When is the best time to visit Egypt? Here’s your season-by-season guide
Whether you’re prioritizing cooler weather, fewer crowds, or unique events, we’ll pair you with your perfect month to travel to Egypt.
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? No need to decipher hieroglyphics to decide when is the best time to go to Egypt—we’re laying it all out for you in this season-by-season guide.
The best seasons to visit Egypt
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 travel preferences.
Winter is peak travel season, as visitors enjoy mild and pleasant temperatures, perfect for exploring the iconic pyramids and cruising along the Nile. Spring brings warm, sunny days and blooming landscapes, ideal for maximizing your outdoor explorations and enjoying the scenery. Summer is the offseason and is characterized by intense heat, driving many travelers to take relaxing dips in hotel pools or on their Nile cruise ship. Finally, autumn sees a gradual cooling, offering a sweet spot of warm-yet-comfortable weather for sightseeing and desert excursions.
Winter in Egypt
Go for cooler temperatures, festive fun, and local holidays
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. This may be the most popular time for visitors to flock to Egypt, but the more ideal temperatures can often be a trade-off for the larger crowds of eager explorers.
Weather in Egypt in December, January, and 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.
December
- December offers cool-to-mild weather, ideal for exploring Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. Nights can be refreshingly cool, especially in the desert.
- New Year’s Eve celebrations at resorts and in major cities, like Cairo, 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.
January
- January in Egypt offers mild winter weather, perfect for hopping on and off your Nile River cruise midday to discover ancient temples alongside your expert Tour Director. Seeing every single site without immediately breaking into a sweat? That’s a travel win.
- Egypt’s Coptic Orthodox Christian community celebrates Coptic Christmas on January 7. While celebrants mark the holiday by attending mass, setting up nativity scenes, and giving back to charitable organizations, there’s one great way for travelers to take part in the festivities. Go to El Abd Pastry in Cairo to order kahk, a cookie served on the holiday.
February
- The Abu Simbel Sun Festival kicks off in February at one of Egypt’s greatest wonders, the Temple of Ramses II. On the 22nd of February, what Egyptians believe is the anniversary of Ramses' ascension to the throne, the sun aligns perfectly to illuminate the central chamber. (It’s typically dark all year.) If you miss the February event, read on to hear about the one that takes place in October.
- Capture the beauty of Wadi El Natrun, or the Valley of Salt, at the tail end of winter. This season is when the skies are clearer and the air quality is crispier, which enhances the quality of your desert landscape photos.
Enjoy these Egypt trips in the winter
)
Spring in Egypt
Go for shoulder-season perks, religious events, and nature in bloom
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.
Weather in Egypt in March, April, and 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.
March
- A natural phenomenon known as “the Khamaseen” can add a touch of adventure to your March travels. These occasional dust storms add a sepia tone to your photos thanks to the swirling desert sands. Who needs filters on those vacation pics when nature will do the work for you?
- Many Islamic holidays often fall toward the end of March, including Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. This makes the month a particularly symbolic time to visit the Muhammad Ali Mosque. When you step inside this place of worship, you’ll learn more about its architectural features, why it’s nicknamed the Alabaster Mosque, and how worshippers observe these major holidays.
April
- The Monday after Coptic Easter marks the beginning of Shem El-Nassim. This public holiday, celebrating the arrival of spring, comes from ancient Egypt and is now one of modern-day Egypt’s most time-honored traditions. Locals attend picnics and parties, and if you find yourself in a big city on the big day, get outside and join them in the festivities.
- Winter flooding along the Nile River (which is key to sustain the country’s economy and agriculture) means that come springtime, the riverbanks along the Luxor and Karnak temples are lush with greenery. Pair views of verdant scenery with the mild temperatures and the historic temples, and you’ve got a unique reason to visit Egypt in April.
May
- May in Egypt doesn’t bring May showers, but rather, the first signs of that famous desert heat. This is a spectacular month to enjoy the Red Sea extension on our Grand Tour of Egypt: Cairo, Pyramids of Giza & Nile River Cruise. See 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.
- Visit King Tutankhamun’s tomb in May before the full-on summer heat hits. While the tomb is protected from the elements, it’s still warm inside—the ancient Egyptians weren’t known for putting air conditioning in their burial chambers! As you get into summer, the temperatures will only continue to rise.
