When to visit Egypt: the weather month by month

Egypt's seasons at a glance

Egypt has a desert climate. Rain is rare, the sun shines almost every day and the gap between day and night temperatures can be wide. What really changes through the year is the heat, so the useful question is not whether the weather will be good, but how much heat you are happy to walk around in while visiting open-air temples.

It helps to think of the country in three parts. Cairo and the north have cool winters and hot, fairly humid summers. Upper Egypt, which takes in Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel, is drier and much hotter in summer. The Red Sea coast around Hurghada and Marsa Alam gets a steady sea breeze that takes the edge off the heat for most of the year. The figures in this guide are typical, approximate ranges; any given year can run warmer or cooler.

Winter: December to February

This is peak season for sightseeing. Daytime highs in Luxor and Aswan usually sit around 22 to 26 °C, while early mornings and evenings are chilly and can drop below 10 °C. Cairo tends to reach 18 to 21 °C, with the odd grey day or short shower. It is comfortable weather for walking through Karnak, climbing into the tombs of the Valley of the Kings or spending a long morning on the Giza plateau.

The trade-off is demand. Christmas, New Year and the European school holidays fill hotels and Nile cruises, so book well ahead if you are set on those weeks. On the Red Sea the air is pleasant at roughly 21 to 24 °C, but the water is cooler and the northerly wind is noticeable out on the boats.

Spring: March to May

March and the first half of April are a good alternative to winter. Days are longer, highs in Luxor climb to around 28 to 33 °C and the sites are a little quieter. From late April and into May the heat in Upper Egypt gets serious, and days above 35 °C are common.

Spring is also khamsin season. This hot, sand-laden wind blows in from the desert in spells of one to three days. It can push temperatures up suddenly, cut visibility and occasionally delay flights or boat trips. It passes quickly, but a little slack in the itinerary is worth having.

Summer: June to August

This is when the regions differ most. Highs in Luxor and Aswan usually top 40 °C, and Abu Simbel can be hotter still. Sightseeing starts early, often from 6 am, with a long break in the middle of the day. Cairo sits around 34 to 36 °C with more humidity.

On the Red Sea, by contrast, summer is beach season. Air temperatures run from about 32 to 36 °C, but the constant breeze makes it manageable and the water is warm. If you are travelling in these months, a short stint on the Nile followed by more time on the coast usually works better than a long Upper Egypt circuit.

Autumn: September to November

September is still hot everywhere. October is the turning point: highs in Luxor ease to about 32 to 35 °C, and by November they are closer to 26 to 30 °C, with cooler nights. It is one of the most balanced times to go, because the Red Sea holds on to its summer warmth while Upper Egypt is comfortable for much of the day.

If you would like to see the sun reach the inner sanctuary at Abu Simbel, it happens around 22 October and 22 February [verify]. Those days draw big crowds, so plan early.

Ramadan and public holidays

Ramadan follows the lunar calendar and moves about eleven days earlier each year, so its dates are never fixed [verify]. During the month many Egyptians fast from sunrise to sunset. Archaeological sites stay open, although hours can shift [verify], and some local restaurants close during the day. After sunset the streets come alive, which many visitors find a highlight of the trip.

The two main religious holidays, Eid al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan and Eid al-Adha roughly ten weeks later, also change every year [verify]. Many Egyptian families travel then, and the Red Sea resorts get busy. Check the calendar for your year before you settle on dates.

Red Sea water temperatures

If snorkelling or diving is part of the plan, the water temperature matters as much as the air. These are approximate ranges for the Hurghada area; Marsa Alam, further south, is often a degree or two warmer:

• January to March: about 21 to 23 °C. Many divers wear a 5 mm wetsuit.
• April and May: about 23 to 25 °C.
• June to August: about 26 to 28 °C.
• September and October: about 27 to 29 °C, the warmest water of the year.
• November and December: about 23 to 26 °C and slowly cooling.

The northerly wind is common in winter and can mean a boat trip to the Giftun Islands is called off or moved to a more sheltered spot. Sea conditions are always confirmed on the day.

What to pack for each season

Your bag for January looks quite different from your bag for July. As a rough guide:

• Winter: layers, a light jacket or fleece for early mornings in Luxor and evenings on deck, and closed shoes.
• Spring: light clothes for the day, an extra layer for the evening, and a scarf or sunglasses in case the khamsin blows.
• Summer: loose cotton or linen, a wide-brimmed hat, high-factor sunscreen and a refillable bottle.
• Autumn: summer clothes, a thin sweater for November and your swimwear close at hand.
• All year: shoulders and knees covered for mosques and traditional neighbourhoods, and comfortable shoes for uneven temple floors.

To sum up: October to April is the easiest window for the Nile and Cairo, and the Red Sea works all year round. If you are torn between two months, decide which part of the trip matters more to you, the temples or the beach, and let that make the call.