Planning a trip to Egypt but not sure when to go? Whether you’re dreaming of floating down the Nile in Luxor, snorkeling the Red Sea in Hurghada, or exploring the ancient streets of Cairo, timing your visit around Egypt’s weather can make or break your holiday. This complete guide to Egypt weather by month covers every major destination — from Sharm El Sheikh and Dahab to Marsa Alam and Alexandria — so you know exactly what to expect, no matter when you travel.
Egypt Climate Overview: What You Need to Know First
Egypt is largely a desert country, which means it enjoys sunshine almost year-round. However, temperatures, humidity, and sea conditions vary dramatically between seasons and between the north and south of the country. Generally speaking:
- October to April is considered the best time for most travellers — cooler, comfortable, and ideal for sightseeing.
- May to September brings intense heat, especially in Upper Egypt (Luxor and Aswan), but Red Sea resorts remain popular for beach lovers.
- Coastal destinations like Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, and Marsa Alam enjoy milder temperatures year-round due to sea breezes.
Egypt Weather by Month: A Full Breakdown
January — Egypt Weather in January
January is one of the most pleasant months to visit Egypt. Average temperatures in Egypt in January hover between 9°C and 19°C in Cairo, making it ideal for city exploration. On the Red Sea coast, Hurghada temperature in January typically reaches around 21–22°C during the day, while Sharm El Sheikh weather in January is similarly mild at around 20°C.
Dahab weather in January is dry and sunny with daytime temperatures around 20°C — perfect for diving without the summer heat. Makadi Bay weather in January and El Gouna weather in January follow similar patterns to Hurghada: warm, dry, and largely cloud-free.
Marsa Alam temperature in January sits around 22°C, making it one of the better months for diving and snorkeling. In Luxor and Aswan, January is actually the coolest month, though daytime temperatures still reach a comfortable 23–25°C.
Tip: Evenings in Cairo and Upper Egypt can feel chilly in January — pack a light jacket.
February — Egypt Weather in February
Egypt weather in February is still beautifully mild across the country. Cairo warms slightly, while coastal resorts remain ideal. Hurghada weather in February typically sees temperatures of 22–24°C, and Hurghada February temperature makes it one of the most popular months for European visitors.
Sharm El Sheikh weather in February is comfortably warm at around 21°C during the day. Marsa Alam February weather is excellent for snorkeling and marine safaris, with clear waters and water temperatures around 23°C. Safaga weather in February is equally pleasant, making it a top choice for windsurfers.
In Cairo, weather in February is spring-like, with temperatures around 10–20°C. February is also the last month before temperatures begin their rapid climb toward summer. Egypt weather in February and March remains among the most comfortable for upper Egypt sightseeing.
March — Egypt Weather in March
Egypt temperature in March begins to rise noticeably. Cairo sees days reaching 23–25°C, while Hurghada temperature in March climbs to around 24–26°C. El Gouna weather in March and Makadi Bay follow similar trends — warm, sunny, and very inviting.
Sharm El Sheikh weather in March is excellent: comfortably warm without being oppressive. Marsa Alam temperature in March is ideal for diving, with water temperatures edging up pleasantly. Temperatures in Hurghada in March make it a great shoulder-season destination before summer prices kick in.
Weather in Hurghada in March tends to be dry and breezy, with occasional Khamseen dust winds becoming possible toward the end of the month. Dahab weather in March is delightful — a hidden gem for spring travellers.
April — Egypt Weather in April
Egypt weather in April signals the true beginning of spring warmth. Cairo temperatures can reach 28–30°C by mid-April. The Hurghada sea temperature in April starts to warm significantly, usually reaching around 23–24°C — perfect for swimming.
El Gouna weather in April is warm and sunny, as is Sharm El Sheikh weather in April. Marsa Alam weather in April is fantastic — the diving season is in full swing, and temperatures are warm but not stifling. Weather in Dahab in April is similarly wonderful, with clear skies and warm waters ideal for snorkeling and freediving.
