Weather in Egypt in August

The summer heatwave continues, with scorching temperatures across the country. Coastal areas get a bit of relief from Mediterranean breezes, but inland, it’s still blazing hot. Here is our complete guide to the weather in Egypt in August.

The weather in Egypt in August at a glance

• August in Egypt is the hottest month of the year, with temperatures rising to around 79-99°F (26-37°C). 
• Very little rainfall, though the coast is your best bet for escaping the extreme heat.
• This is a great month for seeing the Red Sea beaches, diving, and snorkeling.
• Beach resorts are very busy with summer vacationers, but otherwise, you can expect low tourist numbers.

Is August a good time to visit Egypt?

August is Egypt’s hottest month, with relentless heat throughout most of the country. Sightseeing can be tough unless you plan around the cooler early mornings or evenings. Desert regions and southern cities like Luxor and Aswan are particularly scorching, making it difficult to explore ancient sites without wilting.

However, if your itinerary leans more toward beach activities, August is still a good time for the Red Sea. Coastal resorts like Marsa Alam and Dahab offer refreshing sea breezes and warm waters, ideal for diving and snorkeling. The marine life in the Red Sea is vibrant year-round, and the beaches are perfect for unwinding in the sun.

The weather in Egypt in August is best for travelers who can handle the heat or want a more relaxed beach getaway. If you’re planning to visit Egypt’s cultural highlights, consider sticking to the northern cities or coastal areas.

Rough Guides tip: Decide when to plan your trip with our guide to the best time to visit Egypt.

Average daily temperatures in August

August keeps Egypt firmly in the grip of summer heat. Cairo sees average highs of 94°F (34°C), with nighttime temperatures dropping to 73°F (23°C). Luxor and Aswan continue to bake, with highs around 105°F (40°C) and lows staying around 77°F (25°C). Hurghada offers some coastal relief, with highs of 92°F (33°C) and lows of 76°F (24°C).

Rain is still a non-factor, with no measurable precipitation across the country.

Daylight starts to shorten slightly but remains long—around 13.5 hours—giving you enough time to explore before retreating into air-conditioned havens.

What about crowds and costs?

As the intense August heat lingers, you'll find that most tourists avoid inland Egypt. Sites by the coast like Dahab and Hurghada remain relatively busy, appealing to those after a budget-friendly beach vacation. Prices during August typically stay low, but exploring the pyramids or desert areas can feel a bit like a survival challenge.

Wondering how long your trip should be? See our guide to how many days you should spend in Egypt.

Things to do in Egypt in August

Planning a trip to Egypt? You'll want to factor in the weather and what makes this month unique when planning your itinerary. If your looking for more inspiration, see what made our list of the best things to do in Egypt year-round.

The Mummification Museum in Luxor

With the intense heat in Luxor during August, the Mummification Museum is a perfect escape. This small but fascinating museum dives into the ancient Egyptian mummification process for both humans and animals. You'll see mummies, the tools used in preservation, and learn about the rituals that surrounded this ancient practice.

Hit the beach in El Gouna 

The Red Sea’s warm waters in August are ideal for diving, snorkeling, and kitesurfing, making El Gouna the place to be. Known for its upscale resorts and clear lagoons, this town offers plenty of water sports options. When you're ready to unwind, the lively marina and beachfront bars are great for relaxing after a day out on the water.

Visit the shaded streets of Islamic Cairo

August heat is no joke, but an early morning stroll through the shaded alleys of Islamic Cairo offers a cooler, quieter way to explore this historic part of the city. Start your day with a visit to the stunning Sultan Hassan Mosque or the Al-Azhar Mosque, where you can admire centuries-old Islamic architecture.

Take a sunset felucca ride in Aswan 

These traditional sailboats glide gently along the Nile and are a calm escape from city life. A sunset ride is especially magical, with the golden light reflecting on the water and Elephantine Island silhouetted in the distance.

The Giftun Islands near Hurghada

August is the peak season for water activities around the Giftun Islands, just off the coast of Hurghada. As part of a protected marine park, the islands boast pristine beaches and stunning coral reefs, perfect for snorkeling and diving. The clear waters are home to colorful fish, sea turtles, and even dolphins.

Festivals and events in Egypt in August

There are several festivals and events that take place in Egypt in August. Here's our pick:

• Citadel Festival for Music and Singing: Annual music festival held at Cairo's Saladin Citadel, featuring Arab musicians and singers.
• Alexandria Mediterranean Countries Film Festival: Focuses on films from Mediterranean nations, promoting cultural exchange and cinematic arts.
• Wafaa El-Nil: Festival celebrating the importance of the Nile River with cultural events, though no longer tied to annual flooding.

Still haven't decided where you're going this summer? Explore our list of the best August holiday destinations.

Ready for your dream trip to Egypt?

Our tailor made trip service allows you to go on the trip of your dreams without the planning or hassle. Our trips are personally created by local travel experts and can be completely customized. 

• Cairo & luxurious Dahabieh sailing cruise (13 days): Sail a traditional dahabieh, exploring famous sites in Cairo and Giza, plus hidden treasures like el Kab and Gebel Silsileh.
• A Nile Cruise in Egypt (8 days): See Cairo’s highlights, then cruise from Luxor, visiting Karnak, Valley of Kings, and optionally, Abu Simbel.
• Five Star Egypt (8 days): Enjoy a luxury Nile cruise, discovering Giza, Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, with highlights like Abu Simbel.

Or for more inspiration, see our trip ideas gallery.