When it comes to countries in the northern hemisphere, winter is usually not their best season -- unless their claim to fame is skiing.
And while Egypt is indeed in the northern hemisphere, it’s a country of 364 sunny days a year. And if you’re one of those people who hate to sweat, then most definitely winter is when you should hit up Egypt -- think sun, clear skies, a crisp breeze but *not* hot or humid… yes, such a place exists!
Whether you’re looking for fun things to do, new things to eat, or just a cheap getaway in a warmer climate, below are reasons why your next Egypt trip should be booked some time November through March.
1. Luxor and Aswan's weather is unbeatable during winter months.
Lugging out your winter gear and grimacing at the thought of shoveling snow once again? Winter days in Egypt are sunny and balmy, and rain is almost a mythical creature in southern Egypt, so rarely does it happen.
Winter is the perfect time to take a trip down to Luxor and Aswan, where temperatures soar during summer months, making it almost impossible to wander through the dusty Valley of the Kings. Winter however finds Luxor and Aswan visitors in T-shirts and shorts during the day, and a light jacket at night.
2. Winter street food.
Egyptians are a cozy bunch, and during the winter they enjoy things that warm their hands and bellies. Walk down the vibrant streets of Cairo and you’ll soon find yourself stopping in wonder at the sweet, smoky scent drifting towards you. It’ll most probably be a sweet potato vendor, who walks his little cart around Cairo and roasts sweet potatoes for you that are so tender they practically fall from the skins.
Keeping walking and you’ll find another vendor grilling corn on the cob, another great snack while wandering the streets. Hot drinks like “sahlab” (a warm milk-based drink), “hommos el sham” (a spicy tomato based drink flecked with chickpeas) and Turkish coffee will warm you to the toes. For more details, read 7 Egyptian Comfort Foods Perfect For Winter.
3. Off-season prices are now a year-long thing in Egypt.
For the past few years, the Egyptian pound (EGP) has struggled against the dollar, which is bad news for locals for great news for tourists. It doesn’t matter if your currency of choice is dollars, euros or British pounds, you’ll find Egypt to be very affordable when it comes to things like transportation, local food and sightseeing at certain spots (as long as you avoid the tourist traps, that is). Check our article on 10 cheap ways to enjoy Cairo.
4. Winter beaches? Egypt’s Red Sea calls.
Most people, when thinking of Egypt, envision sand -- but not necessarily the beach kind. Egypt’s gorgeous soft white sand beaches and azure waters unfortunately aren’t as well known as they should be, even though they compete with some of the best in the world.
The Red Sea resorts and beaches (whether in Sharm el Sheikh, Dahab, Hurghada or Marsa Alam) are frequented year-long, and host some of the best diving, windsurfing and kitesurfing in the world. During the day you can easily sunbathe in your swimsuit on the beach (although truth be told, the actual water in late December and January might prove a bit chilly except for the hardiest of swimmers). October, November, late February and March all boast great beach weather and swimming.
5. You’ll enjoy Egypt’s multitude of attractions without worrying about the intense heat.
Many of Egypt's best attractions are in the desert, and the dry heat and steady sun in cloud-less skies can sometimes prove too much for some in hotter months. The smart ones who visit in the winter are also the lucky ones who can stand in awe of the Sphinx, the pyramids, the tombs, the temples and the rest of the relics of the pharaohs without worrying about overheating alongside hordes of tourists in sweltering weather.
6. It’s the perfect time for a cruise down the river Nile.
During the summer, the sun is so intense on the deck of the cruise ships that it has passengers scurrying for the protection of the air conditioned rooms below. Winter months are the perfect time to stretch out in the sunshine on the deck, feel the river breeze on your face, hear the water lapping below and just relax and sip your cocktail of choice.
7. You can engage in physical activities galore without worrying about heatstroke.
If you thought Egypt was short on adrenaline-pumping experiences, think again. Winter is the perfect time to try out some of the extreme adventures Egypt has to offer, whether it’s kayaking from Aswan to Luxor, rock climbing in Dahab, dirt biking in the desert or trekking in Sinai. For a full list of awesome (but extreme) activities in Egypt, head here.