Written by the Misktours Team — March 2026
There’s a specific time each year when I believe Egypt in November becomes a flawless, quintessential tourist destination. Egypt’s peak tourist season typically runs from mid-December to February, making November a strategically crucial month: the summer heat is completely over, there’s almost no rain, and the December holiday crowds haven’t yet arrived. In my experience, the result is a warm, dry, and sunny month across most of the country, from the Pyramids of Giza to the temples of Luxor and the coral reefs of the Red Sea.
Understanding the weather in Egypt in November goes beyond simply reading the temperature. Egypt stretches over 1,000 kilometers from the Mediterranean coast in the north to the Sudanese border in the south, and I’ve found that the climatic variations between these two extremes are significant enough to influence what you pack, where you go, and how you plan each day. In this guide, I’ll give you the complete, data-driven picture—region by region, traveler by type—so you can arrive prepared and make the most of every hour.
Egypt in November — Key Climate Data at a Glance
Before I dive into each destination, here is the reference table I always use when planning a November Egypt itinerary. All figures represent long-term monthly averages.
| Destination | Avg. High | Avg. Low | Rain Days | Humidity | Sea Temp |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cairo / Giza | 25–26°C | 14–16°C | ~1.5 days | 57–61% | — |
| Luxor | 29°C | 12°C | 0 days | 51% | — |
| Aswan | 32°C | 17°C | 0 days | Very low | — |
| Hurghada | 27°C | 17°C | 0.2 days | 51% | 25.5°C |
| Sharm El-Sheikh | 27°C | 19°C | 0.4 days | 46% | 25.8°C |
| Alexandria | 24°C | 14°C | 5.4 days | 68% | 22.4°C |
Here is my one-line verdict for each destination:
- Cairo/Giza: Warm days, but really cool nights – dress warmly after sunset.
- Luxor: No rain, no humidity – November is considered the best month of the year.
- Aswan: The warmest city in the country in November; ideal for Nile cruises.
- Hurghada: Almost rain-free, and the sea is still good for swimming.
- Sharm El Sheikh: Always sunny with 9-10 hours of sunshine daily; excellent for diving.
- Alexandria: The only destination where I would recommend packing a raincoat – light Mediterranean showers are possible.
Regional Weather Breakdown
Cairo & Giza
When I think about the weather in Cairo, Egypt, in November, the word that comes to mind is balanced. The average high temperature in November in Cairo is 24.8°C, and the average low temperature is 14.1°C, with an average of 8.3 hours of sunshine per day. For anyone spending their days at the Pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum, or wandering the alleyways of Islamic Cairo, these figures translate to genuinely comfortable sightseeing conditions. Mornings are crisp and energising; afternoons warm but never intense; evenings require a light jacket, especially if you’re planning a rooftop dinner or an evening felucca ride on the Nile.
In Giza specifically, average high temperatures in November reach 25.4°C and lows drop to 15.8°C, with November being the calmest month of the year in terms of wind speed, averaging just 12.1 km/h. That calm air quality makes early-morning visits to the Pyramids — before the tour groups arrive — a particularly rewarding experience in my view.
One data point I always flag to fellow travellers: the average daily maximum UV index in November in Cairo is 5, which represents a moderate health threat from UV ray exposure. November sunshine feels mild, but I never skip sunscreen when spending several hours outdoors here — and neither should you.
Luxor and Aswan
Of all the destinations I researched and visited in November, Luxor is the one I would most confidently recommend. In November, Luxor’s average high temperature reaches 28.9°C, while the average low temperature drops to 11.6°C. There is absolutely no rain in November, and the relative humidity is only 51%. This combination of no rain, low humidity, and warm daytime temperatures makes Luxor the most weather-stable destination in Egypt this month. I visited the Valley of the Kings in November, and I assure you: no heat stress, no risk of rain, and perfectly clear skies—ideal for photography from every angle.
