What is the Best Time to Visit Egypt?

Egypt is a land with an ancient history that comes alive through the stories told as one walks along the Nile River Valley and through the many pyramids built on the banks of the Nile. To experience all of the places to visit in Egypt, it is necessary to properly plan for the time of year you come and to find the balance between your comfort level with the heat and the amount of attraction you will be able to enjoy. The time you choose to visit Egypt will greatly affect how much you appreciate everything it has to offer. It is important to know when the best time is for you to start this wonderful adventure.

For the majority of people visiting Egypt, the best time for them to come is during the winter months from October through April, when it is cooler outside and provides ideal conditions for visiting the country’s incredible outdoor historical sites. Therefore, during this period, the weather is at its best for tourists.

Egypt Seasons By Season‏

‏Understanding the hot, dry desert climate of Egypt will allow you to make the best possible plans to visit Egypt.

‏1. Winter (October-April)

‏This is by far the best time to visit Egypt because the oppressive summer temperatures have dropped to very pleasant highs of sunshine and warmth during the day and chilly lows at night (rather chilly after dark, especially in the desert).

‏Temperature: In Cairo or the northern regions, daytime highs will range from 20 to 25 °C (68 to 77 °F). In Luxor/Aswan, daytime highs will vary between 25 and 30 °C (77 and 86 °F), but they will still be cooler than summer.

‏Why It’s the Best Time to Visit Egypt: You will have long, pleasant, and comfortable days during this time period and will be able to easily explore the Giza Plateau, Karnak Temple, and Valley of the Kings without suffering through excessive heat. You can also enjoy your cruise down the Nile or spend a few days on the Red Sea beaches.

‏A Note of Caution: Since this period is peak tourist season, the major points of interest in Egypt will likely be crowded. Prices for airfare and lodging will likely also be at their highest. Therefore, reserve your reservations as soon as you know your travel dates.

2. Mid-Spring & Early Fall

The months of mid-spring (April — May) and early fall (September — October) provide an excellent middle ground for temperature and humidity. While still warm compared to winter weather, they offer relatively pleasant temperatures with minimal humidity, especially when compared to the extreme heat of the summer months.

Mid-Spring (April — May)

The weather is gradually becoming warmer in mid-spring; however, it is still an ideal time to travel; in addition, expect to experience a khamsin (hot, dusty wind).

Early Fall (September — October)

The intense heat of summer will begin to dissipate; however, the early fall months can offer the best climate and generally have slightly lower tourist traffic than mid-winter.

3. June to August

This is a very challenging time of year for traditional/ancient history tours; however, a few special tour options may be provided during this period.

Weather: Extremely hot and dry conditions prevail; daytime highs can exceed 40 C (104 F) in both Luxor and Aswan, as well as Cairo. The sun is strong with relative humidity typically low (coastal areas slightly higher).

Who Should Look Into It: Good option primarily for people on very limited budgets, as prices are generally reduced significantly for the low season. However, if the only thing you want is the Red Sea resort areas (Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh), then this can also be a good time to visit.

Challenge: Major tourist attractions in Egypt (archaeological sites) can be very strenuous and possibly dangerous to visit during the hottest summer months. Therefore, you will need to begin your tours well before sunrise and rest during the hottest part of the day.

Also Read: Travel Insurance

Matching the Season to Your Egyptian Experience

Here are some key time frames according to your individual needs:

1. If you’re mainly interested in Egypt’s classic historical sites (i.e. Cairo, the Nile, Luxor and Aswan), the months from October through April are the best choice for an enjoyable experience.

2. Red Sea beach vacations can occur throughout the year; therefore, summer will provide hot sunny temperatures for the beach, while winter provides a nice warm and comfortable climate (swimming temperature is also available year-round).

3. If you’re interested in desert safaris (including areas like: Western Desert and Siwa Oasis), then plan to travel between October and March when it is cooler. Summer travel in the desert can be very challenging.

4. The Red Sea is a great year-round location for scuba diving and snorkeling. The visibility of the water is very good year-round; however, during the summer, it is warmer, while in the winter, the temperature is comfortable for diving but still pleasant for those who may be sensitive to heat.

Conclusion

While Egypt’s timeless wonders await any time of year, the best time to visit Egypt is clearly during its temperate winter. Timing your trip to Egypt for the fall to spring (October — April) period will enhance your exploration experience of the famous temples, tombs, and monuments that Egypt is famous for. Your opportunity to see the sights of Egypt will transform from a list of “must see” sites into a truly unforgettable journey. You’ll be able to savor every moment of the incredible **things to do in Egypt**, including viewing the sunrise over Abu Simbel, or relaxing on a felucca sailboat on the Nile. When choosing your travel season, you will create memories of Egypt for its incredible landscapes, instead of using the heat of the sun as your only source of reference.