November is one of the best months to visit Egypt. The summer heat has gone, the winter crowds of Christmas and New Year have not yet arrived, and the light is soft and clear for photography. Luxor and Aswan are warm rather than hot, Cairo is pleasant all day and the Red Sea is still warm enough for swimming. This guide covers the weather, crowds, prices, what to do and what to wear if you are visiting Egypt in November.
Egypt in November at a Glance
- Weather: warm, sunny days and cool evenings; about 25°C in Cairo and 29–30°C in Luxor and Aswan.
- Sea: around 25–26°C on the Red Sea, still comfortable for swimming and snorkelling.
- Crowds: moderate, building towards the end of the month.
- Prices: high season begins, but rates are usually lower than over Christmas and New Year.
- Best for: everything: Cairo, a Nile cruise, Abu Simbel, the Western Desert and the Red Sea.
Weather in November
November marks the start of Egypt’s mild winter season. Typical long-term averages:
- Cairo and Giza: about 25°C by day and 14°C at night.
- Luxor: about 29°C by day and 12°C at night.
- Aswan: about 30°C by day and 15°C at night.
- Hurghada and the Red Sea: about 26°C by day and 17°C at night.
- Alexandria: about 23°C, with the first winter showers possible late in the month.
Rain is rare except on the Mediterranean coast, and skies are usually clear. The main thing to prepare for is the difference between day and night, especially in the desert and on the Nile. Compare with other months in our weather in Egypt by month guide.
Crowds and Prices
November is the beginning of the high season, but it is calmer than December and January. In practice:
- Early to mid-November: comfortable weather with fewer visitors than later in the season. Cruise and hotel prices are often a little lower than in peak winter.
- Late November: busier, especially around the US Thanksgiving holiday, and bookings for Christmas and New Year start to fill up.
Popular Nile cruise ships and the best Luxor hotels can sell out, so it is worth booking two to three months ahead. Our Nile cruise price guide compares ships and rates.
What to Do in Egypt in November
The Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum
November mornings at Giza are perfect for walking around the plateau. The Grand Egyptian Museum, which officially opened on 1 November 2025, deserves at least half a day; plan it after the Pyramids, as the two are close together.
A Nile cruise
November is one of the best months on the Nile. Daytime temperatures are pleasant for temple visits, and evenings on the sundeck are cool and calm. A three- or four-night cruise between Luxor and Aswan takes in Edfu and Kom Ombo along the way.
Luxor’s West Bank and a balloon flight
Mornings are cool and winds are usually stable, which makes November an excellent month for a sunrise hot-air balloon flight before exploring the Valley of the Kings. Read our Luxor hot-air balloon guide.
Abu Simbel
The early-morning drive from Aswan is comfortable in November. The Sun Festival takes place on 22 October, so if you arrive in late October you can combine it with a November trip.
The Western Desert
November is a great month for camping in the White Desert or visiting Siwa Oasis: warm days, cold nights and clear skies full of stars.
The Red Sea
With water at around 25–26°C, the Red Sea is still excellent for snorkelling and diving, and the resorts are calmer than in summer.
A Sample 9-Day November Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Cairo.
- Day 2: Giza Pyramids, the Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum.
- Day 3: Saqqara and historic Cairo.
- Day 4: Fly to Luxor, Karnak and Luxor Temple, board your cruise.
- Day 5: Sunrise balloon, then the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple.
- Day 6: Edfu and Kom Ombo.
- Day 7: Abu Simbel and Philae Temple.
- Day 8: Fly to Cairo or transfer to the Red Sea.
- Day 9: Departure.
This is similar to our 8-day Cairo and Nile cruise with Abu Simbel, which we can extend with a beach stay.
What to Wear in Egypt in November
- Daytime: light trousers or long skirts, T-shirts or light long-sleeved shirts. Covered shoulders and knees are respectful in towns and required in mosques and churches.
- Evenings: a light sweater or fleece for Nile evenings and dinners outdoors.
- Early starts and the desert: a warm jacket for balloon flights, Abu Simbel departures and desert nights, when temperatures can drop close to 10°C or lower.
- Women: a light scarf is useful for mosques and for the sun.
- Feet: comfortable walking shoes for temples and tombs, plus sandals for the cruise ship.
- Extras: sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen; the sun is still strong in Upper Egypt.
See our complete Egypt packing list.
November vs October and December
October is warmer, especially in Luxor and Aswan, and includes the Abu Simbel Sun Festival on 22 October. December is cooler and the busiest month of the year, with higher prices around Christmas and New Year. November falls neatly between the two: comfortable weather, good availability and fewer crowds. Read our guides to Egypt in October and Egypt in December to compare.
Is November a Good Time to Visit Egypt?
Yes, it is one of the best. You get warm, dry days, cool nights, a warm Red Sea and more space at the big sites than in December. Book cruises and hotels early, pack layers for the evenings, and you will see Egypt at its most comfortable.
Prices and Booking Tips for November
- Book Nile cruises and Luxor hotels two to three months ahead, especially for late November.
- Early November often has better availability and slightly lower prices than the end of the month.
- Flights from Europe to Luxor, Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh increase as the winter season starts, which can make open-jaw routes easier.
- If you also want to be in Egypt for the Abu Simbel Sun Festival on 22 October, start your trip in late October and continue into November.
Daylight and Daily Rhythm
Days are shorter in November, with sunrise around 6 am and sunset around 5 pm in Cairo. Plan the biggest visits in the morning, rest in the early afternoon and enjoy sunsets on the Nile. Many sites close in the late afternoon, so do not leave key visits too late in the day.
Is November Good for Families?
Very. The comfortable temperatures make long temple visits easier for children, the Red Sea is still warm for swimming and the desert is pleasant for a night of camping under the stars. Read our guide to family-friendly activities in Egypt for ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is November a good time to visit Egypt?
Yes. The weather is warm and sunny without the summer heat, and it is less crowded than December and January.
Is it cold in Egypt in November?
Not during the day. Cairo averages about 25°C and Luxor about 29°C. Evenings and early mornings are cool, especially in the desert, so bring a warm layer.
Can you swim in the Red Sea in November?
Yes. The water is around 25–26°C, which is comfortable for swimming and snorkelling.
What should I wear in Egypt in November?
Light, modest clothing for the day and a sweater or jacket for evenings, early starts and desert trips. Cover shoulders and knees at religious sites.
Is November busy in Egypt?
Moderately. It is the start of the high season, but crowds and prices usually peak later, around Christmas and New Year.