Your Complete Guide to Visiting Egypt in November

If you’ve been eyeing Egypt in November as your travel window, you’ve picked one of the smartest months on the calendar — but “smart” doesn’t mean “simple.” The Nile Valley, the Red Sea coast, and the Mediterranean each behave a little differently this time of year, and the first week feels noticeably different from the last. Before you build an itinerary or start packing, it helps to know exactly what you’re walking into, city by city.

This guide breaks down Egypt in November weather region by region, tells you honestly what to wear in Egypt in November, and lays out the things to do in Egypt in November that actually make sense for the season — not a generic year-round list. Whether you’re leaning toward a Cairo-and-Luxor culture trip, a relaxed Nile cruise, or beach time on the Red Sea, our Egypt travel packages can be shaped around exactly this kind of November trip. If the coast is calling more than the temples, both Hurghada day trips and Sharm El Sheikh excursions are in full swing this month, with warm water and manageable crowds.

Is November a Good Time to Visit Egypt?

Short answer: yes, and it’s one of the better months of the year to do it. November sits right at the start of Egypt’s high season — after the brutal summer heat has broken, but before December and January bring peak prices and the busiest crowds. You get comfortable daytime temperatures almost everywhere in the country, very little rain, long sunny days, and a Red Sea that’s still warm enough to swim in without a wetsuit. For a broader look at how November stacks up against the rest of the year, our best time to visit Egypt guide covers the full 12-month picture.

The one thing worth planning around is that November isn’t a single, uniform month of weather. There’s a real difference between how the country feels on November 1st and how it feels on November 30th — more on that below.

Egypt in November Weather: City by City

Understanding Egypt in November weather means understanding that Egypt is a long, narrow country. Cairo, Luxor, and the Red Sea coast can be 5-10°C apart from each other on the same day. Here’s what to expect in each region.

Destination	Daytime High	Nighttime Low	Rainfall	Sea Temp
Cairo & Giza	26–28°C (79–82°F)	15–18°C (59–64°F)	Minimal	—
Luxor & Aswan	29–32°C (84–90°F)	14–18°C (57–64°F)	None	—
Hurghada	26–29°C (79–84°F)	17–19°C (63–66°F)	Under 4mm	~25–26°C
Sharm El Sheikh	25–28°C (77–83°F)	16–19°C (61–66°F)	Under 3mm	~26°C
Alexandria	22–24°C (72–75°F)	15–17°C (59–63°F)	Occasional light rain	—

Cairo and Giza

Cairo is genuinely pleasant in November — warm enough for a light shirt at midday, cool enough that walking the Giza Plateau for a few hours doesn’t leave you drained. Evenings drop enough that a rooftop dinner overlooking the Nile will call for a light layer, especially by late November.

Weather in Egypt in November Hurghada

Weather in Egypt in Novemberو Hurghada, is about as close to ideal beach weather as the Red Sea gets. Daytime highs generally sit in the high 70s to mid-80s°F, the sea holds around 25-26°C, and rainfall is close to nonexistent — most years see less than 4mm for the entire month. Sunshine runs around 8-9 hours a day, which is plenty for a full beach day plus an afternoon boat trip. Nights are mild enough for outdoor dining without a jacket for most of the month, though a light layer helps by late November.

Weather in Egypt in Novemberو Sharm El Sheikh

Weather in Egypt in Novemberو Sharm El Sheikh follows a similar pattern to Hurghada but trends a degree or two cooler, especially as the month goes on. Early November highs can touch 28-29°C, sliding down toward 25°C by the final week. Sea temperatures stay swimmable throughout the month at around 26°C, and visibility for snorkeling and diving around Ras Mohammed and Tiran Island is some of the best of the year. Rain is rare — on average, fewer than half a day of measurable rainfall for the whole month.

Luxor and Aswan

Upper Egypt runs warmer than Cairo and the coast, with Luxor sometimes touching 30°C+ at the start of the month. That’s still far more comfortable than the 40°C+ summer heat, and the near-zero humidity and clear skies make it easy to spend five or six hours walking Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings without feeling drained. Evenings and early mornings cool down noticeably — Aswan in particular can dip into the mid-teens Celsius before sunrise.

