Travel Tips

When is the best time to visit Egypt — and why it matters

Wondering when is the best time to visit Egypt? Avoid extreme heat and crowds while sightseeing, exploring the desert, or diving the Red Sea by visiting during these months.

Egypt may ooze timeless beauty, but your experience of it depends entirely on when you go. The same golden sands, turquoise seas, and ancient wonders can feel vastly different depending on the season.

So, when is the best time to visit Egypt in 2025?

January and February bring cool, dry weather, making sightseeing, desert hikes, and Nile cruises most enjoyable.

On the flip side, May to June often brings extreme heat that can turn a pyramid tour into a test of endurance!

However, the best time of year to visit Egypt really depends on what you want to do. In this guide, we’ll explain why timing your Egypt trip matters and how to time it just right!

Month	Weather	Crowds	Ideal for
December – February	Cool (20–25°C, 68–77°F), dry, sunny days	High (peak season)	Sightseeing, Nile cruises, desert adventures
March – April	Warm (25–30°C, 77–86°F), occasional sandstorms	Moderate	Shoulder season for sightseeing and river cruises
May – August	Hot (30–40°C, 86–104°F + inland)	Low	Red Sea beaches, diving, resort getaways
September – November	Pleasant (25–30°C, 77–86°F), dry	Moderate	Ideal balance for sightseeing, cruises, and Red Sea trips

In this article

The best time to visit Egypt in 2025 for sightseeing

At a glance: October to April

Source: Shutterstock

Wandering through ancient temples, exploring the Great Pyramids, and strolling through vibrant souks are among the most popular things to do in Egypt.

If that’s what’s on your itinerary, the best time to visit Egypt is between October and April.

During these months, you’ll find mild, sunny weather and daytime temperatures ranging from 20–28°C (68–82°F).

December to January are the coolest months of the year, allowing you to enjoy long days outdoors without the intense desert heat. For example, Cairo averages around 22°C (71°F) during the day and 12°C (54°F) at night in January.

However, coinciding with the Christmas holidays, these months are also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. Booking hotels and tours well in advance is highly recommended.

To avoid crowds while still enjoying pleasant weather, visit during the shoulder months —either October-November or March-April.

Pro tip: Keep in mind that late March and early April can occasionally bring khamsin sandstorms, which temporarily reduce visibility and air quality.

Best time for Nile cruises and desert adventures

At a glance: November to March

Source: Shutterstock

The best time to embark on the iconic Nile cruise is between November and March. During these months, the days are comfortable and nights are cool enough to enjoy the open deck without breaking a sweat.

However, if you visit during the peak tourist season (December to January), you will likely encounter large crowds at major stops like Karnak, Edfu, and Philae.

For a more relaxed and intimate Nile cruise, visit during the shoulder months of March or October, when there are far fewer tourists on board.

When is the best time of year to visit Egypt for desert adventures? Camping under the stars in the White Desert or exploring the remote Siwa Oasis is best during the shoulder seasons, when you can experience Egypt’s beauty without the heat extremes or tourist crowds. If you’re traveling this time of year, it will also reduce how much your trip to Egypt costs.

Pro tip: Springtime in Egypt (March) sees the riverbanks come alive with lush greenery and colourful blooms. This vibrance adds a special touch to the usual beige scenery, making it one of the best months to cruise this famous river.

When to visit Egypt for beaches and diving

At a glance: May to September

Source: Shutterstock

Egypt’s Red Sea coast is a favorite on any Egyptian travel guide, famed for its incredible diving and snorkelling opportunities, but when is the best time to visit Egypt for these watersports?

While the hottest part of the year, May to September sees warm sea temperatures, crystal-clear waters and colourful coral reefs. In fact, summer is when the resort towns of the Red Sea coast, like Hurghada, Marsa Alam, and Sharm El-Sheikh, truly shine.

During May to September, visibility for diving and snorkelling is excellent, often exceeding 30 meters (100 ft).

Plus, with the sea temperature averaging 26–29°C (79-84°F), it is the most comfortable and enjoyable time of year to be in Egypt’s Red Sea. The winter waters (December–February) can actually be too chilly for diving.

If you prefer to relax on the sand rather than dive below it, the shoulder months of May or September are ideal, as it’s sunny but not scorching. Also, many beach resorts offer excellent deals during these off-peak months, allowing you to experience Egypt’s most luxurious resorts for less.

Pro tip: If you’re hoping to spot marine life like dolphins, turtles, and hammerhead sharks, the reef ecosystems are at their best in June and July.

When not to visit Egypt

While you can visit Egypt all year round, if you plan on seeing the sights or exploring the desert, it’s best to avoid June to August.

Not only do inland temperatures often exceed 40°C (104°F), but there is often little shade around archaeological sites like the Pyramids of Giza or Abu Simbel, putting you at risk of heat stroke.

If summer is your only option, visit one of the resort towns along the Red Sea coast instead. While it will still be scorching, sea breezes and resort pools offer some relief from the heat.

You might also want to avoid visiting during the Ramadan period. The dates change each year, but typically fall between February and April.

While this period offers a unique opportunity to experience Egyptian culture (especially the lively iftar meals after sunset), it can bring some inconveniences. Many local restaurants close during daylight hours, and daily life can be much slower and quieter than usual.

Travel Egypt stress-free with Holafly

What’s worse than battling summer crowds in Cairo under 40°C heat? Not having data to find the nearest air-conditioned café or water refill station!

Thankfully, with Holafly, lack of data is one stress you’ll never have to deal with on your Egypt trip, no matter what time of year you visit.

Holafly’s eSIM is more convenient than getting a SIM card in Egypt. You don’t need to change your SIM card! Just download, and install your eSIM. It also comes with unlimited data from the moment you land and 24/7 customer support so you won’t need to worry about any issues. You can access Google Maps, check tour updates, and share your adventures in real time.

Shop the Holafly eSIM for Egypt here.

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