Egypt has been one of the most popular destinations among tourists from all over the world for several decades. This fact is explained by a very democratic pricing policy, favorable weather conditions and developed infrastructure. A significant number of travelers come to the country in late spring and mid-autumn, as this is the optimal time when it is better to relax in Egypt.
Types of tourist seasons
Like any other country where tourism plays a big role, the calendar year in Egypt can be divided into several periods. Among them, the season of winds, sandstorms, sweltering heat and seasons when the influx of tourists increases or decreases clearly stand out.
Beach season
You can enjoy water procedures on Egyptian beaches throughout the year, but preference is given to May, December, November and October. As a rule, people come to the resorts of the Red and Mediterranean Sea to soak up the sun and sunbathe.
Starting in May, the water in the Mediterranean Sea warms up to + 25-26 degrees, and the air temperature is about + 29-30 degrees. As for the Red Sea, it is distinguished by higher temperatures and the water in it becomes warm already in April. The beach season on the Red Sea ends at the end of October. Having decided for yourself to relax in the country during the high season, you should be prepared for the fact that there will be a lot of people on the beaches, so you should worry about booking a hotel in advance.
Low season
The decline in tourist activity falls on the summer period due to the fact that the thermometer rises to + 37-40 degrees, and not everyone can afford to rest in such conditions. During hot weather, you can be on the beaches only until 11 o'clock or after 17 o'clock, while not forgetting to protect your skin from the sun's rays as much as possible.
Despite these inconveniences, summer vacations have their advantages:
- low cost of travel packages;
- a small number of tourists;
- lack of rain.
After Christmas and New Year's holidays, there is also a calm in the resorts of Egypt. February is considered the coldest month of the year, and in March sandstorms and strong winds are possible in the country. These circumstances affect the tourist life of Egypt and lead to a decrease in those wishing to come to the beach.
The season of winds and sandstorms
The geographical location of Egypt is such that most of the country is dominated by windy weather, or "lewants", which sets in late January. The air temperature is subject to sharp changes, and the north-east direction of the wind is very cool.
In March, the traditional wind season begins, which the locals call "hasmin". The wind blows from the southeast, bringing sand with it from the side of the desert. A layer of sand sometimes covers recreation areas and hotels, so going on vacation to Egypt at this time is not the best option.
If you decide on a trip, then you should choose those resorts where the terrain naturally protects the coast and the surrounding area. Among the popular resorts during the wind season are Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh and Tabu.
On the other hand, strong and gusty winds attract windsurfing enthusiasts, who, first of all, prefer the Dahab resort, where ideal conditions for practicing water sports are created.
Excursion season
Some tourists come to Egypt not only to swim in the warm sea, but also to get acquainted with the cultural traditions of the country, as well as to see the sights. For these purposes, the spring and autumn periods are excellent. The water in the sea will delight you with a comfortable temperature, and at the same time you can take a fascinating excursion to the places that are the historical heritage of the country.
Be sure to include in your tourist program a trip to the pyramids, the Valley of the Kings, Mount Sinai, monasteries and temples erected many centuries ago. Do not forget that the air temperature in winter and autumn varies from +20 to +27 degrees and can drop in the evening. This moment is especially relevant if you are planning to go on a tour of the desert. Therefore, it is worth taking with you clothing that protects from the wind and cool weather.
Climate of Egypt
Experts attribute the country to the zone of subtropics and tropical deserts, which is due to the allocation of two climatic periods within the calendar year. Each of them is clearly expressed in certain areas of Egypt, which allows tourists to orientate themselves in advance on a particular weather. Situated between two large deserts, the country is exposed to hot air masses, bringing with it winds and sandstorms.
Spring in Egypt
The first month of spring is not constant in terms of the climatic norm. Temperature fluctuations are insignificant, however, sharp jumps in atmospheric pressure and a decrease in humidity levels up to 15% are possible.
In April, the weather is gradually improving and throughout the country the air temperature is set from +25 to +30 degrees. The coolest areas are Hurghada, Makadi Bay and El Gouna. In other regions of the country, the weather is stable and hot. The water warms up to + 23-25 degrees in April.
May is the month when the high tourist season begins in Egypt, as there is still no intense heat, and you can swim and sunbathe with pleasure. The advantage of the May trip is the end of the period of strong sandstorms
Summer in Egypt
The country is known for its high temperatures from June to the end of August. Indeed, the air can warm up to +40 degrees. In the absence of wind, the maximum temperature is about +47 degrees, so it is better to refrain from traveling in summer.
The hottest months are July and August, when during the daytime it becomes impossible to relax on the beaches due to a significant increase in temperature. For example, in the resorts of Luxor and Marsa Alam, the heat in the middle of summer reaches +45 degrees.
In August, the heat level drops by a couple of degrees, but this does not save you from the scorching sun during the daylight hours. Taking into account such high temperatures, the hotel management installs air conditioners in the rooms, allowing them to escape from the sweltering heat for a while.
Autumn in Egypt
The velvet season falls in the autumn months, as warm and calm weather sets in on the territory of the country. The thermometer in September is kept at around + 30-32 degrees, and in the evening it drops to +25. It is still very hot in early autumn, and the only relief is the humid breeze blowing from the sea.
October is a great time for a beach holiday. Couples and seniors are eager to get to Egypt, for whom the summer heat is the main reason to postpone their holidays until autumn. This fact determines the pricing policy of the state in the tourism sector. When purchasing a ticket for the period from October to November, keep in mind that its cost will be higher than in other seasons.
During November, the average air temperature ranges from +24 to +28 degrees. In Alexandria and Hurghada, the weather is cooler. The water temperature in autumn does not drop below +25 degrees, so the swimming season is open until the end of November.
Winter in Egypt
In general, there are several periods in winter when the flow of tourists increases or decreases sharply. From the first to the twentieth of December - the off-season period, during which beaches and hotels are empty. After December 20, Europeans come to Egypt to celebrate Catholic Christmas. Later, Russian tourists arrive wishing to spend New Year's holidays at local resorts.
January weather is characterized by winds and sandstorms. At the same time, the air temperature is from +18 to +22 degrees, which does not interfere with sunbathing. The sea cools down to a temperature of + 19-22 degrees.
Despite the fact that February is one of the coldest months of the year, prices for vacations this month are not launched and tours to Egypt are in demand. The only thing that can cloud your vacation is windy days several times a week.
As a result, it is worth noting that, when going on a trip to Egypt, you should first find out a detailed weather forecast. It is also worth contacting specialists who will help you choose the right option for you, based on individual preferences.
