Thinking about visiting Egypt, but not sure about the best time to go? I’ve got you covered. In this article, I will highlight the best and not so favorable times of the year so you can have a better idea of what to expect and be able to plan a fun, comfortable, and ideal trip.
Egypt is considered the land of sun, sand, and ancient history. In fact, the majority of its tourism is centered around the exploration of cultural sites scattered throughout the country. Others flock to the country to bask on the pristine beaches along the coast of the Red Sea or endulge in world-class diving. When planning your trip to Egypt it’s important to decide what you want to do and see because the climate could play a major role in determining the most opportune time to visit.
I strategically planned my first trip to Egypt for the end of September and the beginning of October. From my research, I found that the temperatures were still very high but the tourism and crowds were significantly lower than they would be a few weeks later. I figured this would allow me to take some awesome photos and have a more memorable experience (I don’t do well with crowds). Even though this did turn out to be the perfect sweet spot for the experience I was looking for, I was not entirely prepared. Read on to learn more about Egypt’s travel seasons and how I foolishly almost ruined my trip to dehydration!
Egypt’s Winter Season
The winter season begins in mid-October and concludes in February. This period is thought to be the best time of the year to visit Egypt. October marks the end of the summer and brings cooler and more bearable temperatures, especially for those who plan to spend a lot of time exploring outdoors. Temperatures rarely exceed 90℉ and continually drop to the mid 70’s in February. In the evening things begin to cool down making it a perfect time to get out and explore or grab a bite to eat.
Be advised that these cooler temperatures attract tourists from across the globe hoping to cross off some bucket list experiences in Egypt meaning that places will be packed! Popular sites will require fighting through crowds. In my experience, it is better to arrive early if you want to beat the tour bus herds. This also means that it will be harder to find accommodation so make sure you book ahead of time.
Worried about rain? I wouldn’t worry too much. Typically it only rains in coastal areas and for short periods of time. You will probably be grateful for it when it happens, though.
Egypt’s Summer Season
Egypt’s summer season, also called the off-season, is May-September. During these months the climate is dry and, you guessed it, HOT. Temperatures are normally in the upper nineties but can soar past one hundred degrees Fahrenheit! And don’t expect any rain to cool things off. Rainfall during the summer season is unheard of.
Locals tend to take their vacations during these months. Residents who live in bigger cities like Cairo, Alexandria, and Luxor head to the coast to escape the sweltering urban heat. You can expect to see more local families vacationing in areas along the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea and few tourists.
If you plan on visiting between these months, know that it can become unbearable to be outside. Bring an umbrella or a wide-brimmed hat to shade yourself from the sun and make sure to drink plenty of water. Sunscreen is also a must to avoid sunburn that could ruin your whole trip!
The upside of visiting Egypt during summer is that there are little to no tourists traveling around. Cultural sites will be vacant and you can enjoy unobstructed views, especially if you’re trying to get some cool photos.
Do As I Say, Not as I Do
When I arrived in Egypt it was a beautiful day with a few clouds and a light breeze. I remember thinking, “Wow, this isn’t bad at all!” Well…that was just the first day. On the second day, I was touring the Giza pyramid complex and basically running towards any sliver of shade I could find. Sweat rolled down my face and I couldn’t understand why my guide chose to wear a tight-fitting polo shirt and jeans. So much for the makeup I had applied a couple of hours prior in hopes of taking some awesome pics. Can a girl catch a breeze?
A few days later I arrived in Aswan, where I was to begin my Nile Cruise (link). Before the cruise started I took a quick trip to Abu Simbel (link), located near Egypt’s southern border with Sudan. We arrived early to avoid the tourist bus crowds and the midday sun. It really didn’t matter because by 9 am the sun was already brutal. The heat was so distracting that I could barely listen to my tour guide. This is where my battle with staying hydrated began…
Me vs. The Sun
Fast forward a few days and my Nile cruise had reached its final destination in the city of Luxor. My itinerary for the day was jam-packed with activities and tours, starting with a sunrise hot air balloon ride (link) at 4:30 am. Things were going great! I had already explored Hatshepsut Mortuary Temple and the Memnon Statues when I started to feel drowsy with an upset stomach. I wrote this off as car sickness and decided to focus on the road on the way to Valley of the Kings.
Temperatures soared over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the hottest I had experienced thus far. The sun was beaming and there wasn’t a cloud in sight. This was my first time exploring the sites during midday and I was not prepared for the sweltering heat. Valley of the Kings is a giant complex that requires a lot of walking and provides little coverage from the sun. After my guide explained the history, I was released to explore three tombs of my choosing. Let me tell you, there is NO draft system inside the tombs and there’s only one way in and out. The combination of the lack of ventilation and the body heat from curious tourists created an oven-like underground enclosure. I barely made it through the tombs.
I was quickly declining and couldn’t figure out why. By the time I arrived back at my hotel I felt nauseous and had a headache. I tried laying down to rest but once I closed my eyes I felt like I was spinning. In my exhausted state, I called my friends and told them about my situation. We quickly ruled out jet-lag and travel sickness to arrive upon heat exhaustion. Looking back on my day I realized I had only had two bottle of water after spending over 8 hours under the sun! What was I thinking? A few moments later, I picked up a few liters of water from the convenience store and got to work chugging as much as I could handle. By nightfall I began feeling less lethargic and was able to go to sleep. Thank goodness!
The Moral of the Story
Make sure you plan your trip accordingly. If you have certain health issues it could be very dangerous! Also, drink lots of water! I can’t stress this enough. Nothing will ruin your trip faster in Egypt than a case of severe dehydration. The dry climate makes it harder to perceive the heat making it easier to underestimate its severity. Don’t be like me. You have been warned.
So When is the Best Time to Go to Egypt?
Well, it depends what you’re looking for. If you want to be able to explore the country without being hindered by the heat, then I suggest visiting during the winter months. This is especially important when visiting locations in the desert, like Siwa Oasis. Winter is a perfect time to utilize the entire day sight-seeing or lounging on the beach. Keep in mind that this is the known tourist season and crowds will be everywhere. If you’re not one for fighting crowds, this may not be a good time for you.
Alternatively, summer is the best time to travel to Egypt unencumbered by crowds. Prepare to trade in comfort for seclusion, though. High temperatures inhibit the amount of time you can spend outside. More than likely, the middle of the day will be spent indoors hiding from the suns harsh rays.
In my opinion, the best time to go to Egypt is just before the tourist season begins, which allows for the best of both worlds. The beginning of October is still hot but nights are typically cooler. The tourist masses begin to trickle in but the early bird gets the worm! Arriving early gives you some time to take it all in and grab those awesome shots you’ve been thinking about.
Want to find out more about planning the perfect trip? Check out my Egypt itineraries to make sure you include some of the best destinations Egypt has to offer.
