Weather Egypt in March

 The weather in Egypt in March starts to warm up as spring arrives. You’ll still get cool mornings and evenings, but the afternoons are pleasant, especially in the south. Sandstorms sometimes sweep through desert regions, so it’s good to come prepared. With fewer crowds and plenty of sunshine, it’s a great time for temple visits or a Nile cruise without the summer heat.

The weather in Egypt in March at a glance

• Spring is in the air with temperatures ranging from 55 to 77°F (13 to 25°C), with warmer days and cool nights.
• It's mostly sunny, but watch out for those sneaky Khamsin windstorms, especially if you're heading to the desert.
• March is Egypt's shoulder season, and tourist numbers start to climb, but it's still pretty manageable.

What is the weather like in Egypt in March?

The weather in Egypt in March is ideal for travel. Days are pleasantly warm, nights are cool, and skies stay mostly clear across the country. Rain is extremely rare, especially in places like Cairo and Luxor.

The Red Sea coast sees occasional brief showers, but most travelers won’t encounter any. March is a popular month for sightseeing, with conditions that make exploring temples, pyramids, and ancient sites much more comfortable than in peak summer. It’s also a great time for cruises along the Nile or beach days in Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada. This is a great time to plan your Egypt itinerary.

Average daily temperatures in March

Egypt in March has warm, dry days and cooler nights. In Cairo, you’ll see daytime highs of 75 to 79°F (24 to 26°C), and evenings cool down to 55 to 59°F (13 to 15°C). Further south in Luxor and Aswan, highs climb to 82 to 86°F (28 to 30°C), with nighttime lows around 57 to 61°F (14 to 16°C).

Red Sea resorts like Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh hover between 77 to 81°F (25 to 27°C) during the day. On the Mediterranean coast, places like Alexandria are cooler at 68 to 72°F (20 to 22°C). Sea temperatures vary too, with the Red Sea averaging 72 to 74°F (22 to 23°C), while the Mediterranean stays cooler at 61 to 63°F (16 to 17°C). Rain is almost nonexistent, making March ideal for both sightseeing and beach days.

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Is March a good time to visit Egypt?

March marks the transition from winter to spring in Egypt, with the weather warming up but still pleasant. The days are longer, and you’ll find yourself with more time to explore famous sights like the Great Sphinx or Karnak Temple without worrying about the oppressive heat of summer.

March’s moderate temperatures make it a great time to travel across the country, from Cairo’s urban energy to Luxor’s ancient ruins. If you're heading to the desert, conditions are still ideal for safaris—just bring a jacket for the cooler evenings.

By mid-March, the Red Sea resorts start to come alive again, and water sports like diving and snorkeling become more appealing as the sea warms up. However, the weather in Egypt in March makes it the high season, so expect larger crowds and plan ahead for accommodations and tours. For more tips, see our guide to how to plan a trip to Egypt.

• Pleasant temperatures before summer heat
• Longer daylight hours for sightseeing
• Red Sea warming up for water sports
• High season means larger crowds
• Cool desert evenings require layers

What about the crowd and cost?

March brings heavy tourist traffic to Egypt’s top sites. Places like the Pyramids and Luxor temples fill with tour groups, and long lines are common. Hotels and cruises charge near-peak prices, matching the highs of winter and early fall.

The weather draws people in, even if it means bigger crowds. If you’re looking for lower prices and less foot traffic, aim for April or September. Summer comes with major discounts, but the heat makes sightseeing tough. For a more relaxed experience with decent rates, early October usually hits a better balance than March.  If you're still deciding, don't miss our guide to the best time to go to Egypt.

Where to go in Egypt in March

March is one of the best times to explore Egypt. The days are warm, but not too hot, and nights stay cool enough to sleep comfortably. Here are some of the best places to visit in Egypt. 

Cairo and Giza

Clear skies and dry air make March a perfect month to explore Cairo’s streets and nearby ruins. The Pyramids and the Sphinx stand out sharply against the blue sky, and early mornings are ideal for quiet visits. In the city, you can take your time moving between museums, mosques, and markets without battling major crowds. Evenings are mild, and sound-and-light shows around the pyramids are a popular way to end the day. See our favorite day trips for Cairo. 

Luxor

March is one of the most comfortable times to visit Luxor. The Valley of the Kings is easier to explore when the temperatures are mild, and you won’t feel rushed to escape the heat. Early mornings are still the best for balloon rides and walking through Karnak or Luxor Temple. River trips on feluccas feel especially peaceful, and crowds haven’t yet reached peak levels. If you want good weather and a slower pace, this is a great time to go.

Aswan and Abu Simbel

In the south, March offers excellent conditions for both cultural and outdoor travel. You can visit Abu Simbel without worrying about extreme heat, and the drive feels less draining. In Aswan, walking along the Nile or heading out to Philae Temple is more relaxed than in summer, making this a strong season for 8-day Egypt trips that combine nature, history and culture. Nubian villages along the water are especially welcoming, and local crafts are easy to find in the small markets.

Things to do in Egypt in March

March brings cooler weather and fewer crowds than the main winter season. It’s a solid month for visiting ancient sites and walking through markets without getting overheated.  If you're looking for more inspiration, see what made our list of the best things to do in Egypt year-round. 

See the Spring Equinox at Karnak

If you’re in Luxor on March 20th, head to Karnak. At sunrise, light streams through the columns in a way that only happens on the equinox. It’s one of those moments that makes you pause. The weather helps too — warm enough to explore, not too hot to enjoy it.

Visit the Step Pyramid at Saqqara

Saqqara often gets skipped for Giza, but it’s worth the trip. The Step Pyramid of Djoser is older than the Great Pyramid and just as impressive in its own way. You’ll usually have more space to explore, and there’s a peacefulness to the whole complex. See our pick of the best tours in Egypt. 

Store the markets in Aswan

The markets in Aswan are full of spices, woven goods, and handmade jewelry. You’ll see plenty of locals doing their daily shopping alongside travelers. March is a good time to visit, since you can take your time wandering without the worst of the heat. For more advice, see our Egypt travel tips.
 

Planning your itinerary

These Egypt itineraries give you a solid foundation for exploring the country’s ancient wonders, buzzing cities, and Nile-side towns. They’re easy to follow but simple to adjust based on what interests you most.

• Egypt itinerary 7 days: A week gives you time to hit the major highlights—like Cairo, the pyramids, and a quick trip to Luxor or Aswan. It’s a fast-paced intro to ancient Egypt and modern life.
• Egypt itinerary 10 days: With 10 days, you can add a Nile cruise or spend more time in each city. It’s enough to explore key archaeological sites, unwind a bit, and get a broader sense of the country’s culture and history.