Egypt Weather in January: City Temperatures & Tips

Egypt weather in January is mild, sunny and dry, with cool nights and comfortable sightseeing days. Highs range from about 18°C (64°F) in Alexandria to 24°C (75°F) in Aswan, and Luxor nights drop to 6°C (43°F). This guide gives the weather in each city in Celsius and Fahrenheit, what to wear, January festivals, the best things to do and how to plan your trip.

Egypt Weather in January

January is the heart of winter in Egypt, and one of the most pleasant months to visit. The sun shines almost every day, rain is rare outside the Mediterranean coast, and the heat of summer is a distant memory.

Egypt Weather in January at a Glance

The table shows typical January weather in Egypt's main destinations, in Celsius and Fahrenheit. Figures are long-term averages, so any single day can be a few degrees warmer or cooler.

Is Egypt Still Hot in January?

No. Egypt is not hot in January, but it is warm in the sun. Afternoons feel like a pleasant spring day in Europe, especially in Luxor and Aswan, where the sun is strong and the sky is clear.

Mornings and evenings are a different story. Once the sun goes down, temperatures fall quickly, and desert nights can feel cold. Most travelers wear a T-shirt at noon and a sweater or jacket after dark.

Where Is the Warmest Place in Egypt in January?

The warmest places in Egypt in January are Aswan and Abu Simbel in the far south, where daytime highs reach about 24°C to 25°C (75°F to 77°F).

For the warmest nights and the warmest sea, the best choices are Marsa Alam and Sharm El Sheikh on the Red Sea, where nights rarely fall below 14°C (57°F) and the water stays around 23°C (73°F).

Sunrise, Sunset and Daylight in January

January days in Egypt are short, with about 10 to 11 hours of daylight. Egypt uses Eastern European Time (UTC+2) in winter, and the times below are approximate.

Because the sun sets around 5 PM, plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning and early afternoon. Our year-round guide to the weather in Egypt shows how daylight grows through the spring.

Egypt Weather in January and February

February is very similar to January, but a little warmer. Cairo reaches about 21°C (70°F) by day, Luxor and Aswan about 26°C (79°F), and the Red Sea stays around 22°C (72°F).

Late February can bring the first dusty khamsin winds from the desert, which grow more common in March and April. If you want the coolest and clearest sightseeing days, January is slightly better.

The Weather in Egyptian Cities in January

Egypt is a large country, and January weather varies from the rainy Mediterranean coast to the sunny deserts of the south. Here is what to expect in each main destination.

The Weather in Cairo in January

Cairo is cool and mostly dry in January. Days are pleasant for walking, with highs around 19°C (66°F), while nights fall to about 9°C (48°F) and can feel chilly.

Rain in Cairo is rare, with only about 5 mm in the month, usually in one short shower. The sky is often hazy rather than cloudy. January is among the best months to visit Cairo, so bring a warm layer for the evenings.

The capital is busy with sightseeing in January, from the pyramids to the Egyptian Museum. You can learn more about Cairo in our city guide.

The Weather in Alexandria in January

Alexandria is the coolest and wettest major city in Egypt in January. Highs reach about 18°C (64°F) and lows about 10°C (50°F), and the sea wind can make it feel colder.

January is the rainiest month in Alexandria, with about 50 mm of rain falling on 5 to 7 days. Winter storms, called nawwat by locals, can bring wind, waves and heavy showers for a day or two.

The sea is too cold for most swimmers, but the city's museums, cafés and Roman sites are a pleasure in the cool air. Our guide explains when it is an excellent time to visit Alexandria.

For a city break between showers, Alexandria is only about three hours from Cairo by road or train.

The Weather in Luxor in January

Luxor is warm and sunny by day in January, with highs around 23°C (73°F). It is also the city with the biggest gap between day and night, with lows near 6°C (43°F) just before dawn.

Rain almost never falls, and the clear sky gives about 9 hours of sunshine a day. That makes January ideal for exploring the temples and tombs of Luxor, as long as you bring a jacket for early starts and hot-air balloon rides.

For a gentle afternoon on the river, the Private Felucca Ride and Banana Island Tour, From $35, sails from Luxor in the warmest hours of the day.

Our month-by-month guide covers the weather of Luxor in more detail.

The Weather in Aswan in January

Aswan is the warmest city in Egypt in January. Highs reach about 24°C (75°F), lows about 9°C (48°F), and rain is almost unknown.

The dry air and strong sun make the afternoons warm enough for a T-shirt, while evenings by the Nile are cool. Our detailed guide to the weather in Aswan covers every month.

January is a perfect month for felucca sailing, island visits and the Nubian villages of Aswan.

