Egypt weather and the best time to visit
The most comfortable months are October to April, with peak season from December to February. For good weather, lower prices and smaller crowds, aim for late October, early November or March. While Poland is in mid-winter, the Red Sea coast sees 14–22 °C in January and Luxor and Aswan reach 23 °C.
Egypt has a desert climate: hot, dry summers and mild winters. The coasts (Alexandria and the Red Sea) are a few degrees cooler than the south.
When to go
From October to April the whole country is comfortable. Peak season runs from December to February, especially over Christmas and New Year. That suits a winter escape from Poland well: Hurghada and Luxor are at their best while it is cold at home.
| Month | Cairo | Luxor / Aswan | Red Sea | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9–19 °Cbest | 6–23 °Cbest | 14–22 °Ccool water | Chilly evenings in Cairo; Luxor and Aswan at their best |
| February | 10–20 °Cbest | 8–25 °Cbest | 14–22 °Ccool water | Peak season inland; diving still on the cool side |
| March | 12–24 °Cbest | 11–29 °Cgreat | 16–24 °Cgreat | Khamaseen sandstorms possible inland |
| April | 14–28 °Cgreat | 16–35 °Cwarming up | 18–27 °Cbest | The best Red Sea swimming and diving months begin |
| May | 17–32 °Cok | 21–39 °Chot | 21–30 °Cbest | Upper Egypt only if you start sightseeing at 6 am |
| June | 20–35 °Chot | 24–41 °Cvery hot | 24–33 °Cbest | Red Sea high season; Luxor and Aswan scorching |
| July | 22–35 °Cvery hot | 25–41 °Cvery hot | 26–34 °Cgreat | The year's best diving conditions |
| August | 22–35 °Cvery hot | 25–41 °Cvery hot | 27–34 °Cgreat | Hot everywhere; the Red Sea breeze helps |
| September | 20–33 °Chot | 23–39 °Chot | 25–32 °Cbest | The heat eases; a very good Red Sea month |
| October | 17–30 °Cgreat | 18–35 °Cok | 22–29 °Cbest | Shoulder season; sun alignment at Abu Simbel on the 22nd |
| November | 13–25 °Cbest | 13–29 °Cbest | 18–25 °Cbest | All three regions at their best |
| December | 10–20 °Cbest | 8–25 °Cbest | 15–23 °Ccool water | Christmas and New Year peak; book early |
The seasons at a glance
- Winter (December–February): the best time for Upper Egypt (Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel). Cairo evenings are cold enough for a jacket.
- Spring (March–May): pleasant, but watch for the khamaseen sandstorm winds in March and April.
- Summer (June–August): fierce heat in the south (over 40 °C). The best time for the Red Sea, with warm water and excellent visibility.
- Autumn (September–November): often the best choice, warm with fewer visitors and lower prices.
Ramadan and Islamic holidays
The date of Ramadan moves about 11 days earlier every year, so check the Ramadan countdown before you book. Many restaurants close during the day and open again for iftar. Sites stay open with shorter hours. After dark, the streets come alive with celebrations, decorations and special food.
Both Eids are public holidays. Banks, government offices and many shops close, and transport gets very busy.
- Days until Eid al-Fitr: the celebration at the end of Ramadan (3 days).
- Days until Eid al-Adha: the Feast of the Sacrifice (4 days).
- Islamic events calendar and Hijri calendar.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time of year to visit Egypt?
October to April, when temperatures are comfortable across the country. Peak season is December to February. For good weather, lower prices and fewer crowds, go in late October, early November or March.
How hot does Egypt get in summer?
From June to August, Luxor and Aswan regularly hit 41 °C and more, and Cairo reaches 35 °C. On the Red Sea coast the breeze keeps it bearable and the sea is 27–28 °C, which makes summer the peak diving season in Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh, Dahab and Marsa Alam.
What is Egypt like in winter?
In January, Cairo sees 9–19 °C, Luxor and Aswan 6–23 °C and the Red Sea coast 14–22 °C, with cooler water. Cairo evenings are chilly, so pack a jacket.
When is the best time for a Nile cruise?
October to April, ideally November to February. Outside these months, Upper Egypt is too hot for comfortable sightseeing during the day.
What is the khamaseen?
A hot, dry, sand-laden desert wind that blows from roughly March to May, most often in March and April. Sandstorms usually last 24–48 hours, but they cut visibility at the sites and can irritate your airways.
Is it a good idea to visit Egypt during Ramadan?
Yes, the evenings are festive. The trade-offs are that many restaurants close in daylight, sites have shorter hours and transport is busy around Eid al-Fitr. Ramadan moves about 11 days earlier each year.