Did I pick the worst time to visit Egypt?
I will never forget the wall of heat which hit me as I stepped from the boat on the Nile onto the shore of the Nubian Village.
45 Degrees Celsius.
At that moment I thought that I had picked the worst time to visit Egypt!
The allure of ancient Egypt puts the country near the top of many people’s travel bucket lists, however, visiting Egypt at the wrong time can ruin your experience.
If you are planning a trip to Egypt and unsure whether a summer trip is worth it, then keep reading, as I visited just after summer in September, and was shocked by the conditions.
Your travel plans and intentions will dictate whether visiting Egypt in the ‘worst’ months is a good idea.
Relaxing by the pool with a cocktail is completely different to walking around the West Bank of Luxor all day in the heat.
Let’s go and see the pharaohs!
Locals riding donkeys near Memphis.
A visit to Egypt in summer.
When planning my solo visit to Egypt I underestimated the summer conditions.
Although technically summer runs from May to August in Egypt, I visited the first week in September, so I still experienced the extreme conditions, especially in Aswan in Southern Egypt.
Summer temperatures in Egypt can soar to over 40°C in the south, while the north is slightly more manageable in the 30°C’s, however, it is still unpleasant to walk around in.
You can also expect lots of sunshine with little to no rain.
The restaurants are the best escape from the summer temperatures.
If you have ever visited Africa or the Middle East in the summer then you will know how difficult it is to find a place to cool down.
The dry heat is very intense and can be overwhelming, especially if you're not accustomed to such high temperatures.
Even inside the famous tombs there is no escape!
You will find some of the more high end restaurants do have good air conditioning, so an afternoon break for some authentic cuisine in a cool environment will make your days much more enjoyable.
A sunny day at the Pyramids of Giza.
Maybe the best time to visit the attractions.
A summer visit to Egypt is the dream for visitors wanting some time in solitude with the Pharaohs of yesteryear!
An early morning visit in the summer months means you may have some of the most famous historical sites to yourself, making it much easier to capture uninterrupted photos of the iconic landmarks.
I found it awesome to walk up the famous ramp up to the Temple of Hatshepsut with very few crowds.
A very hot Temple of Hatshepsut on the West Bank of Luxor.
My Egypt itinerary was packed full of relics, however, there was something special about the soft, early morning light from the Egyptian summer sun creating a glow on the West Bank treasures.
The palm trees and lush greenery which surround Medinet Habu Temple added to the summer feeling as we explored the complex.
A quiet trip to Medinet Habu Temple.
Just me and the statues in Luxor Temple.
Sunny days on the Nile.
The River Nile is one of the biggest reasons why tourists visit Egypt, and the summer months guarantee an awesome experience sailing the world’s longest river.
The breeze created by the sailing is a very popular way of cooling down for international visitors, with boat trips usually booked for afternoons in the summer months.
There are also spectacular sunsets in the summer, so keep an eye out for them!
Enjoying a sunny felucca ride on the River Nile in Aswan.
Sailing on the Nile.
Walking around the open air temples was difficult.
The biggest draw to Egypt for many visitors are the famous landmarks, which date back thousands of years.
The open air temples in Luxor and Aswan are grand and very big in size, so there is a considerable amount of walking involved during your day trips.
The heat will plays a big part in your enjoyment as there is no hiding from the scorching sun at the Luxor landmarks, especially in Karnak and Luxor Temple.
The marvelous columns in Karnak Temple.
Our tour guide was awesome in making sure we were all hydrated and he also took us around the complexes at a slower pace.
He was also fully aware of the very few spots where there was some slight shade, so he taught us the history in those places, to allow us to cool down.
Walking towards the first pylon in Karnak Temple.
Some amazing sunrises and sunsets.
Whether it is the sun setting over the Pyramids of Giza, or the sunrise peeking through the giant columns at Karnak Temple, one thing the summer months brings is spectacular moments with the sun.
Although the sun does shine all year round, the September sun was certainly special.
I loved chilling on the terrace of Bob Marley Guest House in Aswan overlooking the Nile as the sky changed colour during sunset each evening.
Sunset over the Pyramids of Giza.
The best months to visit Egypt.
The month when you visit Egypt is personal preference, and it differs from person to person, however, there are pros and cons to the different seasons in Egypt.
Here is a brief overview of the different seasons:
Summer: June - August.
Temperatures soar in the summer months, with Southern Egypt reaching over 25°C often, which puts many tourists off visiting in these months. Prices reflect the drop in tourism, so if you want a bargain and don’t mind extreme conditions this should be your choice.
Shoulder seasons: May/September.
The best of both worlds for international tourists, with discounted prices still available with some research, and fewer crowds than the winter months.
Average daytime temperatures range between 25°C to 35°C, making most activities enjoyable at some point during the day.
Winter: December - February.
The weather is much cooler and more comfortable compared to the scorching summer heat, making it an ideal period for travel and sightseeing. Average daytime temperatures usually range from 15°C to 25°C, however, prices and crowds are at their peak.
Temperatures can vary significantly between the day and evening, therefore, you may have to pack more.
The museums can be enjoyed all year round.
An activity which you can enjoy all year round in Egypt is a museum visit.
During my Egypt adventure, I visited a museum in all three of the cities that I visited, which were the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities in Cairo, the Nubian Museum in Aswan, and the Mummification Museum in Luxor.
The museums in Egypt offer a peaceful and cool environment to learn some interesting facts about ancient Egypt.
