C, comfortable for swimming. A holiday for the May holidays is an excellent time for snorkeling. Underwater visibility in Dahab and Marsa Alam reaches tens of meters. Egyptian reefs are inhabited by bright fish and corals. Diving is available to beginners and experienced alike. The May holidays in Hurghada allow combining the beach and underwater tours. The sun is active, SPF 50+ cream and a head covering are needed. Tap water is not suitable for drinking. The beaches of Sharm El Sheikh are equipped with sun loungers. Safaga offers calm bays.

Excursions and trips around the country

Excursions from Egypt's resorts take a full day. Holidays in Egypt are a time for trips to the Pyramids of Giza. Tours to Luxor are organized from Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh. Egyptian history comes alive at the Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Departure is early, return is late in the evening. Holidays in Sharm El Sheikh allow a trip to Cairo. A separate permit may be required for a trip to the capital. Check the details in advance. Dahab and Taba offer routes across Sinai. El Gouna is convenient for sea trips.

How to organize a trip and what to consider

Organizing a trip to Egypt for the May holidays requires planning. For tourists from Almaty, it is important to consider logistics and local specifics.

Booking hotels and tours

Hotels in Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are busy in May; it is worth booking 2–3 months in advance. The holiday period in Egypt is peak demand. Tours from Almaty include flights, transfer, and accommodation. Check the booking and payment terms for tours with the company when arranging. The tour price includes flights, transfer, and accommodation; visa, insurance, and excursions are paid separately. The Egyptian side accepts bookings from various operators. The holiday period in Egypt does not affect check-in rules. Safaga and El Gouna are booked faster. Marsa Alam requires early planning.

Transport, tips, and local specifics

Getting around Egypt is more convenient via the Uber or Careem apps. Holidays in Egypt do not change taxi rates. Tips are expected: 1–2 dollars per service. The Egyptian tradition of haggling applies in markets and taxis. The starting price is inflated by 2–3 times. Car rental in Egypt is possible, but traffic is chaotic. The May holidays in Hurghada and Dahab pass without transport problems. The time difference with Almaty is 3 hours in winter and 2 hours in summer: Egypt changes its clocks (UTC+2 in winter, UTC+3 in summer), while Kazakhstan stays on UTC+5 all year round. The Egyptian side is behind. Take this into account on the first day.

Visa and entry rules change: check with 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 12.09.2026.

In brief

• May holidays in Egypt are a warm season with water at +24…+26 °C.
• Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are busy; book 2–3 months in advance.
• El Gouna, Safaga, and Dahab are suitable for a quiet holiday.
• Marsa Alam and Taba are chosen by divers and lovers of solitude.
• Cash in pounds is needed in markets, taxis, and cafes.