December is one of the best months to visit Egypt. Days are sunny and mild, between 20 °C in Cairo and 25 °C in Aswan, and rain is rare everywhere except the Mediterranean coast. You can explore temples at midday without the summer heat, and the Red Sea is still warm enough to swim. The trade-offs are cool nights, short days and the busiest crowds of the year over Christmas and New Year. In this guide, the team at Egypt Best Vacations breaks down December weather region by region, what to pack, and how to plan the perfect winter trip.
Egypt Weather in December at a Glance
| Destination | Day (avg. high) | Night (avg. low) | Rain | Sea |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cairo & Giza | 20–21 °C | 10–11 °C | Rare (1–2 light showers) | – |
| Alexandria | 19–20 °C | 11–12 °C | Wettest month (about 7 rainy days) | about 20 °C |
| Luxor | 23–24 °C | 7–8 °C | Almost none | – |
| Aswan & Abu Simbel | 24–25 °C | 9–10 °C | Almost none | – |
| Hurghada | 23–24 °C | 14–15 °C | Almost none | about 23 °C |
| Sharm El-Sheikh | 24–25 °C | 15–16 °C | Almost none | about 24 °C |
| Siwa & White Desert | 19–21 °C | 3–6 °C | Almost none | – |
Figures are long-term averages. A sunny afternoon can feel warmer, and desert nights can drop close to freezing.
Cairo and Giza in December
Cairo is pleasantly mild in December, with sunny days around 20 °C and cool evenings around 10 °C. It is perfect weather for the Pyramids of Giza, where there is little shade, and for a full day at the Grand Egyptian Museum. Mornings can be hazy, so plan pyramid photos for late morning or the golden hour before sunset, around 5 pm. Bring a light jacket for evenings in Khan El Khalili or a Nile dinner cruise.
Luxor and Aswan in December
Upper Egypt is at its best. Luxor and Aswan enjoy warm, dry days of 23–25 °C and almost no chance of rain, which makes December ideal for the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple and Abu Simbel. The big difference is the night. Desert air cools fast, and early mornings in Luxor can be as cold as 7–8 °C. Hot air balloon flights at sunrise are spectacular, but wear a warm layer.
December is also a wonderful month for a Nile cruise. Afternoons on the sun deck are warm, and evenings on board are cool and calm.
The Red Sea in December: Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh
Want winter sun? The Red Sea delivers. Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh see daytime temperatures of 23–25 °C, and the sea stays around 23–24 °C, warm enough for snorkeling and diving, especially with a short wetsuit. Evenings are breezy and cooler, around 15 °C, so pack a sweater for dinner by the beach. Sharm El-Sheikh is usually a degree or two warmer than Hurghada.
Alexandria and the Mediterranean Coast
December is the wettest month in Alexandria, with around 7 rainy days, sometimes with strong winds and rough seas. Rain usually comes in short showers, so sightseeing is still very possible. Just pack an umbrella or rain jacket. It is too cold for most people to swim in the Mediterranean.
The Western Desert in December
Desert days in Siwa, Bahariya and the White Desert are sunny and comfortable at around 20 °C, perfect for jeep safaris and dune walks. Nights are another story. Temperatures in the open desert fall to 3–6 °C and can approach freezing. If you’re camping, bring a warm jacket, a hat and thermal layers. Good camps provide thick blankets and a campfire.
What to Pack for Egypt in December
- Layers: T-shirts for midday, plus a sweater or fleece and a light jacket for mornings and evenings
- A warm jacket if you plan a balloon ride, a desert camp or an early Abu Simbel trip
- Sun protection: sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen, because the winter sun is still strong in Upper Egypt
- Comfortable walking shoes for temples and tombs
- Swimwear for the Red Sea and heated hotel pools
- A scarf to cover shoulders, or hair in mosques
- A small umbrella if Alexandria is on your route
Travel Tips for December
- Book early. The weeks from 20 December to 6 January are the busiest of the year. Nile cruises, Abu Simbel flights and top hotels fill up fast, and prices are at their highest.
- Start early in the day. The sun sets around 5 pm, and most archaeological sites close by 5 or 6 pm. Plan your main visit for the morning.
- Book Grand Egyptian Museum tickets ahead. Timed slots sell out during the holidays. See our GEM tickets guide.
- Know the holiday dates. Western Christmas on 25 December is a normal working day in Egypt, but hotels and cruises celebrate it with festive dinners. New Year’s Eve brings gala dinners, and Coptic Christmas on 7 January is a national holiday.
Best Egypt Tours for December
December’s mild weather suits every kind of trip, from classic Nile journeys to festive breaks with a Red Sea finish. These are some of our most popular December itineraries:
- 4-Night Luxor to Aswan Christmas Nile Cruise: temples by day and a festive dinner on board
- 8 Day Egypt New Year Tour: the Pyramids, the Grand Egyptian Museum and New Year’s Eve on the Nile
- 5 Days in Cairo and Hurghada Over New Year: the Pyramids, then warm days on the Red Sea
Browse more festive ideas in our Top 10 Egypt Christmas vacations and Egypt New Year tours, or read our full guide to the best time to visit Egypt.
FAQs About Egypt Weather in December
Is December a good time to visit Egypt?
Yes. December is one of the best months to visit Egypt, with sunny, mild days of 20–25 °C, almost no rain outside Alexandria, and comfortable conditions for sightseeing. The main downsides are cool nights and holiday crowds from late December into early January.
How cold does Egypt get in December?
Days are mild, but nights are cool. Cairo drops to about 10 °C, Luxor to 7–8 °C, and the Western Desert can fall to 3–6 °C or lower. Pack layers and a warm jacket for evenings, early mornings and desert camps.
Can you swim in the Red Sea in December?
Yes. The Red Sea stays around 23–24 °C in December at Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh, warm enough for swimming, snorkeling and diving. Many divers wear a 3–5 mm wetsuit. The Mediterranean at Alexandria is too cool for most swimmers.
Does it rain in Egypt in December?
Very little. Cairo may see one or two light showers, and Luxor, Aswan and the Red Sea are almost always dry. Alexandria and the Mediterranean coast are the exception: December is their wettest month, with around a week of showers.
What should I wear in Egypt in December?
Light, modest clothing for the day, such as T-shirts and breathable trousers or long skirts, plus a sweater and light jacket for the evening. Add a warmer coat for balloon rides or desert nights, and bring a scarf for visiting mosques.
