Weather in Egypt in October

Fall arrives, and with it, more moderate temperatures. The oppressive summer heat fades, leaving behind warm and pleasant days that are great for sightseeing. Here is our complete guide to the weather in Egypt in October.

The weather in Egypt in October at a glance

• Temperatures in October drop to an average of 68-86°F (20-30°C), with warm days and cooler nights.
• Dry and sunny - perfect for sightseeing, camel rides, and desert adventures.
• One of the best months to visit Egypt. The weather's great from north to south.
• The tourist season kicks off again, and you can expect crowds, especially in Luxor and Giza.

Is October a good time to visit Egypt?

October is one of the best months to visit Egypt. The intense summer heat has subsided, leaving behind warm but comfortable days perfect for sightseeing. You can explore ancient sites like the Pyramids of Giza, Abu Simbel, and the Valley of the Kings without constantly seeking shade.

It’s also a great time for outdoor adventures — whether that’s hiking in the Sinai or taking a Nile cruise. The evenings are cooler, making it pleasant to stroll through Cairo’s markets or along the Corniche in Luxor.

The Red Sea is still warm enough for swimming, snorkeling, and diving, so coastal destinations like Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh are also excellent in October. The weather in Egypt in October gives you the freedom to plan your itinerary with a little bit of everything.

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

Average daily temperatures in October

October is when Egypt starts to cool down, making it a fantastic time to visit. Cairo sees pleasant highs of 84°F (29°C) and lows around 64°F (18°C). In Luxor and Aswan, the days are still warm, with highs of 94°F (34°C) and cooler nights dipping to 68°F (20°C). Hurghada offers highs of 84°F (29°C) and lows of 70°F (21°C).

Rain? Not really. Egypt continues to stay dry through October, with Cairo receiving maybe 0.1 inches (3mm) of rain.

Daylight shrinks to about 11.5 hours, but that’s still plenty of time to check off your sightseeing list.

Looking for more options for an autumn holiday? Also check out our list of the best destinations for an unforgettable holiday in October.

What about crowds and costs?

One of the best months to visit as the weather becomes much more comfortable. Unfortunately, this tends to attract a steady flow of tourists. Crowds return to spots like the Temple of Karnak, but they’re easier to handle than during the peak winter season. Prices begin to climb again, though you can still find bargains if you book early or head to smaller towns.

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 October

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.

See the sunrise at Ramses II at Abu Simbel

Twice a year, on October 22 and February 22, the rising sun lines up perfectly to light up the inner sanctum of the Great Temple, shining on statues of Ramses II and the gods Amun and Ra. It's a sight that attracts people from around the world and gives you a sense of the amazing precision of ancient Egyptian architecture. Make sure to get there early to grab a good spot.

The Monastery of St. Paul near the Red Sea

This Coptic Christian monastery, dating back to the fourth century, is dedicated to St. Paul of Thebes, the first Christian hermit. The serene, secluded atmosphere with palm trees and stone buildings feels far removed from Egypt's busy cities. Here you’ll find centuries-old frescoes, manuscripts, and chapels, including the cave where St. Paul is said to have lived.

Hike in the Colored Canyon of Sinai

This hidden gem is known for its incredible rock formations, with layers of red, orange, yellow, and purple sandstone. The hike isn’t too difficult, but it does involve some scrambling through narrow passages and navigating rocky areas. That said, it’s more than worth it.

The Temple of Hathor at Dendera

One of Egypt’s best-preserved and most colorful temples, the Temple of Hathor is dedicated to the goddess of love, music, and fertility. It's decorated with intricate carvings and vibrant ceiling frescoes that still hold much of their original color. Unlike some of the more crowded temples, Dendera tends to be quieter.

Visit the Crocodile Museum in Kom Ombo 

Right next to the Temple of Kom Ombo, which was dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, this museum showcases an impressive collection of mummified crocodiles. These ancient creatures were once both worshipped and feared along the Nile. Though it's a small space, it's well-curated with crocodile statues, amulets, and tombs. It’s definitely worth stopping by after exploring the temple to learn more about these sacred (and slightly intimidating) animals.

Festivals and events in Egypt in October

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

• Abu Simbel Sun Festival: Bi-annual event where sunlight illuminates statues in Abu Simbel temple, attracting tourists to witness this ancient phenomenon.
• Cairo International Film Festival: One of the oldest film festivals in the Arab world, showcasing international cinema and honoring filmmakers.
• Armed Forces Day: Commemorates Egypt's 1973 military victory. Celebrated with parades, air shows, and official ceremonies across the country.

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.