Aswan is slightly warmer, with an average high temperature of around 32°C, and it also experiences almost no rain in November. I set out from Aswan to explore the Philae Temple, which is only accessible by boat and best visited at sunrise or sunset. I also visited the Abu Simbel temples near the Sudanese border and joined multi-day Nile cruises that passed Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, and the ancient temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo. The daytime temperatures in November are pleasantly warm enough to enjoy the Nile from the deck without any discomfort, while the cool evenings offer an unforgettable experience dining al fresco on the water.
Hurghada and the Red Sea Coast
In my opinion, Hurghada’s climate in November is among the most stable in the Mediterranean and Red Sea region. Temperatures in Hurghada range from a high of 26.8°C to a low of 16.6°C, while the average water temperature is 25.5°C, an ideal range for swimming, diving, and extended periods of water activities. Rainfall is minimal, occurring only 0.2 days a month, with an average of less than 2 mm.
Sunshine in Hurghada during November averages 8.8 hours per day, with a maximum UV index of 6 daily, a level considered high-risk for health. This fact often surprises visitors, and I experienced it firsthand: while the air temperature may seem cool enough to overlook sunscreen, a UV index of 6 on the beach or a diving boat can cause sunburn within 30-40 minutes of direct sun exposure. I always make sure to carry sunscreen with SPF 50 when I go to the Red Sea, without exception.
I’ve also noticed that underwater visibility in the Red Sea improves significantly in November. During the summer months, the surface water temperature rises, which can reduce visibility, but by November, conditions stabilize, currents subside, and the coral reefs around Hurghada become some of the best diving spots of the year.
Sharm El-Sheikh & Sinai
In Sharm El-Sheikh, the average high temperature in November is 27°C and the average low is 18.9°C. The average seawater temperature is 25.8°C, and November is technically the month with the most rainfall in Sharm El-Sheikh — though this amounts to only 3mm across 0.4 rainy days.
In practical terms, every November visit I’m aware of to Sharm has been almost entirely sunny. There are approximately 270 hours of bright sunshine during an average November, equating to 9 hours of sunshine per day. The low humidity (46%) makes the warmth feel comfortable rather than oppressive, and the calm wind conditions mean boat trips, snorkelling excursions, and open-water dives all operate smoothly.
If I were planning to combine a Sharm stay with a trip to Mount Sinai, I’d pack a windproof layer and warm base layers regardless of how mild the conditions felt at sea level. A November night on the summit at 2,285 metres is genuinely cold — this is one packing decision I’d never leave to chance.
Alexandria
Alexandria is the statistical outlier I always flag in any conversation about the weather in Egypt in November. November is actually Alexandria’s warmest month, with temperatures ranging between a maximum of 24.1°C and a minimum of 14.3°C. However, the city receives 32mm of precipitation across 5.4 rainy days, and relative humidity reaches 68%. Alexandria is the one Egyptian destination where I pack a light rain jacket as a practical necessity, not an overpacking decision.
That said, there are normally 8 hours of bright sunshine each day in Alexandria in November, 71% of daylight hours. The rain is primarily limited to brief Mediterranean showers, not sustained downpours. The city’s world-class cultural institutions — the Great Library of Alexandria, the Greco-Roman Museum, and the ancient Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa — make it easy to wait out any brief rainfall without disrupting your itinerary, and I’ve never had a full day wiped out by rain here in November.
Is November Right for Your Trip? (By Traveller Type)
🏛️ History & Culture Tourists — My Strongest Recommendation
In my view, November is statistically the best month for Egyptology-focused tourism. Daytime temperatures across the key heritage sites range from 25°C to 32°C — warm enough to be comfortable, cool enough to spend five or six hours on-site without heat exhaustion. November recorded 1.43 million visitors to Egypt in 2024, which is lower than December’s 1.53 million — meaning I consistently find shorter queues and more space at the Pyramids, the Valley of the Kings, and Karnak compared to the high-season months.
🤿 Beach & Diving Tourists — Highly Recommended
With Red Sea water temperatures at 25–26°C and virtually zero rain probability along the coast, I find November delivers beach and diving conditions that rival October while offering better value than December. Visibility underwater is excellent, currents are stable, and the daytime air temperature is warm enough for comfortable beach time without the punishing summer heat I’ve experienced in July and August.
