Weather in Egypt in November: What to Expect and How to Prepare

If you’re wondering what the weather is like in Egypt in November, let me tell you: its typically a real gem. The summer heat has started to dissipate, leaving in its wake warm days, cool evenings, low humidity, loads of sunshine, and next to no rain. It’s the perfect time of year for sightseeing, really – the hot desert climate is easing from the extreme temperatures of summer into the kind of comfortable conditions that just beg to be explored. Cairo weather, for example, is usually around 25-27 C during the day and around 14 C at night, while Luxor and Aswan are even warmer. And the Red Sea? Just warm enough for a dip.

For many travellers, November is the absolute best time to visit Egypt – it’s like the whole country has come together in perfect harmony of daylight and manageable heat, and with fewer sandstorms than you’d get in the spring. In this guide, you’ll find the lowdown on city-by-city averages, what to pack, where to go, and how to plan around the sun, heat, and crowds – so you’ll know exactly what to expect and can plan a trip that’s guaranteed to be comfortable and enjoyable.

The Quick Lowdown: Is November a Good Time to Visit Egypt?

The short answer is: absolutely. Egypt in November has some fantastic weather: highs of 25-32 C depending on where you are, low humidity, and a grand total of 9-10 hours of sunshine per day. The evenings are cool (often around 14-19 C) so you can sightsee with ease, and the Red Sea is just the right temperature for a swim.

Pros:

• Pleasant, sunny, dry days with just the right amount of heat and low humidity
• Perfect for pyramids, temple visits, and Nile River cruises – you can do it all without feeling overheated
• The Red Sea is still warm enough for snorkeling and diving (around 25-26 C) – bliss

Cons:

• It’s a popular month, so the major sites will be bustling with other tourists
• Prices are a bit higher than in the peak summer months – book your service providers well in advance
• If you are camping, you might feel the cold in the desert nights

Egypt’s Climate in Context: Why November Feels So Lovely

Egypt is situated smack bang in the middle of a desert climate (Köppen BWh) – so you can expect hot temperatures and strong sun throughout the year. The winters are mild by day and cool at night, but the summers can be sweltering and sometimes feel oppressive – especially inland. November, though, marks the transition from summer to winter, and the averages go right down across the country. Inland cities like Luxor and Aswan will still see warm to hot afternoons, but the air is so dry that the heat doesn’t feel as bad as it would in a humid climate. Along the Mediterranean, Alexandria is a bit cooler and sees the country’s highest chance of rain per month – though it’s still a bit of a long shot.

The reason it doesn’t feel muggy is because the humidity is low and there’s hardly any rain, so what you feel on your skin is mainly direct sun and radiant heat. That said, the UV is still pretty strong at midday, so don’t forget the sunscreen – and take some shade breaks when you need to. With the earlier sunset and calm nights, November is a great time for night markets, sound-and-light shows, and all that happy hour photography.

Regional Weather Breakdown in November (City-by-City)

Cairo and Giza: Lovely Days, Cool Nights

• Highs: 25-27 C; Lows: ~14 C
• Rainfall: incredibly rare; Humidity: a bit higher than you’d like, but not unbearable
• Sunshine: about 9-10 hours per day; Daylight: about 10.5 hours

Cairo weather in November is usually pretty pleasant: you can see the Pyramids, Saqqara, and the Egyptian Museum without the summer heat getting to you. The city’s smog does soften the sunrise and sunset colors a bit, but it can actually make for some really dramatic photos over the Nile – especially at dusk. Try to get to the Pyramids early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and the heat; the museum is perfect for midday visits, and a felucca sail at sunset is just the ticket.

Luxor: Hot and Sunny for Temple Chasing

• Highs: 28-30 C; Lows: 14-16 C; Bone-dry desert air
• Sunshine: abundant; Rain: a complete non-starter

Luxor’s desert location means really sunny days and cool nights. The heat is a bit more manageable than in the summer, but you’ll still want to get an early start for Karnak, Luxor Temple, and the West Bank tombs. Evenings are lovely for a stroll along the corniche or catching the temple columns in the fading light.

