THE BEST TIME TO VISIT EGYPT
Seasons and Weather
Egypt has a generally high temperature, particularly during the summer months from May to August, when the sun can be very strong and temperatures above 30 degrees Celsius. If you're visiting Egypt during this time, take plenty of sunscreen and drink lots of water. It's still fine to visit Egypt at these times of year and the heat is more dry than humid.
In Cairo and the Nile Delta region, winter (October to February) can be cooler, especially in the evenings and at night, so take a jacket, long-sleeved tops and trousers. The south remains warm during this time but again, temperatures do drop in the evenings. This is the best time to visit Egypt for sightseeing if you want to avoid the hot sun.
The shoulder months of September, March and April offer pleasant daytime temperatures and are considered the perfect time to enjoy the Red Sea for sunbathing, swimming and snorkelling. Scuba diving can be enjoyed year-round in places such as Hurghada.
Climate - Cairo
| JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
| TEMP MIN °F | 46 | 48 | 52 | 57 | 63 | 68 | 73 | 73 | 70 | 64 | 57 | 50 |
| TEMP MAX °F | 66 | 68 | 75 | 82 | 90 | 93 | 97 | 97 | 91 | 86 | 79 | 70 |
| RAINFALL (MM) | 14 | 4 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 3 |
Climate - Hurghada
| JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
| TEMP MIN °F | 52 | 54 | 59 | 66 | 72 | 75 | 77 | 77 | 75 | 70 | 61 | 54 |
| TEMP MAX °F | 70 | 72 | 77 | 84 | 91 | 95 | 95 | 93 | 91 | 84 | 79 | 72 |
| RAINFALL (MM) | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate - Luxor
| JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
| TEMP MIN °F | 45 | 46 | 54 | 63 | 70 | 75 | 77 | 77 | 72 | 66 | 55 | 46 |
| TEMP MAX °F | 73 | 77 | 84 | 95 | 102 | 106 | 106 | 106 | 102 | 95 | 84 | 75 |
| RAINFALL (MM) | 10 | 1 | 3 | 10 | 20 | 1 | 13 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 6 |
Upcoming events
To help plan your visit to Egypt, here's an overview of the next year's festivals and events.
2020:
February 22nd - Abu Simbel Sun Festival (Abu Simbel)
April 23rd-May 23rd - Ramadan (countrywide)
July 30th-August 3rd - Eid El Adha (countrywide)
There's also a number of national holidays in Egypt and on these dates many businesses and some tourist sites will close for the day so plan your visit accordingly.
Festivals and Events
The vast majority of Egypt's population is Muslim and a number of Islamic celebrations are held throughout the year, namely Ramadan and Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice) though the devout Coptic Christian minority observe holidays such as Easter. Below is a guide to the various festivals and events held throughout the year.
What is the Abu Simbel Sun Festival?
The spectacular temples of Abu Simbel were built so that on two days of the year the sun would align and illuminate the inner sanctum of the temple. These dates mark the date of King Ramses II's ascension to the throne - 21st February - and his birthday - 21st October. It's an incredible phenomenon to witness and a perfect time to visit Abu Simbel. Experience it for yourself on our Abu Simbel Sun Festival tour.
What is Eid El Adha?
Also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, the festival of Eid El Adha commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim to follow Allah's command to sacrifice his son Ishmael. The festival lasts for four days and during this time families share the meat from a sacrificed animal between themselves, relatives and the poor.
What happens in Egypt during Ramadan?
Most Egyptians usually become more holy during this month, visiting their mosque more regularly and reading as much of the Koran as possible. At night you will find a very festive atmosphere especially in major Egyptian cities. People usually go out after breaking their fast to coffee shops, sporting clubs or big hotels. Often you will see oriental tents set up outside these places where shisha, food and drinks (no alcohol) are served all night with live music, Sufi dancing and traditional dancing.
These parties go on all night till just before sunrise when people have their second big meal called ‘El Sohour’ which will help them fast for the next day. At this time of year services will be slower, opening hours reduced and traffic chaotic but it is likely that you will witness and often experience the true hospitality, generosity and kindness that the holy month of Ramadan brings to the nation.
Tourist Site Closures
At present there are no planned closures of tourist sites in Egypt but recently closing times for major attractions in Cairo, Aswan and Luxor have changed to 4pm with the exception of Luxor Temple which is open until 8pm during the week.
See Also
For more useful information to help plan your visit to Egypt have a browse through the following:
- Best Places to Visit - the best spots in Egypt to check out when you visit
- Tourist Visas - what you need to know to enter Egypt
- Top Travel Tips - including info on money, health, food and shopping
- Traveller Reviews - see what our passengers have to say
- Nile Felucca Sailing - what to expect on a felucca cruise
- Travel Alerts - latest updates on safety and security in Egypt
- Egypt Video Lounge - experience ancient Egypt with these top travel videos
- Highlights of Ancient Egypt - our guide to the pyramids and Egypt's other ancient wonders
- Abu Simbel Sun Festival FAQ - all your questions answered
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FAQ
A-8 days in Egypt, including a Nile River cruise and professional, private guides, will cost approximately $1,500 per person. Not bad considering this estimate also includes private guides for all of the sites and attractions.
A-There is no FCO advice against travel to Cairo, Alexandria, the tourist areas along the Nile, and the Red Sea resorts of Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada. The section of the country between the Nile and the Red Sea is also considered mostly safe.
A-If weather is your primary concern, the best time to visit Egypt is during the northern hemisphere fall, winter or early spring (October to April), when temperatures are lower. To avoid the crowds at ancient sites like the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor, and Abu Simbel, try to avoid peak season (December and January).
A- An Egypt visa is required for most travelers including American and British passport holders. Americans and citizens fro 40 other countries can obtain an Egypt visa on arrival at the Cairo International airport at the bank kiosks before the immigration counters for $25 USD and are valid for visits up to 30 days.
A-Pants, Capris, Leggings, and Shorts...Basically, as long as your knees are covered, you are good. So whether you choose pants or capris, you will feel comfortable and remain respectful. Local women wear long pants or skirts.
A-On our Egypt tours that travel south to Aswan, include 3 or 4 night Nile cruise as standard. There is always the option to upgrade to a 5 star Luxury Nile cruise, which offers well–appointed and outward facing cabins.
A-The fixed deposit amount is 25% of the tours total price Except for Egypt Christmas tours, new years and other peak seasons where the deposit goes up to 50%.