Egypt travel guide
October to April is the best time to visit Egypt for sightseeing, with daytime highs of about 20°C to 32°C. October, November, March and April offer the best balance of weather and crowds. December to February is busiest and often most expensive. June to August is very hot inland, so plan early starts.
Facts checked 3 Nov 2026
| Month | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 10° to 20°C | 5 mm |
| Feb | 11° to 22°C | 4 mm |
| Mar | 14° to 26°C | 3 mm |
| Apr | 18° to 31°C | 1 mm |
| May | 22° to 35°C | 1 mm |
| Jun | 25° to 38°C | 0 mm |
| Jul | 26° to 39°C | 0 mm |
| Aug | 26° to 39°C | 0 mm |
| Sep | 25° to 36°C | 0 mm |
| Oct | 22° to 32°C | 1 mm |
| Nov | 17° to 27°C | 3 mm |
| Dec | 12° to 21°C | 5 mm |
Egypt's weather follows a clear pattern. Rain is rare almost everywhere, so the question is heat and crowds rather than rainfall. The cooler months from October to April suit Cairo, Luxor and Aswan, and the Red Sea coast offers a strong season in spring and autumn. Summer can be too hot for long days of sightseeing inland. The sections below help you choose the right month for your priorities.
These figures are indicative averages for the main sightseeing areas, from the stored research for Egypt. Temperatures are given as lows and highs in degrees Celsius.
For most first trips, October, November, March and April give the best combination of comfortable days and manageable crowds. October and November are strong for a combined trip with a Nile cruise and a Red Sea stay. March and April suit travellers who want good sightseeing but a slightly lower price than the winter peak. Families often find October, November, February and March easiest, because the days are warm rather than hot. Couples who want a Nile cruise and sunset feluccas often choose October, November, March or April.
These are the most comfortable months inland, with cool days and cold evenings. They are also the busiest months, and hotel, cruise and guide demand is high. Christmas, New Year and school holidays need earlier reservations. If you travel in this period, book the Nile cruise and the Abu Simbel transport early, and bring layers for evenings on the river.
Summer in Egypt is very hot, especially in Luxor and Aswan, where temperatures climb through late spring and summer. Plan early starts, rest in the middle of the day and use air-conditioned transport between sites. Some visitors find May manageable, while July and August are extremely hot inland. For summer, the Red Sea resorts suit beach stays and diving better than inland sightseeing, because the heat is hardest in Upper Egypt.
If you want lower prices, travel in May, June, September or early October. Hotel rates are usually lower in these months, but the heat can limit how much you can see. Budget-minded travellers can use 3-star hotels outside peak dates and choose a shared Nile cruise.
The Red Sea coast is usually best in spring and autumn. In June, Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh remain suitable for diving and beaches, but the coast can be too hot in the peak of summer, and inland sightseeing is hard. A Red Sea stay in October or November pairs well with a Cairo and Luxor trip, because the cooler weather suits both the monuments and the beach.
Our planners can match your dates to the right package and adjust the itinerary for heat or crowds. The Egypt Classic with Nile Cruise 7N package and the Cairo Pyramids 3N package can both be shifted to the months you choose.
This guide is compiled from published tourism, weather and transport information and traveller reports. It was last checked on 2 November 2026. Weather is an average, so a single day can be hotter or cooler, and dust storms are possible in spring.
Read the Egypt travel guide for an overview, then see places to visit in Egypt for the sites to plan around the weather. Check things to do in Egypt, Egypt trip cost for seasonal prices, and how to reach Egypt for flights. Before you book, read the Egypt visa guide for Indians and browse our Egypt tour packages.
Ready-made trips
Cairo 3N
Cairo 2N · Nile cruise, Luxor to Aswan 4N · Aswan 1N
*Approximate price per person, excl. GST. Contact us for exact pricing.
Packages cover stays, transfers, sightseeing and meals as listed. Flights are not included. Prices are per person, excl. GST.
FAQs
Short answers to what travellers ask about Egypt.
October to April is the strongest window. October, November, March and April balance comfortable temperatures with lower demand than the winter peak. December to February is pleasant but busiest and often most expensive. June to August is very hot inland, so plan early starts.
October and November suit most first trips, with warm days, cooler evenings and good conditions for Cairo, Luxor and the Red Sea. March and April also work well, though April afternoons get hot. Choose by your priorities for crowds, cost and comfort.
December is comfortable for sightseeing, with days around 12°C to 21°C. It is also a peak month, so hotels, Nile cruises and guides fill up quickly. Book early and bring layers for cold evenings, especially on the river.
Summer is very hot, especially in Luxor and Aswan. Temperatures can reach 38°C to 39°C in June to August. If you travel then, plan early starts, rest through the middle of the day, use air-conditioned transport, and consider the Red Sea coast.
Rainfall is very low in every month, so rain is rarely the main issue for a trip. Dust and heat matter more, particularly in spring, when occasional dusty winds may blow. Check the forecast a few days before you leave.
Hotel rates are usually lower from May to September, but the heat can limit sightseeing. Prices also depend on the cruise category and the hotel area, so a cheaper summer trip may give you less time at the sites. Ask for a written quote for the dates you choose.
October, November, February and March suit families best, because the days are warm rather than hot. Plan for heat, long road transfers and early Abu Simbel departures. Keep the afternoons flexible for children, and build in rest time after lunch each day.
Yes. October and November are a strong time for combined Cairo, Nile and Red Sea itineraries, because the weather suits both the monuments and the beach. Choose one Red Sea resort, rather than both Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, to keep travel time short.
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