Best Time to Visit Egypt: A Month-by-Month Guide
Egypt is a year-round destination, but when you go changes everything, from how hot the temples feel to how busy the Pyramids are. This guide breaks down the year month by month, so you can choose the right time for Cairo, Luxor, a Nile cruise or the Red Sea.
Month by month
Month
What to expect
Good for
January
Cool days (about 18–23°C) and cold nights, especially in the desert
Cairo, Luxor, Nile cruises
February
Similar to January, still busy
Sightseeing, Nile cruises
March
Warm and pleasant, with occasional dusty winds
Cairo, Luxor, Aswan
April
Warm to hot, a good time before the summer heat
Sightseeing, Red Sea
May
Hot, especially in Luxor and Aswan, with fewer crowds
Red Sea, early-morning sightseeing
June
Very hot in Upper Egypt, often above 40°C
Red Sea beaches
July
The hottest month, so plan for mornings and evenings
Red Sea, Alexandria
August
Very hot and busy with holidaymakers
Red Sea, Alexandria
September
Still hot, easing late in the month
Red Sea, good-value deals
October
Warm and pleasant as the season begins
All of Egypt
November
Mild and sunny, one of the best months
All of Egypt
December
Mild days and cool nights, busy at Christmas and New Year
Sightseeing, so book early
Temperatures are approximate and vary by city and year.
Best time by destination
Cairo and Giza: October to April. In summer, start early to avoid the midday heat at the Pyramids.
Luxor and Aswan: November to March is the most comfortable. In summer, visit temples and tombs in the early morning. Hot air balloon rides over Luxor run all year when the weather allows, and winter mornings can be cool, so bring a jacket.
Nile cruises: October to April. Winter evenings on deck can be chilly.
Red Sea (Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Marsa Alam): the sea is warm enough for much of the year, with great snorkelling and diving. Water is cooler in January and February, and windy days make the coast popular with kitesurfers, especially from April to October.
Deserts and Siwa Oasis: October to April. Nights in the White Desert can be very cold in winter, so pack warm layers.
Alexandria: milder in summer than inland Egypt, but winter can be rainy and windy.
Crowds, prices and holidays
Busiest: Christmas and New Year, Easter, and generally October to February. Book hotels, Nile cruises and balloon flights early.
Quietest and cheapest: May to September, with fewer queues but much more heat.
Ramadan: the dates change every year. Daytime dining options can be limited and some opening hours change, while evenings are lively. Check the dates before you book.
Eid holidays: popular with Egyptian families, so expect busier hotels and sites.
Our recommendation
First-time visitors: November or March for the classic Cairo, Luxor and Aswan route.
Beach plus sightseeing: April, May or October.
Best value: September or early May.
Desert camping: November to February, with warm clothes for the nights.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest time to visit Egypt? May to September, when hotels and tours are cheaper but temperatures are high.
What is the worst time to visit Egypt? July and August are the hardest for sightseeing in Luxor and Aswan because of the heat, although the Red Sea is still enjoyable.
Is Egypt too hot in summer? In Upper Egypt, midday is often too hot for comfortable sightseeing. Plan early starts and rest in the afternoon.
When should I book? For peak dates, book two to three months ahead to get the best hotels, cruises and guides.
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