Best Time to Visit Egypt: Month-by-Month Weather Guide (2025-2026)

Why Most Weather Guides Get It Wrong

When you search for Egypt's best time to visit, most sites show average temperatures that sound perfectly pleasant year-round. The problem? Those averages don't reflect how hot it actually gets during the day when you're exploring temples, walking through the Valley of the Kings, or standing at the pyramids. This guide focuses on realistic daytime HIGH temperatures to help you plan a trip that matches your heat tolerance.

Understanding Egypt's Climate Zones

Egypt has distinct climate zones. Cairo sits in the moderate north, Luxor and Aswan are in the far south where summer heat is extreme, and coastal areas like Alexandria and the Red Sea have Mediterranean influences that keep temperatures milder. Your tolerance for heat will determine which months work best for your trip.

Temperature Reality Check: What the Numbers Actually Feel Like

Before diving into the monthly breakdown, here's a quick reference for how different temperature ranges actually feel when you're out exploring Egyptian monuments:

Below 20°C (68°F): Cool to cold. You'll want layers and possibly a jacket, especially in the morning and evening. 20-25°C (68-77°F): Perfect. Comfortable for all-day sightseeing without overheating. 25-30°C (77-86°F): Warm but manageable. Still pleasant for most activities with breaks in shade. 30-35°C (86-95°F): Hot. You'll notice the heat, especially in direct sun. Plan for slower pacing and more water breaks. 35-40°C (95-104°F): Very hot. This is when Egypt starts to feel genuinely uncomfortable for extended outdoor activities. Above 40°C (104°F): Extreme heat. Only for those very comfortable with intense desert conditions.

Month-by-Month Breakdown

Now let's look at each month with REAL high temperatures you can expect during the day:

January

January is Egypt's coolest month. While southern cities like Luxor and Aswan remain pleasant during the day, Cairo can feel genuinely cold in early mornings and evenings. You'll want to pack layers. Tourist sites are busy, but the weather is ideal for full-day touring without heat stress.

February

February starts to warm up slightly but remains one of the best months to visit. Cairo is more comfortable than January, and the south is perfect. This is still peak tourist season, so expect crowds at major monuments, but the weather makes it worthwhile.

March

March marks the transition into spring. Temperatures are rising but remain very manageable. This is the sweet spot before the real heat arrives. The occasional desert wind (khamsin) can bring dusty conditions, but overall, March is excellent for travel.

April

April starts to show Egypt's heat. While Cairo is still pleasant, Luxor and Aswan are getting quite hot during midday. This is the last month before summer heat becomes challenging. Tourist numbers begin to drop, which means fewer crowds at popular sites.

May

May is when Egypt enters full summer mode. Southern cities become genuinely uncomfortable during the day. Cairo is hot but still manageable if you plan activities for early morning and late afternoon. This is when serious heat tolerance becomes necessary if you want to explore tombs and temples in the south.

June

June marks the beginning of Egypt's hottest season. Luxor and Aswan are extremely hot and not recommended unless you are very comfortable with desert heat. Cairo is hot but bearable in short bursts. Tourist numbers are low, which means you'll have sites nearly to yourself—if you can handle the heat.

July & August

These are Egypt's peak summer months. The heat in the south is relentless and oppressive. Even Cairo is hot. The upside? Virtually no crowds and significantly lower prices. If you can handle extreme heat, this is when you'll have Egypt's ancient wonders almost entirely to yourself.

September

September is still very hot but slightly more bearable than July and August. The heat begins to ease toward the end of the month, making late September a decent option if you want fewer crowds and don't mind warmth. Prices remain low, and tourist sites are still quiet.

October

October is when Egypt becomes pleasant again. Temperatures drop significantly, especially toward the end of the month. This is one of the best times to visit if you want good weather without the peak-season crowds and prices of winter. Southern sites are manageable again, and Cairo is perfect.

November

November is excellent. The weather is ideal across all of Egypt, and tourist numbers are moderate. This is a sweet spot for comfortable travel without the crowds of December and January. Prices are still reasonable, and the cooler temperatures make full-day touring enjoyable.

December

December is another peak travel month. The weather is perfect, with warm days and cooler evenings. Cairo can feel chilly in the early morning, but once the sun is up, it's ideal. Tourist sites rise again as winter travelers arrive, so expect busier sites.

So, When Should You Go?

Best Overall Months: November, December, January, February, and March offer the most comfortable weather across all regions. Best for Avoiding Crowds: October and April provide great weather with fewer tourists. Budget Travel (If You Can Handle Heat): May through September offers the lowest prices and emptiest sites, but you'll need serious heat tolerance, especially in the south. Ideal Balance: November and March are the sweet spots, comfortable weather, manageable crowds, and reasonable prices.

Frequently Asked Questions About Egypt's Weather

Final Thoughts

Egypt is incredible year-round, but the right time to visit depends entirely on your heat tolerance and travel style. If you want perfect weather and don't mind crowds, stick to November through March. If you prefer solitude and can handle heat, summer offers a completely different (and emptier) Egypt.