Alexandria

Alexandria is the outlier: it’s the coolest destination on this list and the only one with any real chance of rain. Highs hover in the low 70s°F, and a light jacket is genuinely useful here, day or night. It’s a nice contrast if you want a cooler, coastal change of pace partway through a longer trip.

Early November vs. Late November: Why It Matters

This is the detail most guides skip, and it’s the one that actually affects your packing list and your booking timeline. Temperatures fall steadily through the month — not dramatically, but enough to notice.

	Early November (1–10)	Late November (21–30)
Cairo daytime high	~28°C (82°F)	~24°C (75°F)
Luxor daytime high	~32°C (89°F)	~26°C (79°F)
Evening feel	Mild, light layer optional	Noticeably cool, layer needed
Crowds	Building toward high season	Closer to December levels
Prices	Better value	Starting to climb toward peak

If you want warmer days and slightly better prices, the first half of the month is the sweet spot. If you’d rather have cooler, easier walking temperatures in Luxor and Aswan and don’t mind packing an extra layer, the back half of the month delivers that — at the cost of crowds and pricing starting to creep toward December’s peak.

What to Wear in Egypt in November

Knowing what to wear in Egypt in November comes down to three things: warm days, cool evenings, and Egypt’s conservative dress norms at religious and heritage sites. Get the layering right and you’ll be comfortable from a 7 a.m. temple visit through a late Nile cruise dinner.

For daytime sightseeing:

• Lightweight cotton or linen clothing — breathable, easy to layer.
• Loose, comfortable trousers or a maxi skirt rather than shorts, especially for temples and mosques.
• A scarf or shawl (useful for covering shoulders at religious sites and doubles as a light layer).
• Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes for uneven ancient sites.
• Sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and reef-safe sunscreen.

For evenings:

• A light sweater, cardigan, or packable jacket — nights can drop 10-15°C below the daytime high.
• Something slightly smarter for a Nile cruise dinner or a nicer restaurant, if that’s part of your trip.

For the Red Sea coast:

• Swimwear (hotel pools and beaches are more relaxed than city dress norms).
• A cover-up or light layer for walking between the beach and your hotel.
• A rash guard or light wetsuit top if you’re snorkeling for extended periods, since the sea does cool slightly compared to summer.

For a full packing checklist geared toward women travelers specifically, see our Egypt packing list for women.

Things to Do in Egypt in November

November’s mild, dry weather opens up the full range of things to do in Egypt in November — this is genuinely one of the few months when desert, temple, and beach days are all comfortable in the same trip.

• Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx — cooler air means you can linger at sunrise or explore the Bent and Red Pyramids at Dahshur without the summer heat cutting your visit short.
• A Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan — one of the most popular ways to experience November’s weather, with cool mornings for temple visits and warm, comfortable afternoons on deck.
• Snorkeling and diving on the Red Sea — with sea temperatures around 25-26°C, this is prime season for reef visits around Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada.
• Desert safaris in the White Desert or Siwa Oasis — the cooler daytime temperatures make multi-hour 4×4 trips and overnight camping far more comfortable than in summer.
• Felucca sailing on the Nile at sunset — a classic, low-key way to end a day in Aswan or Luxor.
• Cultural festivals — November regularly hosts events like the Cairo International Film Festival and the Arab Music Festival; see our best cultural festivals in Egypt guide for exact dates by year.
• Alexandria day trip — cooler, breezier, and a nice contrast if you’re spending most of your trip inland.

Hurghada vs. Sharm El Sheikh in November: Which Should You Choose?

Both Red Sea resort towns perform well in November, but they’re not identical. Here’s how they compare specifically for this month.

	Hurghada	Sharm El Sheikh
Daytime high	26-29°C	25-28°C
Sea temperature	~25-26°C	~26°C
Best for	Wider beach choice, easier land excursions to Luxor	World-class reef diving (Ras Mohammed, Tiran)
Crowd level	Busy, family-oriented	Slightly quieter, more dive-focused
Access	Closer to mainland Egypt tours	Closer to Sinai’s dive sites and St. Catherine

Choose Hurghada if you want to combine beach time with an easy add-on trip to Luxor or Cairo. Choose Sharm El Sheikh if diving and snorkeling are the main event — the reef access here is considered some of the best in the Red Sea.

