Summary
May is the start of the hot season in Upper Egypt. It is a good month for a cheaper cruise if you are happy with early starts and quiet afternoons on board. Days reach about 39°C (102°F) in Luxor and Aswan, nights fall to around 21°C (70°F), and our Nile cruises start from $700 per person in May.
Is May a Good Time for a Nile Cruise?

May is the start of the hot season in Upper Egypt. It is a good month for a cheaper cruise if you are happy with early starts and quiet afternoons on board.
May is low season on the Nile. For everything else about travelling this month, read Egypt in May.
Nile Weather in May
- Daytime in Luxor and Aswan: about 39°C (102°F).
- Nights and early mornings: around 21°C (70°F).
- Rain: almost none; the Nile valley is one of the driest places on earth.
These are rounded averages, and single days can be warmer or cooler. The river runs at a steady level all year, so cruises sail in every month.
Nile Cruise Prices in May
May falls in our summer season (1 May to 30 September). Our cruises start from $700 per person, sharing a double cabin, and the price rises with the level of the ship. Summer prices are the lowest of the year.
See Nile cruise prices for what each kind of cruise costs, and compare the best Nile cruises.
Cairo, Alexandria & Nile Cruise
Want to see this for yourself? This trip covers it.
View This TripWhich Cruise to Choose in May
Summer-season prices begin on 1 May. Choose a 5-star ship with a pool and plan sightseeing at dawn; temples are far less crowded now.
Check what to pack for a Nile cruise before you go.
What's On Along the Nile in May
- Summer-season prices start on 1 May.
- Sites and ships are noticeably quieter than in winter.
Cruising another month? Read Nile cruise in April or Nile cruise in June.
Nile Cruise in May: FAQ
Is May a good time for a Nile cruise?
May is the start of the hot season in Upper Egypt. It is a good month for a cheaper cruise if you are happy with early starts and quiet afternoons on board.
How much is a Nile cruise in May?
Our cruises start from $700 per person, sharing a double cabin, at summer-season prices. International flights are not included.
Is May a good time for a Nile cruise?
It is a good value month. It is hot by day, about 39°C, so visits start early, but ships are quieter and prices lower than in winter.





















