Planning the best time to visit Egypt month by month is mainly about balancing comfortable weather with crowd levels and seasonal price swings. This guide breaks down what to expect by month (weather, crowds, and typical pricing patterns) so you can pick dates that match your travel style.
Best time highlights
For most travelers, the overall best window is October to April, when sightseeing temperatures are generally manageable across Cairo and Upper Egypt (Luxor/Aswan) and outdoor activities feel easier. Shoulder months like March, April, May, and September can be a sweet spot for fewer crowds and occasional accommodation deals, though May/September can still feel hot.
Best for classic sightseeing + Nile cruising: October–February (pleasant days, but the busiest period).
Best for fewer crowds (with good weather): March–April (but watch for khamsin sandstorms starting in March).
Best for beach time + diving focus: June–August (hot on land, but popular for Red Sea diving conditions).
Egypt weather snapshot
Egypt’s seasons vary by region: Cairo and the north are milder in winter, while Luxor/Aswan (Upper Egypt) heat up faster and reach extreme summer highs. For a practical benchmark, Cairo’s average highs are around 19°C in January and rise toward 28°C in April, while Luxor’s January average max is about 22.8°C (with big day–night swings).
Cairo (winter baseline): January averages around 9.7°C min / 19°C max.
Upper Egypt (Luxor): January average temperature ~14.9°C, with roughly 7°C min / 22.8°C max.
Red Sea (swimming feel): the Red Sea region is coolest around January (~21°C average temperature) and hottest around July (~32°C average temperature), with peak warm sea-swimming often in late summer.
Best time to visit Egypt month by month (January–June)
The table below starts the year with a simple “month decision” view (Message 2 will continue July–December).
Mini-plans & budgeting tips
If the goal is “see the highlights comfortably,” a strong, practical 7–10 day plan in January–April is often Cairo (2–3 nights) + Luxor (2–3 nights) + Aswan (1–2 nights) plus a Nile cruise segment if desired, because daytime conditions are usually easier for long outdoor visits. If avoiding price surges is a priority, be extra cautious around Christmas–New Year, since some operators report supplemental charges and notably heavier demand during roughly Dec 20–Jan 3.
For Giza + Cairo museums: start outdoor sites early (8–10am) in spring months, when afternoons warm quickly.
For Luxor/Aswan temples: winter and early spring are ideal for long walking days without extreme heat stress.
For Red Sea swimming: expect the warmest “bath-like” sea conditions in late summer, while winter sea feels cooler even if the sun is out.
Best time to visit Egypt month by month (July–September)
July–September is “summer mode” for Egypt: inland sightseeing can be intense at midday, while the Red Sea becomes a top choice for swimmers and divers. If the goal is temples and tombs, these months usually work best with very early mornings, shaded breaks, and a slower pace (or by focusing more on coastal destinations).
Best time to visit Egypt month by month (October–December)
October–December is when many travelers feel Egypt “opens up” again for classic sightseeing, because temperatures ease and the tourism season returns. The trade-off is that crowds and prices generally rise as you get closer to winter holidays, especially Christmas and New Year.
Red Sea vs Nile planning
For a summer visit (July–September), many travelers get the best experience by making the Red Sea the “main event” and keeping Cairo/Luxor shorter and more strategic, because inland daytime heat can be extreme. If warm-water swimming is a priority, September stands out because Hurghada sea temperatures average about 28.1°C, which supports long, comfortable swim sessions. For October–December, Egypt becomes more evenly enjoyable across regions, which is why many guides emphasize this cooler season for classic sightseeing and Nile cruising.
Crowds and price tactics
Lonely Planet specifically points to March, April, May, and September as months that can help you avoid crowds, with the caveat that May and September can still be very hot. October can be a value-friendly “bridge” month—kimkim notes early October tends to keep prices reasonable, while late October can see some hotels shifting toward high-season rates. If traveling in late December, expect holiday-driven price rises and tighter availability, since Travco notes Christmas and New Year bring significantly raised hotel and cruise rates.
To save money in peak-demand months, prioritize flexible dates and book earlier for the “limited inventory” items (Nile cruise cabins and top-view hotels).