The Weather in Sharm El Sheikh in January

Sharm El Sheikh has some of the warmest winter weather in Egypt. Days reach about 22°C (72°F), nights stay around 14°C (57°F), and the sea is about 23°C (73°F), warm enough for snorkeling and diving.

Rain is rare, though a short shower or a windy day can happen. Strong northern winds sometimes make the beaches feel cooler than the thermometer suggests, so bring a light jacket for boat trips to Sharm El Sheikh reefs.

The Weather in Hurghada in January

Hurghada is dry and sunny in January, with highs around 22°C (72°F) and lows around 12°C (54°F). The sea is about 22°C (72°F), cool at first but fine for snorkeling, especially with a shorty wetsuit.

The wind is the main factor in Hurghada. On breezy days, the beach can feel cool in the shade, which is why the town is popular with kitesurfers. Learn more about Hurghada in our destination guide.

Tips for Dressing for January in Egypt

What to wear in Egypt in January comes down to one rule: dress for warm days and cold nights. These tips cover sightseeing, the Red Sea and the desert.

Layering and Light Fabrics

Layering is the best strategy. Start with a light base layer of breathable cotton or linen, then add a sweater, fleece or light jacket for mornings and evenings.

Choose adaptable outfits that work from day to evening, such as trousers and a shirt with a warm layer you can add after sunset. Breathable undergarments in natural fibers also help on long sightseeing days.

Long Sleeves, Pants and Modest Dress

Long sleeves and pants protect you from the sun, and they are also respectful in towns and at religious sites. Loose, casual and comfortable attire works well for temples, markets and city streets.

A light scarf or shawl is very useful. It adds warmth on cool evenings, gives shade at noon and covers shoulders or hair when visiting mosques and churches. Light, neutral colors suit the weather and local fashion.

Sun Protection

The sun is still strong in January, especially in Luxor and Aswan. Bring sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses and a comfortable hat with a wide brim or a cap for long hours outdoors.

Footwear

Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip for temples, tombs and uneven ground. Closed-toe shoes keep out dust and sand, while sandals are fine for hotels and the beach.

For the Red Sea and Nile Cruises

Pack a swimsuit for Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada or a heated hotel pool. A light jacket is useful on boat trips, where the wind can feel cool.

If you are sailing the Nile, our guide on what to wear on a Nile river cruise covers deck evenings and dinner dress.

For the Desert and Cold Nights

For a night in the White Desert or Siwa, bring a warm jacket, a hat and warm socks, because temperatures can fall close to freezing. In most other places, you can avoid heavy clothing such as thick coats and gloves.

Rain Gear and Packing List

Egypt is generally dry, so rain gear is needed mainly in Alexandria. A small umbrella or a lightweight raincoat is enough. Keep minimal jewelry for sightseeing and travel light.

Your January packing list for Egypt:

• T-shirts and light long-sleeved shirts

• Light trousers or long skirts

• A sweater or fleece and a light jacket

• A scarf or shawl

• Comfortable walking shoes and sandals

• Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat

• A swimsuit for the Red Sea

• A small umbrella for Alexandria

• A warm jacket for desert nights

January Festivities in Egypt

January brings several celebrations to Egypt, from Christmas to national holidays. Each one is a chance to see local life at its most festive.

Coptic Christmas on January 7

Egypt's Coptic Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on January 7, following the Julian calendar used by the Coptic Church. It is an official public holiday in Egypt.

On Christmas Eve, families attend a midnight mass, often called the Holy Night, after a period of fasting. The Coptic Pope leads the main service at the Cathedral of the Nativity in the New Administrative Capital, and many people also attend churches in Old Cairo. You can celebrate Egyptian Coptic Christmas with our guide to the season.

After mass, families break their fast with a festive meal of meat, fatta, stuffed vine leaves and other dishes. Children receive new clothes and gifts, people visit relatives and friends, and homes are filled with kahk, sweet cookies dusted with sugar.

Coptic Epiphany on January 19

Epiphany, or Eid al-Ghitas, falls on January 19 in the Coptic calendar and celebrates the baptism of Christ. Families traditionally eat sugarcane, taro (qolqas) and oranges, foods with symbolic meanings linked to the feast.

January 25 National Holiday

January 25 is a public holiday that marks both National Police Day and the anniversary of the 2011 revolution. Banks and government offices close, but tourist sites usually stay open.

New Year's Day in Egypt

On January 1, hotels, Nile cruise boats and Red Sea resorts host New Year's Eve dinners and parties. It is one of the busiest times of the season, so book early. You can read more about each Egyptian festival and public holiday in our full guide.

Things to Do in January in Egypt

January is one of the best months to explore Egypt, because the weather is mild everywhere, even in Upper Egypt, where summer heat is intense. It is the ideal time to visit Egypt for long days of sightseeing, Nile cruises and winter sun on the Red Sea.

