Plan Egypt
with a clear head.
The practical things to know before you choose a route: when to go, how long you need, how the country fits together and what to expect on the ground.
The best time
to visit Egypt.
For sightseeing, the best months are October to April. Days are warm and sunny, often in the mid-20s °C in Cairo and the high 20s in Luxor and Aswan, and the evenings are cool. December to February is peak season, with the most visitors and the highest prices, especially over Christmas and New Year.
From May to September, the Nile Valley is very hot. Luxor and Aswan regularly pass 40°C. Travel is still possible, with very early starts and long breaks in the middle of the day, and prices are lower. The Red Sea coast is pleasant all year, though July and August are hot and the sea is coolest in January and February.
| Months | Nile Valley | Red Sea | Our view |
|---|---|---|---|
| October–November | Warm, comfortable | Warm sea, perfect | Excellent |
| December–February | Mild days, cool nights | Cooler sea | Excellent, busiest |
| March–April | Warm, getting hot | Warm | Very good |
| May–June | Hot | Hot, good sea | Good with early starts |
| July–August | Very hot | Very hot | Best for the coast only |
| September | Hot | Warm sea | Good, quieter |
Ramadan moves about eleven days earlier each year. Sites stay open, but opening hours can be shorter and many restaurants close during the day. It is also a lovely time to see Cairo in the evenings. We tell you if your dates fall within it.
How many days
do you need?
| Days | What fits | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 5 to 6 | Cairo and Luxor, or Cairo and the beach | Egypt Essentials |
| 7 to 8 | Cairo plus a Nile cruise, or Cairo and Sharm | Cairo & Sharm Escape |
| 9 to 10 | Cairo, a Nile cruise and the Red Sea | Ancient Egypt, Open Water |
| 12 or more | All of that plus Abu Simbel, Saqqara or Alexandria | Egypt, In Depth |
Remember that flights from Southern, Eastern and West Africa take most of a day door to door. Count your arrival and departure days as travel days.
Three areas,
very different trips.
The Nile Valley
Cairo in the north, Luxor and Aswan in the south. Almost all the famous ancient sites are here: the pyramids, Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Philae and Abu Simbel. Between Luxor and Aswan, many people travel by Nile cruise. See Cairo, Luxor and Aswan.
The Red Sea
On the mainland, Hurghada and Marsa Alam are within four hours of Luxor. In Sinai, Sharm El Sheikh is an hour's flight from Cairo. Warm water, coral reefs and resorts of every size.
The north and the desert
Alexandria and Marsa Matruh are on the Mediterranean. Far to the west, Siwa Oasis sits in the Western Desert. Fewer visitors, and a different Egypt.
Planes, boats
and private cars.
Distances are long. Cairo to Aswan is nearly 900 km along the river. For most trips we combine short domestic flights for the long legs, a Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor, and private cars for everything else.
- Domestic flights link Cairo with Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Sharm El Sheikh in about an hour.
- Trains run between Cairo, Luxor and Aswan, including overnight sleepers. They take much longer than flying.
- Nile cruises take three or four nights between Aswan and Luxor.
- Private cars are best for day trips and the drives from Luxor to the Red Sea or Cairo to Alexandria.
What to expect
day to day.
Money
The currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP). Cards are accepted in hotels, larger shops and restaurants; cash is still needed for tips, markets and small purchases. ATMs are widely available in cities and resorts.
Tipping
Tipping, known as baksheesh, is part of daily life. Guides, drivers, cruise crews and hotel staff all expect a tip for good service. We give you a simple guide with our quote, so you know what is normal.
Dress
Light, loose clothes that cover shoulders and knees are comfortable and respectful, especially in mosques, churches and smaller towns. On the Red Sea and at resort pools, normal swimwear is fine.
Food
Egyptian food is generous and often vegetarian-friendly: koshari, ful, falafel (ta'ameya), stuffed vegetables, grilled meats and fresh bread. Drink bottled water. Hotels and cruise ships serve international food too.
Language
Arabic is the official language. English is widely spoken in hotels and tourist areas, and our guides speak it fluently.
Quick answers
about Egypt.
What is the best month to visit Egypt?
October, November, March and April are the best balance of good weather and fewer crowds. December to February is lovely but busiest.
How many days do you need in Egypt?
Six days for Cairo and Luxor; nine to ten days for Cairo, a Nile cruise and the Red Sea; twelve or more to add Abu Simbel, Saqqara or Alexandria.
Is it better to do a Nile cruise or stay in hotels?
A cruise is the most relaxed way to see the temples between Aswan and Luxor. Hotels give more flexibility. Many trips use both.
What time zone is Egypt in?
Egypt is on UTC+2, and uses daylight saving time (UTC+3) in summer. We confirm the time difference with your home country in your plan.
Can I use my bank card in Egypt?
Usually yes, in hotels and larger businesses. Tell your bank before you travel and carry some cash for tips and markets.
Ready to turn this
into a plan?
Tell us your dates and what you most want to see. We will send a route that fits, with hotels and a full price.