Best Time to Visit Egypt: Month by Month Breakdown

December and January are the peak tourist season. The temperatures are mild but tourist attractions like the pyramids or tombs will be very crowded.

The Best Time to Visit Egypt

Anouk is a travel writer, editor, and agent raised in Malawi and Kenya with more than 15 years of experience working in the African travel industry.

Jillian Dara is a freelance journalist and fact-checker. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Michelin Guides, Hemispheres, DuJour, and Forbes.

For thousands of years, travelers have journeyed to Egypt to gaze in wonder at the ancient pyramids and temples left over from the time of the pharaohs, one of the greatest civilizations the world has ever known. More recently, visitors also go to soak up the culture or to do business in Cairo; and to discover the idyllic beaches and world-famous reefs of the Red Sea. If a trip to Egypt is on your bucket list, one of the first decisions you’ll need to make is when to go.

If weather is your primary concern, the best time to visit Egypt is during the northern hemisphere fall, winter or early spring (October to April), when temperatures are lower. To avoid the crowds at ancient sites like the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor, and Abu Simbel, try to avoid peak season (December and January). At this time of year, accommodation and tours throughout the country are typically more expensive. Budget travelers can get good discounts in the summer and shoulder seasons.

The Weather in Egypt

For many people, weather is a crucial factor in deciding when to visit Egypt. The climate is typically hot and sunny throughout the year, and there is very little precipitation south of Cairo. Even in the wettest places (Alexandria and Rafah), it only rains on an average of 46 days per year. Winters are generally mild, with daytime temperatures in Cairo averaging around 68 degrees F. At night, temperatures in the capital can drop to 50 degrees F or lower. In summer, temperatures reach an average of 95 degrees F, exacerbated by intense humidity.

It is important to remember that many of Egypt’s ancient sights are located in desert regions that remain hot despite the proximity of the Nile River. Climbing into an airless tomb on a 100-degree day can be draining. Several top attractions are located in southern Egypt, where it is even hotter than Cairo. If you’re planning on visiting Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel and/or Lake Nasser from May to October, make sure to avoid the midday heat by planning your sight-seeing for the early morning or late afternoon. Between March and May, the Khamsin wind brings thick dust and sandstorms.

Best Time to Cruise the Nile

With this in mind, the best time to book a Nile cruise is between October and April. Temperatures are manageable at this time of year, allowing you to get the most out of day trips to iconic sights like the Valley of the Kings and the temples of Luxor. For the same reasons, travel during the peak summer months of June to August is not advised. Average highs for Aswan exceed 104 degrees F at this time of year, and there isn’t a lot of shade to offer respite from the midday sun.

Best Time to Enjoy the Red Sea

June to September is an excellent time to visit the Red Sea beach resorts. Despite being the peak of summer, temperatures on the coast are much cooler than in the interior. Average summer temperatures at popular beach resort Hurghada hover at around 84 degrees F, while the sea temperature is a balmy 80 degrees F—perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. In July and August it’s essential to book well in advance, as resorts can get busy with vacationing Europeans and Americans; and with wealthy Egyptians seeking to escape the heat of Cairo.

Best Time to Visit Egypt’s Western Desert

Summers in the desert should be avoided, as temperatures at destinations like Siwa Oasis routinely exceed 104 degrees F. During the depths of winter, nighttime temperatures can plummet to just below freezing, so the best time to visit is halfway between the two in either spring or fall. February to April and September to November are the optimum times temperature-wise, although spring visitors should be aware of possible sandstorms as a result of the annual Khamsin wind.

Traveling to Egypt During Ramadan

Ramadan is the Muslim holy month of fasting, and the dates change every year according to the dates of the Islamic calendar. Tourists are not expected to fast when visiting Egypt during Ramadan. However, shops and banks tend to close for much of the day, while many cafés and restaurants do not open at all during daylight hours. At night, there is a generally festive atmosphere as eating and drinking resume. Toward the end of Ramadan, there are several festivities that are fun to experience and observe.

