Egypt in November: Complete Weather and Travel Guide 2026

published : July 2026

Weather in Egypt in November, City by City

In Cairo and Giza, daytime highs sit around 26-28°C, dropping to a comfortable 15-17°C at night, so a light jacket for evenings at the Pyramids sound and light show is worth packing. Head south and it stays a touch warmer: Luxor and Aswan see daytime highs of 30-32°C, ideal conditions for walking through Karnak Temple or the Valley of the Kings without summer heat exhaustion.

Along the coast, Egypt in November keeps the Red Sea swimmable, with sea temperatures around 26°C in Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, so beach add-ons still work well at the tail end of a Cairo and Nile cruise itinerary. Out in the Western Desert, nights around Siwa and the White Desert can dip toward 8-11°C, so a proper camping trip needs a warm sleeping bag even though days stay pleasantly mild.

Egypt in November vs Other Months

Travelers often ask how this month stacks up against the shoulder months on either side. Compared with Egypt in October, November is a few degrees cooler across the board and slightly less humid on the coast, which many travelers find more comfortable for full days of walking between temples.

Compared with December, Egypt in November is noticeably quieter and cheaper, since it sits just ahead of the Christmas and New Year rush that pushes Nile cruise cabins and Cairo hotel rooms toward their highest rates of the year. For travelers weighing exact dates, early November leans closer to October’s pricing while late November starts to see the first signs of December’s demand, so booking mid-month often gets the best balance of weather and value.

Why Visit Egypt in November

Beyond the weather, this time of year wins on value and pacing. Airfares and cruise cabins have not yet hit the December-January premium, so travelers who book Egypt in November trips typically pay noticeably less than the same itinerary run six weeks later.

Crowds are the other advantage. Egypt in November falls just before the winter high season, meaning shorter queues at the Grand Egyptian Museum, more availability on popular Nile cruise sailings, and calmer photo opportunities at Luxor Temple.

For travelers who want the classic Egypt experience without shoulder-to-shoulder tour groups, this month is close to the ideal compromise. It is also a strong window for photography, since the lower winter sun angle produces warmer, longer golden hours at sunrise and sunset over the temples and the Nile.

Best Places to Visit in Egypt in November

Cairo and Giza

Cairo tours are a natural first stop for any Egypt in November itinerary. Mornings stay cool enough for a relaxed visit to the Great Pyramids of Giza, and the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum is best explored early before the afternoon warms up. The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square, Old Cairo, and the Khan El Khalili bazaar round out a full day or two in the capital.

Luxor

No trip to Egypt in November is complete without Luxor. The Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and the Temple of Hatshepsut are all comfortably walkable in November’s dry heat, and Luxor tours can be combined easily with a Nile cruise departure. A sunrise hot air balloon ride over the West Bank is one of the best-value add-ons of the whole trip at this time of year, since November’s clear skies keep cancellations low.

Aswan

Aswan tours round out a classic southern route at this time of year, with Philae Temple and the Aswan High Dam best visited by boat in the late afternoon light. A short felucca sail around Elephantine Island and the Nubian villages is one of the more relaxed half-days on any Egypt in November route.

Abu Simbel

A day trip from Aswan to Abu Simbel is well worth the early start during this month, since the temperature at the site stays manageable even at midday, unlike the summer months when heat makes the outdoor viewing areas uncomfortable. The Great Temple of Ramses II and the smaller Temple of Hathor are usually visited together as a half-day round trip, either by road convoy or a short flight.

Nile Cruise

Sailing the Nile is arguably the best way to experience Egypt in November, since cruise season is in full swing and cabins still carry pre-peak pricing. A 4 or 5 night sailing between Luxor and Aswan captures nearly every major temple along the river — see the difference between standard, deluxe, and luxury cruise categories before booking.

Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, Dahab and Marsa Alam

For travelers who want to close out a November trip with sun and sea, Hurghada tours and Sharm El Sheikh tours both deliver warm, swimmable water and reliably sunny days, making a Red Sea extension an easy add-on after Cairo or Luxor.

Dahab, a smaller and more laid-back town near Sharm, is worth considering for travelers who prefer a quieter base with easy shore diving at the Blue Hole, while Marsa Alam further south is known for calmer, less-developed reefs and a good chance of spotting dugongs and sea turtles. Snorkeling and diving conditions across all four spots are excellent in November, with warm water and good visibility before the cooler winter months set in.

Alexandria

Alexandria day tours suit travelers who want a cooler, coastal change of pace from the desert heat further south, combining the Qaitbay Citadel, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, and the modern Bibliotheca Alexandrina in a single relaxed day.

Western Desert and Siwa

For a very different side of Egypt in November, the White Desert and Siwa Oasis offer chalk-white rock formations, natural hot springs, and star-filled night skies, best enjoyed as a multi-day camping extension for travelers with a bit more time.

