January is the middle of the main season: cool, dry, clear days for temples and the Nile, and some of the busiest weeks of the year.
Weather in January
| Cairo | Luxor | Hurghada (Red Sea) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average high | 19°C | 23°C | 22°C |
| Average low | 9°C | 7°C | 14°C |
| Sea temperature | – | – | 21°C |
Approximate long-term averages in °C. Aswan is a degree or two warmer than Luxor.
Days are mild in Cairo and warm in Upper Egypt, which makes long days at Karnak, the Valley of the Kings and Abu Simbel comfortable. Nights are properly cold: Luxor drops to about 7°C and the desert can be close to freezing. The Red Sea is cool at about 21°C, fine for a beach day, but you will want a wetsuit for snorkelling or diving.
Crowds and prices
High. Hotels and Nile cruises fill early, especially in the first half of the month after the New Year weeks. Prices are highest around the holidays and ease a little in mid-January. Book as early as you can.
What is on in January
- 7 January: Coptic Christmas, celebrated in Egyptian churches, including those of Coptic Cairo.
- Late January: the Cairo International Book Fair usually opens (dates change each year).
Trips that suit January
- Nile cruises: the river is at its most comfortable.
- Luxor day tours: hot-air balloon flights leave at dawn, so bring a warm layer.
- Egypt luxury tours: the season for five-star Nile and Cairo stays.
- Egypt travel packages: the classic Cairo, Luxor and Aswan trip.
What to pack
Layers: a warm jacket or fleece for evenings and early starts, a light layer for the day, comfortable walking shoes, a scarf and sunglasses. In the desert, add a hat and gloves.
January questions
Is January a good time to visit Egypt?
Yes. It is one of the best months for sightseeing: cool, dry and clear. The trade-offs are the crowds and the higher prices, so book early.
How cold does it get at night?
Cairo cools to about 9°C and Luxor to about 7°C; in the desert it can approach freezing. Pack a warm layer for evenings and dawn starts.
Can I swim in the Red Sea in January?
The sea is about 21°C. That is cool, but many visitors still swim or snorkel, and a wetsuit makes it comfortable. It is also a good month for sun on the beach.
Planning a trip for January? Tell us your dates and what you want to see and we will plan it around the month. Plan my trip