The best time to travel to Egypt is spring (March, April, May) and fall (September, October, November). During these two seasons, you can enjoy warm weather, explore temples, take a Nile cruise, or relax on the Red Sea coast. Summers in Egypt are extremely hot, and winters bring strong winds that can spoil any beach vacation. I used to try all seasons, that’s why in this article, I’ll walk you through Egypt month by month and show you the weather, best places to visit, and share real tourist advice.
What to pack for Egypt
Before you go, you should prepare a few important things.
- Bring sunscreen and light clothing for daytime, but also warmer layers for evenings on winter trips.
- Use cash to pay for taxis, tips, street food, and small shops. Local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP), but in tourist areas, they also accept US dollars and Euros. Leave $1 tip for the cleaning staff, and you will be amazed at your room’s condition.
- Don’t rely on hotel Wi-Fi – most Egyptian hotels either don’t provide it or charge extra. On my first trip, I learned it the hard way and ended up needing much more mobile data than expected just to share photos and stay connected.
An easy way to stay connected in Egypt is an Ohayu eSIM for travelers, which can connect you to local Egyptian mobile networks (like Etisalat Egypt) without a physical SIM card. It gives you mobile internet at transparent rates, so you can avoid possible tourist scams at local SIM card kiosks and don’t need to pay extra for hotel Wi-Fi.
Best and peak arrival seasons in Egypt
Like Hawaii, Greece, and many other popular tourist destinations around the world, Egypt’s seasons can be viewed in two ways – by weather & prices or by tourist arrivals. Seasons strongly depend on weather conditions, and the prices, crowds, and even atmosphere shift a lot depending on when you visit.
The best season by weather is spring (March to May), autumn (September to November).
Pros: The weather is perfect, it’s warm but not scorching. Temperatures are cozy for beach rest, excursions, and quad biking in the desert.
Cons: The trade-off is higher prices for tours, air tickets, hotels, and food. Spring also brings occasional dust storms.
The peak season by tourist numbers looks different. According to Statista, the busiest months are July through December, plus March and April. Families travel during the summer school holidays, while autumn brings good weather and long weekend trips around international holidays.
The low season, by both factors, covers late spring, early summer (May, June), and winter (January to February).
Pros: Fewer tourists and very low prices for flights and hotels.
Cons: Summer in Egypt is extremely hot, and June already has the exhausting summer heat. Daytime temperature may climb above 45 degrees. Sightseeing is impossible outside early mornings, and during the daytime, you need to hide in air-conditioned hotel rooms. In winter, it gets cooler with heavy winds (bringing strong waves and currents). Although the water is still warm, you will see red flags that prohibit swimming in the Red Sea most of the time.
Now that you know the season basics, let’s go month by month and see what Egypt has to offer.
January
January is one of the few cool months in Egypt. It’s even raining sometimes, but very lightly. Daytime temperatures stay mild, averaging only 20 to 25 °C, and the nights feel chilly. So, consider packing a few cardigans and pairs of trousers for evening outings.
Typically, this is a very good time for day excursions. Beach season is very low because the sea is cooler, but it’s still comfortable for diving and snorkeling.
Flights: from Europe €200-€350; from the US $600-$850.
Quick facts
- Temperature: South +22 to +25 °C; North +18 to +20 °C; Red Sea coast +22 to +24 °C.
- Precipitation: 5-10 mm per month.
- Water temperature: +22 to +23 °C.
- Places to visit: Cairo (excursions to the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, Egyptian Museum), Red Sea coast (diving and snorkeling), Luxor (Valley of the Kings).
Traveler advice
January rains are more often in the north. So if you are going to visit Alexandria, pack a light waterproof.
The month is also busy around New Year and Orthodox Christmas (Jan 7). Flights and hotels fill up, and queues at the pyramids are longer than usual (Adventure Life).
Evenings on the Nile can feel cold. Many cruise ships and hotels don’t have heating, so gloves or a warm sweater are useful (Rick Steves forum).
Vendors at tourist sites are especially active this month. Have small bills ready for tipping and use “la shukran” (no, thank you) to keep things polite (Reddit).
February
It is getting warmer in February. The daytime temperature is between 22 to 25 °C. It is time to enjoy day excursions, join a desert safari, or go quad biking before the sun starts to bake.
For beach rest, tourists prefer the Red Sea coast (Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh), where many hotels heat their pools. The Mediterranean Sea is still too cold for swimming, but the water is so crystal clear – perfect for divers.
Flights: Europe €200-€320; US $600-$850 on average.
Quick facts
- Temperature: South +24 to +26 °C; North +19 to +21 °C; Red Sea coast +22 to +24 °C.
- Precipitation: 5-15 mm in the north.
- Water temperature: +21 to +23 °C.
- Activities: Cairo, Giza, Aswan, Nubian villages, Lake Nasser, Red Sea coast, Mount Sinai.
Traveler advice
February can still feel cold at night. Travelers on TripAdvisor often mention that desert safaris are freezing after sunset – pack a jacket.
This month is quieter for tourism. It’s a good time to explore temples without large crowds, especially in Luxor and Aswan.
