The Best Time to Visit Egypt is during the winter when temperatures are cooler and crowds are thinner. You might also be able to enjoy cultural celebrations like the Coptic New Year and Christmas or attend the bi-annual Abu Simbel Sun Festival on 22 February or October when the sun perfectly aligns to illuminate the temple’s statues.

Winter

In winter, the khamsin sandstorms of spring subside and temperatures are comfortable. This is a great time to discover Cairo’s madrassas and mosques or take a Nile cruise with fewer crowds. You can also see the pharaonic treasures of Luxor under soft light without sweating.

The beaches of Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh and Marsa Alam are still warm enough for swimming and offer a pleasant sea breeze. However, you may need a warmer coverup or a jacket if you plan to stay outdoors.

Although it’s a busy season, you’ll find smaller crowds and shorter queues at Egypt’s major landmarks in November, December and January. This is also the best time to experience Coptic Christmas and the Abu Simbel Sun Festival. The temple is beautifully illuminated to celebrate the birth and coronation of Ramses II, with dramatic effects as the sun rises over the statues. Other special events take place in February, April and October. Some are religious, others reflect local culture.

Spring

During the spring, temperatures begin to rise but are still far cooler than the summer heat. This makes it the perfect season to enjoy quintessential Egypt experiences like Nile cruises and exploring ancient temples and pyramids.

It’s a bustling time to be in the capital with the Cairo International Film Festival and Arab Music Festival drawing crowds from around the world. It’s also when the weather is at its best in Upper Egypt with sunny conditions and no rainy days.

The only drawback is that it’s a busy time to visit Egypt, especially for those travelling during the Christmas and New Year period. Also, keep in mind that Ramadan begins on the 22nd of this month so some places may have altered business hours or be closed altogether.

Summer

A sweltering sun gives way to pleasant temperatures, making it ideal for touring Egypt’s ruins. The khamsin wind may still blow, but it’s not as severe as in the spring and autumn, so you can enjoy comfortable sightseeing at Cairo’s tombs and temples.

Visiting Upper Egypt at this time also means you’ll be able to experience the incredible Sun Festival at Abu Simbel on 22 February and October, when the ancient architects designed the temple so that, for two days, it would align perfectly with the rising sun to illuminate its inner chambers.

At this point, beach cities like Sharm el-Sheikh are busy with domestic holidaymakers enjoying the sun and sand of the Red Sea coast. But if you’re up for a bit of a challenge, this is prime hiking season in the Sinai High Mountains and Western Desert oases. This is also a great time for a Nile cruise. The weather’s hot, but you’ll find the crowds are thinner.

Fall

The scorching heat of summer eases into September, making it a great month to visit Upper Egypt (Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel) or Cairo. The temples and tombs are cooler and less crowded. If you’re planning to cruise the Nile, it’s easier to avoid the blazing sun by setting out at dawn for visits to the Pyramids and Valley of Kings. In addition, there’s minimal humidity, which makes the daytime heat more bearable.

The winter months are also a good time to visit the Red Sea resorts of Sharm el-Sheikh and Dahab, as well as inland destinations such as Luxor and Cairo. Cool weather and low humidity turn long days rambling around the Pharaonic treasures in Luxor into a pleasure rather than an endurance test. The sand-loaded khamsin wind can still blow during this period, which can disrupt travel and ground flights, and prevent feluccas from sailing along the Nile. Nevertheless, it’s a pleasant season to see the temple of Abu Simbel during its annual illumination festival.