- Quick Answer: When Should You Go?
- Weather in Egypt and Jordan: What to Expect
- Best Time to Visit Egypt and Jordan: Month by Month
- Special Considerations: Ramadan and Holidays
- Best Time for Specific Experiences
- How Many Days Do You Need in Egypt and Jordan?
- When to Go
- More Related Topics
- FAQs
- Short on Time? Start Here
Having visited Egypt, here’s what I learned the hard way: timing is everything. Visit in August, and you’ll melt at the Pyramids. Show up in January, and you might freeze on Petra’s night tour.
The best time to visit Egypt and Jordan is October through April, when temperatures are comfortable for sightseeing and desert exploration. But the “best” month depends entirely on what you want, lower prices, fewer crowds, or ideal weather.
I will break down the best month to visit Egypt and Jordan based on weather, crowds, prices, and what’s actually worth experiencing each season. I’m sharing what worked (and what didn’t) from my own trips.
Short on Time? Start Here
Before scrolling the full guide, use these shortcuts to look at stays, day-by-day ideas, and the itineraries or essentials that help map out your trip.
Quick Answer: When Should You Go?
- Best overall: October-November or March-April (ideal weather, manageable crowds)
- Best for budget: June-August (cheapest hotels, but brutally hot)
- Avoid if possible: Peak summer (July-August) unless you handle heat extremely well
- Best time to visit pyramids: November-February (cooler temperatures for outdoor exploration)
Weather in Egypt and Jordan: What to Expect
Both countries have similar climates, hot, dry summers and mild winters, but there are key differences.
| Country | Season | Average Temperatures | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Egypt | Summer (June–August) |
35–40°C (95–104°F) in Cairo Hotter in Luxor & Aswan |
Extreme heat, especially in Upper Egypt |
| Egypt | Winter (Dec–Feb) |
15–20°C (59–68°F) daytime 5–10°C (41–50°F) at night |
Comfortable days, cold desert evenings |
| Egypt | Spring / Fall (Mar–May, Sept–Nov) |
20–30°C (68–86°F) | Best overall travel season |
| Jordan | Summer | 30–38°C (86–100°F) Up to 45°C (113°F) in Wadi Rum & Petra |
Desert heat can be intense |
| Jordan | Winter | 10–15°C (50–59°F) Near freezing at night in Petra |
Cold nights, especially at higher elevations |
| Jordan | Spring / Fall | 18–28°C (64–82°F) | Ideal for hiking and desert camping |
Best Time to Visit Egypt and Jordan: Month by Month
Here’s what each month is actually like, based on my experience and research.
Planning snapshot
October–November (Peak Season Starts)
Warm days, cool evenings, low humidity. This is one of the easiest windows for Egypt and Jordan if you want big sightseeing days without extreme heat.
Weather
Absolutely ideal. Expect warm days around 25–30°C, cooler evenings, and low humidity. Great timing for long outdoor days at the pyramids and Petra.
Crowds
Moderate to high. Tourist season starts ramping up. It’s busy, but usually still manageable compared to late winter holidays.
Prices
Rising. Flights and hotels start climbing. If you’re aiming for October or early November, booking early usually saves the most.
My take: If you can only pick one window, this is it. The weather makes everything better, sunrise at Abu Simbel, hiking in Petra, and floating in the Dead Sea.
High season
December–February (Peak Season)
Mild days and cold nights. This is when Egypt and Jordan are at their busiest, with the highest prices and the longest lines at major sites.
Weather
Mild days, cold nights. Cairo averages around 18°C. Petra can drop to near freezing after sunset. Pack layers.
Crowds
Highest of the year. Everyone escapes winter for the sun. Expect long lines at the pyramids, Petra, and the most popular sites.
Prices
Peak pricing on flights and hotels, especially around Christmas and New Year. If you want decent rates, book early.
My take: Great weather for Egypt (especially Upper Egypt), but Jordan gets surprisingly cold. I visited Petra in January and needed a heavy jacket for the evening. Book everything months in advance.
Shoulder season
March–April (Shoulder Season)
Warming up nicely. Great temps for full outdoor days in both Egypt and Jordan.
Weather
Egypt averages 20–28°C, Jordan 18–25°C. Ideal for pyramids days, Petra hikes, and desert camping.
Crowds
Still busy, but noticeably calmer than December–February.
Prices
High, but easier to find value than peak winter. More availability, more flexibility.
My take: This is my favorite time. The weather is ideal, crowds are manageable, and everything is blooming in Jordan. Wadi Rum camping is spectacular in April.
Late shoulder season
May (Late Shoulder Season)
Temperatures rise and summer approaches. Still manageable, but you’ll need sun protection and consistent hydration.
Weather
Egypt reaches 28–35°C, Jordan 25–32°C. Early mornings and late afternoons are best for sightseeing.
Crowds
Thinning out as summer approaches. Popular sites feel noticeably less packed.
Prices
Dropping. You can find solid last-minute deals on hotels and sometimes flights.
My take: Doable if you start early and take midday breaks. Not ideal, but not terrible either.
