Egypt Weather in September and October: Guide

Egypt weather in September and October is a story of two thermometers: the land cools slowly while the sea stays at its warmest. This guide covers temperature in Egypt in September and October region by region, so you can match the right month to your trip.

Egypt weather in September and October splits into two stories. On land, the summer heat loosens its grip week by week, fastest in the north and slowest in the Nile Valley. At sea, the Red Sea and Mediterranean are at their warmest of the year, which makes autumn a strong time for the coast. This guide separates the two so you can see what the weather in Egypt in September and October means for your own route.

Egypt Weather in September and October: Two Thermometers, Land and Sea

Most guides give one number for the whole country, and it is always wrong somewhere. Luxor in early September can touch 40°C, while Alexandria is a comfortable 30°C and the Red Sea is warm enough to feel like a heated pool. To plan well, you need to read the land and the sea separately, and you need to know how fast each one changes between the first of September and the end of October.

The Two-Thermometer Rule

Keep this rule in mind for the whole period.

• Land thermometer: Falls steadily, with the biggest drop in Upper Egypt between early September and late October
• Sea thermometer: Stays high, around 27°C to 29°C on the Red Sea, so beach days are good throughout
• North versus south: The north is already comfortable in September, while the south needs until mid October
• Mornings versus afternoons: Mornings are the usable window early in the period, and afternoons become usable later

Temperature in Egypt in September and October by Region

Cairo and Giza

Cairo is still hot in early September, with highs around 32°C to 33°C and warm nights near 20°C. By October, highs fall to about 29°C to 30°C and evenings start to feel pleasant. This makes late October the first time the pyramid plateau feels easy all day. In September, schedule the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx for early morning, and use the afternoon for the The Grand Egyptian Museum - GEM, which is indoors and now fully open. For the month that follows, see Cairo Egypt weather in november.

Alexandria and the North Coast

Alexandria is the mildest big city in this period, with highs near 30°C in September and around 28°C in October, plus a sea breeze that takes the edge off. Humidity is higher than inland, and October brings the first chance of a shower. It is a good choice if you want an easier climate for sightseeing at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Citadel of Qaitbay and the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa. Browse Alexandria Tours for options.

Luxor and Aswan

Upper Egypt is where timing matters most. Luxor averages about 38°C to 39°C in September and about 34°C to 35°C in October, and Aswan is a degree or two hotter. The air is dry, so the heat feels sharper in the sun than in the shade, and September skies are almost completely clear. Nights are warm, around 21°C to 24°C in September and about 20°C in October.

The most comfortable window for hot-weather sightseeing in Luxor is generally from mid September to early November, with the sweet spot around the second week of October. Even then, afternoons are hot, so dawn starts matter. See Luxor weather in november and Aswan weather in november for what comes next.

Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh and Marsa Alam

The Red Sea coast runs hot but breezy, with highs around 34°C to 35°C in early September and around 30°C to 32°C by late October. Nights stay warm, usually 21°C to 24°C. Because of the breeze and the warm water, the coast often feels more comfortable than the inland cities even when the numbers are similar. For November comparisons, see Hurghada Egypt weather in november, Marsa Alam weather in november and temp in Sharm el Sheikh in november.

Western Desert and Siwa

Desert days are still hot in September and become more comfortable in October. Nights cool faster than anywhere else, which makes camping pleasant by mid October. Siwa Oasis, the White Desert and the Black Desert all become easier to visit as the month progresses. See Egypt Desert Safari Tours.

The Sea Thermometer: Water Temperature and Reef Days

The sea is the strongest argument for autumn travel. The Red Sea sits around 28°C to 29°C in September and 27°C to 28°C in October, which is warm enough for long swims without a wetsuit. The Mediterranean off Alexandria is cooler but still pleasant, with water temperatures that stay warm from summer heating.

This is a very good period for reef days. Boat trips to Giftun Island Hurghada and Ras Mohammed run in calm conditions, and Orange Bay Hurghada is easy for families. Divers should look at Diving and diving holidays Egypt. Regional trips are listed under Hurghada Tours and Excursions, Sharm El Sheikh Tours and Marsa Alam Trips. For what changes later in the year, read diving in Egypt in november.

September vs October: A Decision Table

• Cairo daytime: Hot in September, warm in October
• Luxor and Aswan daytime: Very hot in September, hot but workable in October
• Red Sea water: Warmest in September, still very warm in October
• Crowds: Low in September, rising in October
• Prices: Lower in September, higher in October as high season begins
• Rain: Essentially none in either month inland, with a slight chance on the north coast in October
• Best for budget: September
• Best for sightseeing comfort: October
• Best for beach and sea: Either month

If you want to compare the broader calendar, see Egypt September holidays, Egypt holidays in October and Egypt November holidays, and read is november a good time to visit Egypt if you are considering a later date.