To cope with summer heat, structure each day as early outdoor + midday indoor/AC + evening stroll, which aligns with how travel guides frame summer touring realities.
To reduce “time lost” in queues during busy months, start with the most popular sites at opening time, when crowds are typically lower.
Wrap-up: best time to visit Egypt month by month
If choosing the best time to visit Egypt month by month from July to December, think “Red Sea-first” in July–September (especially warm-water September), then “all-regions open” in October–December as the weather cools and classic touring becomes easier. The biggest planning difference is budget: early October can still be relatively reasonable, while late December often demands earlier bookings and higher holiday-season rates.
Fast planning rules (best time to visit Egypt month by month)
If visiting in June–August, plan Egypt as a “Red Sea-first” trip and treat Cairo/Luxor as short, early-morning add-ons because summer heat is a major factor (especially in Upper Egypt). If traveling in November–February, expect the most comfortable sightseeing weather but also the highest demand and higher rates for hotels, cruises, and popular attractions.
Best daily sightseeing hours (year-round): 7:00–11:00am outdoors, then indoor/AC time, then sunset/evening walks.
Peak-price periods to watch: winter peak (Nov–Feb) and major holidays like Christmas/New Year, plus spring holiday spikes (Easter/Sham El-Nessim) and Eid travel surges.
7-day itinerary (Cairo + Luxor)
This is the classic “first-timer” route, perfect when the month you chose in your best time to visit Egypt month by month plan is cool enough for long outdoor days (typically Oct–Apr). It also works in hotter months if you keep Luxor super early and shorter.
Route map steps: Cairo → Giza → (overnight transfer) → Luxor → Cairo.
Day-by-day (practical version):
Day 1: Arrive Cairo + easy evening (Khan el-Khalili / Nile dinner cruise).
Day 2: Giza Plateau early morning + Saqqara or GEM/central museums midday.
Day 3: Old Cairo + Coptic/Islamic Cairo + sunset viewpoint.
Day 4: Cairo to Luxor by train (evening/overnight works well); common overland trip times are around 8–10 hours depending on service.
Day 5: Luxor East Bank (Karnak + Luxor Temple) early; rest midday.
Day 6: Luxor West Bank (Valley of the Kings area) early; optional felucca at sunset.
Day 7: Return to Cairo (train or flight) + depart.
Budget anchor (transport): A Cairo Governorate rail info page lists Cairo→Luxor train ticket prices as 280 EGP (first class) and 190 EGP (second class) (published Aug 11, 2024).
10-day itinerary (Cairo + Nile cruise)
This plan adds the “wow factor” of sailing between Luxor and Aswan, and it’s easiest to enjoy when weather supports full-day touring (again, your best time to visit Egypt month by month choice matters). Typical cruise formats are commonly sold as 3 nights (Aswan→Luxor) or 4 nights (Luxor→Aswan) itineraries.
Route map steps: Cairo → Luxor → (Nile cruise) → Aswan → Cairo.
Day-by-day (simple and realistic):
Days 1–3 (Cairo): Same structure as the 7-day plan (Giza early, museums midday).
Day 4: Transfer to Luxor (train overnight or fly).
Day 5: Luxor East Bank in the morning; board cruise (or board first, depending on schedule).
Day 6: Sail toward Edfu/Kom Ombo stops (many itineraries include these temple visits during the cruise route).
Day 7: Arrive Aswan area + Philae/High Dam style touring (varies by operator).
Day 8: Optional Abu Simbel day trip (long day; best started pre-dawn).
Day 9: Fly Aswan → Cairo; typical flight time is about 1 hour 25 minutes (airport-to-airport).
Day 10: Buffer day in Cairo for shopping, a food tour, or a relaxed departure.
Budget anchor (season): Expect the highest cruise and hotel pricing in winter peak (Nov–Feb) and late Dec–early Jan, while summer (Jun–Aug) is often the lowest-price period because fewer travelers want the heat in Upper Egypt.
