Egypt summer or winter weather - best time to visit Egypt.
August along the Nile in Aswan
A trip to Egypt is considered a once in a lifetime occurrence. So it makes sense that you are contemplating the best time to visit Egypt. Is it Egypt in summer, or Egypt in winter that becomes the better option ?
This month by month guide will give you all the highlights, including pros and cons of visiting Egypt during a particular month.
You might also like this Egypt travel tips guide for further reading.
Egypt in Summer or Egypt in Winter considerations
When it comes to working out when is the best time to visit Egypt, there are a few things you might want to factor in other than just weather conditions and temperatures. These include the crowds at popular attractions, main locations and high and low seasonal costs.
Check out: Best Travel Tips for Egypt for additional handy information about Egypt.
Temperatures: how well you handle heat is a huge consideration. But you may not realise just how cold an Egypt winter can get.
Crowds: when do you opt out of busier times in Egypt and try to go when crowds are low and photo bombs are less likely.
Locations: What are your bucketlist locations and do they measure up going any particular time of year?
High and Low season: are you on a budget? But will going in the off season in order to save money be worth it in the long run?
Best time to visit Egypt - by season
Did you know that Egypt is dominated by 2 seasons - summer and winter.
Egypt Summer season is considered from April to the end of October. While an Egypt winter starts during November and holds out until the end of March.
While the months that tail on the end of each season can be either still quite warm to even a bit chilly, the height of each season can see very contrasting temperatures and conditions.
The winter months of November to March are considered the best months to visit Egypt, but personally I prefer the shoulder season for a better mix of sun and seaside fun.
Is an Egypt Winter really the best time to visit?
Winter is certainly great for those who don’t like heat, but be prepared for cold nights in the Cairo & Alexandria regions come December and January.
One Christmas I spent in Egypt took me by surprise when low temps had me shopping for a winter coat that I hadn’t thought to pack. Being a desert nation, I probably should have realised this.
So during my thirteen visits to the land of pharaohs, I have always preferred the shoulder months of April, May, September and October. Its also a great time of year for epic sunrises and sunsets in Egypt. I have also visited during July and August and found the Red Sea to be ideal for swimming, diving and snorkeling. For one, it’s exactly what I would come to expect from a desert nation. It’s a place of harsh but beautiful landscapes, not to mention oppressive heat that truly captures the essence of the people and their land.
To experience Egypt is to capture it in all its sweltering glory. But I’ll let you be the judge of that. Just don’t forget your roll on deodorant.
Interesting weather facts about Egypt
the hottest months are June, July and August
the coldest months are December, January and February
Egypt is considered a dry and arid country with 96% being desert landscape
Egypt receives on average 12 days of rain per year (the most in the northern city of Alexandria)
temperatures in Aswan, Luxor & Abu Simbel regularly hit 40 degrees Celsius during the height of summer
the Sinai Mountains are known to receive snow during winter periods
the average annual humidity levels are 55.8%
the Red Sea has a temperature range from 22 to 29 degrees Celsius
Crazy hair day in windy conditions - September (somewhere between Hurghada and Cairo)
Best time to go to Egypt - by location
Egypt is considered a great place to visit anytime of year for warm weather. Also, with blue (or cloudy) skies and sunshine being as typical as it gets, there is no reason to pack an umbrella for this destination.
Let’s take a look at Egypt’s most well known locations and average temperatures.
Best time to visit Cairo
Cairo is Egypt’s capital city and has a population of over 22 million residents.
The city experiences a hot and dry climate during summer time. There is little respite amid total chaos on the streets during peak hour traffic. It’s enough to make anyone dive straight into the hotel pool and an airconditioned room.
Best time to visit Cairo: October to May
CAIRO AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
The height of summer in Cairo sees temperatures reach 35 degrees while winter drops to 19 with overnight reaching a chilly 9.7 Celsius in January.
Best time to visit Alexandria
Alexandria lies the northern Mediterranean Coast of Egypt.
Cool sea breezes are a welcome relief during the summer months as is an ice-cream that needs quick attention before it melts. The winter months are mild but can experience a dumping of rain at any given moment.
Best time to visit Alexandria: September to October & February to May
ALEXANDRIA AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
Summer temperatures in Alexandria reach an average of 31.1 in August, and only 18.4 degrees in the winter month of January. Night temperatures drop to 9.3 Celsius in the same month.
Best time to visit Luxor
Luxor is an Upper Egypt city located on the East Bank of the Nile River.
It’s location produces extremely high summer temperatures that take months to finally subside. Winter temps on the other hand are pleasant for touring the big attractions of Valley of the Kings, Karnak and Luxor Temple.
Best time to visit Luxor: Mid October to mid April
LUXOR AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
Luxor sees temperatures reach 41.5 on average at the height of summer, with Winter dropping to 22.8 degrees in January. Overnight temps range from 7 degrees to a high of 25.7 dependent on time of year.