In Upper Egypt, Luxor weather in April sees temperatures hitting 35°C or more by month’s end — warm but still manageable for morning sightseeing.
May — Egypt Weather in May
May marks the start of the hot season. Egypt temperature in May in Cairo can reach 35°C or beyond. Hurghada temperature in May sits around 31–33°C during the day, with sea temperatures rising to around 25–26°C — great for beach days.
Sharm El Sheikh weather in May and weather in Sharm in May are hot and sunny, though the sea keeps coastal areas more bearable. Makadi Bay weather in May is similar — blazing sunshine and warm, crystal-clear water. Marsa Alam weather in May starts to get very hot (up to 38°C inland), though sea breezes keep the coast manageable.
Egypt temperature in May is one of the key reasons experienced travellers either embrace the coast or avoid interior sites. For the Red Sea, May can still be a rewarding — if hot — month to visit.
June — Egypt Weather in June
June is firmly summer. Egypt temp in June in Cairo regularly tops 37–39°C. Temperature in Hurghada in June hovers around 33–35°C with a sea temperature above 27°C. Hurghada June weather is baking hot but the beaches and water are glorious.
Sharm El Sheikh weather in June is similar — intense sun, hot dry air, and warm turquoise water. Makadi Bay weather in June sees the same pattern. Tourists who visit at this time tend to be beach-focused, spending mornings and evenings outdoors and midday indoors or in the sea.
Dahab weather in July (and June) gets very warm, but it is beloved by freedivers who flock to the famous Blue Hole year-round.
July — Egypt Weather in July
July is the hottest month in Egypt in most inland areas. Egypt temp in July in Cairo can soar past 40°C. However, on the coast, sea breezes provide relief.
Hurghada July temperature is around 33–36°C, and Hurghada July weather is dry and intensely sunny. Sharm El Sheikh weather in July and Dahab weather in July are both very hot but tolerable near the water. Marsa Alam weather in July and Marsa Alam weather in August are the hottest months of the year, though dedicated divers still visit for the pristine underwater world.
Egypt temp in July makes this month best suited for resort-based holidays rather than archaeological tours. Dahab weather July attracts a devoted crowd of water-sports enthusiasts despite the heat.
August — Egypt Weather in August
August continues the peak heat. Average temperature in Egypt in August is among the highest of any month. Hurghada August temperature reaches 35–37°C, and the Egypt Hurghada temperature in August is consistently intense. Hurghada temp in August keeps the air-conditioned resort scene booming.
Ain Sokhna weather in August is very hot, making this Gulf of Suez resort popular mainly with Egyptian weekenders escaping Cairo. Marsa Alam weather in August is excellent for those who don’t mind heat — the sea is warm, clear, and teeming with marine life.
Egypt temperatures in August are the reason many European visitors avoid this month — but for those seeking pure beach and water holidays at competitive prices, August can work well on the coast.
September — Egypt Weather in September
September marks the slow retreat of summer heat. Average temperature in Egypt in September begins to ease, particularly toward the end of the month. Hurghada weather in September sees temperatures drop to around 30–33°C — still warm, but noticeably more comfortable.
Sharm El Sheikh weather in September and Dahab weather in September are excellent for diving and outdoor activities. The sea remains beautifully warm (around 27–28°C). Marsa Alam weather in September is ideal — combining warm temperatures, calm seas, and fewer tourists than winter peak season.
Egypt weather in September and October is widely considered a golden period for the Red Sea. Temperature in Egypt in September and October is warm but manageable, and this period often offers great value for money.
October — Egypt Weather in October
October is one of the best months to visit Egypt. Egypt temperature in October in Cairo falls to a very pleasant 25–28°C. Hurghada temperature in October and Hurghada October weather are warm at around 28–30°C, with sea temperatures still in the mid-20s.
