Loading...
The best time to visit Egypt for most UK travellers is from October to April. The weather is cooler during these months, making it easier to explore famous places such as Cairo, Luxor and Aswan. It is also a great time for Nile cruises and outdoor sightseeing.
However, there is no single best month for everyone. Summer can bring lower prices and fewer crowds. It can also be a good choice for a relaxing Red Sea holiday in Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh or Marsa Alam.
Your ideal travel time depends on the type of trip you want. You may be planning to see the Pyramids, take a Nile cruise, relax by the pool or spend time diving in the Red Sea.
Egypt also has different climates across the country. Cairo, Luxor and the Red Sea coast can feel very different during the same month. Before choosing your travel dates, think about where you want to go and what you want to do.
For most travellers, October to April is the best time to visit Egypt. Days are usually more comfortable for sightseeing, walking around ancient sites and taking outdoor tours.
November, February and March often offer a good balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowds. December and January also have great sightseeing weather, but demand can be higher around Christmas and New Year.
May and September may offer better value and fewer visitors. However, temperatures can still be very high, especially in Luxor and Aswan.
June to August are Egypt's hottest months. These months can be difficult for a busy sightseeing trip, but they can still work well for a Red Sea resort holiday.
Best overall time: October to April
Best months for sightseeing: November, February and March
Best time for a Nile cruise: October to April
Best for lower prices: June to August
Best for Red Sea holidays: Year-round
Busiest period: December to February
Best balance of weather and crowds: March, April, October and November
Cooler months make sightseeing much easier. Exploring the Pyramids of Giza, Cairo, Luxor and Aswan often involves several hours outdoors.
October to April is usually the most comfortable period for visiting Egypt's major attractions. The cooler weather makes long days of walking easier to manage.
October to April is generally the best time for a Nile cruise.
Many cruise stops include temples, tombs and ancient sites around Luxor and Aswan. These areas can become extremely hot in summer, especially during the middle of the day.
Travelling during the cooler months makes excursions much more enjoyable.
Egypt's Red Sea resorts can be enjoyed throughout the year.
Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh and Marsa Alam are popular choices for beach holidays, swimming and diving. The coast benefits from sea breezes, although summer is still very hot.
Summer may not be ideal for a packed sightseeing holiday, but it can work well for a relaxing resort stay focused on the beach, pool and sea.
Weather changes across Egypt, so the conditions below are a general guide. Cairo, Luxor and Red Sea resorts can have very different temperatures during the same month.
Always check the forecast for your specific destination closer to your travel date.
| Month | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Best For |
| January | Cool and comfortable | High | High | Sightseeing and Nile cruises |
| February | Mild and pleasant | High | High | Sightseeing and Nile cruises |
| March | Warming up | Moderate | Moderate | Good value and sightseeing |
| April | Warm | Moderate to high | Moderate to high | Sightseeing and beach trips |
| May | Hot | Lower | Moderate | Red Sea holidays |
| June | Very hot inland | Low | Lower | Red Sea resorts |
| July | Intense heat | Low | Lower | Beach and resort holidays |
| August | Intense heat | Low | Lower | Pool and beach holidays |
| September | Hot but easing | Low to moderate | Moderate | Shoulder-season travel |
| October | Warm and comfortable | Rising | Moderate to high | Sightseeing and beach trips |
| November | Comfortable | High | High | Sightseeing and Nile cruises |
| December | Cool and pleasant | Very high | Very high | Sightseeing and festive travel |
January brings cooler and more comfortable weather. It is a popular month for sightseeing and Nile cruises.
Demand can remain high after the Christmas and New Year period, so prices may also be higher. Evenings can feel cool, especially in desert areas, so packing light layers is a good idea.
February is one of the best months for sightseeing in Egypt.
The weather is usually comfortable across Cairo, Luxor and Aswan. It can still be busy, but many travellers find February slightly calmer than the Christmas and New Year period.
March brings warmer days while still offering good conditions for sightseeing.
The khamaseen, a warm and dusty wind, can sometimes affect parts of Egypt during spring. However, March can still offer a good balance between weather, crowds and prices.
April is warm and suits travellers who want to combine sightseeing with time by the sea.
The Easter period can increase demand and prices, especially for UK travellers. Outside busy holiday dates, April can be a good month for a mixed Egypt itinerary.
Temperatures rise quickly in May, especially inland.
There are often fewer visitors than during winter, and better value may be available. Red Sea resorts become an attractive choice for travellers who want warm weather and a relaxing holiday.
