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The short answer: the best time to visit Egypt is from October to April, when days are warm and sunny and the temperature in Luxor and Aswan stays comfortable for sightseeing. But Egypt is a big country with very different climates, and each month has its own advantages. Here is what to expect month by month, and how to pick the right time for the trip you have in mind.
Egypt’s weather in one table
Average daytime highs in °C. Nights in the desert and in Cairo in winter are much cooler.
| Month | Cairo | Luxor and Aswan | Red Sea (Hurghada) | What it’s like |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19 | 22–24 | 22 | Cool, busy, perfect for temples |
| February | 21 | 24–26 | 23 | Mild and sunny, high season |
| March | 24 | 29–30 | 25 | Warming up, occasional dusty winds |
| April | 28 | 34–35 | 28 | Hot in the south, good for the sea |
| May | 32 | 38–39 | 31 | Hot, fewer visitors |
| June–August | 34–35 | 40–42 | 33–35 | Very hot, quietest season for sightseeing |
| September | 33 | 38–39 | 33 | Hot but the sea is at its warmest |
| October | 30 | 34–35 | 30 | Heat easing, season starts |
| November | 25 | 28–29 | 27 | Ideal almost everywhere |
| December | 20 | 24–25 | 23 | Pleasant, busiest around Christmas and New Year |
October to April: the best time to visit Egypt for most trips
This is Egypt’s main travel season, and for good reason. In Luxor and Aswan, where you spend hours walking around open-air temples and tombs, winter highs in the low to mid-20s °C make sightseeing a pleasure. It’s also the best time for a Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor, and for the Luxor hot air balloon ride, which takes off at sunrise.
The desert is also at its best from October to April. Trips to Siwa Oasis and the White Desert are comfortable in the daytime, but bring a warm jacket for nights in December and January, when temperatures in the desert can drop close to freezing.
The catch: this is also when Egypt is busiest. Late December to early January and the February half-term holidays are the peak, so book tours, cruises and hotels early, and expect queues at the Pyramids and the Valley of the Kings.
The sweet spots: October–November and March–April
If you have flexible dates, the best time to visit Egypt is the shoulder months. Late October and November are our favourite time: the summer heat has gone, the Red Sea is still warm enough for swimming, and the Christmas crowds haven’t arrived. March and April are similar, with long sunny days and a warming sea, though the south starts to get hot by late April.
Spring is also when the khamsin can blow: a hot, dusty wind from the desert that can bring a hazy day or two between March and May. It rarely lasts long, but it’s worth keeping a free day in your plan.
May to September: hot, quiet and good for the sea
Summer in Egypt is hot. Luxor and Aswan regularly pass 40°C, and Cairo is in the mid-30s. That doesn’t mean you can’t travel: sites are much quieter, prices are often lower, and the Red Sea is at its warmest. The trick is to start early, visit temples from opening time until late morning, rest through the afternoon and head out again in the evening.
Summer is the best season for snorkelling and beach time in Marsa Alam, Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, where sea breezes keep the coast more comfortable than the Nile Valley.
Dates and events worth planning around
- Abu Simbel Sun Festival, 22 February and 22 October. Twice a year the rising sun shines deep into the temple and lights the statues in the inner sanctuary. It’s spectacular and very crowded; our Abu Simbel day tour from Aswan runs all year if you prefer a quieter visit.
- Christmas and New Year. The busiest weeks of the year for cruises and Luxor hotels. Coptic Christmas falls on 7 January.
- Ramadan. In 2027 it is expected to start around 8 February and end around 9 March, depending on the moon sighting. Sites stay open, though some opening hours are shorter and many restaurants close until sunset. Evenings are lively, and it’s a memorable time to see Cairo.
The best time for your kind of trip
- Temples, Nile cruise and first trip to Egypt: October to April, ideally November or March.
- Desert camping and Siwa: October to April, avoiding the coldest nights of late December and January if you feel the cold.
- Red Sea beaches and snorkelling: April to November.
- Lowest prices and fewest people: May to September, if you can handle the heat.
- Everything in one trip: late October to November, when you can combine Cairo, the Nile and the sea. Our 10-day Egypt tour package does exactly that.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest month to visit Egypt?
Usually June to August, the hottest months, when hotels and cruises offer their lowest rates. Late May and September can also be good value.
Does it rain in Egypt?
Very rarely. Alexandria and the Mediterranean coast get some winter rain, and Cairo may see a few showers a year. Luxor and Aswan are almost completely dry.
Is December a good time to visit Egypt?
Yes. The weather is excellent for sightseeing, but the second half of December is peak season, so book early. Bring a jacket for evenings in Cairo and nights in the desert.
How far ahead should I book?
For December, January and the Abu Simbel festival dates, two to three months ahead is sensible, especially for Nile cruises. Outside peak weeks, a few weeks is usually enough.
Tell us when you’re thinking of travelling and we’ll suggest the itinerary that suits that season best. Plan your trip with us or message us on WhatsApp.
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