Weather in Egypt in December: The Best Guide For All Travellers
Over December, the weather in Egypt can be mild and very pleasant, promising a pretty good opportunity to visit this alluring old-world country at that time. Sometimes, summers could be like a hammer, and in spring, desert winds will blow thunderously. Daytimes in December are fairly comfortable, turning nights cooler, thereby pleasant for sightseeing away from the intimidating heat.
A magical time to visit Egypt since it is the festive season. With Christmas celebrations taking place in the ancient churches of Cairo, and New Year’s Eve celebrations on the Nile and Red Sea shorelines, December in Egypt has an apt time to serve itself from both cultures and holidays. Whether one might be interested in the ancient marvels lying in Giza and Luxor or looking to catch time on the beaches of Sharm El Sheikh, December offers an equal amount of thrill and chill.
1. Average Temperatures Across Egypt
Cairo & Nile Valley (Luxor, Aswan)
Cairo in December
Taking a trip to Cairo in December is a comfortable and refreshing getaway from the vigorous summer heat. Winter is mild in the city, with daytime temperatures that range between 18 and 22°C (64 and 72°F), the ideal climate for sightseeing without feeling overcome by scorching heat, would be a crowning insult in these sun-friendly lands. Going to the other side of the world-well almost!-and looking at world-famous spots like the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum treasures becomes a pleasure.
From Khan El Khalili Bazaar all the way through to the historic lanes of Islamic Cairo, the streets are animated but not so congested as they would be during the peak tourist season. The evening air would be a cool 10–12°C (50–54°F), picking just enough chill to perfectly go with a light sweater or jacket-wishing well, if you plan on dining on a Nile dinner cruise, rooftop dinner with views of the pyramids, or simply strolling along the Corniche. With fewer crowds and better weather, December is one of the best months to enjoy all that Cairo has to offer: a mingling of ancient history with modern life.
Luxor & Aswan in December
To the south, Luxor and Aswan enjoy warm December days with pleasant temperatures dropping to 23–26°C (73–79°F) under clear skies. It is precisely the time to visit some of Egypt’s wonderful monuments, including the Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut. The weather is perfect for sailing along the peaceful Nile in a felucca, enjoying a sunrise hot-air balloon ride over the west bank at Luxor, or taking a day trip to the Philae Temple from Aswan, laden with enticing offers.
But while the warm sun showers its magnificence during the days, the chill begins to set in after sunset; nighttime can get cold with a temperature drop down as low as 11-13°C (52-55°F), especially as you are beginning to drift out towards the desert from the cozy confines of the Nile Valley. Warm sunny days and cold evenings bathed in festivities make an ideal month to get cozy inside, enjoying the culture, or head outdoors for relaxation. Have a date on hand as you tour the temples, and then drift on the Nile for dinner.
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Red Sea Resorts (Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada)
Sun and sand would make an ideal marriage in the eyes of any winter-time beauty that Egypt offers. Day-time temperatures of 22-26°C (72-79°F), sun shining aside, dry climate, and lovely beaches are all the Red Sea has to offer. Water for swimming, scuba diving, and snorkeling has to be clear. The cool air at about 15°C (59°F) at night encourages carrying that light jacket to don after sunset. The Red Sea water temperature of 23°C (73°F), being a bit warm, accommodates all the water activities, including coral reef visits, quite comfortably for visitors. In contrast, the high summer is too hot for sunbathing, desert sightseeing, or boat tours; however, December is just right for all these. The welcoming mix of sunshine and festivities makes the Red Sea resorts the best in December.
Western Desert & Oases
When December comes, so does that just-right weather for soaking in the view of this broad expanse. A temperature range of 18 to 23 degrees C (64 to 73 degrees F) settles on during the afternoon, while the nights are cool and crisp, especially out in the open desert, getting down to 8 degrees C (46 degrees F).
It is the best of times for desert safaris and starry night camping-not to speak of a visit to natural wonders such as the White Desert with its surreal chalk formations. The oases of Siwa, Bahariya, Dakhla, Kharga, and Farafra awaken in winter, with their palm groves, hot springs, and ancient temples beckoning explorers at leisure and cultural discovery. Of course, they would not be able to enjoy their activities in the burning heat of summer. But December in the desert is heaven for the tourist-a peculiar adventure full of tranquillity is surely one of Egypt’s greatest presents for tourists visiting the Western Desert come December.
3. Sunshine, Rain, and Climate Conditions
December is basically a sunny and dry month and is consequently rated as one of the best times to travel to Egypt. Most areas are endowed with lovely daylight ranging from 8 to 10 hours of sunshine, an absolute favor for sightseeing, be it temple watching or enjoying bliss by the Red Sea. Rainfall is rare in almost all parts of the country, with maybe a sprinkle of rain in Alexandria and along some parts of the Mediterranean coast.
