Best Time to Visit Egypt: Month by Month and by Season

Last updated: 21 October 2026

The best time to visit Egypt is October to April, when days are warm, nights are cool and the sky stays clear over the temples. Late October and March bring pleasant weather with thinner crowds than midwinter. Travel Joy Egypt plans private trips around the weather and the crowds in these months. Visas, packing and money are covered in our practical tips for planning an Egypt trip.

Key Takeaways

Peak, Shoulder and Low Season in Egypt

Peak Season: December to February

December to February is peak season, with the coolest weather of the year and chilly nights in the desert and along the river. Giza and the Valley of the Kings are crowded by mid-morning in December and January, the busiest months, and Nile cruise prices climb. If your dates fall over the holidays, read Christmas in Egypt and holiday travel before you book.

Shoulder Season: October, November, March and April

These shoulder months, between the peak and the summer low season, have weather almost as pleasant as the peak months, at lower prices. Crowds are lighter than in midwinter, and the summer heat has either eased or not yet arrived. Our October in Egypt guide covers weather, crowds and events in that month. April is warm, but the khamsin, a hot, dry wind that carries sand, can occasionally disrupt travel, so check the forecast before you go.

Low Season: June to August

June to August is low season. Crowds are at their thinnest and the heat is intense: Aswan's July average is around 41.7°C (107°F). Giza, Luxor and Abu Simbel are open-air sites with little shade, so go at opening time, rest through midday and head back out later in the day. May and September sit between seasons: May is already hot, while September is quiet as the heat eases.

Egypt Month by Month: Weather, Crowds and Prices

This table compares weather, crowds and prices for each month, and shows what each month suits best.

Read across a row to see the trade-off: October and March balance weather and crowds, December and January cost more, and June to August is cheap but hot. For temperatures, rain and khamsin city by city, see our Egypt weather and climate guide.

Best Months for Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and the Red Sea

Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza

Giza is best from October to April. Cairo winters are mild, while summer days average around 35°C (95°F). The plateau has no shade, so the cooler months matter more there than almost anywhere else.

Whatever the month, aim to be at the gate when the plateau opens, around 8am, before the heat and the coach parties. From May to September the open plateau is very hot by midday.

Luxor and Aswan

November to February is the best stretch for the temples of Luxor and Aswan. Once May arrives, the Luxor West Bank, home of the Valley of the Kings, is punishing at midday, so start sightseeing at dawn.

For a ready-made route, see the 7 days Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel tour, which also includes Edfu and Kom Ombo.

The Red Sea Coast

Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh and the other Red Sea resorts are sunny all year, so a beach break works in any month. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable, with warm days and calm, clear water for diving. In summer the coast is hot but still busy, because the sea breeze and warm water keep it pleasant. For day trips from Hurghada, browse our private Hurghada tours and snorkelling trips.

Best Time for a Nile Cruise from Luxor to Aswan

October to April is the main Nile cruise season. December and January are the coolest and priciest months afloat, while late October and March pair good weather with a quieter river. June to August has the lowest rates, but the heat in Luxor and Aswan is extreme.

Once you have a month in mind, compare our Nile cruises from Luxor to Aswan.

Cheapest Months and How Far Ahead to Book

The Cheapest Time to Visit Egypt

June to August is the cheapest time to visit Egypt, with the emptiest sites. The trade-off is heat that forces dawn starts in Luxor and Aswan. As a guide to prices, our 7 days Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel tour starts from $1,525 per person, and the price table on its page shows each season.

How Far Ahead to Book

For October to April, book 3 to 6 months ahead so you get the hotels, Nile cruise cabins and guides you want. For Christmas, New Year and Easter, book 6 months or more ahead. Summer is the exception: 4 to 6 weeks is often enough for June to August. If you already know your dates, we can plan a tailor-made Egypt trip around them.

Visiting Egypt During Ramadan: What to Expect

Sightseeing carries on during Ramadan: the Pyramids, the major attractions, museums and Nile cruises stay open. In the cities, many local restaurants and shops open later and stay lively after sunset, while hotels and tourist restaurants stay open, and some opening hours shift, so confirm times for any shop or restaurant you plan to visit. Ramadan moves about 11 days earlier each year. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha follow the same lunar calendar, so check their dates before you book.

Best Time to Visit Egypt and Jordan Together

Plan an Egypt and Jordan trip for October to November or March to April, the months that are comfortable in both countries. Petra sits higher than the Nile Valley, so it can feel cold in deep winter. By June, both are hot. For a combined trip, see our Egypt and Jordan tour packages.

Does It Rain in Egypt?

Rain is rare and falls mostly on the Mediterranean coast; Alexandria gets the most, peaking in January. Desert nights and Nile cruise evenings can be cool, and December and January are the chilliest, so pack a light jacket.

Plan Your Trip Around the Right Month

When you have chosen your month, message Travel Joy Egypt on WhatsApp +20 106 023 3393 with your month and group size, and we will plan a route around the weather and the crowds.