egypt vacation packages

Checking off your Egypt packing list can be a challenging task, and if you schedule it incorrectly, you might find yourself regretting it wholly!

Thus, to save you the hassle and hours of searching, Magic Carpet Travel will help you plan a trip to Egypt like a pro in five minutes as we gather all that you need to consider for a rich, fun, and relaxing holiday in one page!

Overview of the Weather in Egypt in December

As Egypt resides in Earth’s upper hemisphere, December is considered a winter month and marks the beginning of the perfect timing for a trip, especially if you’re a European or a North American and don’t like Egypt’s hot weather.    

Thus, making your Egypt tour during December becomes not an option, but a necessity, for the pleasant and very mild December temperatures in Egypt.

The weather in Egypt in December ranges between:

• 48°F – 68°F in northern cities like Cairo & Nile Delta cities, and Alexandria, along with the coastal cities.
• 45°F – 77°F in both Luxor and Aswan in the South.
• 55°F – 72°F in the Red Sea and Sinai Peninsula.

In general, during the daytime, the December temperatures in Egypt are warm, making it perfect for exploring the many attractions and historical locations without the fear of the hot weather. 

But at night, things change a little bit by dropping to less than 45°F, making it more suitable for local markets like Khan El Khalili and Al Muizz Streets, or dinner onboard a Nile Cruise.

Why Visit Egypt?

It is considered naive to be in the 21st century and still wonder about why visit Egypt, because the reasons are countless. 

But to save your time, here’s a short list emphasizing the reasons that encourage you to leave your house and visit Egypt immediately.

1- Try Egyptian Street Food

Egyptian food is one of the magical things you should try in general, especially during the cold weather in Egypt in December. And as extra clothes gain you more warmth, Egyptian food does this job for you with different varieties and options from the Egyptian cuisine dishes, like:

• Hommos El Sham: A special mixture of onion, garlic, chickpeas, chili, lemon, and spicy tomatoes found at local restaurants and Nile Corniche street vendors.
• Lentil Soup: A famous dish served along with lemon and crunchy bread.
• Sweet Potato “Batata”: Smokey-sweet potatoes right from the oven from street vendors.
• Belila: Either for breakfast or dinner meal and is of soaked wheat grains in sweetened milk with the topping of your choice.

Know the cost of street food in Egypt

2- Nile Cruises

Your Egypt tour plan isn’t complete without trying the Nile Cruise ship trip, either to witness the southern jewels in Luxor, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan, or even dinner nights onboard.

Egypt in December and throughout the winter is known to be the peak season for Nile Cruise trips, as the beautiful weather makes it perfect for relaxation while enjoying the mesmerizing natural views as you visit ancient Egypt’s historical sites.

Don’t miss the Best Selling Nile Cruises! 

3- Participating in Hard Physical Activities

For adrenaline-pumping lovers, December temperatures in Egypt are the most suitable for sports related to hard physical activities without the fear of hot weather.

Also, you can participate in:

• Sandboarding
• Horseback riding
• Paintball
• Golf
• Hiking & Camping
• Rock climbing
• Kayaking
• Dirt Biking

The Full Egypt Packing List You’ll Need

Many may get confused when it comes to the Egypt packing list, because many don’t know what to focus on and consider, like the cultural differences, weather, accessories, and other things to bear in mind, which should ease your trip.

What clothes to pack for Egypt?

Let’s put it simply, the clothes needed for your Egypt packing list tour aren’t a big deal. For the many sites you might visit, it’ll be more suited to put on a proper corresponding outfit:

• Temples and historical sites: Consider light clothes made of cotton and soft fabrics to ensure a more comfortable visit.
• Desert trips and Safari: As we mentioned earlier, the weather in Egypt in December in the deserts at night can drop to less than 45°F, thus we suggest you leave room for pants and long-sleeved clothes in general, which will be beneficial even during daytime from the heat.
• Religious sites: Religious sites generally require long sleeves, long pants, and a scarf for women to cover their heads and shoulders.
• Nile Cruise Dinner: You might consider a shirt or a nice dress for such an occasion.
• Swimming: In cases of beach visits or pools, make sure to pack your swimwear and lightweight clothing in general to opt for relaxation.
• Comfortable Shoes: A comfortable shoe is the secret to a comfortable trip! As you wander the streets or stone paths to visit historical sites, make sure to put on comfortable shoes to ease your pace.

In case of certain requests and questions regarding the clothes or anything specific related to your personal Egypt packing list or any other related matter, never hesitate to contact us.

