TL;DR: Traveling to Egypt in December is arguably the best time to visit, offering mild, comfortable temperatures (average high 70°F in Luxor) that make sightseeing way more pleasant! While you’ll encounter some crowds due to the peak season, the comfortable weather, lower need for AC (making it more sustainable!), and holiday atmosphere make it worthwhile. You’ll need layers, sunscreen, and cash for the required Visa-on-Arrival.
If you’re looking for a winter vacation, consider traveling to Egypt in December. I’m going (literally in a few days) for my birthday and the following post will show you how I’ve prepared for the trip. After I get back I’ll follow up with more details on what I learned, my favorite parts, and other recommendations to ensure you’ll have an amazing time.
What is the best time of year to visit Egypt?
Online you’ll typically see October – April as the best time of year to visit Egypt, so obviously going in December falls under that ideal time. But why is it ideal?
The Sustainable Climate Advantage
If you’re familiar with me blog you know sustainable travel is always at the forefront of my mind! Traveling to Egypt in the winter means less reliance on AC, which directly means energy savings a smaller carbon footprint. Egypt is only getting hotter year over year and it’s getting more taxing to keep tourists cool.
You’ll also be grateful to experience much more cooler climates when you’re in the direct sunlight visiting the pyramids of Cairo and Luxor. The high only reaches about 73°F in Cairo and 79°F in Luxor.
If you’re visiting the Red Sea or Hurgada don’t worry about the temperature drop! The water in Egypt in December is still comfortable to swim in.
The Crowd Drawback
In the past I’ve talked about how important it is to travel during off seasons so destinations aren’t overwhelmed by over tourism. However, the winter is actually the peak season for Egypt because of ideal temperatures. It will be crowded and prices may be higher. There’s always tradeoffs when it comes to travel so its up to you on when you decide to go!
How to Plan a Trip to Egypt
I’ll be honest, going to Egypt in December is not something I comfortably would plan on my own even as a Travel Advisor! There’s a lot of variables, horror stories, and unclear experiences that made me decide to go with a tour group from my trip. And thankfully there’s plenty of options for a range of different prices! I’ve listed different ones below including the one I will be using.
(Please note: Through my partnership with TourRadar I’m able to share these tours at discounted rates (so yes, they’re affiliate links)! TourRadar is the host platform, but each tour is through a different company.)
Best Travel Groups for Egypt
Vacations to Go (My Trip!)
- 9 Day Nile Tour in Egypt with 4/5 Star Accommodations
- $1,500
- After my trip I’ll provide a review of this tour HERE!
- 8 Day Boats & Bazaars Tour
- $849
- This is a bit more affordable trip with more simple accommodations. Great for someone who doesn’t care much about where they stay and
- 10 Day Luxury Tour in Egypt
- $4,800
- Luxury tour for those looking for the best of the best!
- 8 Day Pharaohs Nile Cruise Adventure
- $975
- Highly rated and frequent tours! Great for most travelers (solo, families, etc.)
What to pack for a trip to Egypt in December?
Since the weather is cooler in the winter, layering is a must! There’s a swing from a high of 74°F to 48°F at night. It’ll be very sunny during tours in the day and pretty cold in the evening, especially on the Nile or in the desert. I would say pack a scarf or hat but you’ll likely want to buy one while you’re there!
Respecting the Culture
Tourist areas are mostly relaxed, however it is likely that you’ll visit some religious sites so be sure to pack some conservative cover ups for those visits. Having a big scarf you can throw over your shoulders is typically sufficient!
Other Items to Include
- Reusable water bottle
- Coral Safe Sunscreen (if you’re visiting the beach)
- Solid toiletries (like a shampoo bar)
- Outlet adapter! (Egypt uses the same outlet as Europe)
- Here’s a full list of my favorite travel essentials!
Now Enjoy Your Trip to Egypt
Now that you have your plan, your next stop is the travel itself! When I return, I’ll be sharing my post on My First Hand Experience traveling to Egypt with Vacations to Go to detail costs, favorite local spots, and exactly how cold it really gets! Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the adventure!
