Summer in Egypt: Destination and Weather Tips

Egypt is a huge country, but despite this, most of its areas tend to share the same weather conditions. Egyptian weather in the summer season, starting in late June and ending in August, tends to be warm across the board with no precipitation.

For instance, Cairo, the capital of Egypt, experiences highs of 35°C and lows of 20°C. Rain is virtually nonexistent during this period, with less than a day of rain in June and zero chance of precipitation during the remaining months.

Temperatures tend to get higher as you go south, entering the heart of the Sahara desert. Aswan, a city located along the Nile River, experiences temperatures ranging from 24°C to 41°C.

Below you will find a table detailing the summer weather conditions in Cairo.

For a more seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Egypt.

Other related articles:
Egypt in June
Egypt in July
Egypt in August

There are plenty of reasons why you should go on a trip to Egypt in the summer months. Here are just a few.

• Fewer tourists: As most people visit Egypt during the winter season, the country sees way fewer tourists during summer. This gives you the opportunity to explore popular sites and destinations without having to deal with large crowds. Take tourist-free pictures, avoid endless queues in tourist sites, and get a glimpse of the authentic Egyptian lifestyle.
• Festivities and celebrations: Summers in Egypt are also characterized by several holidays and celebrations. On July 23, the country commemorates the Revolution Day of 1952 with military parades and televised concerts. Another popular summertime festival is Coptic Orthodox New Year, celebrated on September 11. Muslim Egyptians honor this day by eating red dates representative of the martyrs’ sacrifice.
• No rain: Egypt in summer rarely receives any rainfall. This will make it way easier for you to enjoy outdoor activities ranging from hiking to sightseeing. However, do not forget that temperatures can get quite hot, especially during midday. So make sure to plan a few hours indoors during the hottest hours of the day.

If you are wondering what are the best places to visit in Egypt in summer, here are some of our recommendations:

1. Cairo

If you are going to Egypt, you cannot miss a trip to Cairo. This city has a rich culture and can be considered the point of intersection between the African, Arab, and Middle Eastern worlds. Home to several museums, bazaars, and one of the most famous tourist attractions in the world, the Giza Pyramid complex, Cairo will surely charm you with its unique vibe.

Major attractions: The Giza Pyramid complex, The Egyptian Museum, Khan el-Khalili, and Al-Azhar Mosque.

Pros:

• Summers in Cairo tend to have way fewer tourists. Take this opportunity to learn about the local culture by visiting Khan el-Khalili or enjoying a food tour.
• The lack of rain makes summer the best time to enjoy a dinner cruise on the Nile and sightseeing tours.
• Summer months are also the ideal months for visiting sites such as the Giza Pyramids complex. You will avoid endless queues and will be able to take the perfect picture without tons of tourists getting into your frame.

Cons:

• Summers in Cairo are undeniably hot, especially during the middle of the day. So you may want to explore indoor attractions during the hottest part of the day.

2. Alexandria

Once the home to the biggest library in the ancient world, Alexandria remains to this day one of the most stunning cities in Egypt. This metropolis has several museums, stunning beaches, and a number of ancient architectural buildings that are worth exploring.

Major attractions: Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Citadel of Qaitbay, and Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa.

Pros:

• Alexandria is a Mediterranean port city, where you are never too far away from stunning beaches to cool off on a hot summer day.
• A trip to Alexandria is ideal for those wanting to immerse themselves in history. Here you will find ancient Roman theaters dating back to 332 BC as well as more modern buildings such as the Ras el-Tin Palace, built in 1847.
• Summer months in Alexandria fall in the low season, and as a result, crowds are low.

Cons:

• Similar to Cairo, Alexandria can be quite hot in the summer season.

3. Wadi El-Weshwash

Wadi El-Weshwash is a stunning natural area located in the mountains of South Sinai, roughly 15 kilometers away from Nuweiba. This place is ideal for those wanting to spend some time in nature and escape Egypt’s hot summer temperatures.

Major attractions: Colored Canyon, Wishwashi Canyon, and Ananda Camp.

Pros:

• Wadi El-Weshwash is one of the many hidden gems of Egypt, where you will be able to enjoy the area’s natural beauty without having to deal with large tourist crowds.
• You can escape the hot weather by swimming in one of Wadi El-Weshwash’s three springs.
• Wadi El-Weshwash is located in the South Sinai governorate, a stunning natural area that is a perfect place for hiking.

Cons:

• As the area is located in the middle of the Sahara desert, reaching there may be slightly challenging.

With these top destinations on offer, your summer trip to Egypt is bound to be an unforgettable one.

Summer in Egypt offers a variety of activities for all types of tourists. Here are some of the most popular ones:

• Nile cruise: A cruise tour in Egypt is surely one of the best activities for people spending their summer here. Along the way, you will get the chance to see historical sites such as Abu Simbel, Valley of the Kings, and the temple at Kom Ombo.
• Enjoy the sea life: Egypt is home to a variety of stunning beaches, such as Naama Bay, Dahab Lagoon, and El Gouna. If you prefer water sports, head towards the north coast. Cities such as Agami, near Alexandria, and beaches such as Agiba Beach and Cleopatra Beach are renowned for their surf communities. Check out our beach tours in Egypt.
• Camping in the desert: Another great summer activity to experience in Egypt is desert camping. While the desert temperature at night drops drastically during the winter season, the summer nights are pleasantly balmy for a fun camping experience. One of the best camping destinations in Egypt is the White and Black Deserts. Separated by a distance of only 30 kilometers, these two deserts boast stunning landscapes.

From relaxing on the beach to sailing the Nile, there is no shortage of fun activities in the summer in Egypt.

• One item you should definitely pack is your lip balm. Trust us, summers in Egypt can be extremely dry, especially in the desert. Your lips will most likely get extremely dry as a result, so bringing some lip balm may help you preserve their moisture.
• Bringing something to cover your head is extremely helpful. This will not only protect you from the heat but also help you cover your hair when entering mosques. Make sure to wear clothes made with light fabrics such as linen or cotton.
• Learning a few basic Arabic words and phrases will help you a lot, especially when you are visiting small towns.

Whether you want to familiarize yourself with Arab culture or make the most out of Egyptian nature, a summer holiday in Egypt will surely be an unforgettable experience. With warm temperatures and extremely low chances of precipitation, summers in Egypt are ideal for those wanting to explore this country without crowds of tourists overcrowding every site. Snorkel in Almaza Bay, spend a night camping in Ras Mohamed National Park, or simply explore the local culture in small towns such as Dahab and Abnub. Regardless of what you choose to do, you will surely have one of the best experiences of your life.

Reach out to our travel experts to plan a customized trip to Egypt in the summer.