Best Time to Visit Egypt 2025
When is the best time to visit Egypt? You may have noticed the climate and seasonal factors play a big role in shaping your experience. Whether you're planning to explore the ancient wonders, embark on a Nile cruise, or relax by the Red Sea, choosing the right time to visit can make all the difference.
In this guide, we'll explore Egypt's weather patterns across seasons as well as offer some recommendations based on the activities you want to do and the places you want to see on your Egypt tour.
What Is the Weather Like in Egypt?
Egypt's climate is primarily arid, with little rainfall. While temperatures vary between regions, summers are generally hot, and winters are mild. Here's a breakdown:
- Cairo: Mild year-round, with summer highs around 35°C (95°F) and winter lows around 21°C (70°F).
- Luxor & Aswan: Hot summers exceeding 40°C (104°F), pleasant springs and falls, and mild winters.
- Alexandria & Mediterranean Coast: Cooler than inland areas, especially in winter. Expect average highs of 18°C (64°F) in winter and 30°C (86°F) in summer.
- Red Sea (Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada): Warm year-round, ideal for beach lovers with winter lows around 21°C (70°F) and summer highs around 38°C (100°F).
Giza Pyramids, Cairo
Best Time to Visit Egypt: October to April (The Cooler Season)
The ideal time to visit Egypt is during the cooler months, from October to April, when temperatures are more moderate and comfortable for sightseeing. This is Egypt's peak tourist season, with cooler days perfect for exploring outdoor landmarks like the pyramids and ancient temples.
If there are any downsides to visiting Egypt during this time, there will be the larger crowds and the higher costs, since it is the high season for tourism in Egypt.
Temperatures:
Expect pleasant daytime temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), depending on the region, with cooler evenings.
Best for Sightseeing:
This period is ideal for visiting the pyramids, ancient temples, and tombs across Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan without being overwhelmed by the intense heat.
Egypt's Shoulder Seasons: May and September
If you prefer fewer crowds and don't mind slightly warmer weather, May and September are great months to visit. These are considered shoulder seasons, with fewer tourists and lower prices while still offering relatively comfortable conditions for travel.
Temperatures:
Daytime temperatures can reach 30°C to 35°C (86°F to 95°F), but mornings and evenings remain cool.
Best for Sightseeing:
You can still explore landmarks like the Pyramids of Giza, the Karnak Temples, the Abu Simbel Temples, and so on. But maybe do the visits early in the morning for a cooler temperature. A Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor is also a good option. Space out the noontime for the visits to some air-conditioned places like the Grand Egyptian Museum and Alexandria Bibliotheca.
Besides, May and September are excellent times to visit Egypt's Red Sea resorts like Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, where you can enjoy sunbathing with mild sea breezes.
Summer in Egypt: Hottest but Best for Diving
Red Sea, Hurghada
Egypt's summer, from June to August, can be extremely hot. While this might deter some travelers, others may find advantages in traveling during the off-peak season.
Fewer tourists mean that popular attractions like the pyramids and temples are far less crowded, allowing for a more intimate experience. Prices for hotels and tours are also lower during this period.
Temperatures:
Temperatures often soar above 40°C (104°F), especially in southern regions. While the average high temperatures of Cairo are around 35-37°C (95-99°F), they can reach 45-50°C (113-122°F) in Aswan.
Best for Sightseeing:
A Red Sea coastal trip is still a great option during this period. You can visit beach destinations like Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, or Dahab. The Red Sea offers refreshing waters for diving and snorkeling, and coastal breezes keep temperatures more manageable.
Kindly Remind:
If you plan to visit Cairo or take a Nile cruise during the summer, be prepared for the intense heat.
This includes drinking plenty of water, avoiding direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day, and wearing light, loose-fitting clothing. Make sure to schedule your sightseeing early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
Consider an Odynovo tour for a more comfortable travel experience. In addition to well-organized activities, you'll travel from place to place in an air-conditioned private vehicle with refreshments like iced water and snacks.
Events and Festivals to Consider
If you want to dive deeper into Egypt's cultural and religious traditions, visiting during a major festival or event can add a special dimension to your trip.
Abu Simbel Sun Festival
The Abu Simbel Sun Festival is one of Egypt's most remarkable events, held twice a year at the ancient temple of Abu Simbel. On these two days, the rising sun illuminates the inner sanctuary of the temple, lighting up the statues of Ramses II, Ra, and Amun. This spectacle is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. And there will also be some wonderful traditional performances.
Dates: February 22 and October 22 every year
Coptic Christmas
Coptic Christmas is celebrated by Egypt's Christian community with significant religious ceremonies. Cairo, Alexandria, and monasteries across the country come alive with midnight masses, processions, and joyful gatherings. It's a fascinating time to see how Egyptian Christians celebrate Christmas in their own way.
Dates: January 7 (Not only on that day, but if you go to Egypt in early January, you can also feel the atmosphere of Coptic Christmas.)
Ramadan
Ramadan, the holy month of fasting for Muslims, is one of the most important events in Egypt.
Although some attractions may have reduced hours, the evenings come alive with bustling streets, Iftar (the meal that breaks the fast), and special cultural activities.
Dates: February 28 - March 30, 2025
Related FAQs
What to Wear in Egypt?
Packing for Egypt depends on the season. For spring and fall, comfortable clothing in light, breathable fabrics is ideal. Pack layers for cooler evenings. In summer, opt for lightweight, loose-fitting clothes to stay cool. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essentials. For winter, bring warmer layers, like a jacket, especially for northern areas.
Are Holidays and Public Events Busy Times to Visit Egypt?
Major public holidays, including Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, and Eid al-Adha, can affect the opening hours of attractions and services, but these are not peak travel seasons.
Conversely, Christmas and New Year in Egypt attract many tourists, especially from Europe. So, it is highly recommended to book a few months in advance. If you are looking forward to a seamless holiday visit to Egypt and want to avoid crowds, Oydnovo can help you.
Is It Possible to Visit Egypt During Ramadan?
Sure, as most attractions still remain open during Ramadan. Just noted that most markets, shopping malls, restaurants, and some attractions like pyramids will reduce their service hours during Ramadan.
Travel Around Egypt With Odynovo
In Egypt, every city has its unique scenery in every season. Therefore, knowing the difference in seasons in each city can help you choose the right time to enjoy yourself. If you want to start a trip to Egypt, please contact us at: [email protected], we'll create a tailor-made trip according to your preferences.
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