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Best Time to Visit Egypt

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Hot air balloon over Asasif Valley and the Temple of Hatshepsut in Luxor, Egypt

Temple of Hatshepsut in Deir el-Bahari, Egypt

Egypt is vibrant, colorful, and esteemed, and the best time to visit the country enhances the scenery by shining a rich light on the treasures left by history.

Heritage decorates the halls and open-air galleries with tangible culture, from the lapping waves of the Red Sea to remnants of ancient buildings, the soaring Pyramids of Giza to the colossal statues of Ramses II.

Egypt is evocative, with timeless grandeur adjacent to modernity. Whether looking for a Nile River cruise or the best weather in Egypt, the following information is meant as a guide for you to better understand the best time to visit the country.

Overview
  1. Best Time by Travel Season
  2. Best Time for Sightseeing
  3. Best Time for a Nile Cruise
  4. Best Time for Beaches
  5. Best Time for Snorkeling or Scuba Diving
  6. Best Time for Hiking
  7. Best Time for Families with Children
  8. Best Time for Couples or Honeymooners
  9. Best Time for Seniors
  10. Best Time for Spring & Summer Activities
  11. Best Time for Fall & Winter Activities
  12. Book for the Best Time to Visit Egypt

Best Time by Travel Season

Boats on the Nile River in Egypt

Nile River in Egypt

High Season: December • January • February

Winter in Egypt falls between December and February, with temperatures dropping to comfortable levels, enticing visitors to experience the wonders of the country.

As the temperatures start to cool, crowds begin to gather at temples and tombs, around the Pyramids of Giza, and along the Nile River.

A popular time to be in Egypt, the cities and towns buzz with activity, with long days enjoyed in prime conditions and celebrations such as Coptic Christmas in January and the Abu Simbel Sun Festival in February.

Shoulder Season: March • April • May • September • October • November

Planning a visit to Egypt in the spring months of March, April, and May, or the fall months of September, October, and November, will ensure explorers have the best of both worlds: fewer crowds and mild weather.

As the busy season winds down, the desert seemingly breathes a sigh of relief and a calmness can be felt by all who step into the famous Pyramids of Giza or enjoy time out in the Valley of the Kings or Queens.

Spring festivals bring a lively ambiance to the streets across the country, while the banks of the Nile add lush greenery to the desert expanse. The fall is a great time to visit the Red Sea beaches or enjoy the wealth of monuments scattered across the country, from Alexandria to Abu Simbel.

Low Season: June • July • August

June and August are the best months to visit Egypt in summer, with temperatures soaring during July. Crowds are few leaving beaches and popular sites open to explore.

Escape to one of the gorgeous resorts along the Red Sea, where adventures abound on the golden sands at the beach or in the vast desert, offering unique perspectives of history and scenery.

Keep cool as you enjoy famous Egypt highlights, from late-night dining along the Nile or an early morning wander through the famous Khan El-Khalili market.

Best Time for Sightseeing

View of the Pyramids near Cairo, Egypt

The Giza pyramid complex on the Giza Plateau in Greater Cairo, Egypt

Best Months: October • November • December • January • February • March • April

Spring, fall, and winter are the best times for sightseeing in Egypt, especially from February to April and from October to November.

The summer months can make sightseeing a struggle due to the heat, but the fall and spring, as well as winter, have mild weather and fewer crowds. The banks of the Nile can turn lush at these times of year and make exploring the legendary monuments and galleries much more comfortable.

Learn more: Best Places to Visit in Egypt

Best Time for a Nile Cruise

Nile river cruise in Egypt

Nile river cruise in Egypt

Best Months: October • November • December • January • February • March • April

Spring, summer, and fall are the best times for a Nile River cruise, especially between March to June and September to October.

The iconic sites across Egypt are easily accessible as you drift down the Nile, which offers majestic views and connections to places like Karnak and the Hatshepsut temples.

By visiting during the less-popular months, you can still have the comfort of luxury accommodations with fewer occupants on the boat, giving you an entirely different perspective of the cruise and Egypt.

Best Time for Beaches

Red Sea coast in Sharm al-Sheikh, Egypt

Red Sea coast in Sharm al-Sheikh, Egypt

Best Months: April • May • June • July • August • September • October

The different beaches of Egypt are easy to visit between spring and fall, from April to October.

The length of time during which you can visit Egypt’s beaches is great for coastline diversity, whether you want to visit the Red Sea or the Mediterranean Sea around Alexandria.

While summer may bring the crowds to the former’s coastline, the shoulder months are still comfortable and the waters are warm in late spring and early fall.