The desert stretches stay bone-dry, Lunder chaste clear skies with barely and trace of rainfall, while the Red Sea coastlines of Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada are cooled thereby for any outdoor amusement activities to rank perfectly, including diving and snorkeling. Hence, bright sunshine, coupled with dry spells and balmy weather, makes Egypt a perfect place to wander around unbothered by any weather uncertainties in December.
4. Best Places to Visit in December
December is perhaps the most attractive time to visit Egypt because the wonderful weather makes everything comfortable for sightseeing and outdoor activities, unbearable in hot summers. Reasonable temperatures in Giza facilitate visiting the Pyramids and Great Sphinx, with less sweat trickling down from discomfort. Heading further south, the weather at Luxor and Aswan makes it enjoyable to stroll around ancient temples, tombs, and monuments rather than tiring in the daily heat.
The days on the Nile cruise are very pleasant in December, with a mild combination of sun and cool breeze while drifting away from one archaeological wonder to the next. For some fun on the adventurous edge, the Red Sea resorts of Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada are just right for diving and snorkeling-the waters are summoning this way.
The Christmas and New Year’s vibe drifting through the whole month of December puts on another coating of charm. Cairo city would be busting with decorations, bazaars, and cultural shows, whereas the top coastal resorts will be about holiday-themed events, turning the month into an excellent time for both visitations and celebrations.
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5. What to Pack for Egypt in December
While packing for an Egyptian trip, keep in mind the wide variations that the weather presents from one region to another during December. Most parts of the country do remain comfortably warm through the day, perfect for sightseeing, but after sundown, it does get chilly in the deserts, Luxor, Aswan, and the oases. Lightweight and breathable fabrics certainly dominate the daytime: cotton shirts, linen trousers, or loose cotton dresses will keep you cool and simultaneously please Egypt’s conservative culture, but throw in some warm clothes for the unbearable story at night: sweaters, cardigans, or at least a medium-weight jacket are good to keep you comfortably warm when the temperature drops out of nowhere.
Good walking shoes are essential, as most of the tours involve great deals of walking around the ancient sites, temples, pyramids, or museum buildings, and through lively streets or bazaars. When thinking of the winter sun, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat will do the trick to protect you when out and about for Nile cruises or desert safaris. A light scarf or shawl will come in handy not just for modesty inside mosques and churches or for warmth if it gets chilly in the evening, but also as sun protection during the day.
Swimwear and a light cover-up should be at the top of the list of must-packs, as Red Sea resorts remain great for December diving and snorkeling. Other useful things for the tour to bring along will be a reusable water bottle, small toiletries, and a small daypack to carry the essentials. Smart layering in your packing list will surely prepare you and make your stay comfortable and stylish here in weather in egypt in December while you enjoy the December climate.
6. Travel Tips for December Visitors
Truly an immaculate choice to be in good weather in egypt in december in the month of December, with a little preparation, would somehow have made it less of a hassle to plan. Since December is mostly treated as high season, one should always ensure to make bookings for flights, hotels, and Nile cruises way in advance to attain the lowest fares possible and avoid any last-minute rushes. Guided tours need to be likewise secured in safeguards because the more famous spots like the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor Temple, and Abu Simbel get congested during these times.
The weather is good for all sorts of beings, including families with children or the elderly, minus the summer heat, so that makes the month tremendously suitable for family outings to Egypt. And the first-timers really deserve such atmospheric conditions that will see them walking around famous historic locations and bustling markets without breaking into a sweat.
December, thus, is that one mix where culture and leisure are in perfect harmony for one to spend. One can spend his/her morning days at the back of calm, millennia-old temples, museums, and mosques, with lots of time in the afternoons close to warm waters of the Red Sea in Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada for snorkeling and diving. Then there are many resorts and cities putting up special parties for Christmas and New Year, giving it an uncommon blend of Egyptian and international holiday spirit.
7. Conclusion
The weather in Egypt offers that special mix of mild comfort and sheer excitement in December. With fairly warm sunshine during the day and somewhat cool nights, this month shall remain among the most pleasant months to visit the country’s treasures. December allows for the right temperatures to take a walk in the late evening around the Pyramids of Giza or in the temples of Luxor, jump on a Nile cruise, or chill on the Red Sea’s beaches.
December tops the list of times to travel and visit Egypt, as much as an intriguing cultural trip to ancient sites or a much-needed family holiday filled with fun, where history comes second. There are celebrations around, so make sure you have a memory that stands out from the rest.