Best Time to Visit Egypt
- By Seema
Who Hasn’t dreamt of visiting the ancient Pyramids of Giza, Tutankhamon’s Tomb, and the enigmatic Mummies? Egypt manages to find a way on everyone’s bucket list and why not? The country is drenched in history and mysteries that continue to amaze and baffle archeologists & scientists. Historians have been trying to crack the intriguing history, traditions, and culture of the greatest civilization of the world for centuries, but with limited success.
After the end of the recent political turmoil, Egypt has seen a surge in tourism. Traveling to Egypt has become viable, easier, and safer. When you plan on visiting a destination, climatic condition plays a major part in deciding the time of travel. Egypt is located on the edge of the Sahara Desert, so you don’t have to worry about the cold and the rain. However, it can be quite hot and humid and that should be the primary consideration when deciding on the best time to visit Egypt.
Visiting Egypt in November-February:
This is undoubtedly the best time to visit Egypt. The temperatures are pleasant, with occasional showers – perfect for exploring the outdoor desert attractions. Nights and early mornings can be cold in the deserts, but nothing that a light jacket cannot manage. It is also the peak tourist season with inflated fares, low availability, and crowded sights. The holiday season of Christmas and New Year comes with skyrocketing rates and long queues, so it is better to avoid those dates.
Events to check:
- Coptic Christmas – 7th January
- Abu Simbel Sun Festival (Crowning Day) – 22nd February
- Cairo Art Fair
Visiting Egypt from March-May:
The spring months of March-May are also considered a good time to visit Egypt. The weather becomes warmer but it is moderate enough to have an enjoyable vacation. The biggest constraint is the harsh Khamsin Wind that sweeps Egypt between March and April and brings dust and sand with it. The sandstorms are not constant but come in short bouts that last a couple of hours. The prices are much lower, it is much quieter, the sun is not too severe and nights are cool – so if you are willing to put off this small hindrance, March-May is a good season to visit Egypt.
Events to check:
- Sham al Nessim (arrival of spring) – Easter Monday in April
Visiting Egypt in June-August:
This is peak summer with sweltering temperatures, scorching sun, and no rainfall. It is definitely not the ideal time to visit Egypt (especially the southern regions) and the maximum temperature can go up to 45-50. Most of the famed attractions are located in the open desert and visiting them in such hot temperatures can really drain you. But it is the low tourist season and you can save a lot on accommodations, fares, and everything else. Additionally, you get to see the top sights sans the crowds and take some splendid clicks. The summer months can be used to stay at the swanky Red Sea Resorts, where the sea will be warm and prices more affordable.
Visiting Egypt in September-October:
The weather in Egypt in the autumn season is much cooler and it is a good time to visit Egypt. The holiday season is over, temperatures have dipped a little, crowds are still thin, and prices are reasonable. Cruising on the Nile River or holidaying on the warm Mediterranean beaches are good options during September and October.
Events to check:
- Wafaa Al Nil (festival devoted to the Nile River) – September
Abu Simbel Sun Festival (Birthday) – 22nd February
Egypt Weather Guide (In Celsius)
| Destination | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria | 9-19 | 9-19 | 11-21 | 13-24 | 17-27 | 20-29 | 23-30 | 23-30 | 21-30 | 18-24 | 14-24 | 11-20 |
| Aswan | 10-23 | 12-26 | 15-30 | 20-36 | 23-40 | 27-40 | 28-42 | 28-42 | 25-40 | 22-36 | 16-30 | 12-25 |
| Abu Simbel | 9-23 | 10-26 | 14-30 | 18-35 | 23-39 | 25-40 | 25-40 | 26-40 | 24-39 | 22-36 | 16-30 | 12-25 |
| Cairo | 9-19 | 10-20 | 12-24 | 14-28 | 18-32 | 20-34 | 21-35 | 22-35 | 21-33 | 17-29 | 14-25 | 10-20 |
| Luxor | 6-23 | 7-25 | 11-29 | 16-35 | 20-39 | 23-41 | 24-41 | 24-41 | 22-39 | 18-35 | 12-29 | 8-24 |
| Red Sea Rivera | 13-22 | 14-22 | 16-25 | 20-30 | 24-34 | 27-37 | 27-38 | 28-38 | 27-35 | 23-32 | 19-27 | 15-23 |
Visiting Egypt during Ramadan:
Ramadan is the holy month of Muslims during which they don’t eat anything during the daytime. As the sun sets, the worshippers reach the mosque to offer prayers, after which they break their fasts. The date of Ramadan varies every year depending on the Islamic calendar but usually falls in April or May. Many shops, banks, and sites may be closed for the majority of the day which may disrupt your plans to some extent. Most of the cafes and restaurants are only open in the evenings. It will however give you valuable insight into the Islamic and Egyptian cultures. The month of Ramadan is followed by a three-day festival called Eid El-Fitr.
All the seasons have their pros and cons, but we can say that Egypt is a destination that can be visited all year round. Whenever you get an opportunity to plan a trip to this amazing country, you should not miss it. This Egypt Guide will help you plan your vacation. It is definitely a lifetime experience where you will come to know very interesting facts about Egypt
This Post Has One Comment
Spot on! I’ve been to Egypt several times, did the Nile crusie which was one of the best experiences ever, and every time i was it was a different season and still it was great. We swam in the sea in Sharm El Sheikh in December! It was actually a great time to visit, no tourists, affordable prices,