Egypt Weather in December 

Planning a trip to Egypt in December? You've chosen one of the best months to visit this ancient land. December offers pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and perfect conditions for exploring pyramids, temples, and the Nile. Here's everything you need to know about Egypt's December weather and how to make the most of your winter adventure.

Overview: What to Expect from Egypt's December Weather

December marks the beginning of Egypt's peak tourist season, and for good reason. The scorching summer heat has given way to comfortable temperatures ideal for sightseeing. While Egypt experiences winter during December, don't expect snow or freezing temperatures. Instead, you'll find mild, sunny days and cooler evenings.

Average Temperatures in December

Egypt's December temperatures vary significantly by region:

Cairo and Giza:

  • Daytime highs: 20-22°C (68-72°F)
  • Nighttime lows: 10-12°C (50-54°F)
  • Perfect for exploring the pyramids without overheating

Luxor and Aswan (Upper Egypt):

  • Daytime highs: 23-25°C (73-77°F)
  • Nighttime lows: 8-10°C (46-50°F)
  • Warmer than Cairo with virtually no rain

Red Sea Resorts (Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh):

  • Daytime highs: 22-24°C (72-75°F)
  • Water temperature: 23-24°C (73-75°F)
  • Excellent for beach activities and diving

Alexandria (Mediterranean Coast):

  • Daytime highs: 18-20°C (64-68°F)
  • Nighttime lows: 10-12°C (50-54°F)
  • Cooler with occasional rain

Daily Weather Patterns in December

December brings Egypt's most comfortable weather patterns. Mornings start cool and crisp, warming pleasantly by midday. The strong summer sun softens, making afternoon temple visits enjoyable rather than exhausting. As evening approaches, temperatures drop noticeably, especially in desert areas.

Sunshine is abundant throughout December, with most days seeing 8-9 hours of bright sunlight. Cloud cover is minimal except along the Mediterranean coast, where Alexandria might experience some overcast days.

Rainfall and Humidity

Egypt remains remarkably dry even during winter. December sees minimal rainfall across most of the country:

  • Desert regions: Virtually no rain (less than 1mm)
  • Cairo: Rare light showers (1-3mm average)
  • Alexandria: More frequent but still light rain (50mm monthly average)
  • Red Sea coast: Almost zero precipitation

Humidity levels are comfortable, ranging from 40-60% in most areas, though coastal regions can feel slightly more humid.

What to Pack for Egypt in December

Layering is key for Egypt's December weather. Here's your essential packing list:

Clothing:

  • Lightweight long pants and breathable shirts for daytime
  • Light jacket or sweater for evenings
  • Warm layer for desert excursions (temperatures can drop significantly)
  • Swimsuit for Red Sea destinations
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sun hat and sunglasses
  • Scarf or shawl (useful for temple visits and warmth)

Other Essentials:

  • Sunscreen (SPF 30+) - the sun is still strong
  • Moisturizer for dry desert air
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Light rain jacket for Alexandria visits

Best Activities for December Weather

December's comfortable temperatures open up Egypt's full range of attractions:

Outdoor Exploration

The moderate temperatures make December perfect for extended outdoor activities. Walking through vast temple complexes like Karnak or exploring the Valley of the Kings becomes enjoyable rather than exhausting. The Great Pyramids and Sphinx are best visited in December when you can climb, explore, and photograph without the oppressive summer heat.

Nile River Cruises

December is peak season for Nile cruises between Luxor and Aswan. The weather is perfect for relaxing on deck while watching ancient temples glide past. Evening temperatures on the water are cool but pleasant, ideal for dining under the stars.

Desert Adventures

Cooler December weather transforms Egypt's deserts from forbidding to inviting. White Desert camping trips, Siwa Oasis excursions, and Sahara safaris are all at their best. Night-time desert temperatures can drop to 5-8°C (41-46°F), creating perfect conditions for stargazing around campfires.

