Weather Egypt in February

Winter sticks around a bit longer in Egypt, and the weather stays pleasantly cool. It's perfect for getting out and exploring ancient sites without worrying about the heat. Here is our complete guide to the weather inEgypt in February.

The weather in Egypt in February at a glance

  • The weather's warming up a bit, with average temperatures around 50-70°F (10-21°C). 
  • Expect comfortable days and cool evenings with barely any rain.
  • Ideal for exploring temples and museums without the sweltering heat.
  • Crowds are still thin, so you can enjoy Luxor and Cairo without the hustle and bustle.

Is February a good time to visit Egypt?

February continues Egypt’s winter season, offering cool, pleasant days perfect for sightseeing. The milder weather makes it a great time to explore Egypt’s historical landmarks—think wandering through the Valley of the Kings without the need to constantly seek shade. Cairo, Giza, and Aswan are all comfortable to navigate, and you won’t need to carry liters of water to stay hydrated.

This month is also great for activities like desert treks or climbing Mount Sinai. While it might be a bit chilly for lounging by the Red Sea, you can still dive and snorkel—the underwater sights of the Red Sea are impressive year-round.

If you prefer avoiding crowds, the weather in Egpyt in February makes for a quieter time before the tourist rush of spring. You'll have more space at top attractions, from the Pyramids to the temples of Abu Simbel, and shorter lines for museums in Cairo.

Looking for even more options for your winter getaway? Explore our guide to the best places for a February holiday.

Naama Bay in Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt © Shutterstock

The weather in Egypt in February makes it a great time to hit the beach  © Shutterstock

Average daily temperatures in February

February in Egypt offers slightly warmer days than January, but it’s still relatively mild. Cairo’s daytime highs reach 69°F (21°C), and the nights cool off to around 51°F (11°C). If you're further south, Luxor and Aswan stay a bit warmer, with highs of 75°F (24°C) and lows around 48°F (9°C). Hurghada on the coast enjoys temperatures ranging from 72°F (22°C) during the day to a cool 57°F (14°C) at night.

Rain remains scarce, especially in the desert regions. Cairo gets around 0.2 inches (6mm) of rain in February, while the rest of the country stays bone-dry.

Daylight hours slowly start to stretch, giving you just over 11 hours of sun each day—perfect for exploring ancient temples without rushing.

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

Tombs of Nobles in Luxor, Egypt © Shutterstock

Tombs of Nobles in Luxor, Egypt © Shutterstock

What about crowds and costs?

February in Egypt means it's still the high season, but you’ll notice slightly fewer crowds than in January. The weather stays comfortable and cool, which is great for exploring without the blistering heat. Prices for flights and hotels will be pretty elevated, though you might find a bit more wiggle room in less-touristy places like the Siwa Oasis or Alexandria.

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 February

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.

Abu Simbel Sun Festival

Every February 22nd, the Abu Simbel Sun Festival showcases an amazing ancient spectacle. The sun perfectly aligns with the inner sanctuary of Ramses II's temple, illuminating the statues of Ramses, Amun, and Ra-Horakhty, while the statue of Ptah, god of the underworld, stays in the shadow. This event also happens on October 22nd.

Valley of the Kings in Luxor 

In Luxor, the Valley of the Kings holds over 60 royal tombs, including the famous tomb of Tutankhamun. While smaller, it's rich in history and detailed wall art. For something unique, check out the impressive tombs of Seti I or Ramses II for a more secluded experience.

felucca-boat-nile-river-aswan-egypt-shutterstock_716551384

Felucca boat on the Nile River, Egypt © Shutterstock

Khan el-Khalili Bazaar in Cairo 

Khan el-Khalili, Cairo’s oldest and most vibrant bazaar, is a must-visit. This market dates back to the 14th century and is a maze of shops selling everything from spices, jewelry, and handwoven rugs to antiques and traditional Egyptian crafts. Stop by one of the bazaar’s traditional coffeehouses, like El-Fishawi’s, for a strong coffee or sweet hibiscus tea,

Bibliotheca Alexandrina

The Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a modern marvel that honors the legendary ancient Library of Alexandria. Opened in 2002, it holds millions of books, rare manuscripts, and also features museums and a planetarium. Don’t miss the stunning Mediterranean views that surround this cultural hub.

Birdwatching at Lake Nasser

Lake Nasser, one of the world's largest artificial lakes, is a haven for birdwatchers. The lake's calm waters attract migratory birds like pink flamingos, pelicans, and African fish eagles. Early morning boat trips offer the best chance to spot these species. You might also spot Nile crocodiles basking on the shore.

Landscape of Cairo Tower with opera house in capital city of Egypt © Shutterstock

Landscape of Cairo Tower with opera house in capital city of Egypt © Shutterstock

Festivals and events in Egypt in February

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

  • Aswan International Sculpture Symposium: Artists from around the world create sculptures from Aswan's famous granite, displayed along the Nile's banks.
  • Sham El-Nessim: Ancient Egyptian spring festival celebrated by all Egyptians with outdoor picnics, colored eggs, and traditional foods.
  • Luxor Marathon: Annual international running event attracting athletes from around the world to race through ancient Egyptian monuments and modern Luxor.

For more practical guidance that will help you make the most of your trip, have a chat with our local Egypt experts, who can help you plan your dream trip.

View of the Shali Fortress in Siwa Oasis © Shutterstock

View of the Shali Fortress in Siwa Oasis © Shutterstock

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.

Dre Roelandt

written by
Dre Roelandt

updated 21.10.2024

Dre Roelandt is originally from the United States but lives and works in Berlin, Germany. Dre is a freelance writer and artist with a passion for travelling. They are an in-house Senior Content Editor at Rough Guides.

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