Spring

Spring is a nice time to visit Egypt, as temperatures are typically quite moderate. Some visitors may want to avoid the Khamsin wind season (March to May) as visibility is often impaired by sand and dust storms. This is a particular concern for keen photographers. Accommodation and tour prices are typically cheaper than they are in the peak winter season.

Events to check out:

• Abu El Haggag Moulid, a five-day carnival in Luxor, typically takes place in the spring, a month before Ramadan. The festival celebrates a 13th-century Sufi leader, Yusuf Abu Al Haggag.
• People of Egypt celebrate Sham El Nessim to welcome the season of spring in the country. It usually takes place in April, after Coptic Easter.

Summer

Temperatures are often sweltering in summer, especially in Upper Egypt near Luxor. But traveling during this time has its perks: you can see Egypt without swells of fellow tourists, leaving you in peace at some of the country’s most revered monuments. Ramadan typically falls during the summer months; beware that some attractions may close earlier than usual.

Events to check out:

• Muslims end the long month of Ramadan with Eid al Fitr, a religious festival.
• Wafaa Al Nil is an ancient festival devoted to the Nile River.

Fall

Like spring, fall brings cooler temperatures and affordable prices. Heat can sometimes last into October, but crowds are still thin, making this a great time to visit popular monuments. If you’re planning a visit to the beach, this is an ideal season to do so as the Red Sea is still warm and uncrowded.

Winter

While winter can mean nice weather, it’s also the high tourist season. Attractions will be more crowded, and hotel prices can skyrocket. There is occasional rain and some cities, like Alexandria, will be quite damp.

Events to check out:

• On January 7, the Coptics of Egypt celebrate Coptic Christmas. At midnight, worshippers gather en masse and enjoy a traditional fatta meal together.
• The Abu Simbel Festival is held on February 22 each year in celebration of the eponymous temple.
• Formerly held in the summer, Egypt Art Fair is one of the largest exhibitions of contemporary art in the country.

The best time to visit Egypt is fall (from October to November) and spring (from February to April). The weather is mild and you can comfortably explore all of the outdoor desert sites without baking in the sun.

If you’re visiting sites like Cairo, the Pyramids of Giza, or Luxor, summer temperatures are dangerously hot and you should avoid visiting. However, the coastal area around the Red Sea is much milder and you have the beach nearby to cool off.

December and January are the peak tourist season. The temperatures are mild but tourist attractions like the pyramids or tombs will be very crowded.

TripSavvy uses only high-quality, trusted sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial policy to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.

1. Weather Atlas. “Alexandria, Egypt.” Retrieved March 5, 2021.
2. Weather Spark. “Cairo, Egypt Year Round.” Retrieved March 5, 2021.
3. Weather Spark. “Average Weather in Siwa Oasis.” Retrieved March 5, 2021.

Best Time to Visit Egypt: Month by Month Breakdown

Egypt is a destination of rich archaeological sites, beautiful coastline and compelling history and culture stretching back thousands of years.

Tourists have been visiting Egypt for centuries, intent on delving into the ancient world, cruising the Nile River, and staring in awe at the Pyramids of Giza.

For tourists, the weather is great in Egypt. The country enjoys sunshine and hot weather all through the year, with very little rainfall even in winter.

The weather can vary from region to region, with a Mediterranean climate on the coast, and a more desert-like climate inland.

There are usually two high seasons to consider when deciding the best time to visit Egypt.

The cooler winter months between December and February are the best time for exploring the ruins and archaeological sites.

The scorching hot summer months, between June and August, are a favorite time of year for hanging out at the Red Sea beach resorts.

Spoiler Alert! Our favorite time to visit Egypt is November.

To help you to plan your getaway, here’s our guide to choosing the best time to visit Egypt!

