Summary
Summer in Egypt, from May to September, is hot and dry. Afternoons reach about 35°C (95°F) in Cairo and 41°C (106°F) in Luxor and Aswan, while the Red Sea stays around 33°C with water at 27–29°C. The right clothes make the difference between a hard day and a great one: loose, light and breathable, but still covering shoulders and knees for temples, mosques and towns.
This list covers what to wear, what to bring for the sun and the sea, and what to leave at home.
Summer Weather in Egypt at a Glance
| Place | Afternoon | Night | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cairo and Giza | 32–35°C | 21–24°C | Dusty; shade is scarce at the pyramids |
| Luxor and Aswan | 39–41°C | 24–27°C | Very dry; start sightseeing at dawn |
| Red Sea (Hurghada, El Gouna, Marsa Alam) | 31–35°C | 25–28°C | Sea breeze; water 27–29°C |
Month by month: Egypt in June, July, August. See also the best time to visit Egypt.
Clothes: Light, Loose and Covered

- Linen or cotton trousers and long skirts: cooler than shorts in strong sun, and suitable for temples and mosques.
- Loose shirts with sleeves: two or three lightweight long-sleeved shirts protect your arms from the sun better than sunscreen alone.
- T-shirts in breathable fabric: light colours stay cooler; quick-dry fabrics are easy to wash in a hotel sink.
- A light scarf or shawl: sun protection for the neck, a head covering for mosques, and a layer for air-conditioned buses and restaurants.
- One smarter outfit for dinners on a Nile cruise or at a good hotel.
- Swimwear and a cover-up: swimwear is fine at hotel pools and resort beaches, but cover up when you leave them.
Away from the beach, aim to cover shoulders and knees. More detail in what to wear in Egypt and our packing list for women.
Sun and Heat Protection
- A wide-brimmed hat that stays on in the wind.
- Sunglasses with UV protection: the glare off sand and stone is intense.
- High-factor sunscreen (SPF 50) and lip balm with SPF; reapply after a few hours.
- A refillable insulated water bottle. Drink before you feel thirsty: 3 litres a day is normal in Luxor in summer.
- Oral rehydration salts or electrolyte tablets, for long days and upset stomachs.
- A cooling towel or a small battery fan for queues and tombs.
- A small umbrella for shade, used by many Egyptians in the summer.
Shoes
- Breathable walking shoes or trainers for temples, uneven ground and the sandy paths at Giza and the Valley of the Kings.
- Comfortable sandals with a back strap for towns and evenings.
- Water shoes for coral beaches and boat trips on the Red Sea.
For the Red Sea

- Reef-safe sunscreen, to protect the coral you came to see.
- A rash guard or long-sleeved swim top: snorkellers burn on their backs within minutes.
- Your own mask, if you have one that fits well.
- A dry bag for phones and cameras on boat trips.
See our Red Sea beaches and day trips from Hurghada.
8-Day Cairo, Siwa and White & Black Desert Adventure
Planning the trip itself? Start here.
View This TripHealth and Practical Items
- Your usual medicines, plus something for an upset stomach.
- Hand sanitiser and tissues.
- A universal plug adapter: Egypt uses the European two-pin plug (types C and F), at 220 V.
- A power bank: phones work hard in the heat.
- Copies of your passport and travel insurance details.
- Small Egyptian pound notes for tips: see money and tipping in Egypt.
What Not to Pack
- A drone: drones need a special permit and are confiscated at the airport without one.
- Heavy jeans and dark synthetic clothes: hot and slow to dry.
- Very revealing clothes for towns and sites.
- Too many clothes: hotels and Nile cruise ships offer cheap, fast laundry.
Your Summer Packing Checklist
| Category | Pack |
|---|---|
| Clothes | 3 light trousers or long skirts · 3 long-sleeved shirts · 4–5 T-shirts · scarf · smart outfit · swimwear and cover-up · underwear and socks |
| Sun | Hat · sunglasses · SPF 50 sunscreen · lip balm · water bottle · electrolytes |
| Shoes | Walking shoes · sandals · water shoes |
| Practical | Medicines · adapter · power bank · copies of documents · small notes for tips |
Travelling in the cooler months instead? Read our winter packing list.
Summer Packing FAQ
What should I wear in Egypt in summer?
Loose, light clothes in linen or cotton that cover your shoulders and knees, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and breathable shoes.
Can I wear shorts in Egypt in summer?
At resorts, on the beach and on boat trips, yes. In towns, temples and mosques, long trousers or skirts are more respectful and protect you from the sun.
How hot is Egypt in summer?
About 35°C in Cairo and 41°C in Luxor and Aswan in the afternoon, with warm nights. The Red Sea coast is a little cooler thanks to the breeze.
Do I need a jacket in Egypt in summer?
No, but a light layer or scarf is useful for air-conditioned buses, restaurants and cruise ships.
What plug adapter do I need for Egypt?
The European two-pin plug, types C and F, at 220 volts.
Plan Your Egypt Trip
- Before you go: the complete guide
- Best time to visit Egypt
- Egypt visa: e-Visa, visa on arrival & cost
- Is Egypt safe? Travel advice & tips
- Travel insurance for Egypt
- How much a trip to Egypt costs
- Money, cards & tipping
- SIM cards, eSIM & internet
- What to wear in Egypt
- Packing list for women
- Winter packing list
- What to pack for a Nile cruise































