Climatic Determinants of Tourism in South Sinai, Egypt
Reda Selim
*
Department of Geography, Faculty of Arts, University of Zagazig, Egypt.
Samah Ajlan
Department of Geography, Faculty of Arts, University of Zagazig, Egypt.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The South Sinai Governorate's arid climate is a paramount tourism asset, acting as a powerful "pull factor" due to its favorable characteristics: moderate winds (ideal for water sports), high insolation (ensuring clear water for diving), and a temperate annual average of 21.4°C. Bioclimatic analysis (Thom and Pesi models) confirms high tourist comfort, critically maintained by low relative humidity, which extends the optimal comfort period for mass tourism to six continuous months (May–October). This climatic profile provides the region with a distinct competitive advantage for year-round coastal and outdoor tourism.
Keywords: Tourism geography, South Sinai, climate, bioclimatic comfort, seasonality