New data has revealed a simple hack for British sun-seekers looking to stretch their holiday budget: shifting an Egyptian winter break from December to February can save travellers around £300 per person while offering superior conditions.
The Price and Weather Sweet Spot
Egypt, with its ancient wonders, Red Sea beaches, and cities like Cairo and Alexandria, attracts between half a million and one million British tourists each year. While December is traditionally the peak booking period for winter sun, analysis from travel giant First Choice shows that February and early March present the ultimate value-for-money window.
During this period, the cost for a holiday to popular Red Sea resorts like Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, and Marsa Alam can be roughly £300 cheaper per person compared to the peak summer months of July and August, where prices often exceed £1,100. Even within the winter season, a February trip can save about £100 compared to a December getaway.
Unbeatable Conditions for Divers and Sightseers
The advantages of a late-winter Egyptian escape extend far beyond the financial savings. In February, daytime temperatures in the Red Sea resorts sit comfortably in the mid-20s Celsius, with mild sea temperatures. For snorkelling and diving enthusiasts, February is considered one of the best months of the entire year.
Reduced boat traffic and lower plankton levels mean underwater visibility is at its clearest. Slightly cooler water is also less stressful for the region's spectacular coral reefs. The Red Sea is home to over 1,000 fish species and 300 types of coral, with around 10% found nowhere else on Earth. Guides frequently report sightings of turtles, dugongs, and reef sharks throughout the month.
On land, the cooler February climate makes exploring historical sites like the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor's temples, and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo far more comfortable. It is also an ideal time for a sunrise hot-air balloon ride over the Nile and the Valley of the Kings.
A 'Second Summer' on the Red Sea
Kevin Nelson, Managing Director at First Choice Holidays, endorsed the strategy, stating: 'The hack to getting two affordable summers in one year? 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.'
A notable event for visitors in late February is the Abu Simbel sun alignment on February 22nd, where sunlight illuminates the inner sanctuary of the temple—a phenomenon that occurs only twice annually.
For those planning ahead, First Choice is currently offering up to £500 off trips for 2026. An example of the value available includes a week's all-inclusive stay at the family-friendly Jaz Bluemarine Resort, with its own waterpark and private beach, for just £423 per person.
