Month-by-month travel guide
Things to Do in Egypt — Month by Month
From the dry desert winter to the year-round Red Sea, every month opens up a different side of Egypt. Pick a month below to see the best tours, the weather, and where to go.
Pick a month
- Peak season — cool & dry
- Shoulder — warm & sunny
- Hot — Red Sea peak
- Very hot inland — Red Sea ideal
Top tours all year round
Where to go in Egypt
Hurghada
Red Sea snorkeling, diving and desert safaris — sunshine all year.
Explore tours — HurghadaSharm El Sheikh
Ras Mohammed, Tiran Island, colored canyon — diving peaks April–November.
Explore tours — Sharm El SheikhCairo
Pyramids, Egyptian Museum and Old Cairo — best in cool months.
Explore tours — CairoLuxor
Karnak, Valley of the Kings and the Nile — open-air sights ideal under 30°C.
Explore tours — LuxorMarsa Alam
Pristine southern Red Sea reefs, dolphins and remote desert beaches.
Explore tours — Marsa AlamAswan
Philae Temple, Abu Simbel and a felucca on the Nile — winter is paradise.
Explore tours — AswanAlexandria
Mediterranean history — the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Qaitbay Citadel and the seafront Corniche.
Explore tours — AlexandriaAbu Simbel
Ramesses II's twin rock temples above Lake Nasser — Egypt's great southern wonder.
Explore tours — Abu SimbelDahab
Blue Hole, kitesurfing and Bedouin vibes — laid-back coast year-round.
Explore tours — DahabEl Gouna
Lagoon-side marinas, kitesurfing and upscale dining just 25 km north of Hurghada.
Explore tours — El GounaGiza
The Great Pyramids, the Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum on Cairo's doorstep.
Explore tours — GizaSaint Catherine
Sunrise hikes up Mount Sinai and the world's oldest working monastery, high in the mountains.
Explore tours — Saint CatherineMakadi Bay
Family beaches and Orange Bay snorkeling — warm sea most of the year.
Explore tours — Makadi BaySoma Bay
Luxury peninsula resorts with golf, kitesurfing and calm house reefs.
Explore tours — Soma BaySahl Hasheesh
A gated bay of five-star resorts, a long sandy beach and a house reef minutes from shore.
Explore tours — Sahl HasheeshSafaga
Healing sands, kitesurfing and Cairo day-trips by road.
Explore tours — SafagaBrowse by interest
Pyramids & temples
Cool months are kindest to outdoor archaeological sites.
Explore toursBoat & snorkeling
Calm seas and warm water — Red Sea snorkeling and reef trips.
Explore toursDesert safari
Quad bikes, jeeps and Bedouin camps — easier in mild months.
Explore toursActivities & water sports
Parasailing, jet ski, glass-bottom boats — sunshine year-round.
Explore toursMulti-day & Nile cruises
Nile cruises and combined Cairo-Luxor itineraries — best Oct–Apr.
Explore toursYear-round overview
| Pick a month | Avg. air temp | Avg. sea temp | Rainfall | Sunshine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 20°C | 22°C | 5 mm | 7 h |
| February | 22°C | 21°C | 5 mm | 8 h |
| March | 25°C | 21°C | 3 mm | 9 h |
| April | 28°C | 22°C | 1 mm | 10 h |
| May | 32°C | 24°C | 1 mm | 11 h |
| June | 35°C | 26°C | 0 mm | 12 h |
| July | 36°C | 28°C | 0 mm | 12 h |
| August | 36°C | 29°C | 0 mm | 12 h |
| September | 33°C | 28°C | 0 mm | 11 h |
| October | 29°C | 27°C | 1 mm | 10 h |
| November | 24°C | 25°C | 3 mm | 8 h |
| December | 21°C | 23°C | 5 mm | 7 h |
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Egypt?
October to April is ideal for sightseeing in Cairo, Luxor and Aswan. The Red Sea coast (Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab) is great year-round.
Which is the cheapest month to visit Egypt?
May, June and September often have the lowest tour prices outside major holidays. Avoid Christmas, New Year and Easter peaks.
How hot does Egypt get in summer?
June, July and August can reach 36–40°C in Cairo, Luxor and Aswan. The Red Sea coast is more bearable thanks to sea breezes.
Should I visit during Ramadan?
Yes — sights stay open and resorts run normally. Some restaurants outside hotels may have limited daytime service. Evenings are festive.
How does the weather vary by region?
Cairo is desert-mild; Luxor and Aswan are hotter and drier; the Mediterranean coast is cooler with winter showers; the Red Sea is sunny year-round with mild winter and very hot summer.