Best Time for Snorkeling or Scuba Diving

Coral reef in the Red Sea, Egypt

Coral reef in the Red Sea, Egypt

Best Months: March • April • May • September • October • November

Spring and fall are the best times to scuba dive or snorkel in Egypt, with the water still warm and accessible at the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea around Alexandria.

The remarkable colors and vibrant aquatic life come into view with calm waters, great conditions, and access to unique sites dressed in coral or overflowing with sunken ancient history.

You can find some of the world’s most beautiful reef systems and ancient treasures connected to the foundations of Alexandria.

Best Time for Hiking

Early morning at Mount Sinai in Egypt

Mount Sinai in Egypt

Best Months: January • February • March • April • October • November • December

Egypt is a wonderful place to hike and explore, especially from January to April and October to December.

The desert landscape offers incredible surprises, with breathtaking sceneries bisected by long-established routes.

The great trails of Egypt can lead to desert culture, stargazing, and limestone valleys, revealing an often unseen, but equally impressive side of Egypt.

Best Time for Families with Children

Temple of Hatshepsut in Luxor, Egypt

Temple of Hatshepsut in Luxor, Egypt

Best Months: January • February • March • April • October • November • December

The drama of Egypt is perfect for families in winter, spring, and fall, specifically from January to April and October to December.

Families can engage with the history and politics of Egypt, as well as immerse themselves in the natural wonders that helped shape the historic and contemporary cultures of the country.

Visiting in the cooler months outside of summer makes it much easier for your family to enjoy more pleasant temperatures, whether lounging on the beaches or trekking to see the pyramids.

Learn more: Top Things to Do in Egypt with Family

Best Time for Couples or Honeymooners

Couple at Abu Simbel Temple Complex in Egypt

Abu Simbel Temple Complex in Egypt

Best Months: January • February • March • April • October • November • December

Egypt is a romantic and engaging escape for couples when visiting in winter, spring, and fall, from January to April or October to December.

On first impression, Egypt for honeymooners is simply living history, but dig beneath the surface and you find legends that bring romantic mythologies to life, immersing you in preserved ancient wonders.

Archeological treasures come in the form of ruins and artifacts, traditions and oases, adding to the intense and luxurious allure that makes Egypt a fantastic retreat for couples.

Learn more: Egypt Honeymoon Packages

Best Time for Seniors

Senior tourists visiting Philae Temple in Aswan, Egypt

Philae Temple in Aswan, Egypt

Best Months: February • March • April • October • November

As a senior, visiting Egypt when there are fewer tourists will enhance your overall experience, so consider traveling between February and April, with the fall months of October and November a wonderful alternative.

Open spaces, intriguing temples, and quiet Nile cruises entice seniors to savor the mystery of ancient Egypt without crowds and drastic heat by timing it just right.

The cooler months of December and January are quite popular, so focusing on early spring and late fall will be ideal for Egypt tours for seniors.

Learn more: Best Places to Visit in Egypt for Seniors

Best Time for Spring & Summer Activities

Windsurfing in Dehab, Egypt

Windsurfing in Dehab, Egypt

Best Months: April • May • June • August

Spring and summer bring a unique ambiance to Egypt, especially from April to June and again in August.

The warmer weather and rains in spring bring showers that turn the banks of the Nile River into lush gardens, while the summer months of June and August give you great opportunities to enjoy the highlights without the large crowds or intense heat of July.

The beaches are also vibrant in spring and summer, supporting some of the following activities.

Activities: Scuba Diving • Snorkeling • Sailing • Shopping

Best Time for Fall & Winter Activities

Camels on Mount Sinai trail in Egypt

Mount Sinai trail in Egypt

Best Months: October • November • December • January

Fall and winter are fantastic months for visiting Egypt, especially from October to January.

These are the most popular times of the year to visit, but give you the most comfortable weather to enjoy different types of adventures, from Alexandria in the north to Abu Simbel in the south.

The cooler months give you the chance to indulge in cultural activities or engage in more active adventures at your preferred pace.

Activities: Hiking • Cruise • Camel Drive • Cultural Festivals

Book for the Best Time to Visit Egypt

Hieroglyphics at the ancient Kom Obo Temple in Aswan, Egypt

Kom Obo Temple in Aswan, Egypt

Egypt is legendary for its temples and tombs, its pyramids and the picturesque winding banks of the Nile River. Our Egypt tours and vacations can take you cruising in Dahabiya or snorkeling near the Red Sea, as you embrace the top things to do in Egypt.

Zicasso’s Egypt travel guide has more information and helpful tips on how you can make your perfect trip a reality.

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