December is the peak: cool, clear weather and the Christmas and New Year weeks, the busiest and most expensive of the year.
Weather in December
| Cairo | Luxor | Hurghada (Red Sea) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average high | 20°C | 25°C | 23°C |
| Average low | 10°C | 8°C | 15°C |
| Sea temperature | – | – | 23°C |
Approximate long-term averages in °C. Aswan is a degree or two warmer than Luxor.
Days are mild, about 20°C in Cairo and 25°C in Luxor, with cold nights, especially in the desert. The Red Sea is at about 23°C.
Crowds and prices
Peak. Christmas and New Year are the highest-priced weeks of the year, and Nile cruises and hotels sell out. Book as early as you can.
What is on in December
- 25 December and 31 December: Christmas and New Year, with special dinners on cruises and in hotels.
- 7 January, just after the month ends: Coptic Christmas.
Trips that suit December
- Christmas & New Year tours: trips built around the holidays.
- Nile cruises: book early for the holiday weeks.
- Egypt luxury tours: the season for five-star stays.
- Egypt family tours: school holidays.
What to pack
Layers: a warm jacket for evenings and dawn starts, light clothes for the day, comfortable shoes and sunglasses.
December questions
When should I book a Christmas or New Year trip?
As early as possible. These weeks sell out first and prices rise as availability drops.
Is Egypt cold in December?
Days are mild, about 20°C in Cairo and 25°C in Luxor, and nights are cold, so bring layers.
Can I celebrate Christmas in Egypt?
Yes. Hotels and cruises hold Christmas and New Year dinners, and Coptic Christmas follows on 7 January.
Planning a trip for December? Tell us your dates and what you want to see and we will plan it around the month. Plan my trip