Weather in Egypt in September

Summer is starting to wind down, and you'll notice the heat easing up a little. It’s still warm, but not quite as intense as the peak summer months. Here is our complete guide to the weather in Egypt in September.

The weather in Egypt in September at a glance

• Temperatures average at around 75-93°F (24-34°C), but you can feel a bit of relief as the month goes on.
• It's warm and dry, especially in the south, but not as brutal as July and August.
• A great time to explore the Red Sea coast.
• Moderate crowds - more people at the beaches, fewer at the historical sites.

Is September a good time to visit Egypt?

September marks the end of Egypt’s scorching summer, and temperatures start to dip slightly, though it’s still quite warm, especially in the south. It’s a good time to visit if you want to avoid the peak summer heat while still enjoying the warm weather.

The Red Sea coast remains a popular option in September, with ideal conditions for diving and snorkeling. The water is warm, the beaches are less crowded, and you can relax or explore the coral reefs without the intense heat of July and August.

In Cairo and Luxor, it’s a bit more manageable to sightsee, though you’ll still want to plan outdoor activities for the mornings or evenings. The weather in Egypt in September makes for an easy time planning your itinerary, with fewer crowds as summer draws to a close.

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

Average daily temperatures in September

September brings a slight break from the summer heat. In Cairo, average highs drop to 90°F (32°C), and nighttime lows hover around 70°F (21°C). Luxor and Aswan remain hot but start to cool off a little, with highs of 100°F (38°C) and lows around 73°F (23°C). Hurghada enjoys highs of 89°F (32°C) and lows of 74°F (23°C).

Rain remains elusive across Egypt, with no significant precipitation.

Daylight lasts around 12.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the sights before the evening cools things down.

Rough Guides tip: Find even more ideas for your autumn adventure with our guide to the best places to travel in September.

What about crowds and costs?

As the heat starts to ease, September kicks off the shoulder season. Tourist numbers stay low, and you can score great deals on hotels and tours, especially in less popular places like Siwa or Fayoum. It’s still hot but more manageable, especially along the Nile or the Mediterranean coast.

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 September

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 temples of Dendera and Abydos 

With summer’s heat starting to ease up, it’s a great time to explore the temples of Dendera and Abydos. At the Temple of Hathor in Dendera, you’ll find vibrant ceiling paintings and a detailed zodiac, while Abydos houses the impressive Temple of Seti I. Abydos is one of Egypt’s most important ancient sites and was a major cult center for Osiris, the god of the underworld.

Take a train from Cairo to Luxor 

A great thing to do in September is to take a relaxing train ride from Cairo to Luxor to see Egypt’s countryside. As you head south, you’ll pass rural villages, farmlands, and stretches of the Nile River. For added comfort, you might want to book a sleeper train, but even a regular journey gives you a glimpse of local life. The cooler September temperatures make this trip quite a bit more pleasant than in the hotter months.

The Royal Jewelry Museum in Alexandria

While in Egypt, you’ll want to visit the Royal Jewelry Museum, located in a former royal palace. It’s home to a stunning collection of jewelry, artifacts, and treasures that once belonged to Egypt’s royal family. The rooms are just as impressive as the exhibits, with stained glass windows and gilded ceilings adding to the opulence.

The El Gouna Film Festival

Every September, the luxurious Red Sea resort town of El Gouna hosts this glamorous event. The El Gouna Film Festival draws filmmakers, actors, and movie buffs from all over. It showcases a mix of international and regional films, along with screenings, workshops, and red-carpet events around town.

Abu Simbel 

These colossal rock-cut temples, built by Ramses II, are one of Egypt’s most impressive sights. The sheer scale of the statues guarding the entrance is truly awe-inspiring, and the detailed carvings inside tell stories of the pharaoh’s victories and deities.

Festivals and events in Egypt in September

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

• El Sakia Puppet Festival: Held at Cairo's El Sawy Culture Wheel, featuring puppet shows and workshops from local and international artists.
• Alexandrian Heritage Days Festival: Celebrates Alexandria's rich history with guided tours, lectures, exhibitions, and cultural performances throughout the city.
• Cairo International Biennale: Major contemporary art exhibition showcasing works from Egyptian and international artists across various Cairo venues

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.