Sample 7-Day Itinerary for Egypt in November, Hour by Hour

A well-paced route through Egypt in November typically covers Cairo, a Luxor to Aswan Nile cruise, and an optional Red Sea close-out, timed so that the hottest and busiest hours of the day fall during transfers, meals, or cruise sailing rather than outdoor sightseeing. The breakdown below reflects how Tripianto typically paces a private, guided version of this route.

Day 1 — Arrival in Cairo

• Afternoon (2:00-5:00 PM): Land at Cairo International Airport, meet your private driver and guide, transfer to a Giza-area hotel (roughly 45-60 minutes depending on traffic).
• Evening (6:30-8:00 PM): Settle in, then head to the Pyramids Sound and Light Show once the day’s heat has fully dropped — a relaxed first introduction to Giza before the crowds arrive tomorrow.
• Dinner: A rooftop restaurant with a Pyramid view is a popular first-night choice, giving a preview of tomorrow’s main sightseeing.

Day 2 — Giza Plateau and the Grand Egyptian Museum

• Morning (8:00-11:00 AM): Early arrival at the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx, timed to beat both the heat and the tour bus crowds; this is also the best light window for photography.
• Midday (11:30 AM-2:30 PM): Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum, allowing at least three hours to see the Tutankhamun galleries properly; a light lunch break is usually built in around the museum’s own cafe.
• Afternoon (3:00-5:00 PM): Optional stop at the Solar Boat Museum or a papyrus and perfume workshop, both easy additions given the cooler November afternoon.
• Evening (6:00-8:00 PM): Khan El Khalili bazaar for shopping and a traditional Egyptian dinner at a restaurant inside the market itself.

Day 3 — Fly to Luxor, East Bank Temples

• Morning (7:00-9:00 AM): Domestic flight from Cairo to Luxor (roughly 1 hour 15 minutes), followed by hotel check-in and a light lunch.
• Afternoon (2:00-5:00 PM): Visit Karnak Temple, timed for the softer late-afternoon light and cooler temperatures.
• Evening (6:00-7:30 PM): Luxor Temple, which is particularly striking after dark once the columns are lit.

Day 4 — West Bank and Nile Cruise Embarkation

• Early morning (5:30-7:00 AM, optional): Sunrise hot air balloon flight over the West Bank, one of the most popular add-ons of the entire trip.
• Morning (8:00-11:30 AM): Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut, completed before the midday heat builds.
• Afternoon (12:30-4:00 PM): Lunch, then transfer to the Nile cruise ship and check into your cabin.
• Evening: Welcome dinner on board as the ship begins sailing toward Edfu.

Day 5 — Sailing to Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan

• Morning (7:00-9:00 AM): Edfu Temple, usually reached by a short horse-drawn carriage ride from the dock.
• Afternoon (2:00-4:00 PM): Kom Ombo Temple, the unique double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus, visited as the ship continues south.
• Evening: Overnight sailing toward Aswan, with dinner and an optional Nubian-themed evening on board.

Day 6 — Aswan and Optional Abu Simbel

• Early morning (4:00 AM departure, optional): Day trip to Abu Simbel, roughly 3 hours each way by road convoy, or a short flight for travelers who prefer to save the time.
• Late morning (10:00 AM-12:30 PM): Philae Temple by boat, plus a stop at the Aswan High Dam.
• Afternoon: Free time back on the ship, or an optional visit to a Nubian village.
• Sunset (5:00-6:30 PM): Felucca sail around Elephantine Island, one of the most relaxed highlights of the whole week.

Day 7 — Departure or Red Sea Extension

• Morning: Disembark the cruise after breakfast, transfer to Aswan airport for a flight back to Cairo and onward departure.
• Extension option: Travelers with extra days can instead fly directly from Luxor or Cairo to Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh for a 3-4 night Red Sea close-out before flying home.

This structure works well across Egypt in November specifically because the weather stays mild enough at every stop to keep the pace comfortable without long midday breaks, and early starts at Giza and Luxor also mean better light for photos and noticeably thinner crowds.

What to Eat During Egypt in November

Food is easy to enjoy comfortably this month, since the milder weather means outdoor and rooftop restaurants stay pleasant well into the evening. Menus shift slightly by region, but a few dishes and drinks are worth seeking out wherever the itinerary goes during Egypt in November.