Low season
June–August (Low Season, HOT)
Extreme heat across the region. You can save serious money, but you’ll need to plan your days around the sun.
Weather
Brutal heat. Egypt regularly hits 40°C+. Luxor and Aswan can reach 45°C. Jordan is slightly cooler, but Petra and Wadi Rum still feel scorching.
Crowds
Lowest of the year. Tourist sites can feel nearly empty, especially midday.
Prices
Cheapest flights and hotels. Expect significant discounts across the board.
My take: I tried this once. Never again. The heat is oppressive. Even locals avoid being outside between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Only consider this if you’re on a tight budget and can handle extreme heat.
Pre-peak season
September (Pre-Peak Season)
Still hot, but gradually improving before peak travel demand returns.
Weather
Egypt averages 30–35°C, Jordan 28–32°C. Plan sightseeing for early mornings or late afternoons.
Crowds
Very light. Tourist season has not fully returned yet.
Prices
Good deals, especially early September. Flights and hotels remain more affordable before peak season demand increases.
My take: If you can wait until late September, it’s worth it. Early September is still too warm for my taste.
Special Considerations: Ramadan and Holidays
Ramadan:
Ramadan dates change each year (it follows the lunar calendar). During Ramadan, many restaurants close during the day, and opening hours for shops and attractions can be unpredictable.
It’s not impossible to travel during Ramadan, but it requires flexibility and patience. Check the dates before booking.
Egyptian and Jordanian holidays:
Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are major holidays when locals travel heavily. Expect higher prices and fuller hotels. Christmas and New Year also see price spikes.
Best Time for Specific Experiences
November–February. The cooler weather makes walking around the Giza Plateau much more enjoyable. Go early morning (7–9 a.m.) to beat crowds and heat.
March–May or September–November. You’ll be walking for hours, so comfortable temperatures are essential. Winter nights are too cold for camping. Summer days are too hot for hiking.
October–April. Summer cruises are cheaper, but you’ll spend most of your time indoors trying to escape the heat.
March–May or September–November. Desert nights are magical in spring and fall, not too cold, not too hot. Summer is unbearable. Winter is freezing.
September–November. Water is warm, visibility is excellent, and the weather is still pleasant.
How Many Days Do You Need in Egypt and Jordan?
This depends on what you want to see, but here’s my recommended breakdown:
Egypt Only: 7–10 Days
Ideal if you want a balanced mix of ancient history, temples, and optional beach time.
3 Days – Cairo
Pyramids of Giza, Egyptian Museum, Islamic Cairo, Khan el-Khalili.
3–4 Days – Luxor / Aswan
Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, Abu Simbel, Nile views.
2–3 Days – Red Sea (Optional)
Diving, snorkeling, beach recovery in Hurghada or Sharm.
Jordan Only: 5–7 Days
Compact but powerful. Jordan is smaller, so you can see a lot in less time.
2 Days – Petra
The Treasury, Monastery hike, sunrise or sunset exploration.
1–2 Days – Wadi Rum
Desert jeep tours, stargazing, overnight Bedouin camp.
1 Day – Dead Sea
Float, relax, short spa-style recovery day.
1–2 Days – Amman / Jerash
Roman ruins, food scene, Citadel, day trip to Jerash.
Egypt + Jordan: 12–14 Days Minimum
When to Go
Go in
October–November
- You want ideal weather without extreme crowds
- You’re doing outdoor activities (Petra hikes, Wadi Rum camping)
- You can book 2–3 months in advance
Go in
March–April
- You want great weather with slightly fewer tourists
- You want blooming landscapes in Jordan
- You’re flexible with dates around Easter
Go in
December–February
- You’re escaping cold winters elsewhere
- You don’t mind crowds and higher prices
- You pack warm layers for Jordan’s cold nights
Avoid unless
June–August
- You’re on a very tight budget
- You handle extreme heat extremely well
- You plan to stay indoors during peak heat hours
Whatever you choose, book flights and hotels early. These are popular destinations year-round (except summer), and prices rise quickly as dates approach.
More Related Topics
FAQs
October, November, March, and April offer the best balance of weather and manageable crowds. Temperatures are comfortable for outdoor sites like the Pyramids and Luxor. Winter is pleasant too, but busier and more expensive.
June through August is the cheapest period. Flights and hotels drop significantly, but temperatures regularly exceed 40°C (104°F). It’s only ideal if you handle extreme heat well.
November through February is best for comfort. Cooler temperatures make walking the Giza Plateau easier. Arrive early, ideally between 7–9 a.m., to avoid crowds and heat.
Main tourist areas like Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and Red Sea resorts are generally safe. Millions visit annually without issue. Always check your government’s latest travel advisory before booking.
October through April offers the most comfortable cruise weather. November, March, and April provide the best balance of pricing and temperatures. Summer cruises are cheaper but extremely hot.
Plan for 7–10 days to cover Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan properly. Add 2–3 days if you want Red Sea time. If combining with Jordan, budget at least 12–14 days total.