Best Time to Visit Egypt: Month by Month Breakdown

Table of Contents

Egypt Winter Months

Winter in Egypt is high season because the weather is cooler than other months of the year yet still beautifully sunny.

It’s a favorite spot for winter sun-seekers, and especially for lovers of Egyptology.

While the desert gets cold at night – bring a light jacket – the ruins, temples, and tombs of the Ancient Egyptians are best enjoyed in cooler climes when you won’t work up too much of a sweat.

December in Egypt

December is one of the most popular times to be in the country, and if you want to avoid the crowds, it’s never the best time to visit Egypt.

It’s sunny across the country, although the Mediterranean coast can be hit by the odd storm or rainy day.

It’s still hot, with temperatures hovering in the mid-twenties in most destinations.

The Red Sea beach resorts are always popular over Christmas and New Year, as families head here from Europe looking for winter sun and a hot place to spend their holidays.

You’ll be paying high season prices, and sharing the beaches with a lot of other tourists.

Head south to the famous cities of Luxor and Aswan, and take a Nile River Cruise between the two.

While it’s definitely going to be busy, because the weather is perfect for exploring archaeological sites all day, it’s the best time to be in this part of Egypt.

January in Egypt

January is likely to be just as busy as December, although visitor numbers will definitely start to fall off towards the middle of the month after the rush of the holiday season is over.

If you want a winter sun getaway then head to the Red Sea for beaches, snorkeling, and diving.

If you’re a fan of all things Ancient Egyptian, then the weather is perfect for exploring iconic places such as the Pyramids of Giza or the Valley of the Kings, but you’ll be sharing the iconic sights with a lot of other tourists.

Culturally, this is the best time to visit Egypt if you’d like to learn more about the Coptic Christian communities.

January 7th is the most important day in the Coptic calendar, as this is when they celebrate Christmas. Head to the cities of Cairo or Alexandria to see and experience more.

February in Egypt

Compared to December and January, February is a lot quieter and it’s a great time to explore Egypt if you’re a fan of shoulder season travel.

The weather is getting much warmer already, but you might catch a few of the last winter storms, although these are a rarity even on the coast.

This is a great time to explore southern Egypt. Take a Nile River cruise from Luxor to Aswan, and enjoy the archaeological sites before it gets too hot. The crowds won’t be quite as large as the previous two months.

Time your visit to coincide with the Abu Simbel Festival, held each February at the famous Abu Simbel Temples.

These are found on the Sudanese border, just a short journey from Aswan, and were built thousands of years ago by Ramesses II. The festival is a throwback to the region’s thousands of years of history and culture.

Egypt Spring Months

The weather really starts to warm up across Egypt as you leave winter behind and enter the spring season.

The Nile River is green and verdant after the winter rain, while there are many festivals and celebrations across the country.

This is a great time for shoulder season travel, before the busy summer months, but be aware of when important religious events such as Ramadan are, as this generally tends to happen around April and May.

March in Egypt

March is another shoulder season month, and it’s a great time to visit Egypt if you want to escape the crowds.

On the Red Sea, you can score cheap deals on flights and all-inclusive packages. With warmer waters and lots of sunshine, it’s really not a bad time lounge on the beaches or to enjoy some Scuba diving.

You’ll have fewer crowds in the south as well, but remember that the desert is starting to heat up in March.

In reality, it’s a good time to visit the temples and pyramids before the heat and the crowds of summer.

April in Egypt

April can be a mixed bag in terms of visitor numbers because over the Easter holidays you’ll find plenty of tourists arriving.

Try to avoid these weeks if you want to visit in April.

Travel south to Luxor and Aswan, or stick around Cairo and explore the Pyramids of Giza and other famous ancient sites, because, after this, visitor numbers will start to rise again, as will the heat.

Alexandria is glorious in April, with lovely Meditteranean weather, sunny days and clear skies.

Visit the famed Biblioteca Alexandria and the many catacombs and ruins that date back to the Greek and Roman era, when the city was one of the most important in the ancient world.

