Egypt packing list for families
Egypt is hot, dusty, and full of early mornings, and it calls for modest clothing at some of its most famous sites. This list helps your family stay cool and covered from Cairo to Aswan.
Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Egypt & the Nile
- Luxor and Aswan are much hotter than Cairo, so a Nile cruise in May feels very different from one in December. For kids, I like October through April.
- Tomb and temple visits start early to beat the heat and the crowds. Plan rest time in the afternoon, and kids will have more energy for the sights.
- Modest, loose linen is cooler than shorts in the sun, and it covers shoulders and knees for mosque visits. Pack a scarf for women and girls.
Egypt & the Nile
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Carry-on8
Clothing6
Shoes2
Beach & pool1
Little ones5
Health & toiletries5
Documents & tech5
Temple linen
Ivory, wheat, sage, clay
For the grown-ups
- Loose linen pants and midi skirts
- Light tops that cover the shoulders
- A scarf for temples and sun
For the kids
- Breathable cotton sets
- Shorts that reach the knee for temple visits
- Easy slip-on shoes for shoes-off sites
For photos
- Soft neutrals against colorful markets and temples
- Early morning light, before the heat
Egypt & the Nile weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 66°F 19°C | Mild sunny days and cool nights, warmer in Luxor and Aswan | Prime Nile cruise season with comfortable temperatures Holiday weeks, the busiest time at the pyramids and temples |
| February | 69°F 21°C | Mild sunny days and cool nights, warmer in Luxor and Aswan | Sun Festival at Abu Simbel, when sunrise lights the inner sanctuary around Feb 22 Prime Nile cruise season with comfortable temperatures |
| March | 74°F 23°C | Warm, with occasional hot, dusty khamsin winds | Prime Nile cruise season with comfortable temperatures |
| April | 83°F 28°C | Warm, with occasional hot, dusty khamsin winds | Prime Nile cruise season with comfortable temperatures |
| May | 90°F 32°C | Hot and dry, with extreme heat in Upper Egypt | |
| June | 94°F 34°C | Hot and dry, with extreme heat in Upper Egypt | |
| July | 95°F 35°C | Hot and dry, with extreme heat in Upper Egypt | |
| August | 95°F 35°C | Hot and dry, with extreme heat in Upper Egypt | |
| September | 92°F 33°C | Hot and dry, with extreme heat in Upper Egypt | |
| October | 86°F 30°C | Warm days cooling into pleasant evenings | Second Abu Simbel Sun Festival around Oct 22 Prime Nile cruise season with comfortable temperatures |
| November | 77°F 25°C | Warm days cooling into pleasant evenings | Prime Nile cruise season with comfortable temperatures |
| December | 69°F 21°C | Mild sunny days and cool nights, warmer in Luxor and Aswan | Prime Nile cruise season with comfortable temperatures Holiday weeks, the busiest time at the pyramids and temples |
Egypt & the Nile with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Egypt & the Nile with kids?
The best time is Oct–Apr. Warm, with occasional hot, dusty khamsin winds
What's the weather like in Egypt & the Nile?
Typical daytime highs range from about 66°F (19°C) in January to about 95°F (35°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Egypt & the Nile?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Egypt & the Nile?
Types C and F, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for Egypt & the Nile with kids?
Luxor and Aswan are much hotter than Cairo, so a Nile cruise in May feels very different from one in December. For kids, I like October through April.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.