Which Egypt in November Trip Is Right for You?

• First-time visitor, want the classics: Cairo (3 days) + Luxor (2-3 days), covering the Pyramids, the Egyptian Museum, Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings.
• Want to slow down and cover the Nile properly: A 4-5 night Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan, bookended with a couple of days in Cairo.
• Want culture and a beach finish: Cairo and Luxor first, then 3-4 days in Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh to unwind.
• Short on time: A focused Cairo-and-Giza short break still captures the best of November’s weather without the longer travel days.

If none of these fit exactly, a tailor-made Egypt tour lets you build the pacing and destination mix around your own priorities.

Sample November Itineraries

7-Day Itinerary: Days 1-3 in Cairo (Pyramids, Egyptian Museum, Khan El Khalili); fly to Luxor for Days 4-5 (Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, sunrise balloon ride); Days 6-7 in Aswan (Philae Temple, felucca sunset sail) before flying back to Cairo.

10-Day Itinerary: Days 1-3 in Cairo; Days 4-7 on a Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan, covering Edfu and Kom Ombo along the way; Days 8-10 in Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh for beach and reef time before flying home. For details on connecting these legs efficiently, see how to get around Egypt.

Crowds and Prices in November

November sits in a middle zone: busier and pricier than the summer off-season, but noticeably calmer and better value than December and January. Cairo and Luxor start filling up as the month goes on, especially in the final two weeks, while Red Sea resorts stay popular year-round with less month-to-month swing. Booking hotels, Nile cruise cabins, and guided tours a few weeks ahead is worth doing, particularly for the back half of the month. For a full cost breakdown across accommodation, tours, and food, see how much does a trip to Egypt cost.

Useful Tips for Visitors

• Book morning slots for outdoor sites. Even in November’s mild weather, the Pyramids and Valley of the Kings are more comfortable — and better lit for photos — before 10 a.m.
• Carry a scarf everywhere, not just for mosques. It works as sun protection, a modesty layer, and an evening wrap in one item.
• Layer rather than pack heavy. A base layer plus one warm top handles the swing from a 28°C afternoon to a 15°C evening better than a single heavy jacket.
• Drink bottled or filtered water only, and be cautious with ice and fresh juices unless you know the source.
• Get your visa sorted before you land to skip the airport queue — check our Egypt visa requirements guide for current options.
• Keep sun protection habits even though it’s “cooler.” UV levels in Luxor, Aswan, and the Red Sea stay moderate to high all month.
• Review basic safety practices before you go — see our Egypt travel safety tips for practical, non-alarmist guidance.
• If choosing between November and December, note that December brings higher prices and bigger crowds for similar weather — our Egypt in December guide breaks down that trade-off in detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is November a good time to visit Egypt?

Yes. November offers warm, dry weather across the country, minimal rainfall, and crowd levels that are busier than summer but calmer than the December-January peak. It’s considered one of the better months of the year to visit.

What is the weather like in Egypt in November?

Egypt in November weather is generally mild and dry. Cairo sees daytime highs around 26-28°C, Luxor and Aswan run warmer at 29-32°C, and the Red Sea coast stays comfortable in the mid-to-high 20s°C. Rainfall is minimal everywhere except Alexandria, which sees occasional light showers.

Is it warm enough to swim in Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh in November?

Yes. Sea temperatures in both Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh average around 25-26°C in November, which is comfortable for swimming, snorkeling, and diving throughout the month.

What should I wear in Egypt in November?

Lightweight, breathable layers for the day, loose modest clothing for temples and mosques, and a warmer layer such as a cardigan or light jacket for cooler evenings. A scarf is useful for both sun protection and covering shoulders at religious sites.

Is November a busy month to visit Egypt?

It’s moderately busy. Cairo and Luxor get progressively busier as the month goes on, especially in the final two weeks, while Red Sea resorts maintain fairly steady visitor numbers year-round. It’s quieter than December and January.

Do I need a jacket for Egypt in November?

A light jacket or warm layer is recommended, especially for evenings in Cairo, Aswan, and Alexandria, and for the back half of the month when nighttime temperatures drop further. It’s not essential on the Red Sea coast, but still useful after sunset.