Egypt · What to know and when to go
The Best Time to Visit Egypt
Quick answer: October to April — but there’s more to it than that. Here’s what to expect from every season, so you can match the pyramids, the Nile, the desert and the Red Sea to the right months.
- Oct–Apr best overall
- Nov–Feb mildest weather
- Jun–Aug Red Sea season
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What to know and when to go
Pick your month
Ancient wonders, beautiful landscapes and endless opportunities to explore await you in Egypt. The best time to visit is from October to April, when the warm weather cools down enough to spend time exploring the banks of the Nile, venturing into the desert and visiting the pyramids. Tap a month or a season to see what to expect.
Quick answerOctober to April — mildest from November to February.
Best time (Oct–Apr)WarmVery hot inland
November to FebruaryYou picked JanuaryYou picked FebruaryYou picked NovemberYou picked December
Winter: the classic season
65–75°F · 18–24°C by day, cooler evenings
The winter months are considered the best time to visit Egypt for many reasons. The weather is mild and pleasant, providing comfortable conditions for exploring Egypt’s ancient sites and bustling cities without being overwhelmed by extreme heat.
Iconic landmarks such as the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Sphinx, and the temples of Luxor and Karnak are much more enjoyable in the cooler months — and Nile River cruises are best enjoyed when the weather is mild.
- Pyramids of Giza & the Sphinx
- Luxor & Karnak temples
- Nile River cruises
Good to know: Winter is so popular that you may meet crowds and wait times at the bigger attractions, like the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx. Book early to secure your dates.
March to MayYou picked MarchYou picked AprilYou picked May
Spring: blooms & desert safaris
70–85°F · 21–29°C, hotter toward the end of May
Spring is another great time to visit Egypt. The weather remains comfortable, and the landscapes come alive with vibrant colors as flowers bloom in the desert and along the banks of the Nile River.
It’s an excellent time for desert safaris, as the temperatures are not as scorching as in summer — and a chance to see the Wadi El Rayan Waterfalls in full flow, a rare sight in the arid desert.
- Desert safaris
- Wadi El Rayan Waterfalls in full flow
- Blooms along the Nile
Good to know: It can be hotter towards the end of May.
June to AugustYou picked JuneYou picked JulyYou picked August
Summer: the Red Sea season
85–105°F · 30–40°C
The summer months can be extremely hot in Egypt, but it’s still a popular time, especially for the Red Sea resorts. Coastal cities like Sharm El-Sheikh, Hurghada and Marsa Alam offer a respite from the scorching inland temperatures.
It’s a great option for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts: the Red Sea is warm and inviting, with excellent conditions for snorkeling, diving and other marine activities.
- Sharm El-Sheikh, Hurghada & Marsa Alam
- Snorkeling & diving
- Beach & water sports
Good to know: Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and take precautions against the intense heat.
September to OctoberYou picked SeptemberYou picked October
Fall: thinner crowds & the Western Desert
75–95°F · 24–35°C
Fall offers a pleasant transition from the scorching summer to the more moderate temperatures of winter. The crowds begin to thin out compared to the peak summer months, so you can explore Egypt’s popular attractions without feeling overwhelmed.
It’s also an excellent time to visit the Western Desert, including the White Desert and the Black Desert — the milder temperatures make camping and trekking far more comfortable.
- Popular sights with fewer crowds
- White Desert & Black Desert
- Desert camping & trekking
Good to know: The weather is still warm, especially in September.
Plan around what you want to do
The right season for every experience
Fascinating pyramids, magnificent temples, the legendary Nile River, the desert and the Red Sea each have their moment. Filter by season to see what shines when.
Nov–FebPyramids & the Sphinx
Much more enjoyable in the cooler winter months. Book early: it’s peak season.
Nov–FebLuxor & Karnak temples
Mild days make long temple visits comfortable.
Nov–FebNile River cruise
Best enjoyed when the weather is mild.
Mar–MayDesert safari
Temperatures are not as scorching as in the summer months.
Mar–MayWadi El Rayan Waterfalls
A chance to see the falls in full flow, a rare sight in the desert.
