What to pack for a trip to Egypt: a guide to dressing for seasons and culture
Pack like a pro for your next trip to Egypt with these expert seasonal picks—plus simple tips on ways to show respect to the local culture.
From the Pyramids of Giza to the tombs of the Valley of the Kings and the hieroglyph-lined temples of Luxor, Egypt’s 7,000-plus years of history make it a bucket list destination. Calling Egypt a land of contrasts is an understatement—the landscape shifts from the verdant Nile Delta to the sprawling Sahara Desert. As such, the climate varies across the country and seasons, so what to wear in Egypt depends on the time of year you’re going on tour. Here, we’ve put together the ultimate packing guide, so you’ll look and feel comfortable in any season while also respecting the local culture—especially while visiting the nation’s many impressive religious sites.
Egypt’s weather and climate: dressing for the seasons
Summer
Desert terrain means soaring temperatures (seriously, we’re talking up to 122 F!) and the right packing list will be your key to handling the heat like a pro. For a summer tour of Egypt, we recommend filling your suitcase with:
- Light, loose layers. As the thermometer darts past 100 F, you might think that less is more—but a thin, long-sleeved shirt to throw over your shoulders can be a lifesaver when the sun’s blazing away.
- Breathable fabrics. Linen and cotton are optimal options for high heat.
- A sun hat. We wouldn’t wish a scalp sunburn on our worst enemy.
Fall
As fall arrives, the summer heat lets up. Temperatures begin to drop to more moderate levels, averaging 68-91 F in Cairo, and as it continues cooling in October and November, nighttime temperatures can reach the low 50s. For a fall trip, consider packing:
- A cozy sweater or sweatshirt. In the evenings, you’ll be thankful to have something warm to throw on.
- Lightweight clothes. Your daytime sightseeing uniform will likely look similar in summer and early fall, with maybe an added layer for the later months of the season.
- Sun protection. As the thermometer begins to fall, the sun keeps beating down, so remain ready for strong rays.
Read 5 reasons to visit Egypt in the fall →
Winter
Egypt’s winters are mild, making them a prime time for sightseeing. Expect daytime temperatures ranging from the high 50s to the mid-70s. Evenings tend to be chillier, however, with temperatures dropping into the mid-40s and the high 50s. To stay comfortable on a winter trip to Egypt, pack:
- A warm jacket. Desert evenings can feel especially chilly, so don’t forget a jacket on your winter trip.
- Clothing you can easily layer. Winter in Egypt can be a bit of a mixed bag, so layers help you tackle each day’s forecast as it comes.
- An umbrella or rain jacket. While it doesn’t rain often in Egypt, winter is when the northern parts of the country see the most rainfall.
Spring
Like fall, spring is a transitional season in Egypt—temperatures begin to rise, but the heat comes nowhere near those steamy summer peaks. When considering what to pack, think lightweight clothing for warm, sunny days and layers for cooler mornings and evenings. We recommend bringing:
- Light-colored clothes. When the sun’s shining, it’s best not to wear black and navy.
- A few warmer layers. At night, temperatures drop and the wind picks up. You may want a sweater or light jacket to stay comfortable.
- Swimwear. When temperatures creep into the mid-to-high 80s, taking a dip in the pool on your Nile River cruise will be a refreshing treat.
Cultural norms: how to dress in Egypt
Cultural considerations for visitors
Since Egypt’s a predominantly Muslim country, its dress code for tourists is quite conservative. Bring light, breathable clothing made of cotton or linen, and dress modestly. (Avoid revealing or tight-fitting pieces.) Finally, make sure you cover your shoulders and knees—it’s a sign of respect, especially when visiting religious sites.
Specific guidelines for male travelers
Bring a mix of T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, and collared shirts, and avoid shorts or sleeveless tops to fit in with local customs. Men don’t need a head-covering scarf to enter mosques, but wearing pants is always advisable—and perhaps the easiest way to blend in.
Specific guidelines for female travelers
Keep modesty norms in mind: Wear loose clothing—like long skirts, pants, and long-sleeved blouses—that keep your chest, shoulders, and knees covered at all times. (Visiting a beach resort is an exception.) You can still stay relatively cool by taking a tip from the ancient Egyptians and wearing light, breathable fabrics like linen. Be sure to bring a scarf for entering mosques and other religious sites, and consider a crossbody bag as a comfortable, secure alternative to a backpack.
Packing Essentials for Egypt
General clothing recommendations
- A mix of light, modest clothing (avoid wearing loungewear and workout apparel in public)
- Light-colored clothing to stay cooler under the hot desert sun (and maybe a stain-removing pen in case of coffee spills)
- Versatile layering pieces, like light sweaters and cardigans
- Sturdy outerwear to protect against wind, sand, and the elements
- Swimwear for pools at hotels or on a Nile River cruise boat
- A lightweight jacket or shawl for cooler evenings
- A warm jacket or scarf for winter trips (large scarves also make great blankets on tour buses)
Footwear
- Sturdy, comfortable walking shoes—such as light hiking boots, sneakers, or closed-toed sandals—for tours and excursions
- Casual slip-on sandals for downtime at your hotel
- Velcro, strappy, or other active sandals for boarding and disembarking boats
Sun protection accessories
- Hats
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Scarves
- Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) clothing
- Handheld fans
Optional items
- A money clip with small bills for tipping or baksheesh—what locals call a small sum offered as a tip or charitable donation
- A portable phone charger for long sightseeing days
- An on-the-go medicine cabinet:
- Pain relievers
- Antidiarrheals
- Allergy medications
- Eye drops
- Motion sickness medications
- A first-aid kit
- A universal travel adapter
Is Egypt at the top of your travel bucket list? Explore our Egypt tours today.
