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Weather Guide

Egypt Weather & Climate Guide 2025

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

Egypt captivates travelers with its ancient pyramids, majestic Nile River, and vibrant culture spanning over 5,000 years. From the iconic Sphinx and Valley of the Kings to bustling Cairo bazaars and Red Sea coral reefs, Egypt offers an unforgettable journey through history and natural beauty.

Best Time to Visit

Months to Avoid

June to August

Climate Overview

Egypt enjoys a hot desert climate with virtually no rainfall and over 300 sunny days per year. The country is divided climatically into Lower Egypt (Cairo, Alexandria, Nile Delta) with Mediterranean-influenced winters, and Upper Egypt (Luxor, Aswan) which is intensely hot and bone-dry year-round. The Red Sea coast maintains warm temperatures year-round while the Sinai Peninsula experiences cold mountain nights in winter. Summer (June-September) brings extreme heat across most of Egypt, making October to April the optimal travel window.

Month-by-Month Guide

What to expect each month of the year.

Jan

7C/45F nights, 19C/66F days
Cool in Cairo, pleasant in Luxor/Aswan. Peak season for Nile Valley tourism. Clear skies.

Feb

8C/46F nights, 21C/70F days
Still cool but warming. Good sightseeing conditions. Khamsin storms possible late month.

Mar

11C/52F nights, 24C/75F days
Warming quickly. Khamsin dust storms possible. Spring flowers brief in northern Egypt.

Apr

14C/57F nights, 28C/82F days
Warm and pleasant. Khamsin storms may occur. Quieter than winter peak season.

May

18C/64F nights, 32C/90F days
Getting hot in Upper Egypt. Still comfortable in Cairo and on the coast. Last good sightseeing month.

Jun

22C/72F nights, 38C/100F days
Very hot. Inland sightseeing only practical early morning. Red Sea coast pleasant with breezes.

Jul

24C/75F nights, 40C/104F days
Hottest month in most of Egypt. Luxor and Aswan extreme. Red Sea beach season peak.

Aug

24C/75F nights, 40C/104F days
Equally hot as July. European summer holiday peak brings beach resorts to capacity.

Sep

21C/70F nights, 36C/97F days
Still hot but noticeably cooling. Good value period. Red Sea water warmest of the year.

Oct

17C/63F nights, 30C/86F days
Excellent month. Comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, good prices. Ideal for all regions.

Nov

13C/55F nights, 25C/77F days
Very pleasant across Egypt. High season begins for Nile Valley. Great for everything.

Dec

8C/46F nights, 21C/70F days
Peak season in Luxor and Aswan. Cairo cool and festive with Coptic Christmas. Very busy.
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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 with warm pleasant days. The khamsin (hot desert sandstorm) season brings occasional dust storms in March-April that can reduce visibility and cause respiratory discomfort.

Tips: Bring a dust/scarf for potential khamsin storms; sunscreen essential; book in advance as school holidays increase crowds

☀️ Summer

Jun-Aug

Extremely hot across mainland Egypt with temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C in Luxor and Aswan. Red Sea resorts remain popular due to sea breezes and water activities. Peak European tourism season for beach resorts.

Tips: Avoid inland sightseeing between 11 AM and 4 PM; stay hydrated constantly; Red Sea resorts tolerable with AC and pool access

🍂 Fall

Sep-Nov

The best kept secret season — temperatures moderate quickly after September making October and November ideal for sightseeing. Crowds thin after summer peak and prices drop significantly.

Tips: October and November offer the best combination of good weather and manageable crowds; book Luxor hotels in advance as November fills quickly

❄️ Winter

Dec-Feb

Peak tourist season in Luxor, Aswan, and the Nile Valley where temperatures are mild (20-25°C days, 8-15°C nights). Cairo can feel surprisingly cool. Upper Egypt remains sunny. Red Sea diving visibility at its best.

Tips: Book well in advance as December-January is high season; bring a light jacket for evenings in Cairo and Upper Egypt; nights in Sinai mountains can be very cold

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

November to February (Nile Valley/Pyramids), June to August (Red Sea resorts)

Higher prices, advance booking essential, crowded attractions.

🟡 Shoulder Season

October, March to April

Good balance of weather and crowds. Reasonable prices.

🟢 Low Season

May to September (extreme heat reduces Nile Valley visitors)

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

Major Events & Holidays

February 22 and October 22
Abu Simbel Sun Festival

Twice yearly, the sun illuminates the inner sanctum of Abu Simbel temple, lighting up statues of Ramesses II and the gods. The phenomenon celebrates Ramesses' coronation and birthday. Thousands gather for this ancient astronomical marvel.

August (date varies)
Wafaa El-Nil (Nile Flood Festival)

Ancient celebration of the Nile's annual flooding, now observed with cultural festivals featuring traditional music, dancing, and ceremonies honoring the river. Historical reenactments and Nubian cultural performances.

March-April (Islamic calendar, dates shift yearly)
Ramadan

Holy month of fasting with special atmosphere after sunset. Streets come alive with lanterns, special foods, late-night cafes. Non-Muslims can experience unique cultural traditions. Many restaurants closed during day, open for iftar (breaking fast).

November (usually mid-month)
Cairo International Film Festival

The Middle East's oldest film festival showcasing international and Arab cinema. Red carpet events, screenings across Cairo venues, and opportunities to see films from around the world.

October
Sphinx Festival

Music and arts festival held at the Giza Plateau with concerts, performances, and cultural events against the backdrop of the pyramids. Mix of Egyptian and international artists.

January 7
Coptic Christmas

Egyptian Coptic Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas with midnight masses, special services, and traditional foods. Particularly vibrant in Coptic Cairo and Upper Egypt. Churches decorated, special hymns performed.

Monday after Coptic Easter (April/May)
Sham El Nessim

Ancient Egyptian spring festival dating back thousands of years. Families picnic in parks and by the Nile, eating traditional foods like salted fish, colored eggs, and green onions. National holiday with festive atmosphere.

March-April
Cairo Jazz Festival

Multi-day festival featuring international and local jazz artists at venues across Cairo. Outdoor concerts, club performances, and workshops celebrating jazz and fusion music.

March
Luxor African Film Festival

Festival celebrating African cinema with screenings, workshops, and cultural events in Luxor's historic setting. Showcases films from across the continent.

September
Alexandria Mediterranean Festival

Cultural festival celebrating Mediterranean heritage with music, dance, food, and arts from countries around the sea. Coastal city atmosphere with outdoor events.

Plan Your Perfect Egypt Trip

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

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