The best time to visit Egypt is from October to April, when temperatures are at their most pleasant. However, December and January constitute peak tourist season, and iconic sights like the Pyramids of Giza, the Temples of Luxor, and Abu Simbel can get uncomfortably crowded. Also, this is when rates at Red Sea resorts are at their most expensive.
Peak Season
If minimizing expense is a priority,
tours and accommodation are often significantly cheaper during the hot
shoulder-season months of June and September. Realistically,
temperatures in July and August make daytime sight-seeing difficult,
although the country’s coastal resorts offer some respite from the
summer heat.
The Weather in Egypt
For most people; the weather
is the crucial factor in deciding when to visit Egypt. The climate is
typically hot and sunny throughout the year, and there is very little
precipitation south of Cairo.
It is important to remember that many of Egypt’s ancient sights are located in desert regions that remain hot despite the proximity of the Nile River. Climbing into an airless tomb on a 100-degree day can be draining, while several top attractions are located in southern Egypt, where it is even hotter than Cairo. If you’re planning on visiting Luxor or Aswan from May to October, make sure to avoid the midday heat by planning your sight-seeing for the early morning or late afternoon. Between March and May, the khamsin wind brings thick dust and sandstorms.
Traveling to Egypt During Ramadan
Ramadan is the
Muslim holy month of fasting, and the dates change every year according
to the dates of the Islamic calendar, but usually fall between the
middle of May and the end of June. Tourists are not expected to fast
when visiting Egypt during Ramadan. However, shops and banks tend to
close for much of the day, while many cafés and restaurants do not open
at all during daylight hours. At night, there is a generally festive
atmosphere as eating and drinking resume. Toward the end of Ramadan,
there are several festivities that are fun to experience and observe.
Spring
Spring is a nice time to visit Egypt, as
temperatures are typically quite moderate, but some visitors may want to
avoid the “Khamsin wind” season that runs between March and April as it
can carry sand and dust in the air. As a shoulder season, prices for
hotels will be more reasonable than during winter.
Summer
Temperatures can often be sweltering
during the summer, especially in Upper Egypt near Luxor. But traveling
during this time has its perk: You can see Egypt without swells of
fellow tourists, leaving you in peace at some of the country’s
most-revered monuments. Ramadan typically falls during the summer
months; beware that some attractions may close earlier than usual.
Fall
Like spring, fall brings cooler temperatures
and affordable prices. Heat can sometimes last into October, but crowds
are still thin, making this a great time to visit popular monuments. If
you’re planning a visit to the beach, this is a great time of year, as
the Mediterranean Sea is still warm and uncrowded.
Winter
While winter can mean nice weather, it’s
also the high tourist season. Attractions will be more crowded, and
hotel prices can skyrocket. There is occasional rain and some cities,
like Alexandria, will be quite damp.