Here is a short list of the best things to do in January. For more ideas, see our full list of things you can do in Egypt.

Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx

The cool mornings are perfect for the Pyramids of Giza, where you can walk the plateau without summer heat. Visit early to see the pyramids in soft light.

Then stand before the Great Sphinx and learn about the engineering and history of the Old Kingdom.

The Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square holds thousands of artifacts and statues, and it is a good place to spend a cool or rainy afternoon in Cairo.

Nile River Cruise

A four- or five-day Nile River cruise between Luxor and Aswan is one of the best January experiences.

Warm afternoons on deck and cool evenings make it the most comfortable season to sail, as our guide to the best time for a Nile river cruise explains.

Luxor

Luxor is often called the world's greatest open-air museum. Karnak Temple is one of the largest religious complexes ever built.

Back in town, Luxor Temple is beautiful when lit up at night.

On the West Bank, you can visit the Valley of the Queens, the resting place of royal wives and princes.

The nearby Valley of the Kings holds the painted tombs of the New Kingdom kings.

These rulers were among the greatest pharaohs of ancient Egypt, and their tombs are pleasant to explore in the cool January air.

Aswan

In Aswan, you can see the Aswan High Dam, which created Lake Nasser in the 1960s.

The island temple of Philae Temple was moved to Agilkia Island to save it from the dam's waters.

Take a felucca to Elephantine and Banana Islands, and spend an afternoon in a colorful Nubian village on the West Bank.

Abu Simbel Temples

The temples of Abu Simbel were moved to higher ground in the 1960s to save them from Lake Nasser. January is one of the most comfortable months for the long day trip from Aswan.

The great temple honors Ramses II, while the smaller one was dedicated to his queen Nefertari and the goddess Hathor.

The Resorts of the Red Sea

The resorts of the Red Sea, such as Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, are popular for snorkeling, diving and water sports. January offers winter sun, calm reefs and good visibility.

Our guide to things to do in Hurghada suggests more ideas.

Coptic Cairo

January is a special time to visit Coptic Cairo, with Christmas and Epiphany celebrated in its old churches. See the Hanging Church, built above a Roman gate.

Nearby, Abu Serga Church is linked by tradition to the Holy Family's stay in Egypt.

Local Cuisine

Winter is the season for warm comfort food. Try koshari, ful medames, taameya (Egyptian falafel), hawawshi, fatta, basbousa and hot roz bel laban rice pudding, all part of Egyptian cuisine.

The White Desert

The White Desert near Farafra is famous for its chalk rock formations shaped like mushrooms and animals. January is a good month for camping under the stars, as long as you bring warm clothes for the cold night.

January Journeys: Exploring Egypt's Timeless Treasures

January is high season in Egypt, and with good reason. Here is how to decide whether it suits you and how to plan your trip.

Is Egypt Worth Going to in January?

Yes, for most travelers. January has some of the best sightseeing weather of the year, with mild days, clear skies and almost no rain outside Alexandria. It is ideal for temples, tombs, Nile cruises and winter sun on the Red Sea.

The main downsides are crowds and prices. The weeks around New Year and Coptic Christmas are among the busiest of the season, and hotels and cruises fill early. Popular sites such as the Valley of the Kings and Abu Simbel are best visited early in the morning.

How to Plan Your January Trip

Book flights, Nile cruises and hotels a few months in advance, especially for the first two weeks of January. Start sightseeing early, because the sun sets around 5 PM.

Our guide to planning a comfortable trip to Egypt explains visas, budgets and itineraries step by step.

Egypt Tours in January

Trips in Egypt offers Egypt tours in January that combine the best of the winter season.

The 5 Days Cairo and Hurghada Trip, From $690, pairs the pyramids with winter sun on the Red Sea.

For temples and beaches, the 8 Days Nile Cruise and Hurghada Holiday, From $875, sails between Luxor and Aswan before a stay in Hurghada.

For a short city break, the 4 Days Cairo and Alexandria Tour Package combines the capital with the Mediterranean coast.

For more comfort, the Luxury 7 Days Egypt Tour in Cairo, Luxor and Hurghada adds premium hotels to the classic route.

You can also browse all the attractions of Egypt to build your own route.

Egypt weather in January is a gift for travelers: sunny days, cool nights and almost no rain outside Alexandria. Cairo is crisp, Luxor and Aswan are warm by afternoon, and the Red Sea stays inviting for a swim. Pack warm layers, start your days early and book ahead for the holidays. Under the soft winter light, Egypt's timeless temples, pyramids and Nile shores are at their most beautiful and comfortable.

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