If you're going through your closet in preparation for your big Egypt adventure and wondering what you can pack and what you can leave at home, keep the two Cs in mind – cool and conservative.
Summer temperatures in southern cities like Aswan can reach heights of 50°C (122°F) and don’t always drop at night. Light fabrics like linen, cotton and athletic gear made to take the heat are best. Just remember to cover up from your shoulders to below the knee. While women are expected to dress more conservatively than men, even the fellas should leave the short shorts and tight singlets at home. Also, avoid packing anything in white. While standing in front of the pyramids in an all-white linen suit makes for a great photo, the desert dust will quickly turn those light-coloured clothes a not-so-delightful shade of brown.
If you’re travelling outside of winter, don’t underestimate the cool change that can come in the evenings, especially if you’re spending the night in the desert or on a Nile cruise. A light fleece or jacket should be sufficient to keep you warm on Egypt’s chillier nights.
In terms of footwear, sneakers and/or sandals made for walking are essential. Pathways on historical sites are often rocky and uneven, and the footpaths in the main cities aren’t much better.
What should female travellers wear in Egypt?
Women are held to a more conservative dress standard than men in Egypt. While the expectations for travellers are less strict than for local women, you will draw less attention (and have a more immersive journey) if you pack clothes that cover from at least shoulder to below the knee.
The looser your clothes are, the better. Form-fitting clothing can be just as poorly received as exposed skin. Packing a couple of tunics and long sleeved shirts that you can slip over the top of your outfits is also a good idea for easy layering in more conservative areas.
For visits to mosques, female travellers should wear clothing that covers from ankle to elbow as well as decolletage and hair. Don’t worry if you have a few stray strands hanging out beneath the head scarf, it’s more about being seen to make the effort. Aside from mosque visits, female travellers are not expected to wear a headscarf.
So, what if you want to swim? The good news is you can pack your regular swimsuit when travelling to Egypt. Hotels with pools that cater to foreigners do not have dress codes.
Must-pack items for Egypt
- Long, baggy skirts and/or pants
- Long-sleeved t-shirts
- Bathing suit
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Sunglasses
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A scarf or shawl for women to cover their hair when visiting mosques
- A light fleece or jacket if travelling outside of summer
See our ultimate packing list for a more comprehensive list of items you should bring on your trip to Egypt.
Click here to return to Egypt FAQs
Our tours in Egypt
12 Days
From
2593
From Cairo, Alexandria and Aswan to the Valley of the Kings at Luxor, see the pharaohs,...
8 Days
From
1089
Visit Egypt and adventure along the River Nile through the land of the pharaohs, from...
9 Days
From
2584
From the Pyramids of Giza to the temples of Karnak and the bustling Khan al-Khalili...
19 Days
From
4845
This 19-day tour explores the best of Egypt and Jordan in Comfort, from Cairo to...
15 Days
From
2825
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
5600
Discover Egypt and Jordan on a 16-day Premium adventure from Cairo to Amman, including...
15 Days
From
4176
Travel down the Nile from Cairo to Aswan, exploring Luxor, Alexandria and more along...
22 Days
From
7079
Discover the contrasts of modern and ancient Egypt and Jordan on this in-depth Premium...
22 Days
From
9015
Uncover the culture and history of the Middle East on a 22-day Premium journey through...
22 Days
From
2606
Jordan and Egypt on a 22-day adventure including Petra, Cairo, Wadi Rum, Aswan, Luxor,...
15 Days
From
1125
Explore Egypt in 15 days with an Intrepid tour to Cairo, the Nile, Aswan, Luxor and...
26 Days
From
8350
Embark on an immersive, 26-day journey through the diverse Middle East, from the icons...
9 Days
From
955
Take an immersive nine-day tour through Egypt. Kick off in Cairo, home to the Pyramids...
9 Days
From
1394
Follow in the footsteps of prophets on an adventure tour through Jordan and Egypt....
15 Days
From
2295
This is trip for the big names – Lawrence of Arabia, Indiana Jones, Tutankhamen. Jordan...
22 Days
From
5370
Experience the best of the Middle East across Jordan, Egypt, Israel & Palestine....
19 Days
From
3500
Travel from Cairo to Tel Aviv, stopping at Aswan, Luxor, Cairo, Wadi Rum, Petra, Amman...
8 Days
From
1460
Decode the secrets of the Great Sphinx and more during this family adventure through...
8 Days
From
1870
Step back in time on an 8-day family Egyptian adventure through Cairo, Aswan and Luxor....
28 Days
From
9910
Deep dive into the Middle East on a 28-day Premium journey through Egypt, Jordan,...
15 Days
From
3580
Decode the secrets of the Great Sphinx and more during this family adventure through...
