QUICK ANSWER
Visiting Egypt in November is ideal. Temperatures throughout the nation cool down to very pleasant levels – 14–28°C in Cairo, 15-33°C in Luxor and Aswan, and 24-30°C on the Red Sea coast, allowing for temples exploration, Nile cruise, and desert adventure that would truly be fun instead of a challenge to withstand heat. This is the beginning of the peak tourist season in Egypt; people start to come in mid-November, and prices for hotel accommodation and Nile cruises become higher accordingly. Make your arrangements 2-3 months in advance for the November trip. Abu Simbel Sun Festival on November 22 is one of the most impressive events in Egypt.
Yasser Shoaib, an Egyptian licensed guide and expert on Egypt tours from Egy Vacations, says November is the best time for first-time visitors to visit Egypt. He argues that “October is still hot,” while “December is just right, but all booked.” In other words, “November will give you the best climate, the maximum experiences, and will be the end of the shoulder season pricing before high season starts kicking in.” If you want to know what November in Egypt has in store for you, this guide will help you out.
Why November Is One of Egypt’s Best Months
The Egyptian calendar is separated into two major traveling periods: one hot period (May to September, where the weather in Upper Egypt can be above 40 degrees Celsius) and the comfortable period (October to April, where the weather is comfortably nice). November comes right in the middle of that comfortable period.
- Weather conditions are perfect for visiting historical places: A walk around the pyramids, a visit to tombs in the Valley of the Kings, or three hours at Karnak temple in 25°C with no clouds at all is entirely different from doing that in July when it can reach 42°C
- Nile cruise season is wide open: It’s the time of the year when the cruise season reaches its peak. The ships are working on full schedule, all the temples located on the itinerary are open, and the light on the Nile in autumn is absolutely beautiful for photos
- Red Sea water is still warm: The water temperature in the Red Sea along Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh coast reaches 26°C in November — ideal water for diving and snorkeling, with the best visibility after summer
- Low prices are still possible in early November: The hotel prices and prices for Nile cruises start going up from mid-November. Early November reservations will still allow you to book during the low season
- Special events: The Abu Simbel Sun Festival on 22 November is one of the most spectacular astronomical events in Egypt — definitely worth your while
★ NOVEMBER VS DECEMBER: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
December is somewhat cooler (good for Upper Egypt midday tours) but much more crowded and expensive – the holiday season for Europeans takes place in late December. November is similar to December in weather conditions, has better chances of booking accommodations and during the first two weeks costs less. The drawback: Aswan nights in November can be cool (about 14°C), thus a light jacket would be required at night.
Egypt Weather in November: Region by Region
Egypt is a big country – there is quite a climatic difference between Alexandria which is located on the Mediterranean Coast and Aswan which is situated further south. This is the regional analysis:
| Region | Daytime High | Nighttime Low | Sea/Water Temp | Rain | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cairo & Giza | 24–28°C (75–82°F) | 14–16°C (57–61°F) | N/A | Rare | Ideal sightseeing weather; evenings require a light jacket. |
| Luxor | 30–33°C (86–91°F) | 14–17°C (57–63°F) | N/A | Almost zero | Warm during the day. Visit temples in the morning and carry a light layer for the evening. |
| Aswan | 30–33°C (86–91°F) | 14–18°C (57–64°F) | N/A | Essentially zero | The warmest nights in Upper Egypt, with beautiful sunrise views over the Nile. |
| Hurghada (Red Sea) | 27–30°C (81–86°F) | 20–23°C (68–73°F) | 26°C (79°F) | Rare | Warm sea temperatures make it perfect for diving, snorkeling, and relaxing on the beach. |
| Sharm el-Sheikh | 25–28°C (77–82°F) | 18–21°C (64–70°F) | 25°C (77°F) | Very rare | Excellent conditions for diving and snorkeling with pleasant evenings. |
| Alexandria | 20–24°C (68–75°F) | 13–16°C (55–61°F) | 22°C (72°F) | Some light rain | A Mediterranean climate with cooler temperatures and occasional cloudy days. |
| Siwa Oasis | 22–26°C (72–79°F) | 8–12°C (46–54°F) | N/A | Very rare | Comfortable days but chilly desert nights—pack warm clothing for evenings. |
| Sinai Interior / St Catherine | 15–20°C (59–68°F) | 2–8°C (36–46°F) | N/A | Rare | High-altitude temperatures can be very cold, especially at night. Warm clothing is essential. |
💡 UPPER EGYPT MORNING RULE
Temperatures of 30-33° C in Luxor and Aswan in November are still very pleasant for outdoor sightseeing. Plan temple visits for 7:00-10:30 in the morning when temperatures are at 20-25° C, and lighting of the monuments is very nice. Relax during the middle part of the day, as it will be quite hot then. Visit again in the late afternoon between 4:00-6:00 PM when temperatures will cool down again.
