What to Wear in Egypt by Month & Activity (And Not!)

As someone who has traveled to Egypt, I can tell you that the country has a unique climate that can be challenging to dress for.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through what to wear in Egypt by month and activity so that you can stay comfortable and respectful while exploring this beautiful country.

What to Wear in Egypt by Month

What to Wear in Egypt in January

January is a great time to visit Egypt as the weather is mild and comfortable. During the day, temperatures can range from 18 to 24 degrees Celsius (64 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit), but it can get chilly at night. Be sure to pack a jacket or sweater for the evenings.

Clothing: Lightweight pants or long skirts paired with short-sleeved shirts or blouses are suitable for the daytime. Be sure to bring a jacket or sweater for the evenings.

What to Wear in Egypt in February

February is still a great time to visit Egypt, but it can be a bit cooler than January. Temperatures during the day can range from 15 to 22 degrees Celsius (59 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit).

Clothing: Similar to January, lightweight pants or long skirts paired with short-sleeved shirts or blouses are suitable for the daytime. A jacket or sweater is also recommended for the evenings.

What to Wear in Egypt in March

March marks the beginning of the shoulder season in Egypt, and the weather can be unpredictable. Temperatures during the day can range from 18 to 25 degrees Celsius (64 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit).

Clothing: Lightweight pants or long skirts paired with short-sleeved shirts or blouses are suitable for the daytime. Be sure to bring a jacket or sweater for the evenings, as it can be windy and dusty.

What to Wear in Egypt in April

April is another shoulder season month in Egypt, and temperatures can vary depending on the year. During the day, temperatures can range from 20 to 28 degrees Celsius (68 to 82 degrees Fahrenheit).

Clothing: Lightweight pants or long skirts paired with short-sleeved shirts or blouses are suitable for the daytime. Be sure to bring a jacket or sweater for the evenings, as it can still be chilly.

What to Wear in Egypt in May

May marks the beginning of the hot season in Egypt, and temperatures start to rise. During the day, temperatures can range from 30 to 38 degrees Celsius (86 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit).

Clothing: Lightweight and breathable clothing is essential during the hot season. Opt for loose-fitting pants, skirts, or dresses paired with short-sleeved shirts or blouses.

What to Wear in Egypt in June

June is one of the hottest months in Egypt, and temperatures can reach up to 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit). Be sure to stay hydrated and seek shade when possible.

Clothing: Lightweight and breathable clothing is essential during the hot season. Opt for loose-fitting pants, skirts, or dresses paired with short-sleeved shirts or blouses.

What to Wear in Egypt in July

July is another scorching month in Egypt, and it’s important to take precautions against the heat. Be sure to drink plenty of water and seek shade when possible.

Clothing: Lightweight and breathable clothing is essential during the hot season. Opt for loose-fitting pants, skirts, or dresses paired with short-sleeved shirts or blouses.

What to Wear in Egypt in August

August is the hottest month in Egypt, and temperatures can be unbearable for some travelers. Be sure to take breaks in air-conditioned spaces and drink plenty of water.

Clothing: Lightweight and breathable clothing is essential during the hot season. Opt for loose-fitting pants, skirts, or dresses paired with short-sleeved shirts or blouses.

What to Wear in Egypt in September

September marks the end of the hot season in Egypt, but temperatures can still be quite warm. During the day, temperatures can range from 30 to 36 degrees Celsius (86 to 97 degrees Fahrenheit).

Clothing: Lightweight and breathable clothing is still recommended during this time. Opt for loose-fitting pants, skirts, or dresses paired with short-sleeved shirts or blouses.

What to Wear in Egypt in October

October is a popular time to visit Egypt as temperatures are more mild than the summer months. During the day, temperatures can range from 25 to 32 degrees Celsius (77 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit).

Clothing: Lightweight clothing is still recommended during this time, but you may want to bring a light jacket or sweater for the evenings.

What to Wear in Egypt in November

November marks the beginning of the cool season in Egypt, and temperatures start to drop. During the day, temperatures can range from 20 to 27 degrees Celsius (68 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit).

