October brings milder temperatures for temples and the Nile, and the Red Sea stays warm. See average highs and lows for six Egyptian cities.
October is one of the best months to visit Egypt. The summer heat eases, with average daily highs of 29.7°C (85°F) in Cairo and 35.3°C (96°F) in Luxor, and mornings and evenings are mild. Midday is still hot in Upper Egypt, so start sightseeing early. The Red Sea stays warm enough for a beach or boat day.
Key takeaways
- Cairo averages 29.7°C (85°F) by day and 19.0°C (66°F) at night. That suits a full day at the pyramids or in the museums.
- Luxor and Aswan are still hot at midday. Average highs are 35.3°C (96°F) and 35.7°C (96°F), but average lows of 18.4°C (65°F) and 20.8°C (69°F) make early mornings comfortable.
- The heat drops month by month. Luxor's average high is 39.3°C (103°F) in September, 35.3°C (96°F) in October and 29.0°C (84°F) in November.
- Sharm El-Sheikh has the warmest nights of the six cities. Its average low is 23.5°C (74°F), against 21.5°C (71°F) in Hurghada.
October temperatures in six Egyptian cities
| City | Average daily high | Average daily low |
|---|---|---|
| Cairo | 29.7°C (85°F) | 19.0°C (66°F) |
| Luxor | 35.3°C (96°F) | 18.4°C (65°F) |
| Aswan | 35.7°C (96°F) | 20.8°C (69°F) |
| Alexandria | 27.4°C (81°F) | 18.6°C (65°F) |
| Hurghada | 31.3°C (88°F) | 21.5°C (71°F) |
| Sharm El-Sheikh | 31.9°C (89°F) | 23.5°C (74°F) |
These are long-term monthly averages from the World Meteorological Organization's World Weather Information Service, supplied by Egypt's national weather service. They are not forecasts, so single days can run hotter or cooler. For the full year, see our guide to the climate in Egypt.
How October compares with September and November
A monthly average hides a trend inside the month. Early October feels closer to September and late October closer to November. If you can choose your dates, the second half of the month is the gentler one. Our best time to visit Egypt guide covers the other seasons.
| Average daily high | September | October | November |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cairo | 33.1°C (92°F) | 29.7°C (85°F) | 24.7°C (76°F) |
| Luxor | 39.3°C (103°F) | 35.3°C (96°F) | 29.0°C (84°F) |
| Aswan | 39.5°C (103°F) | 35.7°C (96°F) | 29.0°C (84°F) |
| Hurghada | 33.3°C (92°F) | 31.3°C (88°F) | 27.0°C (81°F) |
Sightseeing in Cairo, Luxor and Aswan
At 29.7°C (85°F), Cairo is comfortable for a full day outdoors on the Giza Plateau. Museums fill the rest of the time. The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza holds the Tutankhamun galleries, the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) in Fustat displays the Royal Mummies, and the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square holds the classic collection. Entry fees change, so they are confirmed when you book.
In Luxor and Aswan, plan around the sun. Visit open-air temples in the morning, rest at midday, and go out again in the late afternoon. Abu Simbel, south of Aswan, is an early-morning excursion; our guide to the Abu Simbel temples explains what you will see.
A sunrise hot-air balloon flight over Luxor's West Bank is cooler than the day, since Luxor's average low is 18.4°C (65°F). Bring a light layer, and remember that balloon flights depend on the weather that morning. The 7 Days itinerary Pyramids of Giza & Nile Cruise puts Giza and the GEM on Day 2, Abu Simbel on Day 5 and a West Bank day with a hot-air balloon ride on Day 7.
The Nile in October
October is the start of the cooler cruising season. Days on deck are still hot around Aswan and Luxor, so shade and a sun hat matter, while the evenings are mild. If you are unsure whether a cruise suits you, read is a Nile cruise worth it.
- Standard cruise: the 3 Nights Nile Cruise (Aswan to Luxor) runs four days. Day 1 is Philae Temple and a Nubian village, Day 2 an Abu Simbel tour with Kom Ombo, Day 3 Edfu and Kom Ombo, and Day 4 the West Bank.
- Sailing boat: a dahabiya is a traditional Nile sailing boat. The Dahabiya Nile Cruise – 4 Days boards in Aswan and stops at Kom Ombo, Gebel el-Silsila, Edfu, El Fawaz and El-Kab. You disembark in Esna on Day 4.
The Red Sea in October
Hurghada averages 31.3°C (88°F) by day and 21.5°C (71°F) at night. Sharm El-Sheikh averages 31.9°C (89°F) and 23.5°C (74°F). October is a good month for snorkeling, diving and boat days, because the sea has had the whole summer to warm up.
The 10-Day Essential Egypt with Red Sea & Hot Air Balloon adds Orange Bay on Day 7 and a desert safari on Day 8, after Giza, Philae, Abu Simbel, Edfu and a sunrise balloon. For a single day on the water, the Ras Mohamed National Park & White Island Yacht Trip is a one-day program in the Sharm El-Sheikh area.
Which cities suit October best
Alexandria and Cairo are the most comfortable all day. Alexandria has the lowest average high of the six cities, 27.4°C (81°F). Luxor and Aswan reward an early start: hot at noon, pleasant at dawn and dusk. Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh suit beach days, with Sharm the warmest after dark.
For temples and the river, the two Nile cruises above fit best. For Cairo plus the south in one week, choose the 7-day itinerary. For sightseeing plus beach time, the 10-day program is the one. Trips that combine Cairo with Aswan, Luxor or the Red Sea involve domestic travel between them. Domestic flights are booked separately and are not part of the program price.
What to pack for Egypt in October
- Light, breathable clothing for the day, with long sleeves and a hat against the sun.
- One light layer for dawn balloon flights, desert safaris and evenings on the river.
- Modest clothing for mosques, souqs and rural areas, where dressing modestly is expected.
- Comfortable walking shoes for uneven temple ground, and swimwear for the Red Sea.
Frequently asked questions
Is October a good time to visit Egypt?
Yes. The heat of summer eases, Cairo averages 29.7°C (85°F) by day, and the Nile, the cities and the Red Sea are all open for sightseeing in one trip.
What is the temperature in Egypt in October?
Average daily highs range from 27.4°C (81°F) in Alexandria to 35.7°C (96°F) in Aswan. Average lows range from 18.4°C (65°F) in Luxor to 23.5°C (74°F) in Sharm El-Sheikh.
Is it too hot for Luxor and Aswan in October?
Midday is hot, with average highs of 35.3°C (96°F) and 35.7°C (96°F), but mornings and evenings are comfortable. Start early and rest in the afternoon.
Can you swim in the Red Sea in October?
Yes. Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh average 31.3°C (88°F) and 31.9°C (89°F) by day, and the sea is still warm after the summer.
What should I wear in Egypt in October?
Wear light cotton by day and carry a thin layer for early mornings and evenings. Dress modestly at mosques, in souqs and in rural areas.