Jun–AugRed Sea beaches & diving
Sharm El-Sheikh, Hurghada and Marsa Alam, with warm water for snorkeling and diving.
Sep–OctWhite & Black Desert
Milder temperatures for camping and trekking in the Western Desert.
22 Feb & 22 OctAbu Simbel Sun Festival
The sun lights the inner sanctum of the Abu Simbel temples.
Dates worth planning around
Festivals & Ramadan
The Abu Simbel Sun Festival
One of Egypt’s most significant cultural events. On February 22nd and October 22nd, the sun illuminates the inner sanctum of the Abu Simbel temples, bathing the statues of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari in light.
Witnessing this incredible phenomenon can be the highlight of your trip.
Ramadan & Islamic festivals
Ramadan is the holy month of fasting and spiritual reflection for Muslims, and it has a significant impact on daily life in Egypt. It follows the Islamic lunar calendar, and many businesses and tourist attractions may operate on reduced hours.
Some travelers find the cultural significance of Ramadan intriguing; others prefer to visit outside it for more availability and regular schedules. We’ll check the dates for your trip.
The bottom line
Shoot for October to April
Egypt captivates travelers from all corners of the world. The best time for you depends on your preferences, your tolerance for heat and how much exploring you want to do — but in general, visit from October to April to avoid the highest temperatures in the Egyptian desert.
Whenever you go, book early — and don’t miss the classics, like camel rides and visiting the pyramids. Happy exploring!
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Good to know
When to Visit Egypt: FAQs
What is the best time to visit Egypt?
October to April, when the generally warm weather cools down enough to spend time outside exploring the Nile, the desert and the pyramids. November to February is the mildest stretch.
How hot is Egypt in each season?
Winter (November–February): about 65–75°F (18–24°C) by day. Spring (March–May): 70–85°F (21–29°C), hotter toward the end of May. Summer (June–August): 85–105°F (30–40°C). Fall (September–October): 75–95°F (24–35°C).
Is summer too hot to visit Egypt?
Summer is extremely hot inland, but it’s a popular time for the Red Sea resorts of Sharm El-Sheikh, Hurghada and Marsa Alam, where the sea is ideal for snorkeling and diving. Stay hydrated, wear sunscreen and take precautions against the heat.
When are the crowds lightest?
Winter is the most popular season, so expect crowds and wait times at the bigger attractions and book early. In fall (September–October), the crowds begin to thin out compared to the peak summer months.
When is the Abu Simbel Sun Festival?
On February 22nd and October 22nd each year, when the sun illuminates the inner sanctum of the Abu Simbel temples.
Should I avoid Ramadan?
Not necessarily. Ramadan shifts about 10 to 12 days earlier each year, and many businesses and attractions may operate on reduced hours. Some travelers enjoy experiencing it; if you’d prefer regular schedules, we’ll plan around it.
Your Egypt, your timing
Start Planning Your Tailor-Made Trip by Contacting One of Our Egypt Specialists!
Tell us when you can travel and what you’d love to see. We’ll match the season to your trip and handle every detail.
Schedule a Free ConsultationPhoto credits
- Camel caravan crossing the desert toward the Pyramids of Giza — Ludovic Delot, CC BY 4.0
- The Great Sphinx and the Pyramid of Khafre at Giza — Petar Milošević, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Waterfall at Wadi El Rayan, Fayoum — Ibrahim El-Mezayen, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Coral reef in the Red Sea off Egypt — Sovernigo, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Chalk rock formations in the White Desert, Egypt — Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0
- Volcanic hill in the Black Desert, Egypt — Viktor Lazić, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Ramadan lanterns for sale in Cairo — Alaazzpov, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Camel ride at the Pyramids of Giza — Dak15, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Beach on the Red Sea coast at Hurghada — Ad Meskens, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Cascades at Wadi El Rayan in Fayoum — youssef_alam, CC BY 3.0
- Camels resting on the Giza Plateau with the pyramids beyond — Mustang Joe, CC0
- Karnak Temple, Luxor — Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Feluccas sailing the Nile at sunset in Luxor — Marc Ryckaert, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Great Temple of Ramesses II, Abu Simbel — Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0