March
Beach season in Egypt begins in March, as temperatures go up. The south coast is already lively with swimmers. The north is also getting more visitors who can enjoy excursions during the last cool days.
Flights: from Europe, €230-€370; from the US $650-$900.
Quick facts
- Temperature: South +28 to +30 °C; North +22 to +25 °C; Red Sea coast +24 to +25 °C.
- Precipitation: 3-10 mm in the north, dry elsewhere.
- Water temperature: +22 to +23 °C.
- Places to visit: Cairo and Luxor, Dakhla Oasis, Sinai Peninsula (beach, free diving, snorkeling).
Traveler advice
March marks the start of the Khamsin winds (dust storms). These dust storms are less intense than in April but still affect visibility and air quality (Britannica).
This month also brings the Abu Simbel Sun Festival (Feb 22 and Oct 22). If you travel late February or early March, you may catch celebrations still ongoing around the temples.
April
The heat ramps up by day, so it’s better to go sightseeing in the mornings and evenings. Mid-spring in Egypt coincides with the peak of Khansim storms. The wind blows dust from the southern deserts, and the air becomes hotter, drier, and harder to breathe. Although the storm lasts from a few hours to a few days, this time is pure hell for allergy sufferers.
Flights: Europe €250-€400; the US $650-$900.
Quick facts
- Temperature: South +32 to +35 °C; North +25 to +28 °C; Red Sea coast +27 to +31 °C.
- Precipitation: None.
- Water temperature: +23 to +24 °C.
- Places to visit: Guided tours to Abu Simbel, Cairo’s landmarks, Sinai Peninsula (trekking and Red Sea beaches), and Aswan.
Traveler advice
Khamsin winds are strongest in March and April. Locals suggest sunglasses and scarves to protect your face when storms hit.
April often overlaps with Ramadan. Restaurants may close during the day, but evenings are lively with street food and family gatherings.
It’s also the start of Easter tourism. Prices rise in Red Sea resorts and Cairo, so book early.
May
May already feels like peak summer in Egypt. Temperatures rise above 36 °C. The khamsin winds are gone, the air is hot and still. Many travelers head straight to the Red Sea resorts like Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada, and go for boat trips and snorkeling.
The heat is intense inland. Dehydration is a real risk, so carry water, wear a hat, and limit beach or pool time to the mornings and evenings.
Flights: Europe from €250-€400; the US $700-$950.
Quick facts
- Temperature: South +36 to +39 °C; North +28 to +32 °C; Red Sea coast +30 to +34 °C.
- Precipitation: None.
- Water temperature: +24 to +26 °C.
- Places to visit: Morning and evening excursions to Luxor and Cairo, safaris, Red and Mediterranean Sea beaches.
Traveler advice
May is considered the start of mango season in Egypt. Street vendors sell fresh mango juice, which locals say is best in late spring.
Heat can be extreme during the day. Travelers recommend scheduling sightseeing very early or in the evening.
June
June brings the true Egyptian heat in its full force. The air is suffocating, and day trips and bus rides are difficult because temperatures climb to 40 °C.
But the Red Sea is the best this month. It feels like warm milk – perfect for swimming.
Flights: from Europe start at €270-€420; from the US $700-$950.
Quick facts
- Temperature: South +40 to +41 °C; North +32 to +34 °C; Red Sea coast +33 to +37 °C.
- Precipitation: None.
- Water temperature: +26 to +27 °C.
- Places to visit: Alexandria (Citadel of Qaitbay), guided walks early or late, beach retreats.
Traveler advice
June is the start of the low season. Prices for resorts drop, and you can find good deals on all-inclusive hotels (KimKim).
Local advice: avoid buses and long drives in midday heat, as many vehicles lack strong air conditioning.
July
The equator of the strongest Summer heat in Egypt is July. In the south, temperatures hit 43 °C and go up to 50 °C in the desert. If you want to sunbathe, limit it to mornings and evenings when the sun is less intense, and always use SPF.
The Mediterranean coast feels bearable, but inland it’s simply too hot for sightseeing. Most travelers spend their days indoors or by the water.
Flights: from Europe typically cost €300-€450; from the US $750-$1000.
Quick facts
- Temperature: South +41 to +43 °C; North +33 to +35 °C; Red Sea coast +35 to +38 °C.
- Precipitation: None.
- Water temperature: +27 to +28 °C.
- Places to visit: Beach holidays, early morning excursions in the north.
Traveler advice
July is the hottest month. Many travelers report spending most of the day indoors under air conditioning.
The Mediterranean coast, like Alexandria, feels more pleasant thanks to sea breezes.
August
It’s extremely hot, even at night. Daytime highs are extreme, and nights are rarely cooler than 30 °C. Vacationing in Egypt in August is best for those who can tolerate heat well.
Flights: from Europe €300-€450; from the US $750-$1000.
Quick facts
- Temperature: South +42 to +43 °C; North +33 to +35 °C; Red Sea coast +35 to +40 °C.
- Precipitation: None.