💑 Honeymooners — A Value Window I’d Jump On
Hotel rates in November are typically 15–25% lower than December–February peak season prices. Luxury resorts and boutique Nile cruise boats that are fully booked from mid-December onwards still have strong availability in November — and in my research, the savings are meaningful enough to significantly upgrade the quality of accommodation for the same budget.
👨👩👧 Families — Well-Suited with a Few Notes
The temperature range across Egypt in November — roughly 14°C to 32°C depending on destination — is manageable for children of all ages. I’ve seen no extreme heat risks for outdoor sightseeing in November, no significant rain disruptions outside Alexandria, and the slightly lower crowd levels compared to December mean less time queuing at major sites. My only practical note for families: pack light layers for children for Cairo evenings, which can feel surprisingly cool after sunset.
💰 Budget Travellers — Book in the First Two Weeks
Egypt’s winter peak season typically begins in mid-November through February, when hotels in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, and along the Nile are at their highest prices. Based on my research, early November — the first two weeks — still carries shoulder-season pricing on flights and hotels. Late November starts to see noticeable price increases at popular properties. If budget is a priority, I’d target arrivals in the first ten days of November and book accommodation at least 6–8 weeks in advance.
Travel to Egypt on a Budget – Explore More, Spend Less!
November Events Worth Planning Around
The Cairo International Film Festival
The Cairo International Film Festival is one of the oldest and most prestigious film festivals in the Arab world and Africa, and the only festival in the region to hold Category A classification from the international federation that governs film producers globally. The 2025 edition ran from November 12 to 21, with screenings held at the Cairo Opera House and several downtown theatres. I always recommend that cultural tourists factor this event into their Cairo timing — it adds a compelling contemporary dimension to what is typically a history-focused itinerary, and the atmosphere around the Opera House during the festival is genuinely electric.
Nile Cruise Peak Season Opens
November is when I believe the Nile cruise experience reaches its annual best. With mild and pleasant weather, temperatures typically ranging from 20°C to 28°C, and cooler evenings perfect for enjoying sunset views along the Nile, November offers an ideal blend of comfort and tranquillity for Nile exploration, with fewer tourists than the December–February peak. I’ve found most cruise itineraries on the Luxor–Aswan route still have availability with 4–6 weeks’ notice in November — a window that closes fast once December arrives.
Islamic Calendar Considerations
I always check the Islamic calendar when planning travel to Egypt in any month. The calendar shifts approximately 11 days earlier each Gregorian year, and major Islamic holidays can affect site opening hours and the operating patterns of local restaurants and services. It is worth confirming before you book whether any significant dates fall within your specific November travel window for 2025 or 2026.
November vs. October vs. December — My Honest Comparison
| Factor | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cairo avg. high | 29°C | 25°C | 20°C |
| Luxor avg. high | 35°C | 29°C | 23°C |
| Red Sea sea temp | 27–28°C | 25–26°C | 23–24°C |
| Rain risk (Cairo) | Very low | Very low | Low-moderate |
| Crowd level | Low | Moderate | High |
| Hotel prices | Shoulder | Shoulder-rising | Peak |
| Nile cruise value | High | High | Lower |
| Abu Simbel festival | Oct 22 ✅ | — | — |
| Cairo Film Festival | — | Nov 12–21 ✅ | — |
My Honest Verdict:
October has lower crowds and a warmer Red Sea, but Luxor’s 35°C average high makes afternoon temple visits genuinely punishing. December is only worth considering if the festive atmosphere justifies peak-season prices — for most tourists, it doesn’t.
November threads the needle between the two: comfortable temperatures, manageable crowds, and shoulder-season value. For the widest range of tourist profiles, it is simply the best month to visit Egypt.