June marks the start of Egypt's intense summer heat.
Luxor and Aswan can become extremely hot, making full days of sightseeing difficult. A Red Sea holiday may be a better choice during this time.
July is one of Egypt's hottest months.
Prices may be lower and famous sites can be quieter. However, the heat can make sightseeing tiring. July is often better suited to a resort holiday in Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh or Marsa Alam.
August remains very hot across much of Egypt.
It is not the easiest month for a busy sightseeing trip. However, travellers who want pool time, beaches and Red Sea activities can still enjoy a summer holiday.
September is still hot, but temperatures slowly begin to ease.
It can offer a useful balance between summer and the cooler travel season. Prices may also be lower than during the busy winter months.
However, Upper Egypt can still feel very hot, so travellers planning Luxor and Aswan should keep this in mind.
October is one of the best all-round months to visit Egypt.
Sightseeing becomes more comfortable, while the Red Sea remains warm. Visitor numbers also begin to increase as the winter travel season approaches.
November is widely considered one of the best months to visit Egypt.
The weather is comfortable for sightseeing and Nile cruises, while Red Sea resorts remain warm. Demand is higher than during summer, but many travellers find the weather worth it.
December offers pleasant weather for sightseeing.
It is also one of Egypt's busiest travel periods. Christmas and New Year can push up demand for flights, hotels and Nile cruises, so booking early may give you more choice.
Egypt has three main travel periods: peak season, shoulder season and low season.
The best one for you depends on whether you care most about weather, prices or avoiding crowds.
Egypt's busiest period is usually from December to February.
Christmas and New Year are especially popular. October and November can also see strong demand as travellers arrive for the cooler weather.
During peak season, you may find:
Higher hotel prices
Busier attractions
Higher demand for Nile cruises
Less choice of popular hotels
Higher flight prices during busy dates
If you are travelling during Christmas, New Year or a UK school holiday, booking earlier can help you secure better options.
March, April, September and October can offer a balance between weather and crowds.
March and April are often more comfortable for sightseeing than the summer months. September and October can still be warm, but conditions begin to improve as autumn arrives.
Prices can vary, but travelling outside the busiest dates may give you more choice.
June to August is Egypt's main low season.
The biggest reason is the intense summer heat, especially in Luxor and Aswan. Prices may be lower, and popular attractions can be quieter.
This season is usually better for a Red Sea resort holiday than a packed cultural trip.
The cheapest time to visit Egypt is often during the summer months, especially June, July and August.
May and September may also offer good value.
Lower prices come with a clear trade-off: the heat can be intense. Long sightseeing days may feel difficult, especially in Luxor and Aswan.
However, summer can still be a good choice for Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh or Marsa Alam. If your holiday is mainly about the beach, pool, diving and relaxing at a resort, the weather may matter less.
The cheapest time is not always the best time. It depends on the type of holiday you want.
Egypt is usually most expensive around Christmas and New Year.
December, January and February can also bring higher prices because demand for sightseeing holidays and Nile cruises is strong.
UK school holidays and Easter can also increase prices.
Remember that flight and hotel prices do not always rise at the same time. A hotel may be affordable while flights are expensive, or the opposite may happen.
Always compare the full cost of your trip.
October to April is usually the best time for a Nile cruise.
The cooler weather makes temple visits and outdoor excursions much easier.
October to April is the best period for most travellers visiting Cairo and the Pyramids.
Cooler days make walking and sightseeing more comfortable.
October to April is also the best time to visit Luxor and Aswan.
Upper Egypt becomes much hotter during summer than many coastal areas, so travelling during the cooler months can make a big difference.
Hurghada can be visited throughout the year.
Winter offers milder temperatures, while summer is very warm and suits travellers looking for pool and beach time.
Sharm El Sheikh also works well year-round.
Winter offers milder weather, while summer brings warmer sea temperatures for swimming, diving and snorkelling.
The Red Sea can be enjoyed throughout the year.
Water and air temperatures change by season. Summer brings warmer water, while winter offers milder air temperatures.
The best time depends on how comfortable you are with heat and cooler water.
Cooler months are usually better for families planning lots of sightseeing.
Families who mainly want a resort holiday can also travel during summer, as long as they are comfortable with high temperatures.
October to April is a strong choice for couples and honeymooners.
The weather makes it easier to combine different experiences, including sightseeing, Nile cruises and Red Sea resorts.
Egypt does not have one single climate.
