When is the best time to visit Egypt? Here’s your season-by-season guide

Ask any travel expert, and you’ll get different responses to the question: “When is the best time to visit Egypt?” There are plenty of perks to each season in the Land of the Pharaohs, so there’s no wrong time to plan a trip to Egypt. The good news? We’re laying it all out for you in this season-by-season guide so you don’t need to decipher hieroglyphics to decide when is the best time to go to Egypt for your dream trip.

What is the weather like in Egypt in each season?

Egypt offers a diverse climate throughout the year, meaning the season you choose to take your Egypt tour makes a difference. There is no best time to travel to Egypt per se, but there are times when you may feel more comfortable, depending on your specific preferences.

In the winter (December to February), visitors enjoy mild and pleasant temperatures, perfect for exploring the iconic pyramids and cruising along the Nile. Spring (March to May) brings warm, sunny days and blooming landscapes, ideal for maximizing your outdoor explorations and enjoying the scenery. Summer (June to August) is characterized by intense heat, particularly in the southern regions, driving many tourists to take frequent relaxing dips in the pools at hotels and on the Nile cruise ships. Finally, autumn (September to November) sees a gradual cooling, offering a sweet spot of warm-yet-comfortable weather for sightseeing and desert excursions. No matter when you visit, Egypt’s climate ensures a unique and memorable experience.

Winter

The best time to visit Egypt to enjoy cooler temperatures

Sensitive to the heat? Winter in Egypt is for you! Winter in Egypt is the perfect time to explore 5,000 years of Egyptian history without breaking a sweat. While Egypt never gets particularly cold by North American standards, this season is certainly the best time to go to Egypt to sightsee sans sweltering heat—and without sacrificing the sunshine.

Months to experience winter in Egypt

December, January, and February

Travel to Egypt in December for festive fun. December offers cool-to-mild weather, ideal for exploring Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. Nights can be refreshingly cool, especially in the desert. Enjoy festive markets and church services leading up to Coptic Christmas on January 7. Want even more festivities? New Year’s Eve celebrations in major cities and resorts also feature fireworks and special events. All in all, December’s pleasant weather and festive atmosphere make it a perfect month for a memorable tour of Egypt.

Venture to Egypt in January to see the sites in cool comfort. January in Egypt offers mild winter weather, perfect for exploring iconic landmarks like the pyramids or for hopping off your Nile River cruise midday to discover ancient temples alongside your expert Tour Director. Northern cities and regions like Cairo, Giza, and Alexandria enjoy comfortably cool days while the south is slightly warmer—though, still much more temperate than in the summer months. Want some culture? Immerse yourself in celebrations of Coptic Christmas on January 7. This month can be a real dream for Egyptian sightseeing.

Head to Egypt in February to catch a special festival. The Abu Simbel Sun Festival kicks off in February at one of Egypt’s greatest wonders, the Temple of Ramses II. On two days of the year, the 22nd of February and October, the sun aligns perfectly to illuminate the central chamber. (It’s typically dark all year.) The hand-carved, sandstone temple was built so that the chambers are lit on Ramses II’s birthday and the day he took the throne. Locals come out in droves to celebrate this unbelievable phenomenon. After the show, visitors head outside to enjoy traditional Nubian dance and live music.

Weather in Egypt in December, January & February

Daytime temperatures typically range from 59°F to 72°F in the northern parts of the country, including Cairo and the Mediterranean coast. In the southern regions, like Luxor and Aswan, temperatures can hover around 75°F. Evenings tend to be chillier, however, with forecasts dropping between 46°F and 54°F in the north and around 50°F and 59°F in the south. If you ask us, it’s a wonderful season to indulge in a warming bowl of lentil soup (one of our favorite Egyptian delicacies).

What staffers say about winter in Egypt: “My group had an incredible time traveling to Egypt in January. When we were exploring up north in Cairo and Alexandria, we wrapped up in light jackets to stay cozy, but by the time we ventured south, we were happily donning our swimsuits to lounge by the pool on the cruise ship! The temperatures were ideal for blissful sightseeing throughout the whole tour.” —Staffer Steph, Egypt & Nile River Cruise for Solo Travelers

Spring

The best time to visit Egypt to embrace the splendor of the shoulder season

Spring in Egypt brings warm, sunny days and cool, refreshing nights. The landscapes come alive with blooming flowers, adding a touch of color to your trip to Egypt. This season is perfect for exploring the temples and tombs of Luxor and Aswan or enjoying a serene sail along the Nile. Spring festivals and holidays invite you to join in on joyous, traditional celebrations. With pleasant weather and vibrant scenery, springtime in Egypt is a feast for the senses.

