While Christmas festivities are a distant memory, and it is cold with the still short, it is the best time to start planning a holiday for those beautiful sunny days. As far as exotic holidays go, Egypt has to be among the top destinations to visit. It is not only beautiful but also unique and unlike any other destination in the world. It has something for everyone – from world-renowned UNESCO heritage sites to beautiful exotic beach resorts. You can enjoy the beaches and some of the best dive sites in the world and later on explore the mystical world of ancients Pharaohs and camel rides across the desert.
While planning your holiday on Egypt Escapes, however, you need to know the best time to visit the country. While Egypt is a year-round destination, with the sun beaming on the country all year, some seasons offer a better experience than others.
December to February
The periods between December and February is the best time to enjoy sightseeing. The average day temperature in the Nile Delta and Cairo during these months is about 20 degrees Centigrade – the perfect temperature to enjoy cultural tourism and river cruises.
You also have a chance to enjoy the Abu Simbel Sun Festival (held on February 22nd as well as October 22nd). The festival is held at the Abu Simbel temples, located about 225 kilometres southwest of Aswan. The festival celebrates the two days of the year when the sun perfectly illuminates all the seated statues in Ramses II’s central chambers.
However, there is so much more than sightseeing to enjoy during this time of the year. You can just relax at the resort and sunbathe as you enjoy your holiday and everything a five-star hotel has to offer. For these experiences, choose a destination more southerly on the Red Sea, including Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada, or Marsa Alam. The temperature in these destinations tends to be higher, averaging the mid-twenties.
March to May
During these months, the temperature rises to about 30 degrees Centigrade. As such, it is the perfect time of the year to enjoy the Red Sea and everything it has to offer. If you love snorkelling holidays, you will enjoy snorkelling in the Red Sea during these months. (You can snorkel all year round, however.)
Another attractions to enjoy is the Sham el-Nessim, a festival celebrated on Easter Monday, which will be April 20th this year. The festival marks the onset of spring, and it is celebrated with picnics on the banks of River Nile and in parks. There are celebrations to mark the end of Ramadan on May 24th, when Eid al Fitr is celebrated around the world. Eid al Fitr is a national day off, and it is celebrated with feasts in family settings and with close friends.
June to August
The months between June and August are summer months. Temperatures average the mid-30’s in the northern destinations such as Cairo and the late 30’s around the Red Sea resort destinations. As you can appreciate, the temperatures are sweltering. Additionally, they are also humid, elevating the heat index to scorching levels.
However, if you love heat and you plan to relax rather than engage in arduous trekking and touring, this is the perfect time to enjoy a holiday. While you will be visiting during the school summer holidays, few people are visiting the hot destinations, making your holiday relatively cheaper than during other months.
September to November
After the summer ends, the temperature falls to bearable levels of mid to late 20’s. As such, you can do a lot more exploring and enjoying what Egypt has to offer – visit the tombs and monuments, and learn their history. Additionally, with the sea breeze picking up across the Mediterranean, you can enjoy some relaxing time in the northern resorts.
Egypt, as you can see, is an all-year destination, giving holidaymakers something to enjoy no matter the time of the year. You have to consider the experience you want in your holiday and your resilience (or rather, enjoyment) of heat, you can plan a trip of a lifetime to this destination.