Weather Egypt in January

As the new year kicks off, Egypt enjoys a mild winter. The days are comfortably cool, giving you a break from the usual intense heat that defines the rest of the year. Here is our complete guide to the weather in Egypt in January.

The weather in Egypt in January at a glance

• Average temperature: 48-66°F (9-19°C), with cool mornings and pleasant afternoons.
• Typically dry with clear skies.
• Generally a good time to visit, especially for exploring cultural sites like the Pyramids without intense heat.
• Crowds are low, so you can see the sights at your own pace.

Is January a good time to visit Egypt?

January is one of the cooler months in Egypt, making it a comfortable time to explore without the scorching sun beating down on you. Winter means you can wander Cairo’s bustling streets or explore Luxor’s ancient temples without melting in the heat. There’s little chance of rain, so outdoor activities like camel rides around the Pyramids or Nile cruises are still on the table.

The weather in January is ideal for sightseeing and hiking—especially in areas like the Sinai Peninsula. While it’s not beach season, you can still enjoy the Red Sea resorts if you don’t mind skipping the sunbathing. Coastal areas like Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada are less crowded, and the sea remains calm for diving and snorkeling.

With cooler temperatures, traveling through Egypt’s sprawling desert landscapes is much easier—no need to worry about sweltering car rides or sunburns. The weather in Egypt in January makes it a prime month if you’re after a more laid-back, comfortable adventure.

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

Average daily temperatures in January

January is one of Egypt’s cooler months, but "cool" is relative here. In Cairo, the average high hovers around 66°F (19°C), while lows drop to a brisk 50°F (10°C) at night. Heading south to Luxor and Aswan, things warm up a bit, with highs of 72°F (22°C) and lows around 45°F (7°C). On the Red Sea coast in Hurghada, expect highs of 70°F (21°C), though evening temperatures dip to around 55°F (13°C).

Rain is rare this time of year—Egypt only sees a few scattered showers in the north. Cairo may get about 0.3 inches (8mm) of rain, but in Upper Egypt and the desert regions, rain is practically nonexistent.

Daylight sticks around for about 10.5 hours, so you’ve got plenty of time to explore without worrying about it getting dark too early.

Still deciding where to go this winter? Choose from the best destinations to travel to in January.

What about crowds and costs?

Egypt’s mild winter makes this a top month for escaping colder weather. You’ll find heavy tourist traffic at popular spots. Places like the Giza Pyramids and Abu Simbel will be packed with tour groups. Hotel and tour prices are at their highest, and you’ll need to book months in advance for a decent deal — even budget stays will see a price hike in January.

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 January

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 Egyptian Museum in Cairo 

When you're in Cairo, visiting the Egyptian Museum is a must. Located in Tahrir Square, this iconic museum has been around since 1902. Its highlight is the treasures of King Tutankhamun, including his famous gold mask. You'll also see over 120,000 artifacts, from massive statues to mummies.

Cruise the Nile from Luxor to Aswan

The multi-day cruise takes you past some of Egypt’s most famous temples, including Karnak, Edfu, and Kom Ombo. As you sail along the Nile, you’ll see palm-fringed banks and rural villages, offering a glimpse into Egypt’s traditional life. With daily excursions to historic landmarks, combined with the comfort of river cruising, this is a perfect way to explore Upper Egypt. 
 

Desert safari in the Western Desert 

The Western Desert of Egypt is renowned for its diverse landscapes. The White Desert, a national park, is known for its white limestone formations shaped by erosion over millennia. The Black Desert is made up of mountains covered in black volcanic stones. The Bahariya Oasis, once a significant agricultural hub, is famous for its "Valley of the Golden Mummies," discovered in 1996.

The temples of Abu Simbel 

The Abu Simbel temples are an architectural marvel. Built by Pharaoh Ramses II in the 13th century BCE, these temples were relocated in the 1960s to save them from flooding. The highlight here is the four massive statues of Ramses, each about 20 meters tall, carved into the cliffside.

Coptic Christmas celebrations

Coptic Christmas on January 7th offers a special cultural experience. You can attend services at the Hanging Church or St. Mark's Cathedral in Cairo. The festive atmosphere includes traditional Coptic dishes like kahk (sweet cookies) and fatta, a hearty dish of bread, rice, and meat, usually lamb or beef.

Festivals and events in Egypt in January

There are several festivals and events that take place in Egypt during the month of January. Here's our pick:

• Cairo International Book Fair: Massive literary event showcasing publishers, authors, and cultural activities. One of the largest book fairs in the world.
• Coptic Christmas: Egyptian Christians celebrate Christmas on January 7th with special liturgies, family gatherings, and festive meals.
• Abu Simbel Sun Festival: Bi-annual event where sunlight illuminates statues in Abu Simbel temple, drawing tourists to witness this ancient phenomenon.

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.

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. 

• The best of Egypt (8 days): Explore Egypt’s history, from Cairo to Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel, traveling on luxurious sleeper trains.
• 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.

Or for more inspiration, see our trip ideas gallery.