When is the best time to visit Egypt? The short answer: October to April offers the most comfortable weather for sightseeing. But the best time for YOUR trip depends on your priorities - weather, crowds, prices, or specific activities.
After 18 years of guiding tourists through Egypt, we've seen every season. Here's our complete month-by-month breakdown to help you plan the perfect Egypt vacation.
Quick Summary: Egypt Seasons at a Glance
Peak Season
October - April
20-28°C
Ideal for sightseeing, Nile cruises, desert trips. Higher prices, more crowds.
Shoulder Season
May & September
28-35°C
Warm but manageable. Fewer tourists, better prices. Early starts recommended.
Low Season
June - August
35-45°C
Very hot! Best for Red Sea beaches only. Lowest prices.
Month-by-Month Breakdown
🌸 October - November: Perfect Weather, Moderate Crowds
Our favorite months! Temperatures drop to comfortable 25-30°C. Summer crowds have left but winter rush hasn't started. Excellent for Nile cruises and desert safaris. Prices are reasonable.
- Weather: 22-30°C, sunny, pleasant evenings
- Crowds: Moderate - increasing toward November
- Prices: Mid-range, good value
- Best for: All activities - Pyramids, Nile cruise, desert
❄️ December - February: Peak Season
The most popular time to visit Egypt. Perfect weather for sightseeing (18-25°C). Christmas and New Year are extremely busy - book 3-6 months ahead. Higher prices but worth it for the ideal conditions.
- Weather: 15-25°C, cool mornings/evenings, bring layers
- Crowds: High - especially Christmas/New Year
- Prices: Highest of the year
- Best for: Everything! Nile cruises are magical
🌷 March - April: Shoulder Season
Warming up (25-32°C) but still very pleasant. Fewer tourists than winter peak. Easter can be busy. Watch for occasional sandstorms (khamsin winds) in April. Great value overall.
- Weather: 22-32°C, occasional wind
- Crowds: Moderate, decreasing in April
- Prices: Mid-range, good deals available
- Best for: Sightseeing, avoiding winter crowds
☀️ May - September: Hot Season
Only for heat lovers or Red Sea beach vacations! Temperatures reach 35-45°C. Sightseeing requires very early mornings (6 AM starts). Lowest prices and virtually no crowds at sites.
- Weather: 35-45°C, extreme heat
- Crowds: Minimal
- Prices: Lowest - great deals
- Best for: Red Sea diving/beaches, budget travelers
Pro Tip: Best Time for Nile Cruises
October through April is ideal for Nile cruises. The weather is pleasant on deck, and sunsets over the Nile are magical. Avoid June-August when temperatures on the water become unbearable. December-February cruises book up fast - reserve 3+ months ahead.
When to Book Your Egypt Trip
The average Egypt trip is booked 5 months (154 days) in advance. Here's our booking timeline recommendation:
- Peak Season (Dec-Feb): Book 4-6 months ahead
- Shoulder Season (Oct-Nov, Mar-Apr): Book 2-4 months ahead
- Low Season (May-Sep): Book 1-2 months ahead, last-minute deals available
- Christmas/New Year: Book 6+ months ahead!