Sharm El Sheikh weather in October is excellent — sunny, warm, and much less crowded than summer. Marsa Alam weather in October and Marsa Alam October weather are outstanding for diving, as visibility is superb. Makadi Bay weather in October and Dahab weather in October follow similar patterns: bright, comfortable, and inviting.
Egypt weather in October and November is the go-to recommendation for many travel experts. Temperature in Egypt in October November is consistently among the most agreeable of the year. Weather in the North Coast of Egypt in October sees cooler temperatures and some cloud cover, making it less ideal for beach holidays in that area.
November — Egypt Weather in November
Egypt weather in November is superb across most of the country. Egypt temperature in November in Cairo drops to around 20–24°C, ideal for sightseeing at the pyramids and in the Egyptian Museum.
Hurghada November temperature sits around 26–28°C — warm enough for swimming and watersports. Sharm El Sheikh weather in November and Dahab weather in November are lovely, with mild days and pleasant evenings. El Gouna weather in November and Marsa Alam November weather are popular among divers and snorkelers.
Egypt in November weather is a favourite for British, German, and Scandinavian tourists escaping the cold back home. Marsa Alam temperature in November is perfect for liveaboard diving trips. The water temperature in Sharm El Sheikh in November is still around 25–26°C, comfortably warm for swimming.
December — Egypt Weather in December
Egypt weather in December is mild and generally dry. December temperature in Egypt in Cairo ranges between 10°C and 19°C — cool evenings, warm sunny afternoons. Egypt temperatures in December in Upper Egypt (Luxor and Aswan) are similarly comfortable, around 22–26°C in the afternoons.
Hurghada weather in December and Hurghada climate in December see temperatures around 22–24°C. Sharm El Sheikh weather in December is mild and sunny, averaging around 21°C. Marsa Alam weather in December and El Gouna weather in December are peaceful and pleasant, with good diving conditions.
Dahab temperature in December is around 21°C — cool by Egyptian standards but still very mild compared to most of Europe. Makadi Bay weather in December and Marsa Alam Egypt weather in December offer great value during this quieter month before the Christmas and New Year rush.
Egypt’s Best Destinations: Monthly Weather Highlights
Cairo Weather by Month
Cairo weather by month swings dramatically between a cool, mild winter (10–20°C in January) and a punishing summer (40°C+ in July–August). The best months to visit Cairo are October through April, when temperatures are comfortable for walking and sightseeing. Cairo weather in December and January is cool but manageable. Cairo temperature by month peaks in July–August and is lowest in January.
Hurghada Weather by Month
Hurghada weather by month is consistently sunny with low rainfall year-round. Winter months (December–February) offer mild temperatures of 20–24°C. Spring and autumn are warm and wonderful. The summer months are very hot (34–37°C) but the beach lifestyle continues. Hurghada monthly temperatures make it Egypt’s most consistently popular year-round resort.
Sharm El Sheikh Egypt Weather By Month
Sharm El Sheikh weather by month follows a pattern very similar to Hurghada. The average temperature in Sharm El Sheikh in January is around 20°C, while summer peaks around 37°C. Sharm El Sheikh temperatures by month are reliably sunny with negligible rainfall. October through April is generally the peak season for Europeans.
Dahab Weather Egypt Weather By Month
Dahab weather by month is characterised by year-round sunshine and low humidity. Dahab weather in January is mild (around 20°C) and ideal for diving. Dahab temperature in December and Dahab temperature in January are among the cooler months. Dahab weather in July and Dahab weather in November are both popular with divers and water-sports lovers. Dahab monthly weather is one of the most stable in the whole Red Sea region.
Marsa Alam Egypt Weather By Month
Marsa Alam weather by month offers superb conditions for much of the year. Marsa Alam weather in December, January, February, and March are excellent for diving and snorkeling. Marsa Alam weather in June, July, and August are very hot but diveable. Marsa Alam weather in October and September are considered peak season by experienced divers. Marsa Alam temperature by month is consistently warmer than Hurghada, especially in winter.