Months to experience spring in Egypt

March, April, and May

Go to Egypt in March to catch the beginning of spring. March marks the arrival of spring in Egypt, bringing bright days and breezy nights. This month is wonderful for exploring sites both north and south, from the pyramids to Abu Simbel (and all the stunning landscapes in between). The occasional dust storm, part of the phenomenon known as “the Khamaseen,” can add a touch of adventure to your travels. If you experience one during your trip, you may notice your photos take on sepia-like tones thanks to the swirling desert sands. March’s moderate weather makes every activity on our Egypt tours enjoyable.

Venture to Egypt in April for springtime celebrations. Similar to March, April in Egypt offers warm days and pleasantly cool nights, creating a comfortable environment for sightseeing. You may still catch some of the Khamaseen (those hot, dry winds), but they’ll be dying down. The popular Easter holiday season sees an influx of visitors as the Monday after Easter marks the beginning of Sham El-Nassim—one of the Egypt’s most time-honored traditions, a festival celebrating the arrival of spring. This is the time to experience Egypt in full bloom and enjoy its vibrant, joyous traditions.

Meander to Egypt in May for transitional weather. May in Egypt may not bring May showers, but rather, the first signs of that famous desert heat. As it nears summer, the country sees more and more sun-soaked days and steamy nights. This is a spectacular month to enjoy the Red Sea extension on our Grand Tour of Egypt: Cairo, Pyramids of Giza & Nile River Cruise. Spend weeks seeing all the wonders of Egypt before diving into crystal-clear waters and relaxing on golden, sandy shores during a well-earned reprieve from the rising temperatures.

Weather in Egypt in March, April & May

Daytime temperatures range from 68°F to 86°F in the northern regions and can reach up to 95°F in the southern parts by May. Once the sun sets, things cool off a bit and temps drop between 54°F and 68°F.

What our travelers say about spring in Egypt: “Awesome trip! The tour had a very packed schedule, but it was efficiently planned so we saw all the high points. We went in May and thought that was perfect—crowds were low and weather was bearable. I can’t wait to travel with Go Ahead again!” —Traveler Regina Karen, A Week in Egypt: Giza, Nile River Cruise & Cairo

Summer

The best time to visit Egypt to beat the crowds

Summer in Egypt is all about embracing the sizzling temperatures. While high heat keeps many visitors away, those willing to brave it can enjoy their sightseeing sans crowds. If you’re confident in your ability to explore the country’s desert terrain as temperature surpass 100°F, you’re in for wonderfully peaceful exploration.

Months to experience summer in Egypt

June, July, and August

Tour Egypt in June for reduced crowds. If you’re ready to brave the heat, June is a great time to travel to Egypt. The high temperatures keep the usual crowds of visitors at bay, so you can get your iconic Great Sphinx selfies without photobombers in the background. In the evening, let the Nile breeze cool you down on an added Nile River Felucca Ride & Dinner excursion—there’s no better way to catch a sunset on one of our Egypt tours!

Travel to Egypt in July for quiet exploration. Egypt in July is sweltering but also beautifully quiet. If you handle high temps like a pro, this can be a wonderful time to discover the country’s most iconic sites without the usual lines of visitors looking to do the same. Queues are shorter in July and you’ll be able to explore Egypt’s most spectacular temples at your own speed. Plus, when you’re ready to cool off on our trips to Egypt, you can order a refreshing beverage by the pool on your Nile River cruise as you float down the world-renowned river.

Plan your trip to Egypt in August for steamy (but secluded) sightseeing. Following the theme of June and July, Egyptian Augusts remain toasty. The skyrocketing temperatures are not suitable for those who are sensitive to the heat, but if you’re comfortable braving it, you can reap the rewards. As you take in the beauty of the pyramids without the crowds of visitors milling about, you may be able to convince yourself that you’ve somehow time traveled to ancient Egypt. The same can be said for exploring the temples and other iconic sites. If you want to lose yourself in the country’s history on a tour of Egypt, August is a great time to do it.

Weather in Egypt in June, July & August

This is when things get particularly steamy in Egypt. Daytime temperatures frequently exceed 95°F in the north and can soar above 104°F in the southern areas such as Luxor and Aswan. Evenings see a reprieve from the heat, with temps dropping between 68°F and 77°F in the north and between 77°F and 86°F in the south.

What our travelers say about summer in Egypt: “Went to Egypt June 2024, and the tour was amazing. Yes, it was hot in June, but the crowds were minimal, and it was in the 100s in the States (114°F in Sacramento where we live), and in Egypt we got pyramids! (Everything is better with pyramids.)” —Traveler Mary, Egypt and the Nile River Cruise

Which month will play host to your perfect Egyptian escape? Explore year-round options to see the pyramids, sail along the Nile, and scour the Valley of the Kings on our Egypt tours!