Month by month
Egypt in February
Almost as good as January for temperature, with slightly thinner crowds.
What Egypt in February is actually like
Egypt in February keeps January's comfortable temperatures but loses the Christmas and New Year surcharge. For a temple-weighted trip it is one of the best months of the year.
The one date worth planning around is the sun alignment at Abu Simbel, which falls around 22 February. On that morning the rising sun reaches the inner sanctuary. It is crowded, it requires a very early start from Aswan, and it is still worth seeing.
The sea is still cool. If you want to swim properly rather than briefly, push the trip to April or later.
What Egypt in February is good for
- ▲The Abu Simbel sun alignment around 22 February, if you can get to Aswan for it.
- ▲Diving is possible but the water is cool; most people wear a full wetsuit rather than a shortie.
- ▲Long temple days without the January price premium.
One thing to plan for
Half-term traffic from Europe lifts prices for a week or two in the middle of the month. Booking either side of it saves noticeably.
On in February
Abu Simbel sun alignment around 22 February — book accommodation in Aswan well ahead.
Egypt in February at a glance
| Cairo | 21°C |
| Luxor and Aswan | 25°C |
| Red Sea water | 22°C |
| Crowds | Busy |
| Prices | High season |
Typical daytime highs. Sea temperature is Hurghada. Approximate.
Common questions
Is February a good time to visit Egypt?+
Almost as good as January for temperature, with slightly thinner crowds. Expect about 21C in Cairo and 25C in Luxor, with the Red Sea around 22C.
How hot is Luxor in February?+
Typical daytime highs are around 25C. Upper Egypt is consistently hotter than Cairo, and the Valley of the Kings has almost no shade, so morning visits are better than afternoon ones whatever the month.
Can you swim in the Red Sea in February?+
The sea is around 22C, which is swimmable but cool. It is fine for a quick swim and less pleasant for a long snorkel without a shortie wetsuit.
Is February expensive?+
High season. Prices sit between the summer floor and the winter peak.
Official sources
Entry rules, opening hours, security advice and exchange rates all move. Check them at the source, not here.
- UK FCDO travel advice for Egypt ↗It updates continuously, and most UK travel insurance follows it.