When is the best time to visit Egypt?

Visiting Egypt in April - May

The weather gets warmer but is still pleasant during April and May, making this a very popular time to visit. The Khamsin Wind, a minor but extremely hot sandstorm, sweeps across Egypt for a few days at some point during April and May, but does not usually cause any major disruption. Easter is one of the busiest times to travel in Egypt, and prices rise accordingly.

Events & Festivals

• Sham el-Nessim: A Coptic festival of Pharaonic origin which celebrates the coming of spring. This is held on Easter Monday according to the Coptic calendar, and is celebrated with picnics in parks and on riverbanks throughout the country. View our Churches & Synagogues of Old Cairo activity idea.

Visiting Egypt in June

June is the start of the scorching heat of the summer, but temperatures are not yet at their peak. This can therefore be a great time to visit if you don't mind the heat as prices are much lower than they are during the milder months of the year.

Visiting Egypt in July - August

This is the peak of the summer and temperatures are very high. However, if your hotel has air conditioning and a swimming pool, or if you simply want to relax on a Nile cruise, this can be a great time to visit. Far fewer people travel to Egypt during the summer months, which means that you can escape the crowds at most tourist sites and make the most of some fantastic photographic opportunities.

Visiting Egypt in September

The weather in September is quite similar to that in June; temperatures are still high but sea breezes make the heat more bearable and prices are usually lower than they are between October and May. This can be the best time to visit places such as the Red Sea as you'll escape both school holidays and the crowds of the autumn/winter peak season. 

Visiting Egypt in October - December

The weather is much cooler during the winter months, though still warm, making it an ideal time to visit the cultural sites of Egypt in comfort. However, this is also the busiest time of year for Egypt. Over Christmas and New Year, hotels and cruises raise their rates significantly and rooms/cabins get booked far in advance, so it is advisable to plan your trip early.