Best time to visit Egypt

Coptic Christmas, held on January 7th, is a unique holiday celebrated by virtually everyone, regardless of creed or culture. Expect big crowds, atmospheric midnight masses, and streets filled with decorations.

January is typically the coolest month of the year. While this can make diving a chilly affair, visibility is at its peak, as are shark sightings around Egypt’s world-renowned reefs.

Pleasant days and cold nights make this an excellent time for exploring the otherworldly expanses of the Siwa Oasis. Speaking of other worlds, clear skies and virtually no light pollution result in some astounding views of the Milky Way.

Twice a year, the rising sun pierces deep into Abu Simbel to illuminate the inner statues – a feat of ancient astronomy celebrated with music, dancing and thousands of visitors.

Cool mornings make this ideal for exploring ruins on foot – or from above. Hot-air ballooning offers an entirely different perspective on Ancient Egypt and an escape from the crowds.

Ramadan falls through much of March. Respect local customs and savour the reward: streets exploding with life each evening, souks aglow with lanterns as families gather to break their fast.

March is shoulder season, so crowds at the big-ticket sites start to thin.

While not quite summer, temperatures in Egypt are beginning to rise. On the coast, warmer waters and an increase in marine diversity herald the start of the diving season.

Sham El-Nessim marks the beginning of spring and is Egypt’s oldest festival. Egyptians of all religions gather in parks, at beaches, and along the Nile to observe this ancient custom, enjoying traditional cuisine and sharing in the celebration of new life

The hot, seasonal ‘khamaseen’ wind carries lots of dust, so sightseeing might not be the clearest, but it can certainly bring a lot of atmosphere.

With summer fast approaching, the weather is noticeably hotter. Cooled by the Mediterranean sea-breeze, this is a great time to visit the ancient capital of Alexandria.

Whale shark sightings peak around this time, making for some possibly unforgettable diving experiences.

The Red Sea coast is your refuge from the sweltering interior. Sharm El Sheikh delivers balmy waters, sweet relief from the heat, and serious marine life – hammerhead sharks included.

Fancy gliding through turquoise waters with manta rays? Or how about a night dive? Desert sightseeing is difficult due to extreme heat, but the Red Sea coast continues to offer excellent conditions for diving, snorkelling, and marine encounters.

The Perseid meteor shower peaks mid-August, and Egypt delivers: dry air, no light pollution, crystal-clear skies. The catch? Best viewing is out in the desert – so you'll earn those stars.

While summer is far from over, September brings slightly cooler temperatures. With a bit of planning, it’s more than possible to see the sights. Just be prepared for early morning starts!

Egypt comes into its own: the blistering heat has subsided, days are pleasant, nights clear. Cruise the Nile, dive into Cairo's bustle – this is prime time for the Land of the Pharaohs.

October 22nd brings the year's second Abu Simbel Sun Festival. Expect fewer crowds than February's edition, but no less dancing, music and celebration.

With temperatures like these, we’d head out to the whispering dunes and otherworldly expanses of Egypt’s deserts. Expect beautiful days and cool nights that can easily catch you off guard. Pack warmly!

Peak tourism season draws big crowds, so we’d recommend getting an early start and heading to major sites before they get too busy.

Conditions are idyllic for a hot-air balloon ride over Luxor’s myriad ancient sites.

Floating down the Nile is a neat way to soak in the sights of this storied land. Cruises stop at points of interest, so you get the best of both worlds!

There’s more than one celestial-archaeological phenomenon in Egypt. In fact, there are several! Many are built around the winter solstice towards the end of December. Luxor, the Karnak Temple aligns with the sunrise.

Heading away from the desert and towards the coast, the cooler waters create breathtaking underwater clarity. It’s an ideal time to explore the reefs and corals in Sharm El Sheikh.