Luxor & Aswan Egypt Weather By Month
Luxor weather by month and Luxor temperature by month are extremes of Egypt’s climate. Winters are mild and pleasant (20–25°C), perfect for exploring the Valley of the Kings. Summers are ferocious — Aswan regularly records Egypt’s highest temperatures, often exceeding 45°C in July. Aswan weather by month follows a nearly identical pattern. Visit between October and March for the best experience.
El Gouna Egypt Weather By Month
A short drive from Hurghada, El Gouna weather closely mirrors Hurghada’s. El Gouna weather in December, January, and February are ideal for water sports and exploring the lagoons. El Gouna weather in March, April, and September are equally rewarding. El Gouna weather in November is a great time to visit for a peaceful, uncrowded holiday.
Makadi Bay Egypt Weather By Month
Makadi Bay weather by month is very similar to Hurghada, as it lies on the same stretch of coastline. Makadi Bay weather in December, January, and February are mild and popular. Makadi Bay weather in July, June, and May are hot but beach-friendly. Makadi Bay weather in September and October offer a fantastic combination of warm weather, calm seas, and reduced crowds.
Alexandria Egypt Weather by Month
Alexandria Egypt weather by month differs significantly from the rest of Egypt. As a Mediterranean city, Alexandria experiences a true Mediterranean climate — warm, dry summers and mild, occasionally rainy winters. Alexandria weather by month shows January temperatures around 13–18°C and summer highs of 29–30°C. Unlike the Red Sea resorts, Alexandria can see rain and grey skies in winter, making it best visited from April to October.
Egypt Monthly Average Temperatures at a Glance
| Month | Cairo (°C) | Hurghada (°C) | Sharm El Sheikh (°C) | Luxor (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9–19 | 14–22 | 13–21 | 8–23 |
| February | 10–21 | 15–23 | 14–22 | 10–26 |
| March | 12–25 | 18–26 | 16–25 | 14–31 |
| April | 15–29 | 21–29 | 20–28 | 20–37 |
| May | 20–34 | 25–33 | 24–33 | 25–41 |
| June | 23–37 | 27–35 | 26–36 | 28–42 |
| July | 24–38 | 28–36 | 27–37 | 28–42 |
| August | 24–38 | 28–36 | 27–37 | 27–41 |
| September | 22–35 | 27–34 | 26–35 | 25–39 |
| October | 17–30 | 24–31 | 23–30 | 20–34 |
| November | 13–24 | 19–27 | 18–26 | 14–28 |
| December | 9–19 | 15–23 | 14–22 | 9–23 |
When Is the Best Time to Visit Egypt?
The best overall time to visit Egypt is October through April. This covers a range of experiences:
- October & November: Perfect for the Red Sea, warm but not oppressive, fewer crowds.
- December & January: Mild everywhere, ideal for history lovers and sightseers; cool evenings require a light layer.
- February & March: Excellent balance of warmth and comfort for all destinations.
- April: Great for Red Sea diving and Upper Egypt before the summer heat arrives.
For beach and diving holidays, the Red Sea never really shuts down. Even in the height of summer, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab, and Marsa Alam remain operational and popular — just very hot.
Final Tips for Planning Around Egypt’s Weather
- Pack layers for winter: January and February nights in Cairo and Luxor can be genuinely cold.
- Book early for peak months: October–November and March–April are high demand on the Red Sea.
- Avoid Upper Egypt in summer: Luxor and Aswan temperatures in July can be life-threatening for the unprepared.
- Check sea temperatures: The Red Sea stays swimmable virtually year-round, but a wetsuit may be welcome in December–February in Dahab and Sharm.
- Khamseen winds: Spring (March–May) can bring occasional dust storms across Egypt — plan flexible sightseeing days.
Whether you’re chasing winter sun, a spring diving trip, or a summer beach escape, Egypt’s weather by month offers something for every type of traveller. Use this guide to plan your perfect Egyptian adventure.
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