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Egypt is not only home to one of the seven wonders of the world, the Pyramids of Giza, it is also home to many historic attractions such as the Sphinx, the Valley of the Kings, the River Nile & the Red Sea.
It has so many interesting and magnificent sights that you need to spend more than a few days to capture the full essence of this beautiful country.
One of the questions people ask is: what it the best time to visit Egypt?
A main factor in this decision is the weather. The weather in Egypt in general is hot and dry for most of the year. Rain is scarce, except for along the Mediterranean Coast in the North and even then the region only gets about 46 days of rain on average. Temperatures in the Western desert of Egypt in July can rise above 104°F (40°C°). If you visit Egypt during the summer months, make sure that you plan your tour of the pyramids or the Valley of the Kings in the morning, when temperatures are cooler. The dry heat inside the ancient tombs can unbearable later in the day. The Red Sea coastal resorts are an ideal place to visit during the hot summer months.
Temperatures in Egypt in November and December are far cooler. For example, temperatures in Cairo in winter average around 60°F (20 °C).
If you visit Egypt in the spring, make sure you watch out for the khamsin. This powerful, hot desert wind is named after the arabic word for “fifty”, as it can last for around fifty days, between March to May. The storms can whip up vast amounts of sand at a speed of up to 140 mph, resulting in heavy clouds of dust.
The peak period for tourists visiting the attractions such as the Great Pyramid of Giza and the Temples of Luxor or Abu Simbel is December and January as the weather is cooler, attractions can be packed to the extreme with visitors. If you’re looking for a quieter and less crowded experience, the best time to visit Egypt’s pyramids is spring.
Egypt’s capital, Cairo, has become a popular tourist mecca in its own right. Just like the other tourist hotspots in the country, it can often become uncomfortably crowded, especially in the winter. If you’re looking to beat the crowds, the best month to visit Cairo is in October, when the city tends to be quieter. If expense is an issue, the cheapest time to visit Cairo would be during the hot summer months, when tours and accommodation are usually much cheaper. However, daytime sightseeing can be difficult with the hot, tiring temperatures.
If you are interested in modern culture, then you’ll want to understand the local holidays before your trip:
* Abu El Haggag Moulid is a five-day summer festival in Luxor, which celebrates the birthday of a 13th-century holy leader. It takes place in the month before Ramadan.
* Shem al Nessim is a celebration that welcomes the coming of spring in Egypt, taking place during April.
* Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is a public holiday that takes place immediately following Ramadan in the summer.
Ramadan is the Muslim holy month of fasting. The dates for the holiday change every year based on the Islamic calendar. In 2019, Ramadan falls between the 5th of May and the 4th of June.
Although tourists are not expected to commit to fasting, it’s important to understand and respect that Ramadan is a period of rest for the local population. If you visit Egypt during Ramadan, bear in mind that many attractions could close early, and some shops, banks, restaurants and cafés may not open at all.
Despite this, there are a number of festivities that coincide with the end of Ramadan. There is no better time to visit Egypt if you really want to get up close and personal with the local culture.
As you will see, the time of year to visit Egypt is of personal preference and will depend on what you want to get out of your holiday. There is something for everyone all year round!