• Koshari: Cairo’s signature street food, a hearty mix of rice, lentils, macaroni, and spiced tomato sauce, topped with crispy fried onions.
• Grilled Nile fish: A Luxor and Aswan staple, often served riverside with rice and salad as the sun sets over the water.
• Nubian-style dishes: Look for okra, tomato, and rice stews around Aswan, reflecting the region’s distinct Nubian cuisine.
• Fresh Red Sea seafood: Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, and Dahab restaurants specialize in same-day catches, from grilled sea bass to prawns.
• Ful medames and taameya: A classic Egyptian breakfast of stewed fava beans and Egyptian-style falafel, widely available at hotels and local cafes.
• Fresh juices: Mango, guava, and sugarcane juice stalls are common in Cairo and Luxor and are a refreshing way to cool down between sites.
• Egyptian coffee and mint tea: Worth trying at any point in the trip, often served as a gesture of hospitality at shops and smaller restaurants.

Most tourist-area restaurants can comfortably accommodate vegetarian requests, and hotel buffets along the Nile cruise and Red Sea legs typically mix international options with the Egyptian dishes above.

Things to Do in Egypt in November

Beyond the core temple circuit, this month’s mild weather opens up a wider range of activities than would be comfortable in summer, from felucca sailing to desert camping. A few worth building into any Egypt in November itinerary:

• Ride a felucca on the Nile at sunset in Aswan, one of the most relaxed hours of the entire trip.
• Alexandria day tours for a cooler, coastal change of pace from the desert heat further south.
• Snorkel or dive the reefs off Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, or Dahab’s Blue Hole while the water is still warm and clear.
• Watch the sound and light show at the Pyramids of Giza on the first evening of the trip.
• Join a Nile cruise departure between Luxor and Aswan to cover four major temple sites without repeated packing and unpacking.
• Take a sunrise hot air balloon flight over Luxor’s West Bank for a wide view of the Valley of the Kings.
• Add a day trip to Abu Simbel from Aswan, best done early to avoid the midday sun at the outdoor viewing terraces.
• Camp under clear desert skies in the White Desert or Siwa Oasis for a very different pace from the Nile Valley.
• Wander Khan El Khalili bazaar in Cairo for spices, textiles, and souvenirs, especially pleasant on a cooler November evening.
• Visit a Nubian village near Aswan for a firsthand look at the region’s distinct culture and colorful architecture.

Events and Festivals in Egypt in November

November also lines up with a handful of cultural moments worth building a trip around. The Aswan International Sculpture Symposium, which typically runs across several weeks in the month, brings international sculptors to carve granite along the Nile, and various other Nile-side cultural festivals often run alongside it. The month sits just before the Christmas Tours season begins in early December, so travelers eyeing an early winter escape can often combine both. Cairo’s cultural calendar also tends to pick up in November, with gallery openings and outdoor concerts taking advantage of the cooler evenings.

Budget and Costs in Egypt in November

Because this month falls just ahead of peak winter pricing, Egypt in November tends to offer some of the best value of the entire high season. Nile cruise cabins, Cairo hotels, and domestic flights are generally priced below their December-February peak, while still delivering the same comfortable weather travelers want for a first Egypt trip.

These figures generally include accommodation, private guided touring, and internal transport, but exclude international flights. A private guided tour with a licensed Egyptologist, private transport, and a mix of standard and deluxe accommodation remains one of the most cost-effective ways to see the country’s major sites without the logistics of planning everything independently.

Photography Tips for Egypt in November

Photographers tend to rate this month highly, since the lower winter sun angle creates warmer light and longer shadows across the temples than the harsh overhead sun of summer. Sunrise at Karnak Temple and sunset over the Nile from a felucca both benefit from November’s softer light, and clearer autumn skies generally mean fewer washed-out midday shots than earlier in the year.

A polarizing filter helps cut glare off the Nile and the Red Sea, and an early start at Giza before the site fills with tour buses remains the single best way to get an uncrowded shot of the Great Pyramid.

Family Travel in Egypt in November

Families with children often find this month one of the easiest windows to travel in, since the milder temperatures mean less risk of overheating during a full day of sightseeing at Giza or Luxor. Nile cruises work particularly well for families, since the itinerary alternates active temple visits with relaxed time on board, and private guides can adjust pacing and site selection around younger travelers.

A Red Sea extension in Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh also gives families a lower-key few days to unwind after a history-heavy first half of the trip, with calm, shallow entry points at many resort beaches.

Where to Stay During Egypt in November

Accommodation choices are wide across every stop on a typical Egypt in November route. In Cairo, hotels near Giza with Pyramid views suit travelers who want an early start before the site opens, while downtown and Zamalek hotels put Tahrir Square and Khan El Khalili within easy reach.

In Luxor, riverside hotels on the East Bank offer easy access to Karnak Temple, while a Nile cruise cabin effectively doubles as accommodation for the Luxor to Aswan leg, saving a separate hotel booking. Along the Red Sea, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, and Dahab each offer a full range from mid-range beach resorts to five-star all-inclusive properties, and November’s milder temperatures make garden and pool-facing rooms just as pleasant as sea-view options.

