What Is The Best Time To Visit Egypt? (A Local’s Advice!)
4 min read
The best time to visit Egypt is between October and April when the days are comfortable and mild – but still pleasantly sunny. You can explore the temples of Luxor, the pyramids and the bustling Cairo souqs at ease (and the evenings are cool).
The hottest months are June to August when daytime average temperatures easily hit the high 30s C (the low 100s F). Sightseeing is difficult at best under in the summer – you’ll be chugging iced water and hunting for some shade. BUT it’s perfect for scuba diving and the Red Sea is delightfully warm.
I’m an expat living in Egypt for over a decade – and I’ve travelled across this country in all months of the year. And this is my ultimate guide to the best time to visit Egypt – plus insider tips and local advice!
What is the best month to visit Egypt?
The best month to visit Egypt is December and January when the weather is mild and the days are sunny. Europe and much of the U.S. is covered in snow at this time of year, so a trip to Egypt is especially wonderful to beat the holiday blues and combat vitamin C deficiency.
What is the hottest month in Egypt?
The hottest month of the year is July when temperatures climb up to the high 30s C (the low 100s F). And don’t listen to the travel agents who say this is a dry country. Yes it’s the desert but there’s also the Nile – which means humidity is high. A short walk down the street for an errant will leave you covered in sweat in July.
When is the high season in Egypt?
Egypt’s peak tourist season goes from October to February, when crowds flock for the mild temperatures.
When is the best time to take a Nile Cruise?
The best time to take a Nile cruise is between October and April. While your cruise boat will definitely have a/c, it’s still best to avoid the summer hear because you’ll be visiting a lot of outdoor Ancient Egyptian temples.
When is the best time to go diving in Egypt?
The best time for diving in Egypt is June to August – when the days are sweltering hot but the Red Sea waters are warm and inviting.
Temperatures reach the 40s C (108 F). But the heat is worth it once you get into those warm, serene sea waters and experience the incredible underwater visibility.
When is the cheapest time to visit Egypt?
The cheapest time to visit Egypt is the off-season (in the summer) from around May to August. The heat means fewer crowds and that means better bargains and lower prices.
When is the best time to beat the crowds?
The shoulder seasons (between the high and low tourist seasons) are the best time to beat the crowds – and the high temperatures.
If you want to escape the heat and the crowds, then visit in March and April (spring) or October and November (autumn). Hotels also offer lower rates during these inbetween months.
When is the best time to visit the pyramids?
The Pyramids of Giza are perched on a wide, sandy plateau – which means it gets hot and there’s little shade. It’s best to avoid the summer heat because a trip to Giza means a lot of walking and sightseeing in the sun.
Can I visit during Ramadan?
Ramadan is a bit slower-paced but it’s a perfectly great time to visit Egypt. Just check the opening hours of shops, tourist sites and businesses because some may close in the afternoons and then offer extended evening hours.
The Islamic holy month means that many Egyptians will be fasting from sunrise to sunset. But that won’t impact your travel – you’ll probably hardly notice it’s Ramadan if you’re in a touristic city like Sharm el Sheikh or Luxor.
A month by month guide to visiting Egypt:
January: brisk, mild weather perfect for sightseeing.
February: comfortable temperatures great for exploring the temples.
March: great weather and thinner tourist crowds.
April: fewer crowds, perfect beach weather.
May: warm but comfortable, perfect for a Nile cruise.
June: hot and perfect for snorkeling in the Red Sea, fewer tourists.
July: small crowds, great hot weather for diving and sun tanning.
August: hot and perfect for the beach or air conditioned museums.
September: top conditions for diving and snorkeling, fewer crowds.
October: cooler weather and start of the high season, perfect for both diving and sightseeing.
November: ideal brisk weather for sightseeing major temples and museums.
December: busy season, perfect for sailing the Nile and sightseeing.
