gowhereandwhen.comGo 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 booking links earn us a commission, at no extra cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Feb.
Other months to compare; prices and crowds depend on your destination and dates.
Extreme heat.
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.
Egypt month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Cairo.
JanuaryMild and dry.Ideal 96
- Daytime high
- 19°C / 66°F
- Overnight low
- 9°C / 48°F
- Rainfall
- 5 mm
Mild and dry.
FebruaryMild and dryIdeal 100
- Daytime high
- 21°C / 70°F
- Overnight low
- 10°C / 50°F
- Rainfall
- 4 mm
Mild and dry.
MarchWarm and dryIdeal 100
- Daytime high
- 24°C / 75°F
- Overnight low
- 12°C / 54°F
- Rainfall
- 4 mm
Warm and dry.
AprilHot and dry.Ideal 97
- Daytime high
- 29°C / 84°F
- Overnight low
- 15°C / 59°F
- Rainfall
- 1 mm
Hot and dry.
MayHot and dry.Ideal 80
- Daytime high
- 33°C / 91°F
- Overnight low
- 18°C / 64°F
- Rainfall
- 1 mm
Hot and dry.
JuneVery hot and dry.Great 66
- Daytime high
- 35°C / 95°F
- Overnight low
- 21°C / 70°F
- Rainfall
- 0 mm
Very hot and dry.
JulyVery hot and dry.Great 66
- Daytime high
- 35°C / 95°F
- Overnight low
- 22°C / 72°F
- Rainfall
- 0 mm
Very hot and dry.
AugustVery hot and dry.Great 66
- Daytime high
- 35°C / 95°F
- Overnight low
- 22°C / 72°F
- Rainfall
- 0 mm
Very hot and dry.
SeptemberHot and dry.Ideal 80
- Daytime high
- 33°C / 91°F
- Overnight low
- 20°C / 68°F
- Rainfall
- 0 mm
Hot and dry.
OctoberHot and dry.Ideal 93
- Daytime high
- 30°C / 86°F
- Overnight low
- 18°C / 64°F
- Rainfall
- 1 mm
Hot and dry.
NovemberWarm and dryIdeal 100
- Daytime high
- 25°C / 77°F
- Overnight low
- 15°C / 59°F
- Rainfall
- 3 mm
Warm and dry.
DecemberMild and dry.Ideal 100
- Daytime high
- 21°C / 70°F
- Overnight low
- 11°C / 52°F
- Rainfall
- 6 mm
Mild and dry.
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.
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.
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.
Watch out
Extreme heat
Jun to Aug.
Where to stay in Egypt
Compare places to stay around Cairo. Choose your dates on the booking site.
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Good to know
What is the best time to visit Egypt?
Is Egypt too hot in summer?
When is the best time for a Nile cruise?
Plan another month or destination
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