Egypt month by month
Egypt in March
In short: March is an ideal month for many travellers: warm enough to swim, cool enough to spend a whole day among the temples. By day it is 24°C (75°F) in Cairo, 30°C (86°F) in Luxor and Aswan and 25°C (77°F) on the Red Sea. The evenings are mild and the sun is strong. Only the khamsin, a warm desert wind, can bring dust on the odd day. March suits anyone who wants to combine culture with a few beach days.
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Pleasantly warm in the south, mild in Cairo: everything is very doable.
Sea water 21°C and 25°C by day on the Red Sea: a good mix of culture and beach.
Khamsin wind: a few dusty days a month, usually short.
The weather in Egypt in March
Cairo is around 24°C (75°F) by day and around 12°C (54°F) at night. Luxor and Aswan reach 30 to 31°C (86 to 88°F), with nights of 11°C (52°F). On the Red Sea it is 25°C (77°F) by day and the sea water is still 21°C (70°F). Expect 9 hours of sun a day. The khamsin blows mostly between March and May: a warm, dry southerly wind that can bring a day or two of dust and a grey sky.
Ramadan in March
If Ramadan falls in March, as in 2027, when it is expected to last until Eid al-Fitr around 9 or 10 March, you notice it mainly in quieter restaurants during the day and lively evenings. The exact dates depend on the sighting of the moon, and the sights stay open. Eid al-Fitr, the feast at the end of Ramadan, is a national holiday when Egyptians themselves head out in large numbers; we prefer to plan the busy sights a day earlier or later.
Our advice for March
Start in Cairo and work your way south, so that you visit the warmest places in the morning. Finish on the Red Sea: 25°C by day and plenty of sun. Our Egypt Highlights tour ends with two nights at the Red Sea in just this way. If you can, travel in the second half of the month for slightly fewer crowds at the pyramids and in the Valley of the Kings.
Figures
Temperatures in Egypt in March
Average daytime highs and night-time lows per destination in March, in Celsius and Fahrenheit. You can see at a glance where it is comfortable and where you adjust the programme.
| Destination | Daytime | At night | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cairo | 24°C (75°F) | 12°C (54°F) | Mild and sunny, occasional dust from the khamsin |
| Luxor & Aswan | 30°C (86°F) | 11°C (52°F) | Warm and dry, ideal for the morning |
| Red Sea (Hurghada) | 25°C (77°F) | 14°C (57°F) | Sea water 21°C, 25°C by day, often a little wind |
Averages over several years; a single year can differ slightly. About 9 hours of sunshine a day, sea water at Hurghada around 21°C (70°F).
Other months
Egypt month by month
Practical
What to pack
Light clothing, a thin scarf against dust and sun, and a cardigan for the evening. In Luxor and Aswan it is already 30°C around midday, so a hat and sun cream are not a luxury.
What you can do
Tours across Egypt, Nile cruises, dahabiyas, desert excursions and the Red Sea. March is also a good month for Alexandria and the Mediterranean coast, which is busy with Egyptian families in summer.
Booking and prices
March is high season, especially the first half. Dahabiyas have limited capacity; book four to six months ahead. In the second half of March it gets a little quieter.
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Frequently asked questions
How warm is Egypt in March?
In March it is on average 24°C (75°F) by day in Cairo, 30°C (86°F) in Luxor and Aswan and 25°C (77°F) on the Red Sea. The nights are still cool at 11 to 14°C (52 to 57°F). It is dry, with about 9 hours of sun a day.
Is March a good time to visit Egypt?
Yes, March is a very good time to visit Egypt. It is warm and dry, with 24°C in Cairo and 30°C in Luxor and Aswan, so you can spend whole days at temples and tombs and still swim in the Red Sea. It is high season, so book well ahead.
What is the khamsin and will it bother you?
The khamsin is a warm, dry wind from the Sahara that can bring dust and a grey sky for a few days a month between March and May. It usually lasts a day or two. A scarf and sunglasses are enough; the programme goes ahead as planned.
Is March a good month for a Nile cruise?
Yes, March is a very good month for a Nile cruise. It is warm enough to sit on deck, and the temples at Edfu and Kom Ombo are pleasant in the morning. Book well ahead, because it is high season. Our guide to a Nile cruise in Egypt shows what to choose.
Can you swim in the Red Sea in March?
Yes, the sea water is 21°C and it is 25°C by day. For snorkelling a thin wetsuit is pleasant. From April the water warms up quickly.
Where is it warmest in Egypt in March?
In March it is warmest in Luxor and Aswan: 30°C (86°F) by day. Next come Marsa Alam at 27°C (81°F) and Sharm el-Sheikh at 26°C (79°F). Cairo reaches 24°C (75°F) and Alexandria 21°C (70°F). The sea is 21°C (70°F) at Hurghada and 23°C (73°F) at Marsa Alam.
What is the weather like in early and late March in Egypt?
Early March is still close to February: about 21°C (70°F) in Cairo and 26°C (79°F) in Luxor. By late March the figures move towards April: about 28°C (82°F) in Cairo and 35°C (95°F) in Luxor. Over the month the Red Sea water is between about 21°C (70°F) and 23°C (73°F).
Read on
Best time to visit Egypt
Month by month: when Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and the Red Sea are at their most comfortable.
Weather in Egypt
Temperatures per month for Cairo, Luxor, Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Sharm el-Sheikh, with the sea temperature.
Nile cruise in Egypt
Classic ship or dahabiya between Luxor and Aswan: nights, route, prices and how to fit a cruise into your trip.
Egypt Highlights (10 days)
Private tour through Cairo, Luxor and Aswan with the great sights of ancient Egypt.
How many days in Egypt?
10 to 12 days suits most first trips; see what fits into 5, 10, 12, 14 and 15 days, with the matching tour.
Ramadan in Egypt
Expected dates for 2027, shorter opening hours at the sites, and what to know about eating and drinking by day.
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