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by Iffat Nawaz

Escape To Egypt: Top Reasons To Visit In Winter

14 Jan 2025

Photo: Roxanne Desgagnés

As the winter chill sets in, a warm and ancient land beckons. Egypt, the cradle of civilization, is buzzing with excitement as record numbers of tourists flock to its sun-kissed shores. In fact, a staggering 27% surge in visitor numbers was reported in the first four months of 2024 alone. 

What is drawing travellers to this mystical land? The answer lies in Egypt's treasure trove of iconic wonders: the glorious Pyramids of Giza, the enigmatic Great Sphinx, and the treasure-filled Egyptian Museum, to name just a few. Join the ranks of the curious and the adventurous — come winter, Egypt is the ultimate destination that will leave you spellbound.

Egypt, a land steeped in history and blessed with year-round sunshine, offers a unique experience during the winter months (November to January). While many parts of the world shiver under the winter chill, Egypt welcomes visitors with pleasant temperatures, making it an ideal time to explore its wonders.  Don’t wait, ditch the snow boots and pack your sunscreen — an amazing Egyptian adventure awaits. Here are some reasons why visit Egypt in winter. 

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Photo: AXP Photography

1. Escape the winter blues in sunny Egypt

Forget shovelling snow and bundling up in layers—– in Egypt, winter means sunshine, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures perfect for exploring ancient wonders.

You can stroll through the Valley of the Kings, and marvel at the magnificent tombs of pharaohs, without the scorching summer heat. Or perhaps you would prefer to relax on the clean beaches, where the winter sun warms the air to a delightful 25°C, ideal for swimming or simply soaking up the rays.

Winter in Egypt offers a notable advantage for history buffs. The cooler temperatures make exploring ancient temples, climbing pyramids, and wandering through bustling markets a truly enjoyable venture. No more sweltering under the summer sun — you can comfortably explore at your own pace, soaking in the history and culture without feeling overwhelmed by the heat.

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Photo: Omar Elsharawy

2. Fewer crowds and lower prices

With fewer tourists during the winter months, you can enjoy a more intimate experience at popular attractions like the Egyptian Museum and the Valley of the Kings. Additionally, you might find better deals on flights and accommodations.

Exploring Egypt's iconic historical sites like Luxor and Karnak Temple is a whole different experience when you avoid the peak tourist season. You will get to soak up the ancient vibes without the crowds, allowing for a more immersive and relaxed adventure.

You can wander through these legendary sites without feeling rushed or jostled by throngs of tourists. You will have the freedom to take your time, absorb the history, and appreciate the intricate details that make these places so stunning.

And the best part? Egypt is now more affordable than ever, thanks to the Egyptian pound's favourable exchange rate. Whether you are paying in dollars, euros, or British pounds, you will find that getting around, sampling local cuisine, and exploring the sights is incredibly budget-friendly — as long as you steer clear of the tourist traps, of course.

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Photo: Kris-Mikael Krister

3. Beyond the Pyramids: Discover the Red Sea's magic

When you think of Egypt, images of ancient wonders like the Pyramids of Giza probably come to mind. But did you know that Egypt boasts some of the world's most remarkable beaches? 

Nestled along the Red Sea, resorts like Sharm el Sheikh, Dahab, Hurghada, and Marsa Alam offer squeaky-clean white sand, crystal-clear waters, and beautiful coral reefs, rivalling the best beach destinations globally.

While summer temperatures can be intense, winter in the Red Sea region brings a welcome respite. Imagine basking in the warm sunshine on a pristine beach, the air pleasantly cool and the water inviting for a refreshing dip. While the water might be a bit chilly for the faint of heart in December and January, October, November, late February, and March offer excellent beach weather for swimming, snorkelling, and diving.

The cooler months in the Red Sea offer exceptional visibility underwater, allowing you to witness breathtaking marine life — from colourful fish and lush coral formations to magnificent creatures like hammerheads. 

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Photo: Hongbin

4. Forget the summer scorch: Cruise the Nile

Think of gliding down the majestic Nile River, the winter sun warming your face as you soak up the sensational scenery. During the scorching summer months, cruising the Nile can be a bit of an ordeal, with intense heat forcing passengers to seek refuge in air-conditioned cabins. But winter offers a completely different experience.

The winter brings delightfully mild temperatures, making it the right time to relax on the deck, feel the gentle breeze on your skin, and simply enjoy the spectacular views. You can spend hours exploring the deck, sipping your favourite cocktail, and marvelling at the ancient temples and sacred sites that line the riverbanks.

A Nile cruise is a memorable experience, a journey through time and legend. Let the river carry you along, immersing yourself in the beauty of the Egyptian landscape. 

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Photo: Aleksander Stypczynski

5. Savouring Egypt's culinary treasures

Egypt in winter isn't just about exploring ancient wonders and soaking up the sun. It is also a time to indulge in the country's zesty culinary scene. As you wander through the bustling streets of Cairo, your senses will be tantalised by the mouthwatering aromas wafting from street vendors. The sweet, smoky scent of roasting sweet potatoes, the sizzling sound of grilling corn on the cob, and the comforting warmth of steaming hot drinks like "sahlab" and "hummus el sham" — these are the wintertime treats that truly warm the soul.

Venture into bustling markets, where you can savour the fresh seasonal bounty, from juicy pomegranates and sweet dates to tangy citrus fruits. These seasonal ingredients find their way into a myriad of delicious dishes, from savoury stews to sweet pastries.

Cairo itself offers a feast for the senses. Don't miss the iconic "koshari," a hearty and flavourful mix of rice, pasta, lentils, and chickpeas, or the comforting "ful medames," a savoury fava bean stew.

But perhaps the most iconic winter treat is "shakshuka," a dish of eggs poached in a rich tomato and pepper sauce — a great way to start your day or enjoy a leisurely brunch. 

In conclusion, there are multiple reasons to visit Egypt in winter. However, if you are looking for a winter getaway that offers a classic blend of history, culture, culinary delights and adventure, Egypt is a wonderful destination. Embrace the magic of the cold season in Egypt and create long-lasting memories. 

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