November is one of the best times to visit Egypt, with pleasant weather for sightseeing, Nile cruises, and desert adventures—start planning your Egypt trip today and discover the country at its best!
What to Pack for Egypt in November
The temperature range in November, which involves warmer days and cooler nights, needs to be planned with a little more thought than when packing for the summer months. The common error that most people make is that they pack only keeping the daytime temperatures in mind.
| Category | What to Bring | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime clothing | Lightweight long-sleeved shirts, linen or cotton trousers | Helps protect against the sun and is suitable for visiting religious sites where modest clothing is recommended. |
| Evening layer | Light fleece, cardigan, or thin jacket | Recommended for cooler evenings in Luxor and Aswan, and essential for Siwa Oasis and St Catherine. |
| Footwear | Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes | Ideal for uneven temple paths and archaeological sites. Sandals are suitable for beach resorts. |
| Sun protection | SPF 50 sunscreen, wide-brim hat, UV sunglasses | The Egyptian sun remains strong even in November, especially around midday. |
| Swimwear | One or two swimsuits | Perfect for the Red Sea resorts and hotel pools, where the water stays warm throughout November. |
| Modest cover-up | Scarf or shawl for women; lightweight long trousers for men | Useful for entering mosques, churches, and visiting traditional local markets. |
| Diving & snorkeling | Reserve activities through your resort; equipment is usually provided | If bringing your own gear, a 3 mm wetsuit is generally sufficient for Red Sea conditions in November. |
Ready to explore Egypt this November? Discover our Egypt tour packages and start planning your unforgettable adventure today!
Top Things to Do in Egypt in November
1- Nile Cruise — November Is Peak Season
November is the best month to sail on the Nile. The temperature on the Nile, between 25–30°C during the day and 15–18°C in the evenings, makes everything about the Nile cruise very enjoyable: leisure time on deck, morning tours on land, and sunsets on the river. All temples from Luxor to Aswan are accessible in their entirety, everything works, and the Nile light is similar to the fall light instead of the glaring summer light.
However, the downside is that November is also the busiest month of all. The ships which have any places available in mid-November are fully booked far ahead of time. Plan your trip at least two to three months in advance, and even earlier if you choose certain ships or rooms.
2- Abu Simbel Sun Festival — 22 November
On two specific days every year, the sun rises so that its rays travel a full distance of 65 metres within the Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel, where it lights up the three out of four statues located in the back room: Ramses II, Ra-Horakhty and Amun. The fourth statue shows the god Ptah (a god of darkness), which always stays in darkness.
Huh? Did you notice that there is no date like 22 November on the list? That is because initially the date when this astronomical phenomenon occurred corresponded to the place of the original temple until it was moved up by 65 metres in 1968 UNESCO operation. This way the original dates were changed for one day and became 21-22 February and 21-22 October, however a new light phenomenon takes place on 22 November.
This is a huge event by Abu Simbel standards and the pre-dawn ambiance created by locals, tourists, and Nubian musicians at the riverside is something that is really unforgettable in Egypt. One can only access Abu Simbel Festival either by flying in a small plane to Abu Simbel from Aswan (45 minutes).
3- Pyramids of Giza & the Grand Egyptian Museum
November in Cairo (24-28°C) is nearly perfect for the Giza Plateau, being warm enough to be enjoyable in lightweight clothing while still cool enough that an hour-and-a-half spent outside does not call for the extreme measures needed during summertime. The Giza Plateau is quite busy in November (always busy), and without the closures of July and August because of extreme heat, the entire area is accessible.
The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) will be fully operational since it opened in November 2025 and is ready to receive visitors in November 2026 for the first full year. All 5,398 pieces of the Tutankhamun collection displayed together for the first time make GEM worth visiting for a half day alone. Plan your visit to the Giza Plateau in the morning and to GEM in the afternoon.
