Travel to Egypt — everything you need to know
When to go to Egypt?
- October – April — Cool season : Ideal temperatures for visiting the sites (20–28 °C). The best time for Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and the Nile cruise.
- November – February — Mild Red Sea : Perfect diving and snorkelling in Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh, with mild sea temperatures (25–28 °C).
- June – August — Red Sea & Beaches : Very hot inland (40°C+) but the Red Sea stays pleasant. Lower prices during the summer high season.
Weather in Egypt
Check the weather city by city, starting with Cairo.
- [object Object]: daytime highs from 21 to 40 °C depending on the season, 2 mm of rain per month on average.
- [object Object]: daytime highs from 18 to 31 °C depending on the season, 18 mm of rain per month on average.
- [object Object]: daytime highs from 23 to 41 °C depending on the season, 1 mm of rain per month on average.
- Hurghada: daytime highs from 21 to 36 °C depending on the season, 1 mm of rain per month on average.
- [object Object]: daytime highs from 23 to 42 °C depending on the season, 0 mm of rain per month on average.
- Sharm El Sheikh: daytime highs from 23 to 41 °C depending on the season, 1 mm of rain per month on average.
What to do in Egypt?
Egypt is the land of the pharaohs and one of the greatest civilisations in history. The pyramids of Giza, the magic of the Sphinx, the temples of Luxor and Karnak on the Nile, and the crystal-clear Red Sea of Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh — an exceptional destination.
Cairo & the Pyramids of Giza
The megacity of 20 million people, home to the Pyramids of Giza — the only Ancient Wonder still standing — the Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum.
Highlights : Pyramids of Giza & Sphinx, Grand Egyptian Museum, Khan el-Khalili — Cairo bazaar, Al-Azhar Mosque & Old Cairo.
Luxor & Karnak
Ancient Thebes, capital of pharaonic Egypt. The Karnak temple, the largest ancient religious complex in the world, and the Valley of the Kings with the tombs of the pharaohs.
Highlights : Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings — Tutankhamun's tomb, Luxor Temple at night, Colossi of Memnon.
Nile cruise
The Luxor–Aswan cruise (4–7 days) is one of the most legendary travel experiences. Temples line the banks of the Nile amid palm trees and desert.
Highlights : Temple of Edfu — Egypt's best-preserved temple, Temple of Kom Ombo, Aswan & Elephantine Island, Abu Simbel — temples of Ramesses II.
Red Sea — Hurghada & Sharm
The best beaches and dive sites in the Red Sea: dreamlike coral, dolphins and reef sharks in crystal-clear water year-round.
Highlights : Hurghada coral reef, Sharm el-Sheikh — Ras Mohammed snorkelling, Giftun Island, Red Sea — shark diving.
Sinai & Western Desert
Away from the Nile, Egypt unfolds striking desert expanses, from Mount Sinai steeped in biblical history to the lunar landscapes of the White Desert. The remote oasis of Siwa and the Red Sea reefs complete this change of scenery. Hiking, diving and spirituality meet here.
Highlights : Mount Sinai & Saint Catherine's Monastery, Siwa Oasis, Ras Mohammed National Park, Bahariya & Farafra, Wadi Feiran.
Travel budget for Egypt
Egypt is one of the cheapest destinations in the Mediterranean basin. The Egyptian pound has devalued significantly, making the country very affordable for European tourists.
- Backpacker : 30–50 €/j — Guesthouse + street food + local transport
- Comfort : 70–120 €/j — Comfortable hotel + cruise + activities
- Luxury : 200 €+/j — All-inclusive resort + fine dining + private excursions
Practical tips for travelling to Egypt
- Flight from Paris : ~5h direct (EgyptAir, Air France, Transavia)
- Visa : Online e-Visa (~$25) or on arrival ($25)
- Currency : Egyptian pound (EGP) — ATM withdrawals recommended, very favourable exchange rate
- Language : Arabic — English and French spoken in tourist areas
- Electricity : Type C/F — 220V (same as France)
- Mobile network : Very cheap local SIM (Vodafone, Orange Egypt)
- Tap water : Not drinkable — bottled water absolutely necessary
- Health : Hepatitis A vaccine recommended, sunscreen essential, avoid pork
Compare Egypt with other destinations