Best time to visit Aswan
It’s nearly as far south as you can get in Egypt with temperatures hitting record highs in summer. The River Nile acts as a buffer to feeling overwhelmed by the soaring temperatures. Winter time is as pleasant as it gets with equally pleasant nights.
Best time to visit Aswan: Mid October to March
ASWAN AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
Summer time sees temperatures during the months of June, July and August top 40 degrees. This average decreases to 23.1 during January. Night temperatures at lowest in December and January.
Best time to visit Hurghada
The tantalizing Red Sea resort area of Hurghada is a welcome hot spot all year round. While visitors from European countries come in their droves over winter months, this Aussie girl can’t even dip her toes in the waters of the Red Sea unless it’s above 25 degrees.
Best time to visit Hurghada: all year round / September to May for cooler conditions
HURGHADA AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
The Red Sea Resort area of Hurghada peaks in temperature in July and August, reaching over 37 degrees. Winter temps only start dropping end of November with an overnight low of 11.4 by January.
Best time to visit Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh is another popular Red Sea Resort area on the opposite side of the Red Sea to Hurghada. It’s mountainous backdrop is particularly beautiful and one of my most favourite places to visit in Egypt. The luring waters of the Red Sea make this seaside destination a must all year round.
Best time to visit Sharm El Sheikh: all year round / September to May for cooler conditions
SHARM EL SHEIKH AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
Summer temperatures soar to a high of 38 degrees while winter sees more pleasant conditions. in the low 20’s. Nightly averages range from 14 to 29 Celsius.
Month by month pros and cons - best time to travel to Egypt
August in the desert can reach temps of well over 40 degrees Celsius.
Wondering when to avoid the crowds or main events? Can’t figure out the best time to go snorkeling or cruise the Nile River?
This month by month guide gives you an overview of what you can expect when visiting Egypt.
JANUARY IN EGYPT
The height of peak tourist season sees European, Russian and Ukraine visitors escaping their winter lull and seeking a whole lot of sun and fun. Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh are packed and so the prices on the Red Sea are higher than usual.
Upper Egypt (Luxor and Aswan) is ideal for discovering the ancient sites and temples, but bring some warmer clothing for those chilly nights in the desert.
If visiting Alexandria, you may caught out in the rain with an average rainfall in January of 70 mm - the highest on the year.
PROS
cooler weather
great time to see the Great Pyramids and Sakkara and enter tombs and temples
Coptic Cairo is perfect in January
CONS
high tourist numbers packing attractions
Red Sea resorts selling out
prices driven up by visitor numbers
rain at it highest - particularly in Alexandria
February in Egypt
February is another great month for those who like to avoid the heat.
A 4 day tour of Cairo is ideal during February with places including the Great Pyramids of Giza, Khan El Khalili Market, Memphis and Sakkara all providing comfortable light jacket conditions.
PROS
mild weather without being at its coldest
the end of February sees peak crowds subsiding
perfect for visiting Pyramids, temples and tombs
Abu Simbel is ideal to visit in February
CONS
the start of February is still busy with tourism numbers
Red Sea Resorts are busy
The Red Sea water temperatures may be too chilly for some
February is a great month for touring Cairo
March in Egypt
March is the official start of Spring in Egypt. It brings plenty of sunshine hours (8.40 hrs) and temperatures are starting to climb to ideal numbers. Ramadan starts in March (2024) when businesses may have shortened hours.
This month is also part of “shoulder season” when it’s considered not too hot and not too cold.
PROS
tourist numbers have declined making getting out and about much easier
hotels and resorts along the Red Sea have dropped their prices
ideal time to get on a Group Tour to Egypt
Cruising the Nile is ideal during March
CONS
Ramadan may see shortened hours in smaller run hotels and businesses. Major tourist attraction and larger hotels generally keep their regular hours.
Restaurants during the evening will be packed with locals breaking their fast for the day during Ramadan
A Nile Cruise in March
April in Egypt
April is one of the best months for doing a Nile Valley and Red Sea Tour. It is a month where all destinations in Egypt align for a perfect time to go.
This is a great time to consider a Nile Cruise when days and nights are comfortable, including the popular stops of Edfu, Luxor and Karnak Temples.
PROS
tourists crowds are lower than the peak months of December, January and February
temperatures in major cities and Red Sea resorts provide a great balance for touring
hotel prices are lower than usual for great savings
the city of Luxor and Awan is still a good option during this month
CONS
While Ramadan shouldn’t be seen as having a negative impact, some places may still have random closures
local crowds at restaurants during the evening will be busy
Egypt in May
Egypt in May is popular for sun lovers as the temperatures start to increase into the low to high 30’s throughout the country. Tourist sites are not overly crowded, and it’s just hot enough for most to handle. The winds can often pick up through the month of May, coming in from the south and occasionally causing sporadic sandstorms.