Shop spring trips to Egypt
Summer in Egypt
Go for off-season benefits, museum exploration, and fewer 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 temperatures surpass 100 F, you’re in for a wonderfully peaceful trip.
Weather in Egypt in June, July, and 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.
June
- The heat’s nearing its peak, but it’s offseason, so the number of people photobombing your pyramid pics will be at an all-time low. 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.
- In the evening, let the Nile breeze cool you down on our Nile River Felucca Ride & Dinner excursion—there’s no better way to catch a sunset on one of our Egypt tours!
July
- Egypt in July is sweltering but also beautifully quiet. If you don’t mind high temps, 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.
- Dip away from the sun’s rays and head indoors to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum. The roof panels function like the gills of a fish, filtering light and temperature, allowing the museum to breathe and keeping the interior at 73 F, even when temperatures outside reach well over 120 F. This unique feature preserves the lifespan of the thousands of priceless artifacts stored inside the museum.
August
- The early bird gets the... best sunrises? Yes! When you rise with the sun while on your Nile River cruise, you’ll be treated to more manageable temperatures, light breezes, and a stunning golden sunrise over Lake Nassar.
- In the summer, the strong midday sun casts unique shadows on the tombs in the Valley of the Kings, highlighting the ancient carvings and paintings. This offers travelers a special chance to photograph the valley in a way that might not be possible in the softer, wintertime light.
Spend summer in Egypt on these tours
Fall in Egypt
Go for comfortable weather, the wine harvest, and just-right snorkeling conditions
You could certainly argue that fall is the best time to go to Egypt. Autumn in Egypt is the shoulder season, a magical time with warm-yet-comfortable weather, making it a spectacular season for stepping into the country’s storied history. The gradual cooling brings a pleasant climate for seeing all the sites alongside your expert Tour Director—who’s also an Egyptologist.
Weather in Egypt in September, October, and November
Things cool down in the fall. Temperatures start around 86 F in September in the north and can reach up to 95 F in the south, cooling to around 68 F to 77 F by November. At night, the heat dissipates—averages fall between 59 F and 68 F in the north and 68 F and 77 F in the south.
September
- Muslims celebrate the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday during Mawlid al-Nabi. The holiday typically falls in September, but timing may vary based on the Islamic calendar. Festivities, like religious processions and street parties, will be in full swing in Cairo to mark the occasion. One way to get involved is by sharing colorful, sugary Mawlid sweets with one another.
- September marks the start of the shoulder-season weather (aka cooler temps and clearer skies) making this the best time for a hot-air balloon ride in Egypt. When you add the Nile River Hot-Air Balloon Ride excursion on our Grand Tour of Egypt: Cairo, Pyramids of Giza & Nile River Cruise, you’ll float above ancient temples, the Nile, and the Valley of the Kings to get a truly impressive view of Egypt’s archaeological history.
October
- October in northern Egypt marks the season of wine harvesting along the Nile Delta. Cities like Alexandria host wine-focused events, tastings, and festivals to mark the occasion. The harvest only happens once a year and is a great chance to try unique Egyptian wines.
- We mentioned that the Abu Simbel Sun Festival takes place in February, but surprise—it also happens in October for Ramses’ birthday! Head to the Temple of Ramses II on the 22nd when the sun lights up the dark central chamber. Locals come out in droves to celebrate this unbelievable phenomenon.
November
- Time your Egypt visit to line up with the Cairo International Film Festival, where filmmakers and celebrities gather for one of the Middle East’s most prestigious artistic events. With its ideal weather and unique events, November is a fantastic time to explore Egypt’s epic cultural offerings.
- November is the tail end of shoulder season, meaning you’ll beat winter’s peak-season crowds to the Red Sea. Water temperatures hover around 80 F and visibility to spot fish, manta rays, and coral reefs will be better since there will be less people snorkeling in the sea.
Add these fall Egypt tours to your list
Emily loves the simple travel moments—like watching hours pass by in minutes while sharing a meal and a laugh (or many) with her friends and family. Outside the office, you'll find Emily listening to anything and everything John Mayer, attempting to cook a New York Times recipe, or dreaming up her next trip.