4- Red Sea Diving & Snorkelling
The Red Sea in November is at one of its prime times for diving and snorkeling. With water temperature between 25-26 degrees centigrade, visibility to 20-30 metres, and the water surface being relatively calm, no need for anything thicker than 3mm wetsuit is felt. Both Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh are fully operational with all dive sites accessible.
Europeans usually prefer November for diving; therefore, diving centers are quite busy although not as crowded as in August.
5- Luxor West Bank & Valley of the Kings
November in the Valley of the Kings works under perfect circumstances. The temperature inside the tombs is always cooler than that on the desert surface (between 22° and 25°C regardless of the season), and the early morning entrance, where you will get to the site at 6:00-7:00 AM, means that you will have about 2–3 hours until the big buses with tourists come in at 9:30 AM from Hurghada.
Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari in November morning light, when the limestone rocks behind the temple shine golden in the sunrise light, is one of the most photographed examples of Egyptian architecture and light.
6- Desert Safari & Stargazing
Nights during November in the Egyptian desert – especially the Western Desert, near the White Desert, Farafra, and Bahariya Oasis – will be cool enough to allow sleeping out under the stars, with clear enough skies to enjoy spectacular stargazing. With daily temperatures between 22-26°C, November is ideal for enjoying the weirdly beautiful formations of the White Desert, without the stifling heat of summertime.
White Desert Safari in November – sleeping out among the chalk rock formations under the Milky Way. One of the least visited experiences in Egypt and one of the top things to do in November.
7- Cairo International Film Festival
The Cairo International Film Festival (CIFF) is among the most respected film festivals in Africa and the Arab world and occurs every year in November. In 2026, the 46th Cairo International Film Festival will occur from mid-to-late November in various places around central Cairo including the famous Cairo Opera House located on Gezira Island. The program will include Arab and African films, world premieres, and retrospectives. It is also quite affordable and offers insights into modern Egyptian culture not available through the temple tour alone.
8- Khan el-Khalili & Islamic Cairo
Khan el-Khalili: November is when Cairo’s medieval bazaar is at its social best – cool enough so walking through the streets for two or three hours becomes a truly pleasant experience rather than an exercise in heat management. El-Fishawy Café in the evening, the temperature having cooled to 16 degrees and the lights on, is just what the travel photographs advertise.
November Crowds & Prices: What to Expect
November marks the transition from shoulder season to peak season in Egypt. Understanding when this shift happens within the month affects your budget and booking strategy:
| Period | Crowds | Hotel Prices | Cruise Prices | Booking Advice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1–10 November | Medium and gradually increasing | Moderate, with shoulder-season rates still available | Availability remains good, but popular cruises begin to fill | Book at least 6–8 weeks in advance. |
| 11–20 November | High | Peak-season rates begin | Many of the most popular Nile cruises sell out | Reserve your trip 2–3 months before departure. |
| 21–30 November | High, with a surge around the Abu Simbel Sun Festival (21–22 November) | Full peak-season rates | Highest prices and limited availability | Book 3–4 months in advance, especially if visiting Abu Simbel during the Sun Festival. |
⚠️ NOVEMBER BOOKING WARNING
Of all months, travelers are more surprised by the demand in November. This is because it feels like a shoulder season since it is neither Christmas nor Easter; however, it marks the beginning of the peak season in Egypt. The cruise ships on the River Nile, hotels in Aswan and even flights to Abu Simbel are fully booked during November. For your November holiday booking, contact Egy Vacations.
