Have you finally decided to listen to your heart and take a step ahead to fulfil your adventurous bucket list of touring Egypt? Well, great choice!
However, before you start booking your ticket and immediately answering your call to the Pharaohs, there’s one crucial aspect that you must consider: the right timing. Indeed, Egypt is one of the best tourist destinations. But what goes into planning that most-awaited trip must be meticulously curated, depending on your comfort and extraordinary preferences. With that said, let’s find the best time to travel to Egypt for that unforgettable journey.
Decoding Egypt’s seasons
As you already know, Egypt typically has a lot of sun but minimal rain, resulting in drastic temperature changes between day and night. As for the best touring climates, you have two main seasons, with another two “shoulder” periods in between.
The high season (December-February)
Egypt’s high season is typically the cool winter months, from December to February. This timeline serves the best weather where daytime temperatures remain pleasantly warm between 60-70°F/15-25°C, especially in Cairo, the Northern parts, and areas in the South, including Luxor and Aswan. The night scene is usually cooler.
Since it’s the peak tourist season in Egypt, expect a bustling crowd and high prices. To avoid this, we suggest pre-booking, especially if you require tailor-made Egypt tour packages.
Shoulder seasons (March-April and October-November)
These two timelines are the lovely shoulder seasons, often preferred by travellers who enjoy a comfortable, warm climate (70-85°F/21-30°C) and fewer crowds, but not that cool winter feeling. Beware, springs in Egypt are often an invitation to occasional khamsin sandstorms.
Looking for the perfect time to sail the Nile in comfort and style? Autumn sets the scene beautifully. With Nile Cruise Vacation, enjoy warm waters, a gentle breeze, and glowing golden views that turn every moment into a picture-perfect memory—an inviting experience you’ll want to discover for yourself.
Low season (May-September)
The timeline from June to August is when Egypt attracts heat (beyond 104°F/40°C). But there are perks to this low season, with fewer crowds and lower prices. If you can bear the soaring temperature, you can plan your itinerary accordingly, such as taking a midday break and exploring later in the afternoon.
Exploring region by region
Different regions across Egypt may present varying climatic scenes. Knowing this will help you anticipate better atmospheric experiences.
Cairo and the Nile Delta
Being the heart of the modern nation, Cairo has a unique climate. Humidity here is typically high, but during the winter months, the temperature slightly goes down compared to southern Egypt. As for summer, the temperature reaches its limit upwards. You only have early morning or late evening to explore outdoors.
Upper Egypt (Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel)
Renowned for its awe-inspiring archaeological sites, Upper Egypt was considered the central hub of ancient times. But that is also the hottest region of the nation. While the summer months turn excessively hot, winters are slightly sunny, making it the perfect time for sightseeing and exploring.
The Red Sea Coast
The coastal area near the Red Sea is a trending destination for beachgoers to enjoy sunshine all year round. Mild winters deliver the best atmospheric conditions for sunbathing and exploring marine life. While summers are indeed hot, the constant sea breeze maintains an optimal temperature.
Alexandria and the North Coast
Compared to the rest of Egypt, the Mediterranean region, Alexandria, boasts a distinctive climate. Summers here are milder, and winters are slightly wetter and cooler, presenting a refreshing escape from the inland temperature swings.
Tips to time your trip right
Now that you have found the perfect season and curated your itinerary, when should you plan your adventurous trip?
For optimal weather and festivals
To touchdown in Egypt during festival season and enjoy the ideal climate, your best timeline is from October to November or February to March. During this time, you can experience spectacular events, including the famous Abu Simbel Sun Festival.
For budget travelers
Travelling on a budget? Plan your trip during the summer months (May to September). If heat won’t deter you, you can benefit from substantial discounts on flights and tour packages.
For cruise luxury
A Nile cruise is the best way to fulfil your ritualistic tour of the year, preferably during October, November, March, and April. While stopping at every tourist spot, you can also enjoy your premium life on the cruise deck that delivers breathtaking views every passing minute.
For divers and water babies
As mentioned, the region along the Red Sea is a diver’s paradise with an exceptional environment year-round. If interested in diving, your best time is from June to September. It’s when the water is the warmest, creating the ideal, calm conditions for exploring the underwater world.
In essence, there’s no bad time to explore Egypt. It all depends on the individual and the experiences they seek.
Published by HOLR Magazine.