The Best Time to Visit Egypt for Tourists: A Complete Break Down

Visiting Egypt is a dream for many travelers, but figuring out the best time to visit Egypt for tourists can certainly make a big difference in your trip. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and iconic landmarks, timing your visit right will ensure a more enjoyable and comfortable experience.

From exploring ancient pyramids to cruising the Nile, Egypt offers something magical year-round. However, certain seasons bring better weather, fewer crowds, and more opportunities to see the country at its best.

Whether you’re planning a cultural trip or a relaxing Red Sea getaway, this guide will help you choose the perfect time to visit. Discover the ideal months for sightseeing, desert adventures, and everything in between!

What is the Best Time to Visit Egypt? A Quick Intro to Our Guide

The best time to visit Egypt for tourists certainly depends on a number of factors including weather, holidays, crowds, and prices. Egypt is also a big country, and different areas vary slightly with their weather and the best times to visit.

Some people like to travel when the weather is at its prime, while others prefer a vacation with fewer crowds and lower prices. Many people want to avoid visiting during Holidays, while other tourists may look to embrace the local customs.

In this guide we are going to break down the different aspects of what the country looks like throughout the year, so that you can choose the best time to visit Egypt for you.

What is the Weather Like in Egypt All Year Round?

The first main aspect of choosing the best time to visit Egypt for tourists is the weather.

Choosing a time when temperatures are ideal can make a big difference in your trip, especially if you are looking for a sunny escape to the one of Egypt's incredible beach towns.

Egypt is located in the northern hemisphere, and despite what many people think, it is actually not hot year round. That being said though, it is a much hotter destination than those in Europe, which makes it ideal to visit in the colder months of the year coming from many other countries.

What is the Hottest Month in Egypt?

The hottest month in Egypt is July, with average daytime temperatures reaching (104°F) (40°C)  in desert areas like Luxor and Aswan. In Cairo, temperatures can rise to around 95°F (35°C), while coastal areas like Alexandria are slightly cooler at 95°F (32°C).

In southern Egypt, the heat can be particularly intense during the summer months, especially from June to August. This makes outdoor activities and sightseeing pretty uncomfortable, and it is something to keep in mind if you want to travel at this time.

If you plan to visit during the summer, then we recommend becoming an early bird! It's best to stick to early morning activities or enjoying the late evenings to avoid the peak heat.

 What is the Coldest Month in Egypt?

There is a common misconception that Egypt is always hot, but this is actually not true! Although mild in terms of winter, Egypt does have cooler months, especially if you plan on visiting the desert regions.

The coldest month in Egypt is January, with average temperatures ranging from 50°F to 68°F (10°C to 20°C), depending on the region.

In Cairo, daytime temperatures hover around 64°F (18°C), but nights can be pretty chilly, dropping to 46°F (8°C). In southern Egypt, places like Luxor and Aswan remain warmer, with daytime temperatures around 75°F (24°C), making January a super ideal time to visit.

If you’re visiting desert areas like the White Desert or Siwa Oasis, be prepared for very cold nights, with temperatures dropping close to freezing! We visited in March, and has hot and sunny days, but pretty cold nights that required a jacket.

Is There a Rainy Season in Egypt?

Egypt is mostly an arid desert country in terms of weather, and rain is very rare, particularly in the southern and central regions. However, there is a short rainy season along the Mediterranean coast, in cities such as Alexandria and Marsa Matruh, which goes from November to March.

Even during this "rainy" period though, rainfall is light and not so frequent. In Cairo, you might experience a few brief showers in December or January, but it won’t significantly impact your travel plans.

The desert areas, including Luxor, Aswan, The White Desert, and Siwa Oasis, are extremely dry year-round, and hardly see any rainfall.

Don't have time to read the whole article and want to save it for later? Just pin it!

Visiting Egypt During Ramadan

When we booked our trip to Egypt in March, we had no idea that it would impact our plans so much! This year, Ramadan starts on Friday February 28th, and goes until Saturday, March 29th.

 How Does Ramadan Affect Tourists?

Ramadan can either be the best time to visit Egypt for tourists, or the worst time depending on what kind of experience you'd like to have.

On one hand, Ramadan is a very special time. There are decorations up, special foods consumed, and people are extremely generous and friendly during this time of year. If you're looking for a unique cultural experience, then we definitely recommend visiting Egypt in March.

On the other hand, Ramadan impacts hours of operation greatly, and is something that tourists will have to keep in mind during their travels.

Ramadan Hours of Operation

During Ramadan, people are not supposed to eat from sunrise to sunset. This means that many shops and restaurants will be closed, especially in smaller towns.