Aswan and Abu Simbel: Warm Afternoons, Clear Skies

• Highs: 30-32 C; Lows: 17-19 C; Incredible low humidity
• Wind: gentle; UV: strong at midday

Aswan and Abu Simbel can get pretty hot in the afternoon sun, but the dry air keeps it from feeling too overpowering with a bit of shade and pacing. Expect spot-on clear skies, perfect for sunrise and temple photography. Don’t forget to pack a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water; the nights can be warm but can also feel a bit chilly if the breeze picks up on the river.

Red Sea Resorts (Hurghada, El Gouna, Marsa Alam, Sharm el Sheikh)

• The temperature in the air is 26 – 28C and the sea is around 25-26C.
• It’s a rare occasion that you’ll see any rain and there may be the odd bit of wind which can actually cool down the evenings.

This is one of the best times to visit the Red Sea – the water’s lovely and warm, the visibility’s great, and for most of the month, sunshine is plentiful. There can be a breeze which’ll make the evenings feel a bit cool so don’t be afraid to throw on a light sweater after a dip in the sea. A lot of people come here to relax after a week or so of temple and pyramid hopping.

Alexandria and the Mediterranean Coast: Cooler, Some Rain

• Daytime temperatures range from 22 to 24C, while nighttime temperatures are between 15 – 17C, and the humidity is higher.
• November’s the most likely time you’ll see any rain in Egypt during the month.

Alexandria stands out from the others – it’s more cloudy and there may be the odd shower. It’s still a fine destination for a city break and getting your fill of history and seafood, just don’t forget your umbrella as you might get caught in the rain.

Desert Oases (Siwa, White Desert): Warm Days, Cold Nights

• Big swings in temperature during the day and night.
• Clear skies ideal for stargazing, but don’t forget to bring warm clothes for the night.

If you are planning on exploring the deserts, be prepared for warm days but very cool nights, sometimes even below 15C. Make sure you pack warm clothing and check that your tour operator has got decent bedding for the night.

November Weather Averages by Destination

City/Region	High (C)	Low (C)	Rainfall (mm)	Sunshine (hrs/day)	Sea Temp (C)
Cairo/Giza	25–27	~14	1–5 (rare)	9–10	—
Luxor	28–30	14–16	~0–1	9–10	—
Aswan/Abu Simbel	30–32	17–19	~0	9–10	—
Hurghada/Sharm	26–28	18–20	~0–2	9–10	25–26
Alexandria	22–24	15–17	30–50	7–8	22–23

Sources: WMO World Weather Information Service and NOAA NCEI climate normals (check current forecasts before you visit).

Nile River and Cruise Conditions in November

November is pretty much considered to be one of the top times for a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan. The temperatures on deck are warm but not scorching, the breeze on the Nile keeps things nice and cool for the afternoons and there’s usually plenty of time to explore the temples in the cooler morning hours. The water levels are generally fine after the summer months; expect a smooth ride and clear, sunny skies. Pack a light jacket for the early morning on deck and some breathable clothing for the warm day tours.

What to Pack for Egypt in November

Clothing

• Day: lightweight fabrics that breathe (linen/cotton), light long sleeves for the sun and some lightweight pants or skirts.
• Evening: a light sweater or jacket and a scarf to keep your neck warm on cooler evenings and block the desert wind.
• Desert: bring a warm layer for those chilly nights and some good closed toe shoes for walking on sand and rock.
• Swimwear and something to cover up for city and temple visits.

Sun and Health

• A good broad-spectrum suncream, sunglasses, hat, lip balm and some electrolytes to keep you going.
• A refillable water bottle; about 2-3 litres a day should be enough depending on how active you are.
• A small daypack, power bank and a camera with a polariser for really harsh sunlight.
• A light umbrella is a good idea, even though rain is rare in November.

Gear

• Copies of your bookings and some cash for tipping your guides and service staff.

