Weather in Egypt

The best time to visit Egypt is from October through April when temperatures are most comfortable for sightseeing. November through February is the peak tourist season, with daytime temperatures in Cairo and Luxor ranging from 15°C to 25°C — ideal for spending hours at open-air archaeological sites like Karnak or Abu Simbel without suffering in the heat. December and January can bring cool evenings and occasional rain in Alexandria and the north, but conditions are generally very pleasant. The Sinai coast and Hurghada on the Red Sea remain warm and sunny year-round, making them viable beach destinations even in winter.

Summer — particularly June, July, and August — brings extreme heat across most of Egypt, with temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C in Luxor and Aswan, and Cairo often reaching 38°C or higher. Sightseeing in summer is genuinely demanding, though tourist numbers drop and prices fall significantly during these months. The Nile Valley retains heat long after sunset in summer. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October) offer transitional weather that can be pleasant, though spring can bring khamsin sandstorms from the desert that reduce visibility and make outdoor activities uncomfortable for a day or two at a time. Ramadan, which falls on different dates each year, creates a different but genuinely interesting atmosphere if you embrace local customs.