The Best Time to Visit Egypt: Month-by-Month Guide
Month-by-month weather, crowds and seasonal pricing across Cairo, Upper Egypt and the Red Sea, so you can pick the right week for your pace and budget.
Egypt’s travel year splits into three clear windows: the main winter season from October to April, the shoulder months of May and September, and the hot summer from June to August.
November, February and March are our favourite all-round months. Daytime temperatures sit around 22–26°C (72–79°F) in Cairo and 26–30°C (79–86°F) in Luxor and Aswan — warm enough for a sun deck on the Nile and comfortable for walking through open-air temples.
Late December and early January bring crisp evenings and the busiest two weeks of the year around Christmas and New Year. Cruise cabins and top Nile-view hotels book out months ahead and carry a peak holiday supplement, so reserve early if you are travelling over the holidays.
April and October bridge the seasons with long sunny days and warm Red Sea water for swimming and snorkelling. Occasionally in March or April a warm spring wind (the khamsin) brings a dusty day, though it rarely lasts more than twenty-four hours.
From May to September, Upper Egypt (Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel) is genuinely hot in the afternoon, often above 38°C (100°F). Yet summer has real advantages: low-season rates save around 10–15%, the royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings are quiet, and we structure every day around a 6:00 am start and a long afternoon break by your hotel or cruise pool.
Questions travelers ask
What is the cheapest month to visit Egypt?
May through September is low season for hotels, packages and Nile cruises, with lower rates and far fewer crowds at the major sights.
Is it too cold to swim in the Red Sea in winter?
Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh have sunny days around 22–25°C (72–77°F) in January and February; the sea is refreshing rather than tropical, and most 5-star resorts heat their main pools.
Does Ramadan affect sightseeing in Egypt?
Temples, museums and tourist restaurants open during Ramadan (some close an hour earlier to break the fast at sunset), and evenings in Islamic Cairo are festive and welcoming.
Official sources
Trips that fit this guide
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