Clothing: Long pants or skirts paired with long-sleeved shirts or blouses are suitable for the daytime. A light jacket or sweater may also be necessary for the evenings.

What to Wear in Egypt in December

December is a comfortable month to visit Egypt, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 22 degrees Celsius (59 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day. Be sure to pack warmer clothing for the evenings.

Clothing: Long pants or skirts paired with long-sleeved shirts or blouses are suitable for the daytime. A light jacket or sweater is also recommended for the evenings.

What to Wear in Egypt by Activity

Sightseeing

If you’re planning to do a lot of sightseeing in Egypt, it’s important to dress comfortably and appropriately. Most sightseeing involves a lot of walking, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.

Clothing: Opt for lightweight and breathable clothing that covers your shoulders and knees to show respect for the country’s conservative culture. Loose-fitting pants or skirts paired with short-sleeved shirts or blouses are suitable.

Beach

Egypt is home to some beautiful beaches, and if you’re planning to spend time on the sand, be sure to pack appropriate swimwear.

Clothing: Bring a swimsuit or bikini if you plan on swimming or sunbathing on the beach. A cover-up or sarong is also recommended for when you’re not in the water.

Desert Safari

If you’re planning to go on a desert safari, it’s important to dress appropriately for the rugged terrain and extreme temperatures.

Clothing: Wear long pants or leggings paired with a long-sleeved shirt to protect your skin from the sun and sand. Closed-toe shoes or boots are also recommended. Be sure to bring a scarf or bandana to cover your nose and mouth from the dust.

Mosque Visits

Visiting mosques is a popular activity in Egypt, but it’s important to dress conservatively out of respect for the country’s culture and religion.

Clothing: Women should wear long pants or skirts paired with a long-sleeved shirt or blouse that covers their shoulders. They should also bring a scarf or shawl to cover their hair. Men should wear long pants and a shirt that covers their shoulders.

What Not to Wear in Egypt

While Egypt is a relatively liberal country, there are certain clothing items that are not appropriate to wear in public.

Revealing Clothing: Clothing that shows a lot of skin, such as shorts, tank tops, and low-cut tops, should be avoided in public spaces, especially in more conservative areas.
Beachwear: While it’s fine to wear swimwear at the beach or by the pool, it’s not appropriate to wear it in public spaces.
Tight Clothing: Tight clothing, such as leggings or tight jeans, can be seen as immodest and should be avoided.
Religious Clothing: It’s not appropriate for non-Muslims to wear traditional Islamic clothing, such as hijabs or abayas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it necessary to cover my hair when visiting Egypt?

It’s not necessary to cover your hair unless you plan on visiting a mosque. However, it’s respectful to cover your hair when entering a mosque out of respect for the country’s culture and religion.

Can I wear shorts in Egypt?

While it’s not illegal to wear shorts in Egypt, it’s not recommended, especially for women. Opt for loose-fitting pants or skirts instead.

Can I wear sandals in Egypt?

Yes, sandals are suitable for most activities in Egypt. However, closed-toe shoes or boots are recommended for activities such as desert safaris.

Do I need to dress conservatively all the time in Egypt?

While it’s not necessary to dress conservatively all the time in Egypt, it’s recommended to dress appropriately in public spaces out of respect for the country’s culture and religion.

Can I wear Western clothing in Egypt?

Yes, Western clothing is acceptable in Egypt. Just be sure to avoid revealing or tight clothing.

Conclusion

Egypt is a fascinating country with a rich history and culture, and it’s important to dress appropriately when visiting to show respect for the country’s culture and customs.

By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that you’re dressed appropriately for the season and activity, while still feeling comfortable and stylish.

Remember to pack lightweight and breathable clothing for the summer months, and warmer clothing for the cooler months. And always remember to dress conservatively in public spaces out of respect for the country’s culture and religion.

Author
Recent Posts

Alex Knoch

I like to travel and I've traveled in every way possible. I've traveled by flying in planes, riding and hopping trains, road trips, joining van life, and I've even hitchhiked across the United States a couple of times. Now my goal is to make it easier for anyone to travel and experience the world by sharing with you the best travel tips, gear, and destinations out there. Find my other websites and socials at AlexKnoch.com.