- Water temperature: +28 to +29 °C.
- Places to visit: Red Sea beaches, early or late visits to northern sites.
Traveler advice
August is when Egyptians take their own summer holidays. Expect crowded beaches in Alexandria and the north coast. People also attend the Mango Festival in Ismailia.
South Egypt is nearly empty of tourists – a plus if you want uncrowded temples, but the heat is brutal.
September
Early September still feels like summer, but evenings cool down by month’s end. Excursions return in popularity.
Flights: from Europe €230-€380 return; from the US $650-$900.
Quick facts
- Temperature: South +38 to +39 °C; North +30 to +33 °C; Red Sea coast +33 to +35 °C.
- Precipitation: None.
- Water temperature: +27 to +28 °C.
- Places to visit: Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Aswan, Nubian villages, Abu Simbel, Red Sea and Mediterranean beaches.
Traveler advice
September is harvest time for pomegranates and grapes, which appear in local markets.
By the last week of the month, the weather is pleasant for Nile cruises.
October
The velvet season starts in October. The weather turns mild, with daytime highs up to 36 °C, cooler evenings with a pleasant breeze. Travelers return to seaside resorts and excursions.
Flights: from Europe €240-€400; from the US $700-$950 on average.
Quick facts
- Temperature: South +33 to +36 °C; North +27 to +30 °C; Red Sea coast +29 to +32 °C.
- Precipitation: None.
- Water temperature: +26 to +27 °C.
- Places to visit: Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Aswan, Nubian villages, Abu Simbel, Red Sea, and Mediterranean beaches.
Traveler advice
October 22 is the second Abu Simbel Sun Festival, when sunlight illuminates the temple’s inner sanctuary; it’s a good time to visit.
November
It is my favorite month to visit Egypt! I’ve been here twice in November, and both trips were memorable. The weather is dry and warm, without the exhausting summer heat. The sea is still pleasant for a quick swim, and evenings cool down to about 15 °C, so a jacket is handy.
Flights: from Europe €250-€450; from the US $700-$950.
Quick facts
- Temperature: South +27 to +29 °C; North +23 to +26 °C; Red Sea coast +25 to +27 °C.
- Precipitation: Rare in the north.
- Water temperature: +25 to +26 °C.
- Places to visit: Sightseeing at Luxor’s temples, the Pyramids of Giza, Red Sea coast (diving/snorkeling), and Alexandria.
Traveler advice
November is the start of peak season, so hotels in Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh sell out early.
Cairo hosts cultural events like the Cairo International Film Festival, so expect more demand in the capital.
Evenings can be chilly on the Nile or in open-air temples. Bring a jacket for after-dark excursions.
It’s also pomegranate, mango, and date season. Local markets are full of fresh fruit, which travelers recommend trying on the spot.
December
Want to escape from the European winter into the African warmth? Try visiting Egypt in December, but keep in mind that prices for stays skyrocket before Christmas and the New Year.
Flights: from Europe €250-€420; from the US from $700-$1000.
Quick facts
- Temperature: South +23 to +25 °C; North +19 to +21 °C; Red Sea coast +22 to +24 °C.
- Precipitation: Minimal.
- Water temperature: +23 to +25 °C.
- Places to visit: New Year’s parties in Cairo, winter beach stays, and Luxor temples.
Traveler advice
December is one of the busiest months. Resorts book out early, and prices rise.
The days are short, it gets dark early, and evenings can feel colder than expected, especially on Nile cruises. Bring warm layers.
Avoiding scams in Egypt
Now, when you see what to expect for every month in Egypt, I want to share one more final recommendation – avoid tourist traps.
Like in many tourist destinations, here you’ll meet a lot of people trying to make a quick profit from visitors. A few simple habits will save you from trouble.
- Count your change at markets, in taxis, and even when buying tickets at attractions.
- Be cautious with “free” offers and “gifts”. A photo on a camel or with an animal in the street usually comes with a fee.
- Use Uber or Careem apps instead of getting random taxis to avoid inflated fares.
- Download travel apps before your trip – maps, translators, and ride-hailing apps work offline if you lose signal, and Ohayu travel eSIM will help you to stay online.
- Always bargain. Prices given to tourists are inflated. Negotiating is part of the culture.
- Learn to say no. A simple “la shukran” (no, thank you in Arabic) is polite but firm.
Final thoughts on the best time to travel to Egypt
In Egypt, ancient culture and architecture meet with first-class tourist services. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit the country. It is warm and perfect for excursions to historical sites, active leisure, and beach retreats. This is the ideal season to travel with children.
The summer and winter months are less comfy. In summer, the heat gets intense, and winter is windy. The Christmas and New Year holidays result in higher prices, just like during the peak season.
Ultimately, the choice of the best time to travel to Egypt depends on your travel style. If you prepare well, pack sunscreen, carry small bills, and secure your internet with an Ohayu eSIM for Egypt. It can make your trip more enjoyable because staying connected makes a world of difference in any season.
I still find something new every time I return – Egypt always has surprises waiting. For now, I wish you happy travels, and may your trip be full of discoveries.
