Best Time to Visit Egypt

Visit Egypt—the fascinating land where old meets new. This mesmerizing country is overflowing with rich history dating back to the ancient world, and the juxtaposition of classic and modern is a sight to behold. Tour the bustling city of Cairo, explore the Great Pyramid of Giza, cruise down the Nile River, and go snorkeling in the Red Sea—the possibilities are endless. But just when should you head on your Egyptian adventure? Keep reading to find out the best time to visit Egypt!  

Winter (December-February)

Overall, October-April is considered the best time to visit Egypt, and winter (specifically December-January) is the peak travel season. Temperatures are at their coolest, but they’re still pleasantly warm. The climate is perfect for exploring beloved sites throughout the country at any time of day. Although weather conditions are ideal, that results in some downsides to visiting during this time of year. As the peak season, tourism is booming, and large crowds are the norm. The most famous sites can get unbearably crowded, and prices for accommodations and tours go up. Since it’s so busy, you’ll also have to book far in advance, especially around Christmas and New Year’s.

Spring (March-May)

Spring is a popular alternative to a wintertime vacation. Most of the season falls under the best time to visit (Oct-April), and May is a great shoulder month. During the spring, temperatures begin to rise but won’t reach the scorching highs of the summer months. Take note of when Easter falls, as there’s a spike in tourism—prices go up and availability of accommodations goes down. This year, Ramadan will begin at the start of May and end at the beginning of June. This is important because it greatly affects businesses and transportation. While tourists are not expected to fast, many businesses have shorter hours or are closed all together. It’s a trickier time to visit, but it can also be an incredibly rewarding and eye-opening experience. After sunset, the festivities begin. A lively atmosphere takes over, and large celebrations are common—especially in big cities. The parties go on until just before dawn and are truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Another thing to keep in mind is the appearance of Khamsin, a stiflingly hot, dry wind that causes sandstorms throughout the country. The winds tend to hit sometime in April or May, and while they don’t cause any major disruptions, it’s good to be aware of their potential presence.  

Summer (June-August) 

Summer in Egypt is sweltering, no matter where you go! This is not the most comfortable time for visiting landmarks, especially those in the desert. All sightseeing will have to be done in the early morning or evening, when you’re given a slight respite from the heat. However, all is not lost. Look for an accommodation with air conditioning and a pool for a relaxing home base. If you can tolerate the heat (which is thankfully dry, not humid), then the lack of crowds means you’ll be able to photograph the sites with virtually no one around. Prices are cheaper, accommodations and tours don’t fill up, and it’s a wonderful time for a Nile River cruise—where a cool breeze makes for a pleasant journey.

Fall (September-November)

September is another favorable shoulder month option, much like May. Temps are still hot, but they’ve begun to drop and will continue to do so. The crowds are slowly starting to trickle in, but they’ll remain fairly manageable throughout the season. Since it’s not yet the peak season, prices are pretty affordable. Consider an autumn adventure in Egypt, when you can comfortably go sightseeing and tour any region without breaking the bank.

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