While there’s never a bad time to visit one of the birthplaces of civilization, many travelers try to avoid Egypt in the summer because of the country’s soaring temperatures and crowded attractions. If you’re thinking about taking a journey down the Nile, consider visiting Egypt in the winter: not only will you enjoy the milder temperatures, you may get lucky and experience fewer crowds at those major must-see attractions Egypt is full of.
If you think a visit to Egypt in the winter could be for you, good news: we’ve put together your ultimate guide.
Egypt’s weather in winter
Egypt is a famously warm country – days spent in the sun, cruising along the Nile, and adventures in the desert are a major draw for this destination! So what happens when you visit in the winter?
The answer may be what some travelers would think of as the perfect adventure weather. The stifling humidity of the summer months is long gone when you visit Egypt in the winter, and temperatures stay mild at an average of about 60ºF (20ºC) during the day. Nights are often significantly cooler, dipping down to about 50ºF (10ºC) or below.
If you’re planning on visiting Egypt in the winter, packing layers should be a priority. While it’s certainly a warmer climate than many other countries in the winter months, it’s not entirely unheard of to see cooler days – in recent years; there has even been mild snowfall in some parts of the country! Pack versatile, lightweight layers, and you should be all set for whatever Egypt may throw your way.
The best things to do in Egypt in winter
There’s always so much to see and do in Egypt, but visiting in the winter brings an extra dabble of festive cheer and community spirit.
Of course, you’ll have to visit the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx – is it really a trip to Egypt if you don’t check out these iconic structures? Thankfully, a visit in the winter will usually be less crowded and overwhelming than visiting with the summer crowds. However, it’s still a good idea to get there early and plan well in advance so that you have all the time you want to explore the area.
Egypt is no stranger to cultural events, either – Cairo is home to the Cairo International Book Fair as well as the Tour d’Egypte, a professional road cycling stage race, in the winter. If you celebrate Christmas and you’re looking to celebrate in Egypt, your plans may have to be adjusted – Egypt’s Christmas Day is observed by about 15% of its population and occurs on January 7th as per the Coptic tradition, not December 24th/25th like we’re used to in the West.
Must-see cities in Egypt in winter
- Cairo: Home of the only original Seven Wonders of the Ancient World still around, the Pyramids of Giza, Cairo is likely the first stop on any Egyptian adventure. Take in the pyramids and the Sphinx, and perhaps the beautiful and historic Al-Azhar Mosque in the old town. It’s a welcome spot for some peace and quiet in a bustling city. In the city, you’ll find museums, a lively arts and culture scene, and some seriously delicious food. Cairo is the city of business and industry in Egypt, so there’s usually something exciting going on!
- Luxor: This one’s for the serious history buffs. Luxor was once home to the pharaohs’ capital city of Thebes, and from the 16th to the 11th centuries BC, Luxor was where Egypt’s nobility and most powerful citizens resided. Visit the city’s two massive temples, Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple, and explore the royal tombs located in the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens. Stepping back in time in Luxor should be very high on your list.
- Siwa Oasis: A touch of city living and lush tropical greenery in the middle of Egypt’s Western Desert. Siwa is one of the most isolated areas of Egypt, which means that travelers lucky enough to visit will get a true taste of what life is like for the Berbers, the native people of the region. In ancient times, Siwa was the home to an oracle of Amun, and today travelers can visit the oracle’s ruins as well as the unique architecture of the ruins of the Shali fortress.
What are you most excited to see in Egypt? Whether it’s the ancient architecture, the modern cities, or something entirely your own, you’ll find something new and exciting (or old and exciting) around every corner, and that’s why so many travelers flock to Egypt each and every year, and why a winter get-away may be your best bet for an unforgettable Egyptian adventure.
If you’re looking to take your journey minus the intense heat and stifling crowds, maybe a trip to Egypt in December could be for you! There’s only one way to decide, of course: start planning!
Would you want to visit Egypt in December? What would you most like to see on your trip?
