No one knows a country better than a local ‘Destination Expert,’ who can not only give you some great local tips and tricks, but they can also advise on the best time to go to Egypt, especially for the best weather and festivities. If you are doing some planning for your trip to this vibrant and diverse Middle Eastern country, then the top tips below will certainly come in handy.
You may be so excited about planning your adventure and all the great sites you want to see in Egypt, but have you stopped to double-check what the weather will be like when you plan to go. The seasons of a country can significantly impact how well your trip goes and can either make your trip exceptional or leave you regretful.
Luckily, there are just a few things to note when it comes to the seasons in Egypt, and the local festivities -which we encourage you not to miss out on that will ensure you get the adventure of a lifetime you have always dreamed of.
Luckily, there are just a few things to note when it comes to the seasons in Egypt, and the local festivities -which we encourage you not to miss out on that will ensure you get the adventure of a lifetime you have always dreamed of.
Here is an in-depth look at the seasons and local holidays of Egypt.
Seasons in Egypt
To make it simple, Egypt just has two seasons to remember, so not much can go wrong if you choose the time that suits you.
Winter:
Winter happens between November and April, and you will be shocked to hear that it is unlike the typical images of winter you might have in your mind. As we know, Egypt is famous for being hot. Hence, the winter is actually a perfect time to travel, considering the temperatures don’t generally dip below 60F/20C, which is a great temperature to do some exploring without constantly sweating. With cooler days, you can undoubtedly expect cool nights, so be prepared to bring layers if you are traveling during these months.
On the flip side, you can expect crowds of people at slightly higher prices, and you will need to book tours, accommodation, and guides in advance.
Summer:
Summer in Egypt is from May to October, and you can definitely expect soaring temperatures and humidity with the daily average being 104F/40C, but don’t be surprised if you experience 122F/50C here or there, which is not uncommon in such a dry, arid country. One of the benefits of traveling in the high seasons is that you can spend copious amounts of time on the fantastic beaches along the Red Sea coast or enjoy a Nile River Cruise with the river winds cooling you down.
One of the best things about traveling during summer is that you can visit some of the most famous monuments that have experienced significantly fewer crowds than in the winter. As well as this, prices tend to be a little lower in the off-season, which is a bonus.
Best time to travel
The best time to travel is, of course, in the winter months, specifically between October and April, when the temperatures will be delightful, but be prepared that October to February is the leading high season, and everyone has the same idea to escape the typical cold winter days at home.
In saying that, if you want to travel when the weather is pleasant, but the crowds are less than the peak season, it might be worth considering a trip during the shoulder season, which is March to May or September to October.
Local Celebrations and events not to miss:
Egyptian Marathon: January
We have all heard about marathons worldwide, but did you know that this is actually the oldest ongoing marathon in Africa and the Middle East, and brings people from all over the world together, to take part in this long-distance run, which covers some famous historical monuments. So if you are waiting for a unique place to run a marathon, this could be it!
Cairo Bookfair: Last week of January
This is no ordinary book fair. In fact, it is the largest and oldest of its kind in the entire Arab world and is an event not to miss. It is, of course, held in the capital city of Cairo and is considered by many as the most important event in the Arabic world of publishing. Anyone interested in culture and the arts will really love this event, and it is a truly remarkable experience to behold on your Egyptian travels.
To see more of Cairo and its surroundings while there, Cairo Experience could be the perfect tour for you.
Eid Al Ghetas: January
This festival which happens all over Egypt during January, is an exceptional display of the religious harmony in Egypt when everyone comes together to celebrate the baptism of Jesus, as it was written in the Holy Quran. Locals take this big event very seriously, and you will see many celebrations taking place throughout the country and a lot of sweet treats on display.
To get more of an insight into the religious aspects of Egypt, The Route of the Holy Family tour could be ideal for you.
Ramadan: April/May
Ramadan is one of the most significant months of the year for Muslims and is a world-famous holiday that sees locals fasting from sunrise to sunset, including food, drinks, and cigarettes. This is a fantastic time to visit any Islamic country, especially Egypt, due to the tremendous atmosphere you will find in the evenings at local markets, bazaars, and family homes.
Everything tends to light up around this time, and you will witness their culture come alive as the communities join together.
Sphinx Festival: June
If you find yourself along the Red Sea coast in June, you cannot miss out on this five-day heritage festival in the town of El Gouna. It aims to teach people about the heritage and culture of Ancient Egypt, and it attracts many artists, historians, and travelers. All of them are intrigued and want to learn more about this country’s incredible past.
Cairo Jazz Festival: October/November
This international festival is all about jazz, so if you are into music and the arts, you will love this event, which presents Jazz by the Nile to you. Its overall aim is to commemorate the incredible art of jazz music, enabling it to reach people with its freedom of expression and innovation. This is a unique cultural event to attend and is held in Cairo, a renowned city for culture and the arts.
Islamic New Year: July
If you find yourself in any country during a New Year celebration, you cannot overlook the festivities, and Egypt is no exception. Islamic New Year in Egypt happens every July. It is an incredible celebration to witness, especially if you find an invitation to a local home, where the families celebrate by preparing local delicacies.
To give you a great insight into the Islamic New Year and what it is all about, be sure to look at this video.