Where to Go in Egypt in November: By Travel Style
| Travel Style | Best Destinations | Why November Works |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient history & temples | Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, Cairo (Pyramids & GEM) | Comfortable temperatures make exploring outdoor archaeological sites enjoyable, with all major attractions open. |
| Beach & diving | Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab | Warm sea temperatures, excellent underwater visibility, and pleasant beach weather. |
| Romance & honeymoon | Dahabiya Nile cruise, luxury hotels in Aswan, private Abu Simbel tour | Mild weather, beautiful Nile sunsets, and fewer crowds than the December holiday season. |
| Family with children | Cairo & a Nile cruise | Comfortable sightseeing conditions, family-friendly attractions, and cruise ships with swimming pools. |
| Photography | Luxor West Bank, White Desert, Aswan | Soft autumn light and exceptional sunrise and sunset conditions throughout the month. |
| Adventure & off-the-beaten-path | White Desert, Siwa Oasis, St Catherine | Cool enough for hiking and desert camping while remaining comfortable during the day. |
| First-time visitors | Cairo, Nile Cruise, Aswan | The classic Egypt itinerary with ideal weather for experiencing the country’s highlights. |
Sample November Itineraries
7-Day Classic Egypt in November
| Day | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Cairo | Check in to your hotel, then enjoy an evening stroll through Khan el-Khalili Bazaar. |
| Day 2 | Cairo & Giza | Visit the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx in the morning, followed by the Grand Egyptian Museum in the afternoon. |
| Day 3 | Fly to Luxor & Board Nile Cruise | Transfer to Luxor, embark on your Nile cruise, and visit Luxor Temple in the evening. |
| Day 4 | Luxor West Bank | Early visit to the Valley of the Kings, followed by the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. |
| Day 5 | Sailing to Edfu & Kom Ombo | Explore the Temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo while sailing south toward Aswan. |
| Day 6 | Aswan | Discover Philae Temple, the Aswan High Dam, and an optional visit to a traditional Nubian village. |
| Day 7 | Return to Cairo & Departure | Optional early excursion to Abu Simbel before flying back to Cairo for your international departure. |
10-Day Egypt + Red Sea in November
| Day | Location | Highlights |
| Days 1–2 | Cairo | Explore the Pyramids of Giza, Grand Egyptian Museum, Egyptian Museum, and Khan el-Khalili Bazaar. |
| Days 3–6 | Nile Cruise (Luxor–Aswan) | Visit Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae Temple. |
| Day 7 | Aswan | Visit Philae Temple with an optional Abu Simbel day trip before continuing your journey. |
| Days 8–10 | Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh | Relax on the Red Sea, enjoy snorkeling or diving, and unwind after your cultural adventure. |
Practical November Travel Tips
- Book early – that means: Nile cruises book 2–4 months in advance for November; Abu Simbel lodging 21-22 November as early as possible; top Luxor and Aswan hotels must be booked 6–8 weeks in advance
- Pack layered clothes for evenings – the single biggest oversight that people tend to make when visiting Egypt in November. Evening temperatures in Aswan at 14–16°C can feel chilly after 33°C daytime temperatures
- Early start discipline – the secret of November in Egypt: the tourists who are at the temple gates at 7:00 AM have an entirely different experience than the tourists who come at 10:00 AM
- Nile cruise trip compared with dahabiya in November: Both are superb. It is especially lovely the ability of the dahabiya to maneuver in November as the river light is wonderful during this season and the smaller size allows positioning of the ship where cruise ships cannot reach. Make your reservation of the dahabiya well ahead of time since
- Currency: Withdraw EGP from ATMs at National Bank of Egypt or Bank Misr. Rate of EGP in July 2026 is approximately 48-55 EGP per USD — it is always best to pay in EGP
- Travel insurance: It is absolutely vital — do not forget about medical evacuation coverage. November is the peak month and only Cairo private hospitals are nearest reliable medical facilities to Nile cruises routes
- Photography: In November, the sun sets earlier than in summer (approximately 5:15 PM in Luxor). Golden hour is very short but splendid — make sure you are on your spot by 4:30 PM
💡 THE ABU SIMBEL DECISION
Should you be planning to visit Egypt during the month of November, and you happen to be there around the 21st and 22nd of November, then Abu Simbel may just be worth considering as a day trip from Aswan (by flying into Aswan very early in the morning, 45-minute round-trip flight), or as an overnight stay in the little village of Abu Simbel. No matter when you go, the temples are simply spectacular.
Plan Your November Egypt Trip with Egy Vacations
Our company designs Egypt vacations tailored to the particular times that you plan to travel and your group sizes and preferences. November is our peak booking month. We advise you to contact us as early as you can if you have plans to travel in November.