Traveling Accessories

• Backpack: A vital element on your Egypt packing list is your backpack, as it represents your repository for most scenarios, so you might consider including a reusable water bottle, snacks, tissues, sunscreen, and your personal belongings kept to a minimum to ensure lightweight and avoid exhaustion.
• Chargers & Power banks: Most Electrical plugs in Egypt are either Type F or Type C, so you might take into account both of these options, besides a power bank, in case you are outside your residence for long periods.
• Camera: Make sure to record your glorious moments during your trip to Egypt with either a smartphone or a camera.
• Medical Kit & First Aid: In case of any essential medications, make sure to pack them with you and a basic first aid kit that contains sterilized wipes, pain relievers, digestive medications, and Band-Aids.
• Emergency Contacts: In cases of emergencies, make sure to have a list of your close family members and your country’s local embassy.

Money and Currency

Lastly, an important thing you need to keep in mind and add to your Egypt packing list is the monetary stuff, which includes: 

• Credit Cards: Essential for large payments.
• Currency exchange: we suggest you become more familiar with Egypt’s local currency (Egyptian Pound), which will be handy in many cases, like tipping at restaurants & shops and when buying souvenirs from local markets.

Top Cities to Add to Your Egypt Tour Plan

Egypt is abundant with cities that you must include while setting your Egypt tour plan, whether you‘re looking for historical locations, simplicity, romance, coastal lifestyle, lavish lifestyle, or even disconnecting and tranquility, you’ll definitely find your preference.

Main cities are:

Cairo 

Cairo is the capital of Egypt and a historical city, and a must stop by while setting up your Egypt tour plan, as it’s known for both cultural and religious attractions to head to. Among the top Cairo attractions:

• Great Pyramids of Giza & The Sphinx
• Egyptian Museum
• Grand Egyptian Museum
• The Citadel
• Ibn Tulun Mosque
• The Hanging Church

Read more: Exclusive! Unique Things to Do in Cairo | Top Cairo Egypt Sites

Alexandria

It was once known as Egypt’s coastal capital, and is known as “The Pearl of the Mediterranean”. 

Alexandria is a coastal city that you might consider for a day trip from Cairo to visit:

• Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
• Bibliotheca Alexandrina
• Serapeum of Alexandria
• Qaitbay Fort
• Greco-Roman Museum
• Kom El Dikka
• Ras El Tin Palace

Luxor

In the far south, Luxor is an essential stop on your Egypt tour plan as it is known to be a jewel in all aspects for its temples and attractions, and was once the ancient capital of Egypt, and fosters pharaonic sites such as:

• Luxor Temple
• Karnak Temple
• Valley of the Kings
• Valley of the Queens
• Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut
• Mummification Museum
• Luxor Museum

Know the Top 5 Tips & Hotels for the Perfect Luxor City Egypt Holiday

Aswan

Gathering both history and relaxational felucca rides and Nile Cruises, Aswan is considered a great destination for enjoying winter warm weather in Egypt – even for local Egyptians – and where you can visit significant sites like:

• Abu Simbel Temples
• Philae Temple
• Elephantine Island
• The Unfinished Obelisk
• Nubian Museum
• The High Dam
• Aswan Botanical Garden
• Kitchener’s Island

Dahab

A romantic coastal city on the south of the Sinai Peninsula that offers you a great relaxing atmosphere with many sites to enjoy the beauty of the different activities and coral reefs in spots like:

• Three Pools
• Blue hole
• Blue Lagoon
• Safari Trips
• Desert Camping

Sharm El Sheikh

Another coastal gem that offers you meeting the beauty of the Red Sea at spots like:

• Ras Mohamed Nature Reserve and Naama Bay for water sports like Scuba diving and snorkeling.
• Visit main Sharm el Sheikh attractions like The Heavenly Cathedral and Sahaba Mosque
• Climb Mount Sinai “Jabal Mousa” and enter Saint Catherine’s Monastery.

White Desert

Escape the city noises and head to the western desert for a serene stop that you can add to your Egypt tour plan, and where you’ll witness one of the few most beautiful rocky formations in the world, varying between crystal formations, green oases, and hot springs that attract visitors from all over the world for camping under the stars at night or sandboarding sports.

Discover our best offers for Sahara Trips! 

How to Plan Your Egypt Travel Budget?

Many think of Egypt travel budget as a great concern, but things aren’t like that if you know the secrets that enable you to save great amounts of your budget while setting your Egypt tour plan.

The things that take the most of your budget are: transportation, accommodation, and food, and if you can figure out how to save your money in these things, then you’ll have a low Egypt travel budget. 

