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Best time to visit Egypt: month by month
Short answer
October to April is the best season, with Cairo at about 20-31°C by day and the south pleasant for sightseeing; December and January are the coolest and busiest. From May to September highs of 34-38°C (and over 40°C in Luxor and Aswan) make days hard, but sites are empty and hotels cheap.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 20°C | 9°C | 2 | very high |
| Feb | 20°C | 9°C | 2 | high |
| Mar | 24°C | 12°C | 1 | high |
| Apr | 30°C | 15°C | 1 | high |
| May | 34°C | 19°C | 0 | medium |
| Jun | 36°C | 22°C | 0 | low |
| Jul | 38°C | 23°C | 0 | low |
| Aug | 38°C | 24°C | 0 | low |
| Sep | 36°C | 23°C | 0 | low |
| Oct | 31°C | 19°C | 1 | medium |
| Nov | 27°C | 16°C | 1 | high |
| Dec | 22°C | 12°C | 2 | very high |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
Warming fast, from about 24°C in March to 34°C in May; dusty khamsin winds can blow in spring.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Very hot, about 36-38°C by day and 22-24°C at night in the data, higher in the south; no rain and few tourists.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Still hot in September (about 36°C), easing to around 27°C in November; a good shoulder season.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
About 20-22°C by day and 9-12°C at night; ideal for sightseeing, with cold desert nights and peak crowds.
Events worth planning around
- Abu Simbel Sun Festival, about 22 February and 22 October
- Ramadan, dates move about 11 days earlier each year
- Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, following the lunar calendar
- Coptic Christmas, 7 January
When to avoid
June to August is extremely hot in the south. Christmas, New Year and Easter are the most crowded and expensive weeks, and during Ramadan opening hours shorten.
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Common questions
What is the best month to visit Egypt?
October to April, especially November and February, for warm days without extreme heat.
Is it too hot to visit Egypt in summer?
It is very hot, often over 40°C in the south, but sites are quiet and hotels cheap. Sightsee early in the morning.
When is the Abu Simbel Sun Festival?
On about 22 February and 22 October, when sunlight reaches the statues inside the temple.