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.

A group of travellers walking through ancient ruins in Aswan, Egypt

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 spend 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.

Learn about the weather in Egypt

What should female travellers wear in Egypt?

Three travellers standing at the base of the pyramids in Cairo, 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 mosque visits, 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

Read our ultimate Egypt packing guide

Return to Egypt FAQs

Our tours in Egypt

8 Days From 15988

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

15 Days From 42012

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

15 Days From 84417

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

12 Days From 36990

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

15 Days From 21259

Explore Egypt with a trip to Cairo, the Nile, Aswan, Luxor and Alexandria. Pyramids,...

Tailor-Made trips

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

9 Days From 49954

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

9 Days From 18617

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

19 Days From 70988

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

16 Days From 103365

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

8 Days From 34000

Travel Egypt on this adventure that visits Cairo, Aswan and Luxor. See pyramids, visit...

8 Days From 25009

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

22 Days From 43972

Explore Jordan and Egypt with a trip to Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, Cairo, the Nile, Aswan,...

22 Days From 124343

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

9 Days From 9076

Take a trip through Egypt, kicking off in Cairo with the Great Pyramids of Giza and the...

15 Days From 68158

Tick the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the Nile, the Dead Sea and The Treasury in Petra...

15 Days From 26604

Take an epic adventure through Egypt and Jordan, seeing two Wonders of the World, the...

8 Days From 30375

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

15 Days From 61383

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

22 Days From 88354

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

28 Days From 177238

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

19 Days From 45739

Travel to Egypt’s Cairo, Luxor and the Nile to Jordan’s Petra, Amman, the Dead Sea and...

22 Days From 142188

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

22 Days From 117475

Take a Middle Eastern adventure that explores the wonders of Egypt, Jordan, Israel and...

26 Days From 125137

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

Read more about Egypt