Instead, you'll see people eating right before sunrise for "dinner", or having their breakfast right as the sun goes down. This is truly unique, but also means it might not be the best time to visit Egypt for tourists that like to go to bed early or wake up late.

This will limit your options, and certain aspects of your schedule such as eating in public during the day vs eating at night with the locals. You'll also have limited access to grocery stores, and nightlife in Cairo will not be the same either.

What Month is the Cheapest to Visit Egypt?

The cheapest month to visit Egypt is June. Since June to August is the hottest period of the year, fewer tourists visit during this time, causing flights and hotels to drop their prices significantly.

If you can handle the intense heat or plan to stick to indoor museums and temples, visiting Egypt in summer can save you a lot of money. Prices for cruises on the Nile, luxury hotels, and even guided tours are much lower compared to the peak season, making the summer the best time to visit Egypt for tourists that want luxury on a budget.

Visiting in the summer can also be ideal for digital nomads. A trip to Egypt during this time would allow those working while traveling to explore early in the mornings and late in the afternoon, while using the hottest part of the day to work inside a cafe with the AC.

What is the Best Month to Visit Egypt? A Full Breakdown

The best time to visit Egypt for tourists looking for ideal weather is during the cooler months from October to April, while the best time to visit Egypt for tourists looking to save money would be in the summer months.

Here’s a month-by-month breakdown to help you plan your trip:

• October to November: Ideal weather, fewer crowds, and perfect conditions for visiting the pyramids and cruising the Nile.
• December to February: Peak tourist season with pleasant temperatures, especially in Cairo and Luxor. However, prices are higher, and popular attractions are crowded.
• March: A great time to experience Ramadan, with mild weather and fewer tourists compared to winter. 
• April: Perfect weather for the Red Sea resort towns
• May to September: Extremely hot, especially in southern Egypt, but cheaper prices and fewer crowds make it attractive for budget travelers.

What is the Best Time to Visit Cairo?

The best time to visit Cairo is between October and April, when temperatures are mild, making it easier to explore the Pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum, and Khan El Khalili Bazaar.

During summer (May to September), Cairo can get unbearably hot during the day, but mornings and evenings are cooler. If you visit in summer, plan early morning tours to avoid the worst of the heat.

 When is the Best Time of Year to Dive in the Red Sea?

We visited Hurghada in March, and while it was sunny and warm, it was not quite hot enough for swimming. If you're looking for a relaxing beach getaway in Egypt, we'd recommend visiting late March- early May, or late September- early November.

The best time of year to dive in the Red Sea is from March-May and from September to November also because this is when their are excellent diving conditions, fewer crowds, and some of the best wildlife sightings.

If you are looking to swim with dolphins or Manta Rays though, then the best time of year to dive in the Red Sea is in the winter months from December to February.

When Should I Visit the Pyramids?

The best time to visit the Pyramids of Giza is during the cooler months from October to March. For the least amount of crowds, we'd recommend visiting in March during Ramadan, or in the summer months though.

During summer especially, it’s best to visit the pyramids before 10 AM or after 4 PM to avoid the scorching midday sun.

What is the Best Time to Visit Siwa?

The best time to visit Siwa Oasis is from October to March, when temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for exploring the desert and its natural springs.

In summer, Siwa can get extremely hot, with temperatures exceeding 104°F (40°C). However, winter nights can be very cold, dropping to near freezing, so be prepared for desert temperature swings if you visit during this time.

We visited Siwa in March, and we found the weather to be pretty ideal, but most things were closed for Ramadan, so we'd recommend visiting in either February, or October/November. October there is also a massive festival in Siwa, making it the absolute best month to experience this gorgeous oasis town!

Conclusion: What is the Best Month to Visit Egypt?

The best month to visit Egypt for tourists depends on your travel goals.

Here is a bit of a breakdown when it comes to traveling to Egypt during different months:

• If you want comfortable weather and fewer crowds, October or March is ideal.
• For cheaper travel and fewer tourists, visit in June or September (but be prepares for the extreme heat).
• If you want to experience major events, such as Ramadan, plan your trip for March.
• For beach getaways the optimal months are April and October.

October to April is the best time to visit Egypt for tourists overall, with October being one of the most pleasant months to explore the pyramids, the Nile River, and the deserts.

So are you ready for the most amazing trip to Egypt? Since now you know the best time to visit Egypt for tourists, you're ready to start planning your epic adventure to this incredible country.

Want to learn other helpful info for visiting this country? We have a ton of other Egypt travel guides, as well as some more coming up. So make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for all of our latest articles and exclusive offers!

Need help planning hyur trip? We can help! Scratch Your Mapa offers customized travel planning services to assist in finding the most affordable flight and the most unique hotels around the country. Not only that, but we're in the works of starting group trips to Egypt soon!

Here are some other articles you'll find helpful: