Egypt
The best time to visit
When to go to Egypt
Go in the cooler months, October to April, for comfortable days at the pyramids, on the Nile and around the temples. Summer, May to September, is intensely hot, especially in the south at Luxor and Aswan.
A 0 to 100 comfort rating from daytime heat, overnight chill, rainfall and storm risk, for Cairo. Higher is better. Some links on this page are affiliate links, at no cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Feb.
Either side of peak, with thinner crowds and better rates.
Extreme heat.
In short
The year at a glance
Egypt is hot and dry, so the trick is to dodge the worst of the heat. We rate on Cairo, where the cooler months from October to April bring pleasant, sunny weather that is ideal for sightseeing, while summer turns fierce, especially up the Nile in the south.
The classic trip combines Cairo, a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan, and perhaps the Red Sea, and all of it is most comfortable in winter and the shoulder months. The Red Sea resorts stay warm and sunny year round for diving and the beach.
Month by month
Egypt month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Cairo.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rating | What it is like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19°C / 66°F | 9°C / 48°F | 5 mm | Ideal 96 | Mild and dry. |
| February | 21°C / 70°F | 10°C / 50°F | 4 mm | Ideal 100 | Mild and dry. Cairo hotels in February |
| March | 24°C / 75°F | 12°C / 54°F | 4 mm | Ideal 100 | Warm and dry. Cairo hotels in March |
| April | 29°C / 84°F | 15°C / 59°F | 1 mm | Ideal 97 | Hot and dry. |
| May | 33°C / 91°F | 18°C / 64°F | 1 mm | Ideal 80 | Hot and dry. |
| June | 35°C / 95°F | 21°C / 70°F | 0 mm | Great 66 | Very hot and dry. |
| July | 35°C / 95°F | 22°C / 72°F | 0 mm | Great 66 | Very hot and dry. |
| August | 35°C / 95°F | 22°C / 72°F | 0 mm | Great 66 | Very hot and dry. |
| September | 33°C / 91°F | 20°C / 68°F | 0 mm | Ideal 80 | Hot and dry. |
| October | 30°C / 86°F | 18°C / 64°F | 1 mm | Ideal 93 | Hot and dry. |
| November | 25°C / 77°F | 15°C / 59°F | 3 mm | Ideal 100 | Warm and dry. Cairo hotels in November |
| December | 21°C / 70°F | 11°C / 52°F | 6 mm | Ideal 100 | Mild and dry. |
By region
Where you go changes when you go
Cairo and the pyramids
Best from October to April, with warm, dry, comfortable days. Summer is hot and hazy in the capital.
Luxor, Aswan and the Nile
The south is the hottest part of the country. October to April is the prime, bearable window for the temples and cruises.
The Red Sea coast
Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada are warm and sunny year round, with the best diving and beach weather across the seasons.
Go for
Best time to visit Egypt for
The pyramids and the Nile
October to April for comfortable days at Giza, Luxor and Aswan and on the river cruises.
Red Sea diving
Pleasant year round, with spring and autumn offering warm water and comfortable air temperatures.
Avoiding the crowds
October, November and March, the shoulder months, balance good weather with thinner crowds than the winter peak.
Desert and oases
The cooler months, when the Western Desert and the oases are comfortable to explore.
On the calendar
What is on, and when
Cool season, Oct to April
The comfortable window for the pyramids, the Nile temples and the desert.
Abu Simbel sun festival, Feb and Oct
Twice a year the sunrise lights the inner sanctuary of the great temple.
Extreme heat
Jun to Aug.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Egypt
Compare hotels and rentals around Cairo, then book the month you want.
Ready to book?
Rates climb in peak season, so the best-weather months pay to book early. Shoulder and low months are the value windows.
Prefer to sort flights first? Compare flights
Questions