Health and Safety Tips for Egypt in November

Egypt in November is generally an easy month for first-time visitors from a health standpoint, since the extreme summer heat has passed and the risk of heat exhaustion drops considerably. Sun protection still matters at midday, particularly on felucca rides and open-deck cruise sections where reflection off the water increases exposure.

Tap water is best avoided in favor of bottled or filtered water, and a basic travel insurance policy covering medical evacuation is worth arranging before departure, as with any international trip. Egypt’s tourist areas maintain a visible tourism police presence, and licensed guides are well versed in adjusting pacing for travelers with mobility considerations or young children.

What to Pack for Egypt in November

Packing for this month is fairly simple, since the weather is mild rather than extreme, but a few specific items make a noticeable difference across a full Egypt in November itinerary that spans Cairo, the Nile, the desert, and possibly the Red Sea.

• Lightweight, breathable clothing: For daytime sightseeing in Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, where afternoons still climb into the high 20s and low 30s°C.
• A light jacket or sweater: For cool desert evenings, early morning balloon rides, and the drop in temperature after sunset in Cairo and Aswan.
• Comfortable walking shoes: More useful than sandals across uneven temple floors and desert sites; broken-in shoes are worth prioritizing over new ones.
• Modest clothing: Shoulders and knees covered for mosque and temple visits, regardless of season.
• Reusable water bottle: November’s midday sun is still strong even when the air feels cooler, so steady hydration matters.
• Sunscreen and a hat: For sun exposure on felucca rides, cruise decks, and open-air temple sites.
• A warmer layer for the desert: Essential for anyone extending into the White Desert or Siwa Oasis, where nights can drop toward 8-11°C.
• Reef-safe sunscreen: For anyone snorkeling or diving off Dahab or Marsa Alam, to help protect the coral.
• A basic first-aid kit and any personal medication: Kept in carry-on luggage in case checked bags are delayed.

Travel Tips for Egypt in November

A few practical notes make planning smoother once the destinations and pacing for Egypt in November are set.

• Book 6-8 weeks ahead: A Nile cruise or Cairo, Luxor & Hurghada package is best booked early to secure better cabin categories and hotel rates as winter demand rises.
• Visa requirements: Stay the same as the rest of the year; most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival or via Egypt’s e-Visa portal.
• Currency and tipping: Follow the same customs as year-round — carrying a mix of Egyptian pounds and small US dollar notes is generally recommended.
• Start with a tailor-made itinerary: Tailor-made itinerary built specifically around this month’s weather and events, rather than adapting a generic template.
• Solo and female travelers are welcomed: Throughout Egypt in November, and hiring a licensed private guide remains one of the best ways to stay both informed and comfortable at busier sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the weather like in Egypt in November?

It is warm and dry, with Cairo highs around 26-28°C, Luxor and Aswan around 30-32°C, the Red Sea coast staying swimmable at roughly 26°C, and desert nights around Siwa dropping as low as 8-11°C.

Is Egypt in November better than December?

It tends to be less crowded and less expensive than December, while still offering comfortable temperatures for sightseeing and Nile cruising. Compare against our Egypt in October guide if your dates are flexible.

Do I need to book a Nile cruise in advance for Egypt in November?

Yes, since this month falls right before peak winter season, booking a Nile cruise six to eight weeks ahead is recommended for the best cabin availability, particularly for deluxe and luxury categories.

Can I swim in the Red Sea during Egypt in November?

Yes, Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh, and Dahab all stay swimmable this time of year, with sea temperatures around 25-26°C.

Is it cold in the desert during Egypt in November?

Days stay mild, but desert nights around Siwa and the White Desert can drop toward 8-11°C, so a warm layer is worth packing for overnight camping trips.

How many days do I need for a full Egypt in November trip?

Seven days is generally enough to cover Cairo, a Luxor to Aswan Nile cruise, and a short Red Sea extension, though 10 days allows a more relaxed pace and room for an Abu Simbel add-on.

Is Egypt in November crowded with tourists?

It is quieter than the December to February peak, though popular sites like Giza and Karnak Temple still see moderate crowds, especially by mid-morning.

What is a realistic daily budget for Egypt in November?

Budget travelers can expect roughly $60-100 per day, mid-range travelers $120-200 per day, and luxury travelers $250 or more per day, excluding international flights

Conclusion

Egypt in November combines comfortable weather, thinner crowds, and pre-peak pricing in a way few other months can match. Whether the plan is a Cairo and Nile cruise combination, a Luxor to Hurghada route ending on the Red Sea, or a longer trip that adds Abu Simbel and the White Desert, this month is a genuinely smart window to build a private, guided itinerary around — design your journey here.