May in Egypt

May is the last quiet month before the summer high season begins in earnest in Egypt, and oftentimes, this is the month when Ramadan is likely to fall.

This can be a unique festival to witness, although non-Muslims will need to be aware of the rules and local customs during the holiday so as not to cause offense.

Weather-wise, it’s getting much hotter in May, and temperatures are rising exponentially.

It’s not a good time to be in the desert, but you will enjoy the sun and cooling winds that are found on the Mediterranean coast and the Red Sea.

Egypt Summer Months

Summer is the high season and it’s the best time to visit Egypt if you’re looking for a beach holiday.

It’s not the best time if you can’t handle the heat and the crowds. It’s hot and it’s busy, all through summer.

June in Egypt

June is the start of peak season travel in Egypt, and prices for flights, accommodation, and tours will begin to go up.

It’s not quite as busy as July and August are going to get, so it’s a good time to visit the resorts on the Red Sea before the huge crowds arrive.

With warm waters, it’s a great time to snorkel and scuba dive on the Red Sea too, or you could even dive below the waves of Alexandria Harbour.

This is where you’ll find the uniquely preserved remains of Cleopatra’s Palace many centuries after it was lost below the waterline.

July in Egypt

July is busy because this is when the school holidays usually begin in earnest across Europe.

It’s guaranteed to be hot, and in the desert, temperatures will routinely rise well above 40 degrees Celsius in the middle of the day. Even the night time can be unbearably hot.

The heat doesn’t stop people visiting, although admittedly most vacationers tend to stick to the resorts, where you’ll find busy beaches all through June.

August in Egypt

August will be just as busy as July because it’s still peak season and it’s the summer holiday season in Europe.

Prices will be higher than other times of the year, and beaches and tourist attractions will be crowded.

It’s going to be too hot to be anywhere other than the beaches though, so if you are visiting Egypt in August then brave the crowds and stick to the Red Sea resorts.

This way you can cool off in the swimming pools or in the sea.

Egypt Fall Months

The fall season is a great time to explore Egypt’s interior, as the heat starts to dissipate.

Compared to summer, it’s going to be incredibly quiet through the fall months, and it’s a great time to grab a great deal on flights and tours.

September in Egypt

If you can wait out the summer and travel in September, then this could be the best time to visit Egypt.

The weather is still undeniably hot, but things are starting to cool down, especially away from the coast.

You can head south to explore the ancient sites around Luxor or cruise along the Nile River to Aswan and the Abu Simbel Temples.

Visit the Red Sea for good post high season deals on resorts.

October in Egypt

October is quieter than September, and it’s much cooler too. This is the perfect time to start visiting Egypt’s most famous attractions, and places that will soon become busy again in the winter.

Explore the archaeological delights of Luxor and Aswan, take in the bustling streets of Cairo and the Great Pyramids of Giza.

Or uncover the hidden history of Alexandria, while enjoying the warm climes of the Mediterranean.

November in Egypt

November is the last shoulder month before the high season starts again in December.

It’s much cooler in November and it’s a beautiful time to explore Egypt, as you’ll avoid the worst of the summer heat and miss the worst of the winter crowds.

Take the opportunity to visit iconic destinations and famous tourist attractions, or get a steal on a resort on the Red Sea.

After this, it’s only going to get busier.

More on Egypt:

• 8 Epic Places to Visit in Egypt (That You CANNOT Miss!)
• 21 Amazing Things to Do in Cairo, Egypt
• 15 Epic Things to Do in Luxor, Egypt
• 15 Things to Do in Aswan, Egypt (For First Time Visitors)
• 15 Unmissable Things to Do in Alexandria, Egypt
• Luxor Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Valley of the Kings in Egypt
• 15 Top Things to Do in Hurghada
• Is Egypt Safe to Visit?
• Sailing Adventure: Nile River Felucca Trip in Egypt