A traveller staying in Hurghada will have a very different experience from someone exploring Cairo, Luxor and Aswan.
| Destination | Summer | Winter | Best Travel Period | Best For |
| Cairo | Hot and dry | Mild with cool evenings | October to April | Pyramids and museums |
| Luxor | Very hot | Warm and comfortable | October to April | Temples and ancient sites |
| Aswan | Very hot | Warm and comfortable | October to April | Nile cruises and temples |
| Hurghada | Hot and coastal | Mild and sunny | Year-round | Resorts and diving |
| Sharm El Sheikh | Hot and coastal | Mild and sunny | Year-round | Beaches and diving |
Check the weather for your exact destination before booking. Egypt is a large country, and conditions can change greatly between regions.
It depends on where you are going.
Luxor and Aswan can become extremely hot during summer. A full day of sightseeing can feel difficult, especially around midday.
Cairo is also hot, although some travellers may find it easier to manage than Upper Egypt.
The Red Sea coast, including Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, benefits from coastal breezes. It is still hot, but the heat can feel more suitable for a beach holiday.
If you visit Egypt during summer:
Sightsee early in the morning
Avoid outdoor activities during the hottest hours
Drink plenty of water
Choose air-conditioned accommodation
Plan indoor activities during the afternoon
Take regular breaks from the heat
Summer travel is possible. It simply suits a different type of Egypt holiday.
Yes. Winter is one of the best times to visit Egypt.
The weather is more comfortable for sightseeing, Nile cruises and outdoor activities. Skies are often clear, and Red Sea resorts remain popular.
The downside is higher demand.
Christmas and New Year can be especially busy, and prices may rise. Evenings can also feel cool, particularly in desert areas such as Luxor and Aswan.
Pack a light jacket or extra layer for the evenings.
Ramadan follows the Islamic calendar, so its dates change every year. Check the dates before planning your trip.
During Ramadan, daily routines can change. Some local restaurants and businesses may have different daytime opening hours.
Evenings often become lively after sunset when people break their fast.
Hotels generally continue serving international travellers as normal. Some attraction or business opening times may change, so it is worth checking ahead.
Ramadan is not necessarily a reason to avoid Egypt. It simply means you may need to plan your days differently.
The best time to book depends on your travel plans.
Are you travelling during a school holiday? Do you want a Nile cruise? Are you visiting during Christmas or New Year?
For busy periods, booking earlier usually gives you more choice.
This is especially useful for:
Christmas and New Year
December and January
Easter
UK school holidays
Popular Nile cruises
Family rooms and larger hotels
During the summer low season, you may have more flexibility. However, flight and hotel prices can still change, so do not assume that booking at the last minute will always be cheaper.
Prices can vary between airports.
If possible, compare flights from more than one UK airport. A different departure airport may offer better availability or a lower total price.
Sometimes a holiday package can cost less than booking flights and accommodation separately.
Compare both options before making your final decision.
Travelling a few days before or after Christmas, Easter or a school holiday can sometimes make a difference to prices.
Flexibility can also give you more hotel and flight options.
Do not only compare the headline holiday price.
Check whether your booking includes:
Checked baggage
Airport transfers
Meals
Resort fees
Excursions
Seat selection
The cheapest-looking option is not always the best value.
Once you know the best time to visit Egypt for your plans, the next step is choosing the right flights, hotel and holiday type.
TravelApp's holiday packages cover a range of travel styles and budgets. If you want a relaxing resort break, all-inclusive holidays can make it easier to manage your holiday budget before you travel.
If you prefer to arrange your journey separately, you can also explore TravelApp's flights for a wide range of routes. TravelApp's flexible payment options can also help you spread the cost of your holiday.
Whether you want to explore ancient temples, take a Nile cruise, visit the Pyramids or relax beside the Red Sea, choosing the right time to travel can make your Egypt holiday even more enjoyable.
Quick answers to common questions. Reach out if you need more help.
October, November, February and March are strong choices for most travellers. These months offer comfortable weather for sightseeing, while avoiding some of the peak Christmas demand.
June, July and August are often the cheapest months. May and September may also offer good value. However, summer heat can make sightseeing difficult.
Peak season usually runs from December to February. Christmas and New Year are among the busiest and most expensive times.
Yes. October offers warm weather, improving sightseeing conditions and warm Red Sea temperatures.
October to April is usually the best time for a Nile cruise because outdoor excursions are more comfortable.
Yes. Cooler months are better for families planning sightseeing. Red Sea resorts can also be a good summer choice for families comfortable with the heat.
