As far as climate is concerned, the best time to visit Egypt is from October to April when temperatures are most pleasant to them. December and January, however, are the maximum tourist season, and famous attractions such as Giza’s Pyramids, Luxor’s Temples, and Abu Simbel can get crowded uncomfortably. This is also when prices are at their most costly at Red Sea resorts.
Peak Season
If minimizing expenses is a concern, during the warm shoulder-season months of June and September, trips and lodging are often considerably lower. Realistically, July and August temperatures render daytime sight-seeing hard, although the seaside resorts of the country give some relaxation from the summer heat.
The Weather in Egypt
The climate is the key variable for most individuals to decide when to visit Egypt. Throughout the year, the climate is typically warm and humid, and southern Cairo has very little precipitation. It only falls on an average of 46 days per year, even in the wettest locations (Alexandria and Rafah). In general, winters are moderate, with daily temperatures averaging around 68 degrees Fahrenheit in Cairo. Temperatures in the city at night may fall to or below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures exceed 95 degrees Fahrenheit on average in summer, exacerbated by intense humidity.
It is essential to note that many of the old attractions of Egypt are situated in desert areas that stay warm despite the Nile River’s closeness. It can be cooling to climb into an airless tomb on a 100-degree day, while there are several top sights in northern Egypt, where it’s even hotter than Cairo. If you plan to visit Luxor or Aswan from May to October, be sure to prevent midday heat by scheduling your early morning or late evening sight-seeing. The khamsin wind produces dense dust and sandstorms between March and May.
Best time to go cruising the Nile
With this in mind, between October and April, the best time to book a Nile tour. Temperatures are manageable at this moment of year, enabling you to make the most of day trips to famous attractions such as the Kings ‘ Valley and the Luxor Temples. For the same purposes, it is not recommended to move from June to August during the peak summer months. Aswan’s average temperatures at this moment of year reach 104 degrees Fahrenheit, and there’s not much color to give from the midday sun.
Enjoy the Red Sea in the best time
June to September is a great moment to explore the beach resorts of the Red Sea. Despite being the summer maximum, coastal temperatures are much hotter than inland temperatures. Hurghada’s famous beach resort’s average winter temperatures are around 84 degrees Fahrenheit, while the ocean temperature is a balmy 80 degrees — perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, it is vital to book well in advance in July and August, as hotels can get crowded with European and American holidaymakers and rich Egyptians trying to flee Cairo’s heat.
Best time to explore the Western Desert of Egypt
Summers in the desert should be prevented as temperatures regularly exceed 104 degrees Fahrenheit at locations such as Siwa Oasis. Nighttime temperatures can drop to just below freezing during the times of summer, so the best time to travel in either spring or autumn is midway between the two. The optimum temperature-wise times are February to April and September to November, although summer tourists should be conscious of probable sandstorms due to the regular khamsin wind.
Spring
Spring is a nice time to visit Egypt, as temperatures are typically quite mild, but some tourists may want to prevent the “Khamsin breeze” season which goes between March and April as it can bring sand and dust in the atmosphere. Hotel rates will be more sensible than in summer as a shoulder season.
Events to find out:
- Abu El Haggag Moulid, a five-day Luxor carnival, usually takes place in the autumn, a month before Ramadan. The festival is holding a Sufi ruler from the 13th century, Yusuf Abu Al Haggag.
- Egyptian people are celebrating Shem al Nessim to welcome the country’s spring season. It generally requires place after Coptic Easter during April.
Summer
During the winter, temperatures can often swell, particularly in Upper Egypt close Luxor. But traveling throughout this moment has its advantage: you can see Egypt without fellow tourist swells, leaving you at some of the most revered landmarks in the country in peace. Over the summer months, Ramadan typically drops; be careful that some sights may close sooner than normal.
Events to find out:
- Muslims end Ramadan’s lengthy month with a religious festival called Eid al Fitr.
Fall
As in spring, autumn gives warmer temperatures and rates that are cheap. Heat can sometimes last until October, but crowds are still small, making visiting famous landmarks a good moment. If you’re planning a beach trip, this is a good moment of year because the Mediterranean Sea is still hot and uncrowded.
Events to find out:
- Wafaa Al Nil is an ancestral Nile River feast. It usually takes place during September.
Winter
Although winter can mean pleasant weather, it is also the high season of tourism. There will be more crowded attractions, and costs for hotels can skyrocket. Occasionally there is rain, and some towns like Alexandria are going to be quite wet.
Events to check out:
- Egypt’s Coptics are celebrating Coptic Christmas on January 7. Worshippers meet in mass at midnight and eat together a traditional “fata” dinner.
- Every year, the Abu Simbel Festival takes place on February 22, honoring the eponymous temple of the country.
- Cairo Art Fair, formerly organized in the autumn, is one of the country’s biggest contemporary art fairs. The festival presents the job of over 100 of the top performers in the country.
