Discovering the Best Time to Visit Egypt: A Comprehensive Guide

Egypt is a country steeped in history, culture, and adventure. From the ancient pyramids of Giza to the bustling streets of Cairo, there is something for everyone in this fascinating country. But when is the best time to visit Egypt? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the different seasons and what they have to offer, so you can plan your perfect trip to Egypt.

High Season (Mid-October to February)

The high season in Egypt runs from mid-October to February. This is the most popular time to visit, as the weather is cooler and more comfortable for exploring. If you’re interested in delving into Luxor’s glut of Pharaonic riches, winter brings blue skies and pleasantly warm daytime weather, making it a pleasure to spend long days rambling around ancient ruins. This is also a popular time to head into the Sinai or the Western Desert for outdoor adventures or bask in the winter sun between learning to dive in South Sinai and along the Red Sea coast.

However, be aware that it can get colder than you might expect during the depths of winter in Cairo and Alexandria (and everywhere else after dark), so be sure to pack something warm. Since this is peak tourist season, expect high accommodation prices, especially between Christmas and New Year.

Shoulder Season (March-May, September-Early October)

Traveling during shoulder season often brings the best of both worlds. Major monuments aren’t as packed, and there are usually accommodation bargains to be had. Daytime temperatures can still be very hot in May and September, so if you’re sensitive to heat (or traveling with little ones), it’s best to aim for March, April, or October. Note that spring brings occasional dust storms, which can disrupt flights.

Low Season (June-August)

The low season in Egypt runs from June to August. The weather switches to sweltering as average high temperatures hit 108°F (42°C). Luxor’s temples and tombs open at 6am, so it’s still possible to beat the heat by being an early bird. Unless you’re made of extremely tough stuff, it’s best to skip the Western Desert during this time.

Summer is when serious divers head to Sharm el-Sheikh and the Red Sea coast. They’re willing to take the baking heat on land in return for calm, warm sea conditions and fantastic underwater visibility. More casual divers can rest easy giving summer a miss though; Egypt can be dived year-round. Just to flip the low season rule, summer is also the peak domestic holiday period along the Mediterranean coast as half of Cairo decamps to the beach.

In conclusion, the best time to visit Egypt depends on your interests and priorities. If you want cooler weather for exploring ancient sites without breaking a sweat, then high season (mid-October to February) is your best bet. If you want to avoid crowds at major monuments and potentially snag an accommodation bargain or two, then shoulder season (March-May or September-early October) might be more your style. And if you’re a serious diver looking for calm sea conditions and fantastic underwater visibility (and don’t mind braving the heat on land), then low season (June-August) could be perfect for you.

We hope this guide has helped you discover the best time to visit Egypt for your next adventure! Remember that no matter when you choose to go, there will always be something incredible to see or do in this fascinating country¹. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable experience!