Short answer: no, but you need to know what you’re getting into. Long answer is this article.
Summer in El Gouna is hot. That’s no surprise — we’re in Egypt, on the edge of the desert. But there’s a difference between “hot in the city” and “hot at a kite spot by the sea.” And that difference is crucial.
What the Real Temperatures Are
Let’s get to the numbers, no sugarcoating:
- Air: 35°C is normal, in July it can be 40°C or more — mainly in town without wind
- Water: 27-29°C — warm, pleasant, no wetsuit
- Wind: When it blows, it’s pleasant on the water. Wind cools you down. When there’s no wind, it’s hot
Here’s the key: on the beach by the sea, where the wind blows, it’s bearable. In town without wind, it’s really hot. If you spend the day at the spot — on the water, in the shade of the restaurant, with wind — it’s a different experience than walking through town at two in the afternoon.
When to Ride
In summer, the daily schedule adapts to the weather. Nobody sensible goes on the water at noon in 40°C calm. Here’s how it works:
Morning Session (7:00-11:00)
The best part of the day. Temperature is still bearable (28-32°C), wind tends to be stable, the spot is quiet. Most experienced kitesurfers ride in the morning.
Midday Break (11:00-16:00)
Rest. Lunch at the restaurant on the spot — shade, cold drinks, WiFi. Or the air-conditioned coworking with a sea view. You simply wait out the worst heat.
Late Afternoon Session (16:00-sunset)
Temperature drops, wind often picks up. Second chance to ride. Sunset over the water is a bonus.
This isn’t a compromise — it’s a smart approach. Even in October (peak season), many people ride morning and late afternoon. In summer, it’s just more pronounced.
Advantages of Summer — Yes, They Exist
Now for the part you might expect less: summer has real advantages.
Fewer People
July is our quietest month. Significantly fewer people at the spot, on the water, in the restaurant. If you don’t like crowds and want to enjoy the lagoon almost to yourself — summer is your time.
Lower Accommodation Prices
Hotels and apartments in El Gouna are significantly cheaper in summer. The same applies to flights. If you have a flexible schedule, you’ll save enough on accommodation and travel to make up for a few days of lighter wind.
Warm Water Without Wetsuit
27-29°C — you ride in boardshorts or swimwear. No putting on wetsuits, no overheating on the beach in a wetsuit while waiting for wind. Just jump on the water and ride.
More Time With Instructors
During peak season, instructors are fully booked. In summer, they have more space — you can arrange a flexible schedule, individual attention, more time for feedback.
What If the Wind Isn’t Enough for Kite?
Honestly — it happens. Some summer days, wind simply isn’t enough for comfortable kitesurfing. What then?
Wingfoiling
Wingfoiling works from 10-12 knots — significantly less than kite. In light summer wind, when the kite sits on the beach, the wing rides. It’s the ideal summer complement. And if you’re a kitesurfer, learning wing is faster — you understand wind and board.
Hydrofoil Kite
With a hydrofoil on the kite, you ride in lighter wind than on a twintip. The foil reduces drag, so even with a smaller kite you get going. If you have the experience — foiling extends your wind window downward.
No-Wind Day
Sometimes there’s simply no wind at all. And that’s fine. You have the restaurant with shade and cold drinks, you can swim in the lagoon, go snorkeling, or just rest. El Gouna as a resort offers plenty of activities even without wind.
Who Is Summer in El Gouna For
Let’s be specific:
Ideal for:
- Wingfoilers and those who want to try wing
- People who don’t like crowds
- Digital nomads (coworking + sport + cheap accommodation)
- Families (warm shallow water, kids’ playground, quiet spot)
- Kitefoilers (work in lighter wind)
- Those with flexible schedules who want to save money
Less ideal for:
- Beginners who need reliable strong wind for lessons every day
- People who don’t tolerate heat well
- Those who want guaranteed kite wind every single day
Practical Tips for Summer
- Hydration — drink lots of water, all day. We have cold drinks at the spot.
- Sunscreen — SPF 50+, reapply often. The Egyptian sun is strong.
- Light clothing — a long-sleeve UV shirt on the water protects better than sunscreen.
- Early rising — the best conditions are early in the morning.
- Air conditioning — when choosing accommodation, make sure you have AC.
What the Numbers Say
Looking at the data: wind in El Gouna blows year-round, but intensity varies. Summer (June-July) is statistically the weakest period. From mid-August, wind picks up significantly, and August-October is the absolute peak.
So if you come at the end of August — you still get summer accommodation prices, but the wind is already strong. That might be the best compromise.
Conclusion
Is summer too hot? No, if you know what to expect. Is it hot — yes. Is that a reason not to go? For most people, no.
Adjust your daily routine, add wingfoiling to your repertoire, enjoy a quiet spot with minimal crowds and warm water. And if you want the best compromise — go at the end of August: the wind returns, prices are still at summer levels, and the spot is just starting to fill up.
Have questions about summer conditions? Write to us — we’ll answer honestly.