Our most popular November packages:
- 8-day Classic Egypt (Cairo + Nile cruise): our flagship package, timed with early morning temple arrivals throughout
- 10-day Egypt + Red Sea: combines the full ancient circuit with a Red Sea beach extension
- Dahabiya sailing (4–7 nights): intimate Nile experience, fully booked well in advance for November
- Private Egypt tours: Egyptologist guide throughout, private transport, fully flexible schedule
- Honeymoon packages: Aswan luxury hotels, Nile sunset felucca, private excursions
💡 EGY VACATIONS RECOMMENDATION
If you’re visiting for the first time in November, then our Classic Egypt Tour, which lasts for 8 days and includes 2 nights in Cairo (Pyramids, GEM), flies into Luxor, 4 nights Nile Cruise to Aswan and an Abu Simbel day visit, is the best introduction in the right weather conditions. You will have an Egyptologist licensed guide for all your tours. Contact us with your dates in November.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is November a good time to visit Egypt?
Absolutely, November is one of the ideal months to visit Egypt. The temperatures go down to comfortable levels (Cairo 14–28°C, Luxor/Aswan 15–33°C, Red Sea 24–30°C), and the temples, river tours, desert excursions, and beach activities will be enjoyable rather than an endurance test caused by the heat. It is the beginning of high season, so one needs to plan in advance regarding the accommodations and cruise bookings. The Abu Simbel Sun Festival takes place on 21–22 November.
What is the weather like in Egypt in November?
The climate in Egypt in November is highly dependent on the area. In Cairo, temperatures range from 24° C to 28° C during the day and from 14° C to 16° C in the evenings – perfect conditions for tourism. In Luxor and Aswan, daytime temperatures rise to 30-33° C with evening temperatures of 14-18° C. On the Red Sea Coast (Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh), temperatures remain the highest at 25-30° C with sea temperatures of 25-26° C. The weather in Alexandria is cool and cloudy.
Is Egypt crowded in November?
November marks the beginning of the high season period. The first two weeks in November will be relatively crowded, not as crowded as December or January, however, after mid-November, there will be more people visiting Egypt, especially at the Pyramids, the Valley of the Kings, and river cruises. There will be an exceptionally high number of tourists visiting the Abu Simbel region on November 21 & 22. Early morning visits to all attractions (7:00-8:00 AM) can help minimize the crowd effect.
How far in advance should I book for November?
Nile River Cruises: 2 to 4 months in advance is required minimum; popular cruise ships book up quickly. Luxury Hotels in Aswan & Luxor: 6 to 8 weeks in advance is required minimum. Dahabiyas Sailing: 3 to 4 months in advance; the dahabiyas in November are booked earliest every year. Abu Simbel Accommodation: 21st to 22nd November, as early as possible; the tiny town does not have many accommodations and they are fully booked for these dates.
What is the Abu Simbel Sun Festival?
Biannually, the rising sun is positioned on the axis of the Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel and shines inside the statues within the inner chamber of the temple. Following the relocation of the temple to its present position in 1968, there was a change of one day in the alignment dates. A similar event with light happens around 21-22 November at the new site of the temple, where tourists come to experience the morning experience of Nubian music, people by the shore of water, and light shining into the temple.
What should I wear in Egypt in November?
Light clothing that is breathable and covers shoulders and knees for daytime excursions (also appropriate when visiting religious sites). Light fleece or jacket for night time as temperatures in Luxor/Aswan will fall to 14-16°C after the sun goes down. Bathing suit for those planning on going to the Red Sea. Closed-toed shoes for temples (ground is uneven and sandy). Hat with wide brim and SPF 50 sun block – midday sun is still very strong in November in Egypt.
Is the Nile cruise good in November?
The best time to take a Nile cruise tour is undoubtedly in the month of November. There are no restrictions in visiting all the temples that lie between Luxor and Aswan. The weather at the time is just perfect, with daytime temperatures ranging between 25°C-30°C and nights between 15°C-18°C. Light during this period of autumn turns out to be really warm and golden, making it an ideal choice for photography.
Can I swim in the Red Sea in November?
Certainly – comfortably. The water temperature of the Red Sea in November is around 25-26°C near the coast of Hurghada and 24-25°C in Sharm el-Sheikh. That is sufficiently warm to swim comfortably without a wetsuit, and diving will be perfect because of great visibility (20-30 meters). For people planning to do several dives a day, 3mm wetsuit is sufficient. The weather on the beach is really warm (air temperature 27-30°C).
