Temple of Hatshepsut in Deir el-Bahari, Egypt
Egypt is vibrant, colorful, and esteemed no matter the time of year with the scenery enhancing the treasures left by history.
Heritage is not just displayed but decorates the halls and open-air galleries with elements of tangible culture from the lapping waves of the Red Sea to remnants of ancient buildings, the soaring Pyramids of Giza to the colossal statues of the Ramses II.
Egypt is evocative with timeless grandeur adjacent to contemporary. The following information is meant as a guide for you to better understand Egypt’s best time to visit.
Nile River in Egypt
High Season: December • January • February
Winter in Egypt falls between the months of December and February with temperatures dropping to comfortable levels, enticing visitors to come and experience the wonders of the Country.
As the temperatures start to cool down crowds start to gather at temples and tombs, around the Pyramids of Giza and on Dhabiya’s along the Nile River.
A popular time to be in Egypt, the cities and towns are buzzing with activity with long days enjoyed in prime conditions and celebrations such as Coptic Christmas in January and the Abu Simbel Sun Festival in February.
Shoulder Season: March • April • May • September • October • November
Planning a visit to Egypt in the spring months of March, April, and May or the fall months of September, October, and November, will ensure explorers have the best of both worlds: fewer crowds and mild weather.
As the busy season winds down, the desert starts to seemingly breathe a sigh of relief and a calm presence can be felt by all who step into the famous Pyramids of Giza or enjoy time out in the Valley of the Kings or Queens.
Spring festivals bring a lively ambiance to the streets across the country while banks of the Nile add lush greenery to the desert expanse. The fall is a great time to visit the Red Sea beaches or enjoy the wealth of monuments scattered across the country from Alexandria to Abu Simbel.
Low Season: June • July • August
June and August are the best months to visit Egypt in summer with temperatures soaring during the month of July. Crowds are few leaving beaches and popular sites open to explore.
Escape to one of the gorgeous resorts along the Red Sea where adventures abound on the golden sands at the beach or span the vast desert for a unique perspective of history and scenery.
Keep cool as you enjoy late-night dining along the Nile or an early morning wander through the famous Khan El-Khalili market.
The Giza pyramid complex on the Giza Plateau in Greater Cairo, Egypt
Best Months: October • November • December • January • February • March • April
Spring, fall, and winter are the best times for sightseeing in Egypt, especially from February to April and again from October to November.
The summer months can make sightseeing a struggle due to the heat but the fall and spring, as well as the winter, have mild weather and fewer crowds. The banks of the Nile can turn lush at these times of year and make exploring the legendary monuments and galleries of Egypt much more comfortable from Giza to the Valley of the Kings and beyond.
Learn more: 6 Best Places to Visit in Egypt
Abu Simbel Temple Complex in Egypt
Best Months: October • November • December • January • February • March • April
Spring, summer, and fall are the best times for a Nile River cruise, especially between March to June and September to October.
The iconic sites across Egypt are easily accessible as you drift down the Nile which offers majestic views as well as connections to places like Karnak and the Hatshepsut temples.
By visiting during the less-popular months, you can still have the comfort of luxury accommodations with less occupants on the boat giving you an entirely different perspective of the cruise and Egypt.
Red Sea coast in Sharm al-Sheikh, Egypt
Best Months: April • May • June • July • August • September • October
The different beaches of Egypt are easy to visit between spring and fall from April to October.
The wide length of time for visiting Egypt’s beaches is great for the diversity of the coastlines whether you want to visit the Red Sea or the Mediterranean Sea around Alexandria.
While summer may bring the crowds to the Red Sea coastline, the shoulder months are still comfortable and the waters are warm in late spring and early fall as well.
Vibrant coral reef in the Red Sea, Egypt
Best Months: March • April • May • September • October • November
Spring and fall are the best times to scuba dive or snorkel in Egypt with the water still warm and accessible at the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea around Alexandria.
The remarkable colors and vibrant aquatic life of the seas come into view with calm waters, great conditions, and access to unique sites dressed in coral or overflowing with sunken ancient history.
You can find some of the world’s most beautiful reef systems and ancient treasures connected to the foundations of Alexandria.
Mount Sinai in Egypt
Best Months: January • February • March • April • October • November • December
Egypt is a wonderful place to hike and explore especially from January to April and October to December.
The desert landscape offers incredible surprises with breathtaking sceneries bisected by long-established routes.
The great trails of Egypt can lead to marvelous desert culture, fantastic stargazing, and exotic limestone valleys, revealing an often unseen but equally impressive side of Egypt.
Temple of Hatshepsut in Luxor, Egypt
Best Months: January • February • March • April • October • November • December
The drama of Egypt is perfect for families in winter, spring, and fall specifically from January to April and October to December.
Families can engage with the history and politics of Egypt, as well as immerse themselves in the natural wonders that helped shape the historic and contemporary cultures of the country.
Visiting in the cooler months outside of summer makes it much easier for your family to enjoy more pleasant temperatures whether lounging on the beaches or trekking to see the pyramids.
Learn more: Top 6 Things to Do in Egypt with Family
Sunrise hot air ballon ride above the mountains in Egypt
Best Months: January • February • March • April • October • November • December
Egypt is a romantic and engaging escape for couples when visiting in winter, spring, and fall from January to April or from October to December.
On first impression, Egypt is simply living history but dig beneath the surface and you find legends that bring romantic mythologies to life immersing you in preserved ancient wonders.
Archeological treasures come in the form of ruins and artifacts, traditions and hidden, and oases adding to the intense and luxurious allure that makes Egypt a fantastic retreat for couples.
Philae Temple in Aswan, Egypt
Best Months: February • March • April • October • November
Visiting Egypt when there are fewer tourists will enhance your overall experience so consider traveling between February and April, with the Fall months of October and November a wonderful alternative.
Open spaces, intriguing temples and quiet Nile cruises entice seniors to savor the mystery of ancient Egypt without crowds and drastic heat, by timing it just right.
The cooler months of December and January are quite popular so focusing on early spring and late fall will be ideal for Egypt Tours for Seniors.
Learn more: 15 Best Places to Visit in Egypt for Seniors
Windsurfing in Dehab, Egypt
Best Months: April • May • June • August
Spring and summer create a unique ambiance across Egypt, especially from April to June and again in August.
The warmer weather and rains in spring bring showers that turn the banks of the Nile River into lush gardens while the summer months of June and August give you great opportunities to enjoy the highlights without the large crowds or intense heat of July.
The beaches are also vibrant in spring and summer as well supporting some of the following activities.
Activities: Scuba Diving • Snorkeling • Sailing • Shopping
Mount Sinai trail in Egypt
Best Months: October • November • December • January
Fall and winter are fantastic months for visiting Egypt, especially from October to January.
These are the most popular times of the year to visit Egypt but give you the most comfortable weather to enjoy different types of adventures from Alexandria in the north to Abu Simbel in the south.
The cooler months give you the chance to indulge in cultural activities or engage in more active adventures at your preferred pace.
Activities: Hiking • Cruise • Camel Drive • Cultural Festivals
Nile river cruise in Egypt
Egypt is legendary for its temples and tombs, its pyramids and picturesque winding banks of the Nile River. Our Egypt Tours & Vacation Packages can take you cruising in Dhabiya or snorkeling near the Red Sea, as you embrace the Top 7 Things to Do in Egypt.
Zicasso’s Egypt Travel Guide has more information and helpful tips on how you can make your perfect trip a reality.