Comfortable, respectful clothing tips for women and men, and what to pack for every part of your Egypt trip.
"What should I wear in Egypt?" is one of the most common questions travelers ask before their trip. The good news is that it's simple: dress comfortably for the heat, a little more modestly than you might at home, and pack for the specific places you'll visit. Here's a practical guide.
The general rule: comfortable and modest
Egypt is a welcoming country used to visitors from all over the world, but it is also fairly conservative. Away from beach resorts, clothing that covers your shoulders and knees is respectful and will help you feel comfortable. Loose, light fabrics such as cotton and linen are ideal, since they keep you cool and protect your skin from the strong sun.
Tips for women
Long, loose skirts or trousers, and tops that cover the shoulders, work well for sightseeing and in cities. You don't need to cover your hair in most places, but a light scarf is very useful: it protects you from the sun and dust, and covers your hair when visiting a mosque. In beach resorts, swimwear is completely normal by the pool and on the beach.
Tips for men
Light trousers or knee-length shorts and T-shirts are fine for most sightseeing. Long trousers are more appropriate for mosques and churches, and for dinners in nicer restaurants. As for women, beachwear belongs at the beach and pool rather than in town.
Visiting mosques, churches and religious sites
When visiting places of worship, both women and men should cover their shoulders and knees, and women should cover their hair in mosques. You'll usually be asked to remove your shoes before entering a mosque. Historic Cairo's churches and synagogue, visited on tours like The Royal Nile, call for the same modest dress.
What to wear at the temples and pyramids
Comfortable walking shoes are essential: you'll walk on sand, stone and uneven ground at the pyramids, Karnak and the Valley of the Kings. Add a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen, since shade can be limited. Light layers work well, as early mornings can be cool even when the afternoon is hot.
On a Nile cruise
Daytime wear on a cruise is relaxed and casual. Many travelers bring something a little smarter for dinner, and some ships hold a traditional costume party, where you can wear a galabeya, the long robe traditionally worn in Egypt. In winter, bring a warm layer for evenings on the sun deck. Read more in our Nile cruise guide.
In the desert
Desert days can be hot, but nights can be cold, especially in winter, when temperatures can drop close to freezing. If your tour includes a night in the White Desert, as The Grand Egyptian Circuit and Two Lands of Wonder do, pack a warm jacket, a hat and closed shoes.
At the Red Sea
In resorts like Hurghada and Marsa Alam, swimwear, shorts and summer clothes are normal. Water shoes are useful for rocky entries, and a reef-safe sunscreen helps protect the coral.
Handy extras to pack
A few small items make a big difference: a refillable water bottle, a small daypack, hand sanitizer and tissues, some small bills for tips, and a plug adapter. Egypt uses the European-style two-round-pin plugs (types C and F) at 220 volts.
Planning your trip
The right clothes also depend on the season, so check our guide to the best time to visit Egypt. If you have any questions about what to bring on your tour, our team is happy to help.