14-day itinerary (Cairo + Luxor/Aswan + Red Sea)
This is the most balanced “see history + relax” plan, and it works brilliantly if your best time to visit Egypt month by month choice includes either (a) cooler months for temples or (b) late summer/September for warm Red Sea swimming. It also helps you avoid the feeling of rushing between cities every other day.
Route map steps: Cairo → Luxor → Aswan → Red Sea (Hurghada or Sharm) → Cairo.
Day-by-day (two great pacing options):
Option A (history first, beach last):
Days 1–4: Cairo + Giza + day trip (Alexandria or Fayoum).
Days 5–7: Luxor (2 full touring mornings + 1 flexible day).
Days 8–9: Aswan (Philae area + optional Abu Simbel).
Days 10–13: Red Sea resort time (snorkeling, diving, boat trip).
Day 14: Back to Cairo + depart.
Option B (cooler north first in summer):
Warm-water planning note: Hurghada sea temperature in September is commonly reported around 28.1°C, which is why many beach travelers love late summer/early autumn.
Price ranges by season (how to budget smart)
For a month-by-month plan, treat “price seasons” as just as important as weather: Jetsetter Alerts frames Nov–Feb (and especially late Dec–early Jan) as the most expensive window, while Jun–Aug is typically the cheapest, with May and Sept–early Oct often sitting in a lower-to-mid shoulder zone. The same source notes additional demand spikes around Easter/Sham El-Nessim (spring) and Eid travel periods, which can raise rates and tighten availability.
Simple budgeting method (works for any month):
Step 1: Lock in your “big-ticket” item first (Nile cruise OR Red Sea resort OR internal flights), because those swing the most by season.
Step 2: Choose your long-distance move style:
Step 3: Add a 10–20% “holiday buffer” if your month overlaps winter holidays or big national travel periods noted above.
The best time to visit Egypt is generally from October to April, when temperatures are pleasant for sightseeing. Specifically, October/November and March/April offer the ideal balance of manageable weather and slightly smaller crowds compared to the peak winter holidays.
The following guide breaks down the year by weather, crowd levels, and pricing.
Quick Summary: The Best Seasons
Best Overall: October – April (Cooler weather, perfect for Nile cruises & Pyramids).
Best for Budget: June – August (Hot, but significant hotel discounts).
Best for Red Sea: April – May & September – November (Warm water, clearer skies).
Month-by-Month Breakdown
Peak Season: Winter (October – February)
Weather: This is the coolest time of year. Days are sunny and mild (avg. 18°C–26°C), but nights can get chilly, especially in the desert and on the Nile.
Crowds: Very High. December and January are the busiest months due to Christmas and New Year holidays. Expect long lines at the Pyramids and Valley of the Kings.
Prices: Highest. Hotels and cruises charge premium rates. Book months in advance.
Key Insight: This is the only comfortable time to explore the south (Luxor/Aswan) without heat exhaustion.
Shoulder Season: Spring & Autumn (March – May & September)
Weather: Warmer days (avg. 25°C–32°C) but generally bearable.
Crowds: Moderate. You will encounter fewer tour buses than in winter, making photography easier.
Prices: Moderate to Low. You can often find better value on accommodation compared to winter.
Key Insight: Beware of the Khamsin wind in March/April, which can bring brief but intense sandstorms that disrupt flights or sightseeing.
Low Season: Summer (June – August)
Weather: Scorching. Temperatures in Luxor and Aswan frequently exceed 40°C (104°F). Cairo is hot, humid, and polluted.
Crowds: Low. Most tourists avoid this season, so you can have the temples almost to yourself (if you visit at sunrise).
Prices: Lowest. Luxury hotels and cruises may drop prices by up to 50%.
Key Insight: Sightseeing is best done extremely early (6 AM). This season is actually popular for domestic tourism to coastal resorts like Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, so beaches will still be busy.
Special Events to Consider
Ramadan: Dates shift annually (lunar calendar). During Ramadan, many restaurants and sites close early, and alcohol may be restricted outside of major hotels. However, the evenings are festive and lively.
Abu Simbel Sun Festival: Occurs around February 22 and October 22. Huge crowds gather to see the sun illuminate the inner sanctum of the temple.