What to Pack — Based on Where You’re Going
The biggest packing mistake I see tourists make is treating Egypt as a single climate. It isn’t. Here is my region-by-region breakdown for the weather in Egypt for November:
| Region | Destinations | Days | Evenings | Don’t Forget |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Egypt | Cairo, Giza, Alexandria | 24–26°C — no jacket needed | 14–16°C — genuinely cool | Light jacket + comfortable walking shoes |
| Upper Egypt | Luxor, Aswan | 29–32°C — light & breathable | 12°C — sharper than you expect | Proper jacket + extra water |
| Red Sea Coast | Hurghada, Sharm | Warm — standard beach gear | 17–19°C — mild | SPF 50 + reef-safe sunscreen |
Three rules that apply everywhere in Egypt in November:
- Cover up at historical sites. Shoulders and knees must be covered at all temples, mosques, and religious sites — regardless of the temperature outside.
- Always carry water. Dehydration is a real risk even in November’s mild weather, particularly in the dry air of Upper Egypt, where you lose moisture faster than you realise.
- Never skip sunscreen. The UV index across Egypt in November sits at 5–6. The air feels cool — the sun doesn’t care.
FAQ
Is it too hot in Egypt in November?
In my experience, no. Daytime temperatures range from 24°C in Cairo to 32°C in Aswan — warm and sunny, but nothing close to the intense 38–42°C heat of July and August. The UV index of 5–6 across most of the country means sun protection remains essential, even when the air temperature feels mild.
Can you swim in Egypt in November?
Yes — particularly on the Red Sea coast. The average water temperature in Hurghada in November is 25.5°C, which I consider fully comfortable for swimming, snorkelling, and diving. Alexandria’s Mediterranean sea temperature of 22.4°C is cooler and better suited for a brief refreshing swim than extended sessions.
Does it rain in Egypt in November?
Rarely, outside Alexandria. Cairo records just 4mm of rain across roughly 1.5 days in the entire month. Luxor and Aswan record zero. The Red Sea coast averages only 2–3mm. Only Alexandria sees meaningful rainfall — 32mm across 5.4 days — which is why it’s the one destination where I always pack a rain jacket.
Is November peak season in Egypt?
It’s the start of the transition into peak season, not peak season itself. Egypt’s winter peak season runs from mid-November through February, which means the first half of November still carries shoulder-season characteristics in terms of pricing and crowd levels — a window I’d take advantage of.
What should I wear in Egypt at night in November?
I always bring a light-to-medium jacket for Cairo, Alexandria, and Luxor, where evening temperatures drop to 12–16°C. On the Red Sea coast, evenings are milder at 17–19°C — a sweatshirt or light cardigan is usually enough.
How much does a trip to Egypt cost in November?
Hotel rates in November run approximately 15–25% lower than December–February peak season prices, making it one of the best-value months in the Egyptian tourist calendar. Based on my research, mid-range travellers can expect to spend $80–$150 per day, including accommodation, food, and site entry fees. Budget travellers can manage on $40–$60 per day in Cairo.
Is the weather suitable for first-time visitors?
I’d say November is actually the ideal entry point for first-time Egypt visitors. The combination of dry conditions, comfortable temperatures, manageable UV levels, and pre-peak crowds creates an environment where first-timers can focus on absorbing Egypt’s extraordinary historical sites without the logistical complications of extreme heat or overcrowded monuments.
Conclusion: November — Egypt’s Data-Validated Sweet Spot
After all my research and experience, I always come back to the same conclusion: November isn’t just a good time to visit Egypt; for most tourists, it’s the absolute best time.
The data confirms this by all measures: 8 to 9 hours of sunshine daily across most of the country, almost no rainfall outside of Alexandria, and Red Sea temperatures ranging between 25 and 26 degrees Celsius, making daytime walks in the fresh air incredibly comfortable. Add to that its strategic location between the lingering warmth of October and the peak tourist season of December, and it’s hard to argue against this claim.
Considering the weather, crowds, and budget, November stands out as the best and most balanced time on the Egyptian travel calendar, and in my opinion, it surpasses all other months due to the wide variety of travelers it caters to.