Heat Rules for Upper Egypt

If your route includes Luxor or Aswan in September or early October, a few rules protect your day.

• Start at opening: Be at the gate when sites open, ideally by 6 or 7 am
• Stop by late morning: Move indoors or back to the hotel before the hottest hours
• Use the river: A Nile cruise gives you a shaded deck and a cool cabin between visits
• Carry water: Drink steadily, and do not wait until you feel thirsty
• Cover up: A hat, long light sleeves and high-SPF sunscreen matter, since UV is extreme in September and still very high in October
• Rest at midday: A pool break or a lunch indoors resets your energy for the afternoon

The best sites to visit early include the Valley of The Kings, Karnak Temple and Hatshepsut Temple. A Hot Air Balloon flight at dawn fits the cooler hours well. For tailored days, see Luxor Tours and Excursions and Aswan Tours.

Nile Cruises in Autumn Weather

A Nile cruise handles autumn heat better than a hotel-based trip, because the ship is a retreat between temple visits. In September the deck is hot at midday and lovely at sunset. In October it becomes comfortable all day. Look at Luxor To Aswan Nile Cruises, a 4 night Nile cruise Luxor to Aswan and a 7 day Nile cruise from Luxor. At the Aswan end, Philae Temple and a Felucca Ride at sunset suit this season well. For the full range, start with Nile Cruise.

Dates and Events

• Mid September: Coptic New Year, which adds a festive feel in Cairo and Alexandria
• October 6: Armed Forces Day, a public holiday with some closures
• October 22: The Abu Simbel Sun Festival, when sunlight reaches the inner sanctuary of Abu Simbel Temple

Check exact dates before you book, since some celebrations follow the calendar and can shift.

What to Pack

• Lightweight clothing: Breathable cotton or linen that covers your shoulders and knees
• Sun protection: A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and strong sunscreen
• Footwear: Closed shoes with grip for temple floors and sand
• Evening layer: A light jacket, especially in October and in the desert
• Swimwear: For the coast and for hotel pools
• Reef gear: Reef shoes and a rash vest if you plan long snorkeling sessions

Crowds and Prices

September is the quietest and cheapest month of the pair, because the heat keeps many travelers away. October is when Egypt’s high season begins to build, and prices climb as the weather improves. If you want the lowest costs and can handle early starts, September is attractive. If you want the best balance of comfort and availability, mid October is the stronger choice. Browse cheap Egypt holidays and summer holidays Egypt for lower-cost options, and luxury Egypt holidays for premium ones.

Two Sample Routes

September Route

Heat-aware and good value. Spend three nights in Cairo with early starts, take a four-night Nile cruise from Luxor, and finish with three nights on the Red Sea. Use air-conditioned transport in the afternoon, and keep the beach days at the end. See Nile cruise and Red Sea holiday.

October Route

Balanced and comfortable. Cairo for three nights, a seven-day Nile cruise, and a short Red Sea stay or an Abu Simbel add-on. By mid to late October you can fill whole days with sightseeing. For combinations, see Egypt multi centre holidays, and for the colder months that follow, see Cairo weather december january.

Fill in the Blanks and Send

Planning between two months is easier when the brief is short. Copy this into WhatsApp and fill in the blanks:

• Dates: ___ to ___
• Travelers: ___
• Biggest priority: heat comfort, lowest price or fewest crowds
• Must-see: ___

Our team will reply with a route that fits, and flag which days to start early. If you prefer to design the trip yourself, use Plan Tailor-Made Egypt Trip, or browse Egypt Tour Packages first. Bastet Travel will handle the rest. Which priority comes first for you?

FAQs: Egypt Weather in September and October

What is the weather in Egypt in September and October?

Egypt is hot in early September and gradually comfortable by mid to late October. Cairo is around 32°C falling to about 29°C, Luxor around 38°C falling to about 34°C, and the Red Sea around 28°C in the water.

What is the temperature in Egypt in September and October?

Highs range from about 28°C on the north coast to about 40°C in Aswan, depending on the region and the part of the month. Nights are warm, about 18°C to 24°C.

Is Egypt too hot in September?

In Upper Egypt, yes, for midday sightseeing. Cairo and the coast are manageable with early starts, and the Red Sea is excellent for swimming.

Is October better than September for the weather in Egypt?

For sightseeing, yes. October is cooler and more comfortable, while September offers lower prices and the warmest sea.

Does it rain in Egypt in September and October?

Almost never inland. The north coast, especially Alexandria, can see a light shower in October.

What should I wear for the weather in Egypt in September and October?

Light, breathable clothing that covers shoulders and knees, plus a hat, sunscreen and closed shoes. Bring a light jacket for October evenings and desert nights.

Is the sea warm enough for swimming in Egypt in September and October?

Yes. The Red Sea is around 27°C to 29°C, which is comfortable for swimming and diving without a thick wetsuit.