Egypt in May: Mild Weather & Costal Towns
May marks the end of the peak season in Egypt. Summer heat starts building up, but the temperatures are not as oppressive as they will be in subsequent months. You could still visit the popular attractions of Egypt this month. This is also a great time to hit the beach or try your hand at snorkeling on the Sinai Peninsula in northeastern Egypt. Accommodations and airfare rates are also cheaper on account of the low season. With plenty of things to do, including vibrant festivals and religious events, you’ll find a lot to love about a holiday to Egypt in May.
Egypt Weather in May
The mercury begins to rise in Egypt in May, but you can still experience cooler, more bearable temperatures in the north, or in the coastal Red Sea regions of Hurghada and Dahab. The average temperature in Dahab in May ranges from 23°C to 31°C, making it an ideal time for sunbathing, dipping in the Red Sea, or simply relaxing in the pool.
May is also a perfect time to explore Alexandria, where the average temperature hovers between 17°C and 27°C, perfect for sightseeing. The city receives an average of one day of rain across the month; in fact, May is the last month that it rains in the city.
If you are uncertain about when to visit Egypt, we have put together this super helpful and insightful guide on the best time to visit Egypt.
Weather in Egypt in May - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 18 | 18 | 22 | 27 | 32 | 34 | 34 | 33 | 32 | 28 | 23 | 19 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 9 | 9 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 22 | 20 | 18 | 14 | 10 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 64.4 | 64.4 | 71.6 | 80.6 | 89.6 | 93.2 | 93.2 | 91.4 | 89.6 | 82.4 | 73.4 | 66.2 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 48.2 | 48.2 | 53.6 | 59 | 64.4 | 68 | 71.6 | 71.6 | 68 | 64.4 | 57.2 | 50 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 15 | 4 | 8 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 3 |
Why Visit Egypt in May
Spring comes to a close in Egypt in May, but there are still plenty of great places to visit and events to enjoy before the country gets too hot and tourism starts to slow down.
- Moulid of Abu el Haggag: If you are not afraid of the heat, head to Luxor to experience the Sufi celebration of Moulid of Abu el Haggag, which features theatrical performances, horse races, music and dance. Remember to bring your camera and plenty of water.
- Ramadan: As Ramadan is a moveable feast, it could fall in the month of May. The holy month is observed by the Muslims world over with daylong fasting and night of hearty feasting. Remember, if you happen to visit Egypt during Ramadan, shops and restaurants might be entirely closed or close early to break their fast. This is less the case in big cities like Cairo but be aware if you’re traveling during Ramadan.
- Fewer crowds: As temperatures start creeping up in Egypt in May, the visitor numbers also begin thinning out. This means you will not have to deal with the tourist crowds when you are visiting the country’s popular attractions.
- Better rates: Fewer tourist numbers often mean cheaper accommodation and airfare rates. As May is the end of the peak season in Egypt, you can often find good bargains on travel and hotel prices.
Where to go and what to do
With the soaring heat, most tourists opt to visit the coastal areas. While many head towards the fancier and more established beach resorts of Sharm El-Sheikh or Hurghada, you could check out Dahab if you are looking for a more relaxed beach holiday. The town on the southeast coast of the Sinai Peninsula used to be a Bedouin fishing village and offers a completely different vibe. The place is perfect for relaxing on the beach and recharging your batteries.
While in Dahab, you can also find some world-class diving and snorkeling spots. Whether you are a novice, a pro or anywhere in between, there are dive spots and instructors all along the coastline.
Hurghada is another place to enjoy a relaxing beach holiday in Egypt. It has many diving sites including the popular SS Thistlegorm, a British cargo steamship wreck downed by German bomber aircraft.
Want to escape the heat altogether? Head to Alexandria and spend your time exploring the many indoor attractions of the city under generous levels of air conditioning. A tour of the National Museum is a must if you are in the city. Formerly the US Consulate, this outstanding museum is full to the brim with interesting and culturally-significant artifacts.
What to bring
As Ramadan can occur during May, please be mindful and respectful of what you wear. This is an extremely pious time in the Muslim calendar, so it is best to cover your shoulders and knees. Not only is it modest and respectful, but it also reduces the chance of sunburn.
If you are looking for an affordable time to visit Egypt, May is a great shout. Summer heat is only just picking up around this time, and you can still explore the many outdoor attractions of the country. Or, you could simply enjoy the coastal areas, relaxing on the beaches and diving in the Sinai Peninsula, where temperatures are still low enough for one to have a good time. Contact our local travel experts to plan a customized trip to Egypt. Check out our tours to Egypt in May.
