Weather in Egypt in December

Winter settles in, bringing the coolest temperatures of the year. The days are shorter but still bright, with comfortable weather that attracts visitors escaping colder climates elsewhere. Here is our complete guide to the weather in Egypt in December.

The weather in Egypt in December at a glance

• Cool and crisp with temperatures averaging around 52-70°F (11-21°C).
• Clear skies and hardly any rain. It's prime time for cultural and archaeological tours.
• Great for daytime exploring, but bring a sweater for nights.
• Gets busier around Christmas and New Year's, so book early if you're coming then.

Is December a good time to visit Egypt?

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

Average daily temperatures in December

December is one of the coolest months in Egypt, but it’s still comfortable. In Cairo, expect highs of 67°F (19°C) and lows around 51°F (11°C). In Luxor and Aswan, temperatures are warmer during the day, with highs of 74°F (23°C), but drop to 48°F (9°C) at night. Hurghada enjoys pleasant highs of 71°F (22°C) and lows of 56°F (13°C).

Rain remains minimal, with Cairo receiving around 0.3 inches (8mm), and almost nothing falls elsewhere.

Daylight lasts about 10.5 hours—shorter, but still enough time to explore Egypt’s iconic landmarks without rushing.

What about crowds and costs?

December in Egypt means peak season, especially around Christmas and New Year. Tourists tend to flock to Egypt for winter sunshine and vacation breaks — in turn, pushing up prices for flights, hotels, and tours. You can expect crowded attractions like the Sphinx and the Valley of the Kings, with long lines. Reservation ahead is crucial to avoid high rates and limited availability.

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 December

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.

Celebrate Christmas and New Year in Cairo or at Red Sea resorts 

Egypt might not be the first place you think of for vacation celebrations, but it’s an unforgettable choice. In Cairo, you can experience Christmas at ancient Coptic churches like the Hanging Church in Old Cairo. For something more relaxed, head to the Red Sea resorts like Sharm El-Sheikh or Hurghada. You’ll find palm trees, pristine beaches, and grand New Year’s parties at the resorts.

Visit the Pyramids of Giza

You can’t leave Egypt without seeing the iconic Pyramids of Giza. Skip the guided camel rides—they’re often overpriced and not always ethical—but take your time exploring the complex. For a different perspective, catch the Sound and Light Show at night. It’s a bit touristy, but the mystical atmosphere is worth it. Early morning is the best time to visit before the crowds arrive and the desert sun heats up.

The Bent and Red Pyramids at Dahshur

Just a 40-minute drive south of Cairo, Dahshur is a great place to escape from the crowds and a chance to see some lesser-known pyramids. The Bent Pyramid, with its unusual angles, shows the evolution of pyramid design. Nearby, you’ll find the Red Pyramid, Egypt’s first true smooth-sided pyramid, which you can even explore from the inside.

Visit the Coptic Museum in Cairo 

The Coptic Museum is a hidden gem that highlights the city’s Christian heritage. It’s all about Egypt’s Coptic Christian community, one of the world’s oldest. The collection showcases art, textiles, and ancient manuscripts, blending Egyptian, Greek, and Roman influences in early Christian art.

Discover the Temple of Horus in Edfu

The Temple of Horus in Edfu is one of Egypt’s best-preserved ancient temples. Dedicated to Horus, the falcon-headed god, it’s filled with hieroglyphs and reliefs that tell stories of pharaohs and gods. Because Edfu is a bit off the beaten path, you’ll have time to enjoy the atmosphere without feeling rushed. Be sure to check out the inner sanctuary where offerings were once made to Horus.

Festivals and events in Egypt in December

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

• Moulid of Sayeda Zeinab: Religious festival in Cairo honoring Prophet Muhammad's granddaughter, featuring processions, chanting, and markets.
• Cairo Comix Festival: Annual comics festival showcasing local and international comic artists, held in various venues across Cairo.
• Christmas and New Year's Eve Celebrations: Many hotels, restaurants, and tourist areas in Egypt, especially in Cairo and the Red Sea resorts, host festive events and offer special vacation packages to celebrate Christmas and ring in the New Year. 

Decided to book a December break? For further inspiration, discover more of the best places to visit in December.

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. 

• 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.
• An introduction to Egypt (7 days): See the Giza pyramids, explore Cairo’s busy streets, and visit temples near Luxor, traveling by train.

Or for more inspiration, see our trip ideas gallery.