Swapping a grey British December for blue skies over the Pyramids is one of the easiest winter escapes there is. Egypt is only around five hours from London, the days are warm but not hot, and the Nile Valley is at its most comfortable. This guide covers what to expect if you spend Christmas in Egypt: the weather, the crowds, how Christmas is celebrated locally, and how to plan the trip so it feels like a holiday rather than a scramble.
What is the weather like in Egypt at Christmas?
Late December is winter in Egypt, but it is a mild one.
- Cairo and Giza: pleasant days around the high teens to low twenties °C, and cool evenings that can drop to around 10°C. A light jacket is useful after dark.
- Luxor and Aswan: warmer and sunnier, usually in the low to mid twenties during the day. Early mornings and nights in the desert are chilly, so bring layers, especially if you plan a sunrise balloon flight.
- Hurghada and the Red Sea: warm, sunny days in the low twenties. The sea is cooler than in summer, so many people find a short wetsuit comfortable for snorkelling.
Rain is rare. The biggest weather issue is morning fog or wind, which can occasionally delay hot air balloon flights in Luxor.
How busy is Egypt over Christmas and New Year?
The week between Christmas and New Year is one of the busiest of the whole year. School holidays in Europe line up with the best weather in Egypt, so the big sites, Nile cruise ships and domestic flights all fill up. A few practical points:
- Book early. Nile cruise cabins and flights between Cairo, Aswan and Luxor sell out for these dates, often months ahead.
- Expect festive pricing. Many hotels and cruise ships charge a supplement over Christmas and New Year, and some include a compulsory New Year’s Eve gala dinner.
- Start early. Arriving at the Pyramids or the Valley of the Kings when the gates open makes a huge difference to how crowded they feel.
How is Christmas celebrated in Egypt?
Egypt has one of the oldest Christian communities in the world. Most Egyptian Christians belong to the Coptic Orthodox Church, which celebrates Christmas on 7 January, a public holiday in Egypt. On 25 December the country runs as normal: sites, shops and restaurants are open, and you can sightsee on Christmas Day itself.
You will still find plenty of festive spirit. Hotels and cruise ships in tourist areas decorate for Christmas and usually host a Christmas dinner, and some churches in Cairo hold services on 25 December. If you are in Egypt in early January, Coptic Christmas Eve on 6 January is a lovely time to see local celebrations.
Where to go for Christmas in Egypt
Cairo and the Pyramids
Comfortable December weather makes this the ideal time to explore the Giza Plateau, the Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum, where the complete Tutankhamun collection is now on display. Two or three days is enough for the highlights.
A Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan
Spending Christmas or New Year on the Nile is hard to beat: temples by day, sunsets from the deck, and festive dinners on board. Cruises run in both directions, from three to seven nights. See our Nile cruises or read our guide to choosing a Nile cruise.
Luxor
Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings and a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the West Bank. Cool, clear winter mornings give some of the best balloon conditions of the year.
The Red Sea
If you want some sun and rest after the sightseeing, a few nights in Hurghada or Sharm El Sheikh rounds off the trip. From Hurghada you can still see the temples on a Luxor day trip. Browse our beach holidays.
Our Christmas and New Year tour
Our 8-day Christmas and New Year in Egypt tour leaves on 27 December, so you can enjoy Christmas at home first, and returns on 3 January. It includes the Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum with a private Egyptologist, a 3-night Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor, New Year’s Eve on board your ship and New Year’s Day in the Valley of the Kings. Prices already include the festive supplement and the New Year’s Eve gala dinner.
Prefer to be away for Christmas Day itself, or to build your own dates? Tell us your plans and we will put together an itinerary and price.
Practical tips for a Christmas trip
- Visa: most visitors need a tourist visa, available online before travel or on arrival for many nationalities. Check the rules for your passport before you fly.
- Packing: layers, a warm jacket for early mornings and desert evenings, comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses and sun cream.
- Money: carry some small notes for tips and small purchases. Our prices are in US dollars.
- Dress: shoulders and knees covered is respectful at mosques and churches, and more comfortable in the sun.
Frequently asked questions
Is Egypt warm at Christmas?
Yes, by European standards. Expect daytime temperatures in the high teens to mid twenties °C depending on where you are, with cool nights.
Are the Pyramids open on Christmas Day?
Yes. 25 December is a normal working day in Egypt, so the Pyramids, museums and temples keep their usual opening hours.
When should I book a Christmas trip to Egypt?
As early as possible. Nile cruise cabins and domestic flights are the first things to sell out for the festive weeks.
Questions about a festive trip? Message us on WhatsApp or send an enquiry.