Best Places to Visit in November

• The classic highlights: the Pyramids of Giza, Saqqara, the Egyptian museum, Karnak and Luxor temple in Luxor, the Valley of the Kings, Philae and Abu Simbel in Aswan.
• Red Sea sunshine: Hurghada, El Gouna, Marsa Alam, Sharm el Sheikh for some lovely warm and clear swimming and diving.
• Coastal city: Alexandria for history and seafood, with maybe a bit of a shower.

Desert adventures

• The White Desert camping and Siwa Oasis; be prepared for a cold night and warm day.

Crowd Levels, Costs, and Travel Deals

November is peak tourist season so expect the sights to be busy and get a bit of a premium price for your Nile cruise. Book your hotels and internal flights a few weeks in advance and consider an early November or mid-week trip to the Red Sea to save a bit of money. Don’t try to cram too much in – it’s better to start early, rest in the heat of the day and then go out again in the evening when it’s a bit cooler.

Month-by-Month Comparison

• October vs November: November’s a bit cooler, but not much lower in humidity than October.
• November vs December–February (winter): Winters get even chillier in Egypt – cooler days, colder nights and shorter daylight hours – but thankfully, the holiday crowds have all but dissapeared once the festivities are over
• November vs March–April (spring): Spring is definitely warming up, but it can be a bit windy as well – April brings warmer temps and the occasional sandstorm.
• November vs Summer (May- September): Summer is blisteringly hot in the inland areas, with some seriously oppressive heat and daytime temperatures to match – the Red Sea’s a whole different story, though, with much more pleasant conditions, and prices are lower to boot though sightseeing can be a real challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions About Weather in Egypt in November

How hot is Egypt in November?

It’s pretty pleasant, to be honest. Expect highs of around 27 in Cairo and the Red Sea, 28-30 in Luxor, and a hot 30-32 in Aswan and Abu Simbel – although the evenings do cool right down to a nice 14-19 C, making for comfortable strolls in the evening.

Does it rain in November?

Rain’s pretty rare all across Egypt during the month, but you might see a bit of cloud and maybe even some rain on the Mediterranean coast in Alexandria – Cairo, Luxor and Aswan, on the other hand, are usually bone dry.

Can you swim in the Red Sea in November?

Yes, you can – the sea’s at a lovely 25-26 C and the sun shines brightly, making it a perfect time for a dip, snorkel or dive. Just be aware that the wind can chill you down a bit in the evenings, so pack a light jacket or something to keep you warm.

What’s Cairo weather like in November?

The Cairo weather is actually pretty moderate and pleasant – think around 25-27 C by day and a cool 14 C at night, with loads of sunshine and very little humidity. It’s actually one of the best months to visit the city, sightseeing-wise.

Is November an ideal month for a Nile cruise?

Absolutely – the combination of lovely warm days, low humidity and early starts for shore excursions makes November one of the most popular months for Nile itineraries between Luxor and Aswan.

What should I pack for cool evenings?

Just bring a light jacket or sweater, a scarf and some closed shoes for the desert – and remember to pack layers to keep you warm from the heat of the day to the chill of the night.

Are sites like Abu Simbel too hot in November?

It can get a bit hot in the middle of the day, especially when the sun’s at its strongest (around 30-32 C) – but if you get an early start and break for some shade, it’s actually pretty manageable.

Quick Visual: November Daylight and UV

Reliable Sources

• The World Meterological Organisation: https://worldweather.wmo.int/
• NOAA’s climate normals: https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/
• Make sure to check local forecasts 3-5 days before you’re travelling for the latest on temperatures, wind and any rare rain alerts.

Conclusion: Why November Works So Well

If you’re looking for warm days, low humidity and comfortable evenings with near zero chance of rain, November is pretty hard to beat – sites like the Pyramids, the temples of Luxor and Aswan and the clear water of the Red Sea are all perfect for sightseeing and swimming. Book well in advance, and get in touch with your guides and cruises a bit before you go to sort out all the details – and with the weather in Egypt being so consistently pleasant and dry, you can focus on exploring rather than escaping the heat.