May is a warm-to-hot month in Egypt, with the weather being perfect for those looking to visit Egypt's beaches for water sports and activities, as well as to go diving and snorkeling.
We recommend visiting in May if you're looking to go to Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh, or other seaside locations throughout the country.
If you mostly want to visit Egypt for sightseeing, you'll need to make sure that you're up for it with the higher temperatures. Especially in Aswan and Luxor, which is of historical interest because this area is where a lot of ancient Egyptian cities' remains are found, you'll need to make sure you are able to be comfortable in the heat.
To find out more about where to visit in Egypt in May, what to wear during your visit, and whether you should expect any rain during your time in Egypt, read on!
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Egypt Weather in May: Overview
- Average temperature range in Cairo and Alexandria (north of Egypt): 17°C–33°C (62°F–91°F)
- Average temperature range in Hurghada, Sharm el-Sheikh and Luxor (middle to south of Egypt): 23°C–39°C (73°F–102°F)
- Rainfall: 1 mm on average in May
- Rainy days: 1 day in the north (Alexandria, Cairo) but 0 days in the south
- Sunny days: all days with maybe brief periods of cloud or a shower
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Egypt Regional Weather in May
Temperatures in the north of the country, Alexandria and Cairo, are lower than the rest of the country, hovering between a low of 17°C (62°F) and a high of 33°C (91°F). There is very little rainfall there, and you'll mostly have beautiful sunny days.
Do bear in mind that Cairo will feel a lot warmer than it is, due to it being a big and busy city.
| Location | Min. Temp. | Max. Temp. | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria | 17°C (62°F) | 27°C (80°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
| Cairo (and Giza) | 19°C (66°F) | 33°C (91°F) | 1 mm (0.0 in) |
| Luxor | 21°C (70°F) | 39°C (102°F) | 0 mm |
| Aswan | 24°C (75°F) | 40°C (104°F) | 0 mm |
| Hurghada | 23°C (73°F) | 34°C (93°F) | 1 mm (0.0 in) |
| Sharm el-Sheikh | 25°C (77°F) | 35°C (95°F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) |
May is a good time to visit seaside destinations. Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh see average highs of 34°C (93°F) and 35°C (95°F) respectively. This is great weather for being on the beach, and the evenings there are warm too at around 23°C (73°F) or 25°C (77°F), perfect for al fresco dining.
Temperatures in Aswan and Luxor in Egypt's desert interior are particularly high, and so May is a very hot time of the year to be sightseeing there. Average highs of 39°C (102°F) and 40°C (104°F) mean that you would need to make sure you drink a lot of water if you intend to go around the Valley of the Kings, or the Temple of Luxor. We also recommend setting off early in the day to avoid the hot afternoon sun.
If you are somebody who gets easily bothered by hot weather, but you do want to walk around and see the sights, we recommend planning your visit sometime in December through to April, when the temperatures in Luxor and Aswan especially are much more bearable.
Get to know more ideas about planning a trip to Egypt>>>
Best Places to Visit in Egypt in May
1. Alexandria
In the north of Egypt, Alexandria is the second biggest city in the country, and its important location means it has played a key role in Egypt's history.
The temperatures there are lower than the inland cities due to its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. It's worth stopping by for a day or two to see the Alexandria National Museum and get a feel for the city.
Get to know more ideas about planning a family trip to Egypt>>>
2. Sharm el-Sheikh
Sharm el-Sheikh is a popular destination in May, with higher temperatures on the beaches drawing crowds of sunbathers and those looking to explore the Red Sea.
Sharm el-Sheikh is a good spot to go snorkeling and diving from, and makes for a relaxing beach holiday destination at this time of the year.
Check out the Best and Worst Times to Visit Egypt.
3. Hurghada
Hurghada is also popular with travelers in May, as the temperatures are higher at this time of year than between December and April.
It's a busy tourist destination, and you can expect to participate in lots of water sports, learn how to dive, or go water skiing. Hurghada is a wonderful location for an active beach holiday.
You could get some ideas about how long to spend when planning your Egypt trip>>>
4. Cairo and Giza
Cairo and Giza are a must visit during your time in Egypt, and Cairo is also likely where your flight will come into from your home country.
From Cairo, the pyramids are just a short taxi ride away, and you absolutely cannot miss those. We recommend visiting early in the day, as the temperatures there are higher in the middle of the day. This will also ensure there are fewer crowds.
When planning your Egypt trip, you can see our handpicked itineraries for various durations: 5 days, 7 days, 8 days, 10 days, 12 days, 14 days and 21 days...
Crowds and Cost
May is outside of the peak season to visit Egypt. This is in particular as a result of the higher temperatures throughout Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. This means that there are fewer tourists throughout the country, and that this is a good time of year to visit the beaches of Egypt.
In May you can expect lower accommodation and flight costs, and if you do go to the Pyramids or the tombs and ruins, you'll find that there are fewer people there than if you were to go in December or January. You just have to decide whether the heat is tolerable for you and your family.
For a better understanding of the cost of an Egypt tour, read How Much Does a Trip to Egypt Cost?
What to Wear in Egypt in May
In May, with higher temperatures, we recommend wearing light clothing made of linen or cotton in lighter colors. Avoiding denim and synthetic materials can help you feel cooler throughout the day, especially if you are walking around the cities.
It's best to carry a hat and sunscreen, as well as sunglasses if you use those. Women will still be expected to cover their knees and shoulders, as is common in Egyptian tradition. You can read about what to wear during your visit to Egypt here.
As any time of year, we also recommend wearing proper, supportive footwear for all the walking around. In May, the more breathable your footwear is the better.
Monthly Weather in Egypt
Travel to Egypt in May with Global Highlights
If you are planning to visit Egypt in May, but aren't sure where is best to visit, feel free to reach out and ask for our experts' advice. We are ready to put together an itinerary for your entire family/group, suited to your needs and wishes, and including everything that you want to see while you are in Egypt. We can help take the stress out of your travels.
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