Ramadan in Hurghada 2026: dates, iftar times & what travelers should expect

Hurghada in Ramadan is basically two vacations in one: quiet, sun-soaked days on the Red Sea, then a city that truly wakes up after sunset—with late-night cafés, family strolls, and a festive, lantern-lit atmosphere.

Here’s the up-to-date planning info for Ramadan 2026 in Hurghada:

• Ramadan starts in Egypt on Thursday, 19 February 2026 (officially announced by Egypt’s Dar Al‑Ifta).
• Eid al‑Fitr public holiday (Egypt): Friday 20 March – Sunday 22 March 2026 (national holiday listing).
• Hurghada iftar window: around 5:39 pm at the beginning of Ramadan, drifting toward ~5:56 pm near the end (location-based timetable).
• Late nights: Egypt allowed most shops, restaurants, and cafés to stay open until 2:00 am during Ramadan and Eid (yes—Hurghada evenings get busy).

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What Ramadan feels like in Hurghada

Daytime rhythm: slower and calmer, especially away from resorts. Many locals are fasting, so you’ll notice a quieter tempo in downtown areas until late afternoon.

Nighttime energy: after sunset, Hurghada flips. Families go out, cafés fill up, dessert counters shine, and the whole city feels more social. That “second life” is exactly why Ramadan can be a surprisingly great time to visit—if you plan your days well.

In 2026, the government’s extended closing hours to 2 am mean your post-iftar evening doesn’t have to end early.

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Weather check: why Ramadan 2026 is a sweet spot for Hurghada

Ramadan 2026 lands in late February and March, which is one of Hurghada’s most comfortable seasons.

• February: daytime highs roughly in the low 20s °C and cooler evenings (WeatherSpark’s February averages show highs climbing through the month).
• March: warmer afternoons, often mid‑20s °C, still not “summer-hot.”

Translation: you can do beaches, diving, and desert trips without the intense heat.

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What’s open in Hurghada during Ramadan

Resorts & hotels

In Hurghada, resorts generally continue operating normally—buffets, pools, beaches, and excursions remain available. The biggest change is timing: you’ll see more emphasis on iftar and late-night dining.

Restaurants & cafés

• In tourist-heavy areas, you’ll still find places serving food during the day (especially inside hotels).
• Outside resort zones, many local eateries tend to open later and stay busy after iftar.

Shops

Expect more late-night shopping. Nationally, Egypt extended the closing time for most shops, cafés, and restaurants to 2 am during Ramadan and through Eid.

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Hurghada Ramadan 2026 iftar times (quick guide)

You don’t need to memorize a full prayer timetable to plan your day—keep the sunset/iftar window in mind.

From a Hurghada Ramadan timetable:

• Thursday, 19 February 2026: Suhoor ends about 5:01 am; iftar about 5:39 pm
• Fri 20 March 2026: Suhoor ends about 4:32 am; iftar about 5:56 pm

These times may vary slightly depending on the calculation method and local practice—your hotel or a prayer-time app will keep you aligned.

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The best things to do in Hurghada during Ramadan 2026

1) Book an iftar by the sea

This is the #1 Ramadan experience for visitors. Many hotels and restaurants run special iftar spreads with:

• dates, soups, grills, mezze
• Egyptian Ramadan sweets (hello, konafa and qatayef)
• an atmosphere that feels more “local Egypt” than the typical resort week

SEO note baked into your trip: “iftar in Hurghada” is a real search behavior—make it easy for readers by naming it clearly.

2) Take a “golden hour” walk at Hurghada Marina

Time it for the 60–90 minutes before sunset. You’ll see the city transitioning—people heading home, streets getting ready, and then the post-iftar buzz returning.

3) Do your snorkeling/diving in the morning

If you’re doing Giftun Island-style boat days, go early:

• mornings: best energy + best light
• afternoon: relax back at the hotel
• evening: iftar + marina/café time

4) Go desert-style after iftar

Ramadan nights are made for this. A post-iftar desert safari (jeep, quad, stargazing, Bedouin dinner) fits the local rhythm better than a midday trip.

5) Shop late in downtown or Old Town

If you want a more “real Hurghada” vibe, head toward local shopping areas after iftar when people are out and about. This is when Hurghada feels most alive.

6) Try Ramadan-only drinks and desserts

Look for:

• Tamar Hindi (tamarind)
• qamar al-din (apricot)
• karkadeh (hibiscus)
• konafa, qatayef, basbousa, and more

7) Visit a mosque area respectfully

Hurghada’s mosques are striking at night. If you’re nearby (such as around Al Mina Mosque), please be respectful: wear modest attire, avoid loud behavior, and don’t interrupt prayer times.

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Ramadan etiquette in Hurghada: how to be respectful (without overthinking it)

You don’t have to fast as a visitor, but you should be culturally aware.

Core guideline: avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours—it’s widely considered culturally insensitive during Ramadan.

Practical “tourist version” of that rule in Hurghada:

• Inside your resort, you’ll be fine—eat and drink normally.
• Outside the resort: be discreet. If you need water, step into a café/hotel lobby or a private spot.
• Dress: resort wear at the beach; modest casual clothing in town (especially evenings).
• Noise & behavior: keep it low-key around religious areas and during prayer times.

This isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being considerate.

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A Ramadan-ready day plan for Hurghada (copy/paste itinerary)

08:00–12:30
Boat trip/snorkeling/diving (or beach + pool)

12:30–16:30
Lunch back at the hotel + downtime (spa, nap, pool)

16:30–18:30
Sunset walk + get ready for iftar (remember: iftar is ~5:39 pm early Ramadan)

18:30–20:30
Iftar + dessert + coffee

20:30–02:00
Marina stroll, shisha café, shopping—Hurghada nights go late, and national closing time allowances run until 2 am.

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Eid al-Fitr in Hurghada 2026

Eid is the celebration that closes Ramadan—expect:

• a more festive mood
• more domestic travel (some Egyptians take holidays)
• busy restaurants and promenades in the evenings

For planning purposes, Egypt’s holiday listing shows Eid al‑Fitr from 20–22 March 2026.

If your trip overlaps those dates, book any special dinners or excursions a bit earlier.

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FAQ: Ramadan in Hurghada 2026

When does Ramadan start in Hurghada in 2026?
Egypt’s Al‑Ifta announced Thursday, 19 February 2026, as the start of Ramadan in Egypt (and Hurghada follows the national observance).

What time is iftar in Hurghada during Ramadan 2026?
At the start of the month, it’s around 5:39 pm, and by late Ramadan, it’s around 5:56 pm.

Do tourists have to fast in Hurghada?
No. But itit’sespectful to avoid eating/drinking/smoking publicly during daylight hours.

Is Hurghada “c”osed” “uring Ramadan?
No—especially in tourist areas. The main change is in timing: calmer days, livelier nights, and, in 2026, many businesses can stay open until 2 am.