Are you planning a trip to Egypt? You can prepare for your trip by finding out what weather to expect at your destination, so you know what to wear. In addition to booking a flight before you leave, unblocking your bank card for use outside Europe, and applying for an Egypt visa, it is also a good idea to ask yourself what is the best time and month of year to visit Egypt.
Desert climate in most of the country
96% of Egypt’s territory is desert, so the desert determines the climate in most of the country. The desert climate is characterized by low rainfall and extreme dryness. Areas with this climate have a significant temperature difference between day and night (sometimes 20 ℃), as is the case in Egypt. Especially in the country’s interior, temperature differences between day and night can be considerable; the contrast is more minor on the Mediterranean coast. Vegetation is sparse due to drought. In the countryside, only cacti, other succulents, and, in some places, palm trees grow. Furthermore, in the case of Egypt, there are only 26 millimeters of annual precipitation, mainly in the form of rain. The country’s south is the driest, and there is hardly any rainfall.
The following table shows the average temperatures in Hurghada, a popular vacation destination for tourists. The climate in tourist destinations like Hurghada is not only marked by the desert but also by the sea, which makes temperatures slightly milder. These locations are often said to have a subtropical desert climate.
- Mediterranean climate
- A narrow strip of the Mediterranean Sea in the country’s north is an exception to the desert climate. The climate here is the Mediterranean. This climate can also be found in other Mediterranean countries characterized by hot, dry summers. Winters are mild but wetter than in the rest of Egypt, allowing for wilder vegetation. Temperatures are somewhat lower than in the rest of Egypt, even in summer, and about 200 millimeters of precipitation fall annually.
The seasons in Egypt
In Egypt there are two distinct seasons: summer and winter. Summer is from May to October and winter from November to April. In summer it is very hot in Egypt and it is advisable to apply sunscreen with a high sun protection factor several times a day. In addition to the high temperatures, the ultraviolet radiation index in the summer months can sometimes be higher than 10. Don’t forget to bring plenty of drinking water with you when you go outside. Also, don’t skimp on sunglasses and hats to protect yourself from the sun.
Even in winter, temperatures of 21 to 27 ℃ can be reached in Hurghada. Keep in mind that it can cool down considerably at night. For a trip in the winter months, it is advisable to pack not only short-sleeved shirts and shorts, but also warmer clothing. From March to May in Egypt there is likely to be a so-called jamsin or sirocco, a hot, dry southerly wind that can reach speeds of up to 140 km/h (90 mph). The hot, dry wind can quickly cause the temperature to rise as much as 20 ℃ higher.
The best time to travel to Egypt
When you go on vacation, you always want to find good weather at your destination. The ideal time to go to Egypt depends largely on your travel plans. In Egypt, it is almost always hot and there is hardly any rainfall in most parts of the country. For those who like to enjoy the sun and the high temperatures (which in Egypt can reach 40°C in the shade) are not a problem, the months of July to September are the ideal period to travel to the country.
Sunshine is guaranteed in the country, whatever month you travel in. For this reason, Egypt is very popular with people who want to spend their vacations in a country where the weather is good outside of the summer vacation period. The months from September to March are very suitable for travelers who do not like extreme heat and prolonged drought. The area around the Mediterranean Sea, where the Mediterranean climate predominates, has pleasant temperatures all year round and higher humidity than the rest of the country. However, the coastal resorts along the Red Sea are especially popular with tourists.
How to apply for an Egypt visa
You can apply for your Egypt visa online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can apply for your visa even before you have booked your vacation and/or flight, but you will need to fill in an expected arrival date on the application form. The visa is valid for ninety days. During these ninety days, you can stay in Egypt for thirty days. There are two types of Egyptian visas: single-entry and multiple-entry visas. Although both types of visas are valid for a total of ninety days, the single-entry visa allows you to travel to Egypt only once, while the multiple-entry visa allows you to make an unlimited number of trips to Egypt. For both types, the maximum stay in Egypt is thirty days. Before applying for your visa and booking your trip, it is advisable to determine the most suitable time to visit Egypt.
Please note: this article on Egypt visa is over a year old. It possibly contains outdated information and advice, so no rights can be derived from this article. Are you traveling soon and would like to know what rules currently apply? Then read all current visa information
