The best time to visit Egypt is between October and April, when temperatures are cooler, but still pleasantly warm across the country. This makes exploring the busy streets of Cairo, visiting the Pyramids in the desert, and exploring ancient Pharaonic tombs more comfortable and enjoyable.
The summer season (May to September) is hot, although the high temperatures are alleviated by very dry air, air conditioning, far fewer visitors and lower prices. This means summer is still a viable season for your trip. There also tends to be a bit of a breeze on the Nile, making a river cruise a good choice during this period.
Month-by-month guide for traveling in Egypt
Visiting Egypt in January - March
January through to March is usually sunny and warm, with occasional rain. This is within the peak traveling season as temperatures are cooler and more comfortable than in the summer months, which means that hotels, cruises and sites can get very busy; particularly around the new year period.
Events & Festivals
- The West Bank Marathon (late January or early February): This 22 km (14 mile) marathon is held on the banks of the Nile. Explore Luxor's West Bank with our activity idea.
Visiting Egypt in April - May
The weather gets warmer but is still pleasant during April and May, making this a very popular time to visit. The Khamsin Wind, a minor but extremely hot sandstorm, sweeps across Egypt for a few days at some point during April and May, but does not usually cause any major disruption. Easter is one of the busiest times to travel in Egypt, and prices rise accordingly.
Events & Festivals
- Sham el-Nessim: A Coptic festival of Pharaonic origin which celebrates the coming of spring. This is held on Easter Monday according to the Coptic calendar, and is celebrated with picnics in parks and on riverbanks throughout the country. View our Churches & Synagogues of Old Cairo activity idea.
Visiting Egypt in June
June is the start of the scorching heat of the summer, but temperatures are not yet at their peak. This can therefore be a great time to visit if you don't mind the heat as prices are much lower than they are during the milder months of the year.
Visiting Egypt in July - August
This is the peak of the summer and temperatures are very high. However, if your hotel has air conditioning and a swimming pool, or if you simply want to relax on a Nile cruise, this can be a great time to visit. Far fewer people travel to Egypt during the summer months, which means that you can escape the crowds at most tourist sites and make the most of some fantastic photographic opportunities.
Visiting Egypt in September
The weather in September is quite similar to that in June; temperatures are still high but sea breezes make the heat more bearable and prices are usually lower than they are between October and May. This can be the best time to visit places such as the Red Sea as you'll escape both school vacations and the crowds of the autumn/winter peak season.
Visiting Egypt in October - December
The weather is much cooler during the winter months, though still warm, making it an ideal time to visit the cultural sites of Egypt in comfort. However, this is also the busiest time of year for Egypt. Over Christmas and New Year, hotels and cruises raise their rates significantly and rooms/cabins get booked far in advance, so it is advisable to plan your trip early.
Egypt Climate Guide
| Destination | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria | 64°F 2" | 66°F 1" | 70°F 0" | 75°F 0" | 81°F 0" | 84°F 0" | 86°F 0" | 88°F 0" | 86°F 0" | 82°F 0" | 75°F 1" | 68°F 2" |
| Aswan | 75°F 0" | 79°F 0" | 86°F 0" | 97°F 0" | 104°F 0" | 108°F 0" | 108°F 0" | 108°F 0" | 104°F 0" | 97°F 0" | 88°F 0" | 77°F 0" |
| Cairo | 66°F 0" | 70°F 0" | 75°F 0" | 82°F 0" | 90°F 0" | 95°F 0" | 93°F 0" | 93°F 0" | 90°F 0" | 86°F 0" | 77°F 0" | 70°F 0" |
| Dahshur | 68°F 0" | 70°F 0" | 77°F 0" | 84°F 0" | 91°F 0" | 97°F 0" | 97°F 0" | 97°F 0" | 91°F 0" | 88°F 0" | 79°F 0" | 70°F 0" |
| Giza | 66°F 0" | 70°F 0" | 75°F 0" | 82°F 0" | 90°F 0" | 95°F 0" | 95°F 0" | 95°F 0" | 91°F 0" | 86°F 0" | 79°F 0" | 70°F 0" |
| Luxor | 73°F 0" | 77°F 0" | 84°F 0" | 95°F 0" | 102°F 0" | 106°F 0" | 106°F 0" | 106°F 0" | 100°F 0" | 95°F 0" | 86°F 0" | 77°F 0" |
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Travel advice
Practical tips for traveling to Egypt, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest US State Department travel advice.
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Trip ideas and travel guides for exploring Egypt
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![M.S. Sonesta St. George I]()
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![Pyramids at Giza, Egypt]()
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What to do in Egypt: our highlights guide ![Dahshur Pyramid, Egypt]()
What to do in Egypt: our highlights guide
What to do in Egypt: our highlights guide
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Nile cruises: the route to ancient Egypt ![Aswan]()
Nile cruises: the route to ancient Egypt
Nile cruises: the route to ancient Egypt
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