Egypt's Seasons at a Glance

Unlike European destinations, Egypt has a desert climate — which means minimal rain, intense sun, and extreme heat in summer. The key variable is temperature, and it varies dramatically between Cairo (northern Egypt) and Luxor/Aswan (Upper Egypt, 700km south). The Sinai Peninsula and Red Sea coast behave differently again.

The golden rule: October through April for Upper Egypt temples, May through September for Red Sea beaches.

Month-by-Month Breakdown

Best

October

Cairo 28°C / Luxor 33°C

Summer heat breaks, tourists returning. Great value before peak season. Ideal for Nile cruise.

Best

November

Cairo 23°C / Luxor 28°C

Near-perfect weather across Egypt. Crowds lower than December. Our top recommendation.

Good

December

Cairo 18°C / Luxor 23°C

Peak season begins — perfect weather but higher prices and larger tour groups.

Good

January

Cairo 16°C / Luxor 21°C

Busiest and most expensive month. Book 4–6 months ahead. Coolest nights in the desert.

Good

February

Cairo 17°C / Luxor 24°C

Still peak season. Abu Simbel Festival on Feb 22. Wildflowers in Sinai. Book early.

Best

March

Cairo 21°C / Luxor 29°C

Spring perfection. Prices drop post-peak, weather still ideal. Best value month overall.

Good

April

Cairo 26°C / Luxor 35°C

Warming up — go early morning. Occasional Khamsin sandstorms. Great deals on tours.

Hot

May

Cairo 31°C / Luxor 40°C

Getting hot in Luxor. Budget-friendly — 20–30% cheaper. Red Sea beaches are ideal.

Very Hot

June–August

Cairo 35°C / Luxor 44°C

Upper Egypt is brutal. Sharm El Sheikh & Alexandria remain popular. Major savings on tours.

Hot

September

Cairo 32°C / Luxor 40°C

Still hot but easing. Great for Red Sea. Prices still low — excellent shoulder month.

The Best Season: October to April

For the vast majority of international visitors, October through April is the ideal window. Here's why each sub-period appeals to different travellers:

October–November (Our #1 Recommendation)

  • Temperatures in Luxor/Aswan: 30–35°C — warm but very manageable
  • Crowds: 40–60% lower than peak December–January
  • Prices: 15–25% below peak season
  • Availability: Nile cruise cabins and hotels easy to book last-minute
  • Ideal for: Nile cruises, temples, hot air balloon over Luxor, active travellers

December–February (Peak Season)

  • Perfect weather: Cairo 16–20°C, Luxor 20–26°C, Aswan 22–28°C
  • Highest demand: book 4–6 months ahead for cruise cabins and top hotels
  • Prices: 30–50% above shoulder season
  • Abu Simbel solar alignment phenomenon: Feb 22 and Oct 22 — spectacular
  • Ideal for: first-time visitors, families, luxury travellers, honeymooners

Red Sea & Sinai Seasons

The Red Sea resorts (Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, Dahab) operate on a different calendar. The sea temperature stays between 22–28°C year-round, making them viable destinations in summer when Upper Egypt is unbearably hot.

  • Year-round: Water sports, diving, snorkelling — the sea is always clear
  • Best for beaches: April–October (warm air, hot sun)
  • Best for diving: September–November (best visibility, fewer divers)
  • Avoid: Egyptian public holidays when domestic tourists flood the resorts
Insider Tip: Combine Seasons

For a 10-day trip in summer, consider 5 days in Cairo (morning sightseeing, afternoon in AC museums) + 5 days in Sharm El Sheikh (beach, diving). You avoid the brutal Upper Egypt heat while seeing the Pyramids and enjoying the Red Sea.

When Are You Travelling? Let Us Plan Your Trip

Whatever month you choose, our team builds the perfect Egypt itinerary around your dates and interests.

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Key Events & Festivals 2026

  • Feb 22: Abu Simbel Solar Festival — the sun illuminates the inner sanctuary twice a year
  • Apr–May: Sham El Nessim (spring festival, Egyptian national holiday)
  • Ramadan 2026 (Feb–Mar): Atmospheric in Cairo markets; restaurant hours limited in the day
  • Oct 22: Second Abu Simbel Solar Festival
  • Nov: Luxor International Film Festival (cultural events added)

Budget Timing: Save 30% or More

Egypt's prices are highly seasonal. The same 4-night Nile cruise that costs $900 in January often costs $580 in October or $480 in May. Hotel rates in Luxor can halve between peak and off-peak seasons.

  • Best value months: May, September, October (shoulder), and March (late peak)
  • Most expensive: December 20 – January 10 (Christmas/New Year surge)
  • Book ahead for: New Year, February (European school holiday), and the week around Abu Simbel Festival

Frequently Asked Questions

October and November are widely considered the best months — temperatures in Luxor and Aswan drop to a comfortable 25–30°C, crowds are lower than peak winter, and prices haven't reached their December–February peak. March and April are the best spring months.

Upper Egypt (Luxor and Aswan) can reach 45–48°C in July and August — genuinely uncomfortable for sightseeing. However, Alexandria and the North Coast have a Mediterranean climate and are pleasant in summer. Sharm El Sheikh also remains popular due to water activities.

May to September is Egypt's low season, with prices for tours and hotels dropping 20–40%. Shoulder seasons (April–May and September–October) offer a good balance of value and comfortable weather.