Here’s what you can do to save money in each category: 

Always look for local transportation

• Local in-cities transportation like microbuses and buses might be a little crowded, but will save you a whole budget that you might spend on either taxis or ride apps like Uber.
• In large cities like Cairo, the Cairo Metro becomes a need, not an option, as it gets you wherever you want at a very low cost. You’ll just need to know the Metro station near the place you’re visiting and follow your GPS
• Take the second-class train between cities, which is a cost-effective way to save money, much cheaper than a flight ticket.

Eat like Egyptians

The Egyptian kitchen is known for being one of the richest and most delicious in the world, with a wide variety of main dishes and desserts that you should try.

Thus, if you aim for a low Egypt travel budget, we suggest you get off the track of lavish restaurants and cafes and aim for local and modest restaurants between the streets to enjoy delicious Egyptian Shwarma, Falafel, or Ful Medames (Fava bean) sandwiches from a street vendor that you can try without hesitation, especially if it is crowded!

Also, you can get a cheap and energizing Koshari plate at a very low price (less than $1).

Know the 20 Egyptian Food Dishes You Can’t Miss

Accommodate without breaking the bank

Wallet-friendly accommodation options in Egypt are available everywhere, and reach out to save your budget from the brink of bankruptcy!

So, while laying out your Egypt tour plan, consider low-budget hostels that offer what’s necessary for staying without lavish options or other fancy features that hotels include.

Conclusion

The weather in Egypt in December and throughout the winter is the best time for Europeans and North Americans who wish to enjoy the majestic Egyptian attractions without getting sunburned from the regular high temperatures.

And even if it’s the peak season and prices soar in everything, make sure to include the full Egypt packing list we mentioned, and if you aim for a low Egypt travel budget, it can be tailored by cutting off some features and tricks that will lower add coupons to your traveling expenses.

Don’t miss the winter offers and book your Egypt Christmas holiday with us! 

Tailor your trip to the best prices in the market with Magic Carpet! 

FAQ

Is September an appropriate time to visit Egypt?

Yes, September is an ideal time to visit Egypt. After the summer heat, the weather begins to drop significantly, particularly around the coast and in the north. Crowds are also lower than during peak months, making popular attractions more pleasurable to visit.

Is November an appropriate time to visit Egypt?

November marks the beginning of the best months to visit Egypt and the peak season. The weather is nice and warm, perfect for sightseeing, Nile cruises, and desert adventures. It also signals the beginning of the peak travel season, with several events and trips available.

Is December a good month to visit Egypt?

December is an excellent time to visit Egypt, particularly for those seeking moderate weather and festive holiday events. While evenings might be cold, daytime temperatures are perfect for touring the pyramids, temples, and museums.

What is the best month to visit Egypt?

The best months to visit Egypt are often between October and April, with November and March being popular selections. These months provide good weather for sightseeing, less crowds, and ideal travel conditions around the country.

What is the cheapest month to travel to Egypt?

The cheapest months to visit Egypt are often June or early September. Flight and hotel rates are reduced during these off-peak weeks, while temperatures may be fairly high in many regions, particularly in the south.

How much money is sufficient for a week in Egypt?

For a nice week in Egypt, a mid-range visitor should pay between $400 and $700 per person. This covers lodging, local transportation, food, admission tickets, and select guided excursions. Budget visitors can spend less, but luxury experiences are more expensive.

What is the best time to view the Egyptian pyramids?

From October to April, the ideal time to see Egypt’s pyramids is in the early morning. Temperatures are lower, the lighting is ideal for shooting, and you can avoid the noon heat and congestion.

Is Egypt too hot in August?

Yes, August is hot in Egypt, especially in southern cities like Luxor and Aswan, where temperatures often reach 40 degrees Celsius. Coastal locations, such as Alexandria and the Red Sea resorts, are more hospitable and popular for beach holidays.

Is Egypt an expensive country?

Egypt is typically a budget-friendly location for most tourists. Food, transportation, and lodgings are all fairly priced. Luxury hotels and private excursions might be more expensive, but Egypt still provides excellent value for money.

How should I dress in Egypt in September?

In September, wear lightweight, breathable materials such as cotton or linen. Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, especially while visiting mosques or local areas. Also, you can protect yourself from the hot sun using a hat and sunglasses.

Can you swim in Egypt during September?

Yes, you may swim in Egypt throughout September. The Red Sea and Mediterranean Sea are both warm and pleasant at this time, making them perfect for beachgoers, snorkeling, and diving.

Does it rain in September in Egypt?

Rain in Egypt in September is highly unusual, particularly in Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. Coastal areas like as Alexandria may have light rains, but the country remains dry with lots of sunshine.