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Weather Guide

Aswan Weather & Climate Guide 2025

Plan your trip with detailed weather information and seasonal tips for Aswan.

Aswan is Egypt's southernmost governorate, a sun-drenched city on the banks of the Nile renowned for its ancient Nubian heritage, towering pharaonic monuments, and dramatic desert-island scenery. It serves as the gateway to iconic sites including Philae Temple, the Aswan High Dam, and the legendary Abu Simbel temples.

Best Time to Visit

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Best Months

October to April

Temperatures are comfortable for outdoor temple sightseeing (18-28°C); clear skies and sunny days are consistent; the peak December-February period sees the highest visitor numbers but the most pleasant weather

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Months to Avoid

June to August

Aswan is one of the hottest inhabited places on Earth in summer — temperatures regularly exceed 45-48°C (113-118°F); even short walks outdoors risk heat exhaustion; most Western tourists find these months unsuitable for sightseeing

Climate Overview

Aswan has one of the most extreme desert climates in the world (Köppen BWh — hot desert climate), characterised by almost no rainfall, intense sunshine year-round and dramatic temperature differences between summer and winter. The city averages less than 1mm of rain per year, making weather almost completely predictable. Winters (November to February) are warm and sunny with cool evenings, while summers are ferociously hot.

Month-by-Month Guide

What to expect each month of the year.

Jan

22°C high / 9°C low (72°F/48°F)
Peak season — the most popular month with comfortable daytime sightseeing temperatures and cool evenings. Busy and slightly more expensive.

Feb

25°C high / 11°C low (77°F/52°F)
Still excellent weather; slightly warmer than January; tourist numbers begin to thin toward the end of the month giving better value.

Mar

30°C high / 14°C low (86°F/57°F)
Warm and pleasant in early March; the Khamaseen season begins towards the end of the month. Good shoulder-season prices.

Apr

35°C high / 18°C low (95°F/64°F)
Getting hot; Khamaseen sandstorms possible; best visited in the early weeks. Prices are lower and sites less crowded.

May

40°C high / 23°C low (104°F/73°F)
Very hot and not recommended for first-time visitors. Suitable only for travellers experienced with extreme heat who visit sites at dawn.

Jun

42°C high / 26°C low (108°F/79°F)
Extreme heat — outdoor sightseeing after 8 AM is punishing. Not recommended.

Jul

42°C high / 27°C low (108°F/81°F)
The hottest month with temperatures routinely reaching 46-48°C peak. Suitable only for travellers who will stay mostly indoors or visit at dawn.

Aug

41°C high / 26°C low (106°F/79°F)
Still extremely hot. Egyptian domestic tourists fill hotels; some budget hotels offer discounts. Visiting at 5-7 AM only is feasible.

Sep

38°C high / 23°C low (100°F/73°F)
Heat begins to ease but still very hot. Shoulder season prices are low. Only suitable for heat-acclimated travellers.

Oct

32°C high / 18°C low (90°F/64°F)
Temperatures become more manageable. October is increasingly popular as an early winter season; good balance of weather and value.

Nov

27°C high / 14°C low (81°F/57°F)
Excellent conditions — warm, sunny days and cool evenings. Fewer visitors than December-January.

Dec

23°C high / 10°C low (73°F/50°F)
Peak season begins; comfortable sightseeing weather; evenings are cool. Book well ahead.
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Seasonal Planning Guide

Complete weather data, packing lists by season, and event calendars.

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Seasonal Breakdown

Detailed information for each season.

🌸 Spring

Mar-May

Temperatures rise quickly through spring from pleasant in March to increasingly hot by May. The Khamaseen wind (a hot, sand-laden wind from the Sahara) can occur in April-May, reducing visibility and coating everything in a fine dust layer.

Tips: Pack light layers for evenings in March; sunscreen and hats are essential from March; be prepared for the Khamaseen sandstorm possibility in April-May

☀️ Summer

Jun-Aug

The most extreme season in Aswan — scorching temperatures averaging 40-42°C (104-108°F) in the shade, with highs regularly hitting 47-48°C. Humidity is very low but the dry heat is brutal. Many Egyptian domestic tourists visit in July-August despite the heat.

Tips: Absolutely essential: sun hat, SPF 50+ sunscreen, 3+ litres of water per day; only visit outdoor sites in the first 2 hours after sunrise; avoid midday outdoor activity; loose long cotton clothing protects against sun better than shorts

🍂 Fall

Sep-Nov

Temperatures begin to drop in September from the summer extreme, reaching comfortable highs of 26-30°C by November. October and November offer excellent sightseeing conditions with fewer visitors than peak winter season.

Tips: Shoulder season for best value; evenings in November are cool (15-18°C) — bring a light jacket; October is increasingly popular and hotels may be busier than expected

❄️ Winter

Dec-Feb

The best and most popular season for visiting Aswan. Daytime temperatures of 22-28°C are perfect for outdoor temple visits. Nights can be cool (8-14°C), especially in January. Clear blue skies are virtually guaranteed.

Tips: Book hotels and tours well in advance — December-January is peak season and the Old Cataract and quality hotels sell out; bring a light jacket or fleece for evenings and early morning excursions

What to Pack

Seasonal packing recommendations.

Year-Round Essentials

  • Modest clothing (cover shoulders and knees)
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
  • Light scarf or shawl (for religious sites)
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Power adapter
  • Basic first aid kit

Hot Weather Additions

  • Lightweight, breathable fabrics
  • Extra sun protection
  • Cooling towel
  • Light colors to reflect heat
  • Sandals with back straps

Cool Weather Additions

  • Warm layers (fleece, sweater)
  • Light jacket or coat
  • Rain gear (umbrella, waterproof jacket)
  • Closed-toe shoes
  • Warm accessories (if winter)

Events & Crowd Levels

Plan around busy periods and special events.

🔴 High Season

December to February — highest prices and visitor numbers

Higher prices, advance booking essential, crowded attractions.

🟡 Shoulder Season

October-November and March-April — good balance of weather and value

Good balance of weather and crowds. Reasonable prices.

🟢 Low Season

May to September — extreme heat deters most Western visitors; domestic Egyptian tourism peaks in July-August

Best deals, fewer tourists. Some services may be limited.

Major Events & Holidays

February 22 and October 22
Abu Simbel Solar Alignment Festival

Twice a year, the rising sun illuminates the inner sanctuary of Abu Simbel, aligning with the statues of Ramesses II. Thousands travel to witness this ancient astronomical event.

January (variable)
Aswan International Sculpture Symposium

International sculptors create works from Aswan granite on the corniche — free public event with the sculptures left permanently installed

November (variable)
Aswan International Women's Film Festival

Annual film festival celebrating women's filmmaking held in Aswan city

Variable (Islamic calendar)
Eid Al-Adha

Major Islamic feast — the city is very busy with domestic Egyptian travellers; some tourist sites have limited hours

Variable (Islamic calendar)
Ramadan

A month of fasting from dawn to sunset; city comes alive after sunset with special foods and entertainment; some restaurants have adjusted hours during the day

Plan Your Perfect Aswan Trip

Get our complete seasonal guide with detailed packing lists, event calendars, and month-by-month planning tips.

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