The best time to visit Egypt is between October and April, temperatures are cooler, but you are still guaranteed sun. This is when Egypt is at its most comfortable temperature, perfect for exploring Cairo and the Pyramids.

During the seasons of spring and autumn, daytime temperatures will reach hit 25-30°C but the evenings are much cooler. 

Egypt is blessed with a whole lot of sunshine and very little rain. Generally, the hottest months are June through to August, and the coolest month is January. Rainfall is almost non-existent, except on the coast – when it does happen it's during the winter months (December–March). During summer (June–August), daily temperatures can reach 40°C – perfect for snorkelling and soaking up the sun on the beaches of Sinai, but can be pretty demanding for some in the crowded streets and souqs of Cairo. 

Along with the weather, there's a few other things to consider when planning an Egyptian adventure, and choosing the best time will make your visit the most comfortable and rewarding it can be. 

When to visit to beat the heat (and the crowds!)

Crowds come in flocks usually at the start and end of summer (late May–June and August–early September), but visiting just outside of these times is ideal to escape some of the crowds and the brunt of the sun's heat. March–early May and late September–November are great times to see the best that Egypt has to offer without worrying about the weather.

But when's better – spring or autumn? If you can take your pick, then the months of autumn are generally better, because spring brings the khamaseen – a hot sand wind occurring irregularly in the first half of the year. Don't let that put you off, though! It's not a constant sandstorm, but rather short blasts that can last a couple of hours. Skies are quite dusty in spring, and usually blue skies all round in autumn.

When to visit to experience Islamic tradition

The majority of Egypt's population is predominately Islamic, so there are certain religious events during the year that can affect your travel plans no matter where you are in the country. One such time is Ramadan, the dates of which change but usually fall in April or May. During the ninth and holiest month in the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is observed by Muslims across the world as a time of spiritual rejuvenation and for this month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. There may be some interruptions to your travel schedule, including reduced opening hours at restaurants, markets and stores, but the chance to see Ramadan in action is an insightful and fulfilling experience. Witness as hundreds or thousands of worshippers descend on local mosques for evening prayers then spill out into city streets to enjoy their iftar (breaking of the fast) meal. Eid al-Fitr, at the end of Ramadan, is a three-day festival in Egypt to celebrate the end of fasting, and many people get out on the streets to gather with family and friends. While there may be a different pace to the day during this time in Egypt, it's definitely a positive eye-opening cultural experience.

When to visit to cruise the Nile

You'd think that heading down the Nile would mean river breezes and cooler temperatures any time of the year. Think again. Some of the places you'll stop by along your cruise – Luxor and Aswan – get mighty hot in the depths of summer, often reaching above 45°C (113°F)! Most Nile cruise vessels are air-conditioned, but some old-school feluccas rely on mother nature's air conditioning. Some of the more high-end boats have pools too, which are ideal for those hot afternoons cruising past the sun-kissed landscapes. Consider the facilities on your boat and your tolerance to heat, but as a rule of thumb, spring and autumn provide the ideal mild to warm temperatures, perfect for cruising down one of the world's most iconic rivers. 

 

Click to learn more about weather in Egypt

Click to return to Egypt FAQs

Our tours in Egypt

12 Days From 4157

From Cairo, Alexandria and Aswan to the Valley of the Kings at Luxor, see the pharaohs,...

8 Days From 1751

Visit Egypt and adventure along the River Nile through the land of the pharaohs, from...

9 Days From 4024

From the Pyramids of Giza to the temples of Karnak and the bustling Khan al-Khalili...

19 Days From 7545

This 19-day tour explores the best of Egypt and Jordan in Comfort, from Cairo to...

15 Days From 4155

Take an adventure holiday through Egypt and Jordan. Visit Cairo, the Pyramids of Giza,...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

16 Days From 8230

Discover Egypt and Jordan on a 16-day Premium adventure from Cairo to Amman, including...

15 Days From 6504

Travel down the Nile from Cairo to Aswan, exploring Luxor, Alexandria and more along...

22 Days From 11030

Discover the contrasts of modern and ancient Egypt and Jordan on this in-depth Premium...

22 Days From 13250

Uncover the culture and history of the Middle East on a 22-day Premium journey through...

22 Days From 4127

Jordan and Egypt on a 22-day adventure including Petra, Cairo, Wadi Rum, Aswan, Luxor,...

15 Days From 1823

Explore Egypt in 15 days with an Intrepid tour to Cairo, the Nile, Aswan, Luxor and...

26 Days From 12980

Embark on an immersive, 26-day journey through the diverse Middle East, from the icons...

9 Days From 1495

Take an immersive nine-day tour through Egypt. Kick off in Cairo, home to the Pyramids...

9 Days From 2227

Follow in the footsteps of prophets on an adventure tour through Jordan and Egypt....

15 Days From 3570

This is trip for the big names – Lawrence of Arabia, Indiana Jones, Tutankhamen. Jordan...

22 Days From 8370

Experience the best of the Middle East across Jordan, Egypt, Israel & Palestine....

19 Days From 5660

Travel from Cairo to Tel Aviv, stopping at Aswan, Luxor, Cairo, Wadi Rum, Petra, Amman...

8 Days From 2390

Decode the secrets of the Great Sphinx and more during this family adventure through...

8 Days From 2915

Step back in time on an 8-day family Egyptian adventure through Cairo, Aswan and Luxor....

28 Days From 15440

Deep dive into the Middle East on a 28-day Premium journey through Egypt, Jordan,...

15 Days From 5680

Decode the secrets of the Great Sphinx and more during this family adventure through...