May is the start of the hot season in Upper Egypt, with quiet temples, lower prices and pleasant days on the coasts.
Weather in May
| Cairo | Luxor | Hurghada (Red Sea) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average high | 33°C | 40°C | 34°C |
| Average low | 19°C | 21°C | 24°C |
| Sea temperature | – | – | 24°C |
Approximate long-term averages in °C. Aswan is a degree or two warmer than Luxor.
Luxor and Aswan reach around 40°C and Cairo about 33°C. Sightseeing in the south works best at first light. The Red Sea (about 34°C in the air and 24°C in the sea) and the Mediterranean coast are more comfortable.
Crowds and prices
Low to medium. Tourist numbers fall, so sites are quieter and hotel and cruise prices are lower than in winter.
What is on in May
- Eid al-Adha and Sham El-Nessim can fall in May in some years; public places and transport are busier on holiday days.
Trips that suit May
- Hurghada day tours: sea and sun at a comfortable temperature.
- Sharm El Sheikh day tours: reef trips in warm water.
- Alexandria day tours: cooler air by the Mediterranean.
- Cairo day tours: start early and finish indoors.
What to pack
Very light, loose cotton, a wide-brimmed hat, high-factor sunscreen and a refillable bottle.
May questions
Can I still visit Luxor and Aswan in May?
Yes, with an early start. You see the main sites in the morning, rest through the hottest hours and go out again later. It is also one of the quietest ways to see them.
Is May cheaper?
Generally yes: fewer visitors means lower hotel and cruise prices than in winter. Ask us for a quote for your dates.
Is May good for the Red Sea?
Yes. The sea is about 24°C and the summer crowds arrive from June.
Planning a trip for May? Tell us your dates and what you want to see and we will plan it around the month. Plan my trip