PROS
Lower crowds than peak season
The hottest temperatures of the year have not quite been reached
A cruise on the Nile and sailing on a Felucca is splendid in May
Dahab resort area often enjoys breezy conditions - perfect for windsurfing
CONS
Spring sand storms can arise and cause mild to extreme havoc
Temperatures in Upper Egypt areas such as Luxor and Aswan may already to be getting too hot for some people
Windsurfers paradise on the Red Sea Resort of Dahab
Egypt in June
June is officially the start of summer, though unofficially it started a couple of months ago.
Red Sea resorts are a welcome relief for beach goers, with water temperatures reaching up to 28 degrees Celsius.
PROS
Beach lovers will be living it up on the Mediterranean and Red Sea resort area.
The temples of Upper Egypt, including Valley of the Kings will be quiet for those who can handle the heat.
Nile Cruises are still well under way with summer sunrises and sunsets producing epic pink skies.
CONS
Sand storms are still possible but really only pop up occasionally
Temperatures in the cities, and including Abu Simbel are at uncomfortable levels without air-conditioning to break it up
Egypt in July
July marks the peak of oppressive heat. Many Nile cruises are winding up their season for the next couple of months as tourists stay away. The only places still enjoying decent crowds are the Red Sea Resorts.
PROS
Ancient attractions will be at their absolute quietist. Great for uncrowded line ups and photos without others in them.
Sunsets in the desert are truly magnificent
Perfect time to snatch a hotel bargain
CONS
Record temperatures are hitting Luxor and Aswan
Stepping inside the temples and tombs is at its most uncomfortable
The cities are particularly a battleground for shade and air-conditioned respite
The Pyramids of Giza in July - as quiet as it gets
Egypt in August
August in Egypt is still holding on to unfavourable touring conditions. The coast is the only saving grace from scorching temperatures the are regularly reaching 40 degrees.
Diving in the Red Sea as well as other water sports are popular, as too is a comfy shaded sunlounge.
PROS
Sharm El sheikh is a great spot to be in August, as well as Hurghada or Alexandria.
Climbing Mount Sinai (done overnight) in August is quite nice as the mountain keep things cool enough to enjoy
The Pyramids of Giza could be a good bet for small crowds as long as you go in the morning before the real heat of the day.
Hotels throughout the country will be emptier than usual with good deals available
CONS
Too hot for most to handle
Many Nile Cruises will not be operating as tourists stay away from Upper Egypt
Aswan, Luxor and Abu Simbel are virtually ghost towns
An August sunset along the Nile - only one of a few cruising this month
Egypt in September
Come September, the heatwave that has engulfed the previous months starts to gradually subside as the month goes on.
While it is no way feeling like Autumn conditions, many are taking the chance to get out before the big crowds of October onward set in.
PROS
Visiting tourist attractions in Egypt is much more doable if you can deal with the heat
The cities of Cairo and Alexandria are good options for touring
Crowds are still lower during September than the coming months
Great month for Nile Cruises
CONS
Temperatures are still quite hot during the first half of the month
Places like Abu Simbel are still reaching 40 degrees Celsius
Egypt in October
October in Egypt in one of my favourite months. The days are warm and nights are a blissful time to be out and about. There is no better time to start exploring Luxor and Aswan or maybe a camping trip from Cairo to the White Desert.
PROS
An ideal month for lovers of ancient wonders
Best month for a combined Egypt and Jordan Tour
Cruises on the Nile are back in full swing
A great time to hit the Red Sea for fun in the sun
A camping trip from Cairo to the White Desert is ideal
CONS
Hotels are starting to make increases on hotels in Cairo as the tourists return
Crowds are slightly higher than the previous month
Crowds in October 2023 were up from previous years
November in Egypt
November might just be as good as it gets in Egypt. The big rush before December is inevitable so for those thinking of missing the height of tourism season, November is a great choice.
PROS
Get in before the rush of December crowds
Great time to visit the Red Sea resort area of Marsa Alam in the south
Good time to step inside the Pyramids without the intense humidity
CONS
Water temps up north on the Mediterranean may be a bit chilly for swimming
Crowds are building at Pyramids and Temples as visitors take advantage of ideal conditions
December in Egypt
December is officially winter and the start of the busy season. Holiday makers from the Northern Hemisphere are arriving to escape the winter, taking up residence in the ever popular cities of Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh.
PROS
Egypt enjoys year round sunny conditions even in December
Touring has never been easier for comfort
CONS
Peak Crowds
Peak Hotel Prices
Some hotels & cruises may have surcharges for Christmas and Ney Years events
A sunny December day in Sharm El Sheikh - though not much action in the water
Overview - best time to visit Egypt
Egypt is the ideal place to visit year round, with the exclusion of a couple of “too hot to handle” months.
This Best Egypt Travel Tips will help you plan a batter trip when you know what to expect.
You might also like to read Egypt Main Tourist Attractions to discover all the best places to go throughout the whole country. Plus our 14 day premium small group tour of Egypt covers all the best highlights in true comfort.
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