How does the wind form in El Gouna?
The wind in the Hurghada and El Gouna region—especially along the Red Sea—is caused by a combination of natural large-scale air currents and local effects:
1. Large-scale trade winds
Our region lies within the influence of the northeastern trade winds, a constant wind system circling the equator. Over the Red Sea, these trade winds regularly blow from the northwest to the north-northwest. This direction is particularly dominant further north (i.e., near Hurghada and El Gouna) and provides reliable side-shore winds.
2. Thermal winds
During the day, the land heats up much more than the sea. This temperature difference creates a low-pressure system over land, which draws in cooler sea air—a classic thermal effect. Combined with the trade winds, this strengthens the wind, especially in the afternoon hours.
3. Venturi Effect Due to Topography
The landscape in El Gouna and the surrounding area—characterized by mountains, islands, and coastal formations—acts like a natural nozzle: the air is channeled and accelerated as it passes between these obstacles. This creates a locally strengthened wind.