March is one of the best months to visit Egypt. The days are warm rather than hot, the desert nights are still fresh, and the light is clear enough for photographs at the Pyramids and in Luxor. In 2027, though, March also brings the end of Ramadan and the Eid al-Fitr holiday in its first two weeks, and European Easter crowds at the end of the month. This guide explains what that means for your trip, week by week, and how to plan around it.
Egypt in March at a Glance
- Weather: warm, sunny days; around 24°C in Cairo and 30°C in Luxor and Aswan, with cool mornings.
- Crowds: moderate in early and mid-March, busier around Eid al-Fitr (expected 9–11 March 2027) and again in the last week, when Western Easter falls on 28 March 2027.
- Prices: still high season for Nile cruises and Luxor hotels; Red Sea resorts are busy with Egyptian families during Eid.
- Best for: the Pyramids and Cairo, a Luxor–Aswan Nile cruise, Abu Simbel, desert trips to Bahariya and the White Desert, and the first warm beach days on the Red Sea.
- Watch out for: the occasional dusty khamsin wind and fully booked transport around Eid.
What the Weather Is Like in March
March is the transition from winter to spring. Long-term averages are roughly:
- Cairo and Giza: about 24°C by day and 12°C at night.
- Luxor: about 30°C by day and 11°C at night, so early mornings on the West Bank can still feel cold.
- Aswan: about 30°C by day and 13°C at night.
- Hurghada and the Red Sea: about 25°C by day, with the sea around 22°C, which is comfortable for snorkelling with a light wetsuit.
- Alexandria: about 21°C, and the last winter showers are possible early in the month.
Temperatures rise steadily through the month, so the last week is noticeably warmer in Upper Egypt than the first. For a city-by-city comparison with every other month, see our guide to the weather in Egypt by month.
The one weather issue to know about is the khamsin, a hot, dusty wind from the Western Desert that can blow for a day or two at a time between March and May. It can haze the view at the Pyramids and occasionally delays hot-air balloon flights in Luxor. Sunglasses and a light scarf are usually enough.
Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr in March 2027
Ramadan is expected to begin around 8 February 2027 and end around 8 March, with Eid al-Fitr expected on 9 March. Egypt’s public holiday for Eid is expected to run from 9 to 11 March 2027. Exact dates depend on the sighting of the new moon, so they can move by a day.
What this means if you travel in early March:
- During the last days of Ramadan (1–8 March): tourist sites, hotels and Nile cruises operate normally, but some museums and sites close earlier, and many local restaurants open only after sunset. Cairo is lively late into the night. Our Ramadan guide for tourists covers food, alcohol and etiquette.
- During Eid al-Fitr (around 9–11 March): Egyptians travel and celebrate, so domestic flights, trains, beach resorts and popular parks fill up and prices rise. Sites stay open, but expect more local visitors, especially at the Pyramids and the Red Sea.
- After Eid (mid-March): things return to normal quickly, and the middle of the month is often the calmest period.
Crowds and Prices Week by Week
- 1–8 March: pleasant weather and moderate crowds; a good time for a Nile cruise if you do not mind shorter opening hours during Ramadan.
- 9–14 March: Eid holiday and the days after it; book domestic transport and Red Sea hotels early.
- 15–24 March: usually the sweet spot, with warm weather and fewer crowds.
- 25–31 March: European Easter holidays begin (Easter Sunday is 28 March 2027), so Luxor, Aswan and the Nile cruise ships get busier and prices firm up.
March is still part of the main touring season, so the best cabins on popular Nile cruise ships sell early. Our Nile cruise price guide shows what to expect by ship category.
What to Do in Egypt in March
Pyramids, the Grand Egyptian Museum and Cairo
Mornings are cool and clear, which makes March ideal for the Giza Plateau. Arrive at opening time to beat the tour groups, then spend the warmer part of the day indoors at the Grand Egyptian Museum. Late afternoon is a good time for Islamic Cairo and the Khan el-Khalili bazaar.
A Nile Cruise Between Luxor and Aswan
March is one of the most comfortable months for a cruise. Days on deck are warm without being exhausting, and the temple visits at Edfu and Kom Ombo are pleasant even in the afternoon. A typical first-time trip combines Cairo with a three- or four-night cruise, like our 8-day Cairo and Nile cruise with Abu Simbel.
Abu Simbel
The famous Sun Festival happens on 22 February and 22 October, not in March, but March is still an excellent time to visit. The early-morning drive from Aswan is cool, and you avoid the extreme heat that makes the trip hard from June to September.
The Western Desert
Camping in the White Desert is very good in March: warm days, cold but manageable nights and clear skies for stargazing. Pack a warm layer for the evenings.
The Red Sea
By late March the water is warm enough for most people to snorkel comfortably, although it is still cooler than in summer. Avoid the Eid week if you want quieter beaches and lower prices.
What to Wear and Pack
- Light, breathable clothes for the day, with long trousers or skirts and covered shoulders for mosques and churches.
- A fleece or light jacket for early mornings, balloon flights and desert nights.
- A hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen; the sun is strong even when the air feels mild.
- A light scarf for dust on khamsin days.
- Comfortable closed shoes for uneven ground at temples and tombs.
For a full list, see our Egypt packing guide.
Is March a Good Time to Visit Egypt?
Yes. For most travellers, mid-March is close to ideal: warm, dry and calmer than the Christmas and New Year peak. In 2027 the main things to plan around are Eid al-Fitr in the second week and the Easter rush at the end of the month. If your dates are flexible, aim for 15–24 March. If you want to compare March with the rest of the year, our best time to visit Egypt guide covers every month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is March too hot for Egypt?
No. Cairo averages around 24°C and Luxor and Aswan around 30°C. It gets warmer towards the end of the month, so plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning and late afternoon in Upper Egypt.
Is Ramadan in March 2027?
Ramadan 2027 is expected to run from about 8 February to 8 March, so only the first week of March falls within it. Eid al-Fitr is expected on 9 March 2027, with public holidays expected from 9 to 11 March. Dates depend on the moon sighting.
Can you swim in the Red Sea in March?
Yes, although the water is around 22°C, which some people find cool. Snorkelling is comfortable with a short wetsuit, and the sea warms up through April and May. If you are travelling a little later, our guide to Egypt in April covers what changes.
Is March busy in Egypt?
It is part of the main season, but usually less crowded than December and January. Expect busier periods around Eid al-Fitr (9–11 March 2027) and at the end of the month, when Western Easter falls on 28 March 2027.
Is March a good month for a Nile cruise?
Yes. It is one of the most comfortable months on the Nile, with warm days and cool evenings. Book early for popular ships, especially around Easter.