In short
The best time to visit Egypt is generally October to April, when the heat in the south is manageable for temples and a Nile cruise. The Red Sea works almost year-round, so the right month depends on what you want to do.
- Nile and pyramidsOctober to April
- Red SeaMarch to May, September to November
- Best avoidedJune to August in the south
- Suggested length6 to 7 nights per trip
When is the best time to go to Egypt?
Egypt is a desert country, and temperature shapes almost everything. From June to August, daytime temperatures in Luxor and Aswan regularly exceed 40°C, which makes the Valley of the Kings or Karnak a real ordeal, even at opening time. From November to February, days are mild and bright, but nights can be cool, especially in the desert.
The shoulder seasons are often the best compromise. March–April and October–November bring pleasant days, beautiful light for photography and, depending on the year, slightly fewer visitors than in midwinter. May and September are possible if you accept the heat and plan visits early in the morning.
- JanGood
- FebGood
- MarIdeal
- AprIdeal
- MayPossible
- JunAvoid
- JulAvoid
- AugAvoid
- SepPossible
- OctIdeal
- NovIdeal
- DecGood
This calendar is a general guide for a first trip: climate varies from year to year and region to region. We always adapt it to your itinerary.
When should you take a Nile cruise?
The ideal season generally runs from October to April. That is when our Cairo to Aswan trip (7 nights) works best: the Giza pyramids at opening time, the Khan el-Khalili bazaar, then a cruise aboard a traditional dahabiya from Luxor to Aswan, with stops at Edfu and Kom Ombo and a visit to Abu Simbel.
Our experts' tip
At the pyramids as in Luxor, arrive as the gates open: the light is better, it is cooler and the crowds have not arrived. We plan the pace of your days accordingly.
When to go to the Red Sea: diving, cruising or relaxing?
The Red Sea is far more accessible year-round than the Nile valley: the water generally stays around 22°C in winter and exceeds 27°C in midsummer. The diving stay between Hurghada and El Gouna (6 nights, ideally March to May and September to November) combines reefs, the Thistlegorm wreck and a town of canals. To go further, the Red Sea cruise (5 nights, April to June or September to November) reaches remote reefs, far from classic shore diving.
Good to know
The travel periods shown on each trip page are recommendations: outside them, a departure is still possible, but you should discuss it with our team.
What about the Sinai and the White Desert?
The Sinai and White Desert trip (6 nights, generally October to March) offers a night climb of Mount Sinai for sunrise, Saint Catherine's Monastery and a night camping among chalk formations. Winter nights are cold, so pack proper warm layers. In summer, the heat makes the experience far less enjoyable.
| Goal | Recommended period | Length |
|---|---|---|
| Pyramids and Nile | October to April | 7 nights |
| Sinai and White Desert | October to March | 6 nights |
| Diving, Hurghada and El Gouna | March to May, September to November | 6 nights |
| Red Sea cruise | April to June, September to November | 5 nights |
Our trips in Egypt
Frequently asked questions
Can you travel to Egypt in summer?
It is possible, especially for the Red Sea, but the heat in the south is intense. For temples and a Nile cruise, we recommend October to April.
How long should you plan for Egypt?
Our trips last 5 to 7 nights. They can also be combined, for example the Nile followed by the Red Sea, made to measure.
What is the best time for diving?
It is generally possible year-round. Our diving trips are recommended from March to May and September to November, with pleasant water and often stable conditions.
Your trip to Egypt, tailor-made
Tell us your dates and wishes: our team replies with a tailor-made proposal within 24 hours.