Weather, crowds and prices across the year, and the best season for every kind of Egypt trip, from Nile cruises to the Red Sea.
Egypt is a year-round destination, but the experience changes a lot with the seasons. The short answer: October to April is the best time to visit for most travelers, with warm, sunny days that are comfortable for sightseeing. Summer is very hot in the south, but brings fewer crowds and lower prices. Here's what to expect through the year.
Egypt's two seasons at a glance
Egypt is sunny and dry almost all year, so the main thing that changes is the heat. Cairo and Giza in the north are milder. Luxor and Aswan in the south, where most of the great temples are, get much hotter. As a rough guide, January daytime highs are around 19°C (66°F) in Cairo and 23°C (73°F) in Luxor, while in July they reach around 35°C (95°F) in Cairo and 41°C (106°F) or more in Luxor and Aswan.
October and November: the sweet spot
Autumn is many travelers' favorite time to visit. The summer heat eases, Luxor cools to around 28°C (82°F) by November, and the main winter crowds haven't fully arrived. It's an excellent time for a Nile cruise and for combining sightseeing with the beach, when the Red Sea is still warm from the summer. On 22 October, the sun shines deep into the inner sanctuary of the Great Temple at Abu Simbel, one of two days a year this happens.
December to February: peak season
Winter brings the most comfortable sightseeing weather of the year: pleasant days, plenty of sunshine and cool evenings, especially in the desert, where nights can drop close to freezing. This is Egypt's busiest season, particularly over Christmas, New Year and school holidays, so book well ahead and expect busier sites. On 22 February, the sun again lights up the sanctuary at Abu Simbel.
Winter is also the ideal time for a night under the stars in the White Desert. Pack warm layers: tours like The Grand Egyptian Circuit and Two Lands of Wonder include a desert camp night.
March and April: spring warmth
Spring is warm and bright, with Luxor reaching the low to mid-30s°C (around 90°F) by April. It's still a good time to travel, especially early in the season. Occasionally, a hot desert wind called the khamsin brings dusty, hazy days in spring. Easter is busy, so book early if you're traveling then.
May to September: summer heat, lower prices
Summer is hot, especially in Luxor and Aswan, where temperatures often pass 40°C (104°F). Sightseeing is planned for early mornings, with afternoons spent resting, by the pool or on deck. The advantages are real: fewer visitors at the major sites and lower prices.
If you travel in summer, a trip that ends on the Red Sea is a smart choice, since the coast has sea breezes and warm water for swimming. Pyramids to the Beach, Egypt in Nine Days and Pyramids & the Red Sea all finish with time by the sea.
The best time for each kind of trip
For a Nile cruise, October to April is ideal; cruises run all year, but summer sightseeing means very early starts. For the Red Sea, you can swim all year: the water is warmest from summer into autumn, while winter is sunny but cooler in the evenings. The White Desert is best from October to April, when daytime heat is manageable. And for Egypt and Jordan together, spring and autumn are best, since Petra can be very hot in summer and cold in winter. Tours like Egypt & Jordan Discovery combine both countries.
Ramadan and public holidays
During Ramadan, the Islamic holy month, many Egyptians fast from sunrise to sunset. Its dates move about 11 days earlier each year, so check the dates for your travel year. Tourist sites stay open, sometimes with shorter hours, and evenings come alive after sunset. Traveling during Ramadan can be a memorable cultural experience, as long as you're respectful.
Our recommendation
For a first visit, aim for October, November, February or March. You'll get comfortable weather with slightly fewer crowds than the December peak. If summer is your only option, go anyway: plan early starts and finish with a few days on the Red Sea.
Not sure how long to stay? Read our guide to how many days you need in Egypt. Or tell us your dates and we'll design a tailor-made trip for the season you're traveling in.