Escaping the heat to admire the hieroglyphics.
The benefits of a summer trip to Egypt.
I always find the good in any destination at any time, so here are the benefits which I enjoyed with my summer trip to Egypt:
Beat the crowds.
Summer is the low season for tourism in Egypt, so you can expect shorter queues at popular attractions like the Pyramids and the Valley of the Kings, allowing you to explore at your own pace and capture better photos.
I was the only person in King Tut’s tomb for a short spell of time, which was a unique moment.
Cheaper prices.
In the summer, prices for flights and hotels tend to drop significantly, so I found some great deals on accommodation and some awesome tours.
There is always room to bargain your way to a better deal, as the locals enjoy the barter!
Consistent weather.
Long sunny days and clear blue skies are guaranteed in the summer, so you can plan outdoor activities without any potential disruption. The longer daylight hours mean that you can explore the ancient sites early in the morning, or later in the evening so it is more comfortable.
Destinations along the Red Sea coast boast stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and diving, with the hot summer sun ensuring plenty of vitamin D and relaxation by the water.
Warmer evenings.
Although it can get uncomfortable at night if you don’t book suitable accommodation in the summer, there is something magical about sitting by the Nile enjoying an evening meal in the warm temperatures.
Summer months guarantee that you won’t be chilly.
45 degrees Celsius in the Nubian Village in Aswan.
The Nubian culture in Egypt is fascinating for international visitors who frequently head south to Aswan to explore the Nubian villages.
If this is one of the big factors in you visiting Egypt, I would not recommend a visit in summer months.
When I was at the Gharb Soheil Village it was over 45°C which made it a very uncomfortable experience.
Although I enjoyed the vibes of the place, I felt that it was too hot to think straight, or walk far, therefore, I feel as though I didn’t explore it fully.
A visit in cooler months will mean that you can focus more on the locals and culture, rather than looking for your next bottle of water constantly.
Locals trying to cool down in the Gharb Soheil Village in Aswan.
Some tips to make your summer trip more bearable.
Here are some tips which I would like to share with you if you so you can make your summer trip to Egypt more enjoyable:
Plan the logistics ahead of time.
No one wants to be travelling in between the different cities in Egypt in the afternoon summer temperatures, so you should plan your commutes to avoid this situation.
If you are travelling between destinations by train or road, early mornings, or late evenings will be more comfortable.
I travelled to Luxor from Cairo by sleeper train which made it more bearable in terms of temperature, although it wasn’t the best night’s sleep ever, but that is another story.
Pack the correct clothing and footwear.
You want to pack light clothing for a summer trip to Egypt, as the temperatures remain high even during the evenings.
Bringing the correct footwear is essential also, as the last thing you need is sore feet when you are already faced with the challenging temperatures.
Choose your accommodation wisely.
Booking a hotel with good air conditioning and a private swimming pool could increase you enjoyment in Egypt massively.
The opportunity to escape the heat even for brief moments isn’t a luxury that many people don’t have.
Booking accommodation near the famous landmarks will also save you commuting time which will also improve your experience.
International restaurants are the best option for good air conditioning.
Protect yourself accordingly.
Although the tour guides which I used were very professional and ensured everyone was comfortable and safe, it is down to yourself to ensure you have taken the correct safety precautions.
I witnessed several tourists faint during my trip through Egypt, and it is not a nice sight!
Carrying water and snacks is very important, or making sure that you eat a large breakfast with some sugars before heading to the archaeological sites.
Applying sunscreen at regular intervals is also essential as your whole trip wil include large exposure to the African sun rays. I was so happy that I had applied sunscreen when I was wandering around Agilkia Island exploring Philae Temple, as Aswan summers are inhumanely hot in the afternoon.
A portable fan is a travel hack for Egypt, which you can pick up for a cheap price in one of the Egyptian markets.
Some afternoon activities to cool you down.
I would advise a trip to the Museums, air conditioned restaurants, or even a Nile cruise in the afternoons to minimise your exercise output during the hotter temperatures.
A crocodile in a Nubian Home.
A dose of gratitude delivered by the summer conditions.
One of my experiences in Luxor changed my perspective forever, and offered me a huge dose of gratitude.
I visited the toilet at one of the popular sites and witnessed a worker collecting a small fee from visitors for use of the toilet. It was 42 degrees Celsius and he didn’t have any water or food with him.
I donated some change to him as I was shocked by the conditions he was subjected to everyday.
There are many workers over there who don’t get to choose which month is best for them to travel.
Life in Luxor.
My expectations were lowered after a day in Luxor.
I remember the moment in Luxor where I realised that I may have booked too many activities.
The heat took so much energy out of me as I explored Karnak and Luxor on my first afternoon that I was worried about my full West Bank tour the day after.
I would advise you don’t overplan your Egypt itinerary in advance, as the heat can have a big impact on your days.
Most landmarks and activities will cost you the same whether you book in advance or not.
I realised on one of my tours that Egypt was difficult to navigate in the summer.
Want an awesome Egypt itinerary?
Although Egypt is near the top of many people’s travel bucket lists, it is difficult to navigate Egypt if you aren’t experienced, or struggle with culture and language barriers.
This Egypt trip covers the majority of the popular tourist attractions following the river Nile south over an 8 day itinerary, starting with a city break in Cairo.
If your idea of an Egypt holiday it to relax by the pool at a slower pace it won’t be the itinerary for you, however, if you enjoy adventure, fast paced exploration, and an abundance of ancient relics then give it a read!