Red Sea Activities

While December isn't the warmest month for swimming, water temperatures remain comfortable at 23-24°C. Snorkeling and diving conditions are excellent, with good visibility and diverse marine life. Many visitors find the slightly cooler water refreshing after hot days exploring ancient sites.

Regional Weather Breakdown

Cairo and the Pyramids

Cairo enjoys some of its finest weather in December. Daytime temperatures hover around 20-22°C, perfect for exploring the Egyptian Museum, walking through Islamic Cairo, or spending hours at the Giza Pyramid complex. Evenings require a light jacket, especially when dining on rooftop restaurants or taking evening felucca rides on the Nile.

Smog can occasionally affect visibility, but December's cooler weather generally brings clearer skies than summer months. Sunrise visits to the pyramids are particularly spectacular, though you'll need warm layers for early morning starts.

Luxor and Upper Egypt

Upper Egypt maintains warmer temperatures than Cairo throughout December. Luxor's ancient sites—Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, and the west bank necropolis—are far more enjoyable in December's 23-25°C heat than summer's 40°C+ temperatures.

The dry desert climate means almost guaranteed sunshine, making December ideal for hot air balloon rides over the Valley of the Kings. These typically launch at sunrise when temperatures are coolest.

Red Sea Coast

Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh, and Marsa Alam remain popular beach destinations in December. While not peak swimming season, the weather is excellent for water sports, diving, and beach relaxation. Water temperatures around 23-24°C are comfortable for most visitors, though some prefer wetsuits for extended diving sessions.

Coastal winds can pick up in December, particularly in the afternoon. This makes for excellent windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions but might feel cool when you first exit the water.

Alexandria and Mediterranean Coast

Alexandria experiences Egypt's coolest December weather and the highest rainfall probability. While rain remains infrequent, pack an umbrella or light rain jacket. The Mediterranean climate brings more clouds and humidity than other regions.

December is still pleasant for exploring Alexandria's Greco-Roman sites, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and seafront Corniche, though swimming is generally too cold for most visitors.

Crowds and Pricing in December

December falls during Egypt's high season, particularly the second half of the month around Christmas and New Year. Expect larger crowds at major sites and higher hotel rates, especially during the final two weeks.

Benefits of visiting in December include more tour options, extended site opening hours, and a livelier atmosphere at major destinations. Book accommodation and Nile cruises well in advance, particularly for holiday week travel.

December Events and Considerations

Several factors make December unique for Egypt travel:

Christmas and New Year: Many international visitors come to Egypt for the holidays. Major hotels and resorts host special celebrations, and tourist sites are busiest during this period.

Shorter Days: December brings Egypt's shortest daylight hours, with sunset around 5:00 PM. Plan activities accordingly, as most archaeological sites close by 4:00-5:00 PM.

Ramadan Consideration: While Ramadan dates vary, it typically doesn't fall in December. However, always check current dates as the Islamic calendar shifts each year.

Final Tips for December Travel

December offers excellent conditions for Egypt travel, but keep these tips in mind:

  • Book popular attractions like the Tutankhamun exhibition and inner pyramid chambers in advance
  • Start sightseeing early to maximize daylight hours
  • Carry layers throughout the day as temperatures fluctuate
  • Stay hydrated despite cooler weather - desert air is very dry
  • Check specific weather forecasts for your destinations as conditions vary regionally
  • Consider travel insurance that covers unexpected weather-related changes

 Is December Good for Egypt?

December ranks among the best months to visit Egypt. The weather strikes an ideal balance—warm enough for comfortable sightseeing and beach activities, yet cool enough to explore archaeological sites without heat exhaustion. While prices are higher and crowds larger than shoulder seasons, the superior weather conditions and festive atmosphere make December an excellent choice for experiencing Egypt's wonders.

 

Whether you're cruising the Nile, diving the Red Sea, or standing before the pyramids, December's pleasant weather ensures you'll experience Egypt at its most welcoming. Pack those layers, book your tickets, and prepare for an unforgettable Egyptian adventure.