Egypt.
Any month
EgyptGuide
Thinking which month is the best? Think rather about what you prefer to do!
January
Northern Europeans escape gray skies back home by basking on the beaches of Sharm el-Sheikh and the Red Sea coast. There is pleasant daytime weather across most of the country, though in Alexandria and Cairo be prepared for rain.
Key events: Egyptian Marathon, Cairo International Book Fair
February
A great month for hitting the Sinai High Mountains and the oases of theWestern Desert on outdoor adventures as it’s less chilly after dark.
Key events: Ascension of Ramses II (also called the Sun Festival)
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March
The sand-loaded khamsin wind begins blowing and the resulting sandstorms can disrupt travel, occasionally grounding flights, preventing feluccas from sailing in Aswan and making sightseeing impossible due to low visibility. Add an extra day or two into your itinerary in case plans go awry.
April
The khamsin is still an issue but when it isn’t blowing, this is a near-perfect month for Egypt travels. The warmer evenings make it particularly good for overnight felucca trips from Aswan and camping in the White Desert.
Key events: Ramadan, Sham Al Nassim, 3alganoob music festival
May
Temperatures begin to rise and crowds disperse at the Nile-side temples. There are usually some good package-deals for resorts like Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada, El Gouna and Marsa Alam.
Key events: Eid Al Fitr, Moulid of Abu Al Haggag
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June
Egyptian schools let out for the summer in late-June and Egyptian families’ bee-line to the beaches of Alexandria and Marsa Matruh. By the end of the month, the heat is in full force, making visiting inland sights an extremely sweaty experience.
Key events: International Cairo Biennale
July
If you’re not used to searing temperatures, July and August are the worst time to come to Egypt. But crowds are thin and costs are way down, except on the coast where temps are much cooler. If you do head here in mid-summer though, it’s mango season.
Key events: Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)
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August
August is the peak domestic-tourism month. Expect beach areas, especially along the Mediterranean, to be thronged. Book trains a few days in advance if you can.
September
The weather gets generally bearable for an entire day out and about. Late-September and October are good for combining both on-land and underwater adventures if you’re a casual or newbie diver.
October
October is one of Egypt’s best travel months. The light along the Nile is at its most soft and clear – great for photography in Luxor and Aswan – while in the Western Desert oases, the date harvest is in full swing.
Key events: Cairo Jazz Festival, Birth of Ramses at Abu Simbel, El Gouna Film Festival, Moulid of Sayyid Al Badawi
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November
Large tour groups flood back into the country; perfect time to high-tail it to the desert for camel treks and hiking. In Cairo, the cooler weather makes November a good bet for long strolls to discover the capital’s madrassas and mosques.
Key events: Cairo International Film Festival, Arab Music Festival
December
Peak period for Nile cruises so prices rocket. Divers should note that sea conditions can get choppy on boat dives though shore dives are generally fine. Bring wet weather gear for Cairo and Alexandria.