What to Wear in Egypt: For Women and For Different Seasons

What to Wear in Egypt: For Women and For Different Seasons

By Margaux | Updated Mar. 19, 2024

What to Wear When Traveling in Egypt As A Women

What to Wear When Traveling in Egypt As A WomenWhat to Wear When Traveling in Egypt As A Women

During your time in Egypt, it's important to know what to wear. This is because Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country, and you'll see that both women and men cover up most of their body regardless of the weather.

Most importantly, as a woman you will need to cover your shoulders and knees, as Egyptian women don't usually wear shorts or short dresses, and covering up will both draw less attention, and is also more respectful. Traditional Egyptian clothing is usually long sleeved and with long trousers, for both genders, so this is what the Egyptian people are used to.

When visiting religious sites, you'll also have to cover your head, especially during festivals like Ramadan.

Get to know more information about planning a trip to Egypt>>>

What to Wear for the Different Seasons in Egypt

The first thing you'll want to keep in mind when you're dressing for your trip to Egypt will be the weather. When you are visiting Egypt will dictate the clothing you wear and the types of fabrics to choose for your clothing.

Regardless of the season it is important to bring supportive and comfortable footwear too — you'll be doing a lot of walking around the historical sights during your time in Egypt and you want to make sure that your feet are comfortable. Bringing sandals or slippers is a good idea if you're going on a Nile river cruise, or if you're planning on spending time at Egypt's beach resorts too.

Spring (March to May) and Summer (June to August)

Egypt's temperatures can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit or the high 30s in Celsius in the summer, so it's important to make sure that you're wearing loose-fitting clothing made of fabrics like linen and cotton which are best to take the heat. Women are expected to still dress respectfully (i.e. trousers over the knees and shirts covering the shoulders) even during the hottest days of summer.

Bringing a hat is a good idea, especially if you're planning on going on a Nile river cruise. We also recommend wearing sunscreen daily in Egypt, regardless of where you're going, because you will be outside exposed to the sun.

During the spring evenings, temperatures can drop a little more so you might want to bring a sweater just in case you get chilly after dinner.

Fall (September to November) and Winter (December to February)

In the winter, temperatures can drop to about 18 degrees Celsius, or 65 degrees Fahrenheit, so you'll want to wear a little more to keep warm. This is especially the case if you're spending time in the desert or mountains where the temperatures can drop a lot more during the evenings.

We recommend layered clothing, such as fleece jumpers, so that you can add more layers to stay warm as needed throughout the day. A scarf can also be a good idea for winter evenings.

What to Wear at Religious Sites in Egypt

When visiting a mosque, a temple or an Orthodox Church, women will need to make sure that they are wearing long and loose-fitting trousers or skirts, as well as long sleeved shirts. An extra linen shirt to wear over the top of a t-shirt can be a good solution so that you don't have to be out in long sleeves all day, if you prefer to just put it on for your visit. You also will not be able to have a low neckline.

Women will have to cover their head while visiting a mosque or church, so packing a scarf to wear during your visit is a good idea. Although you can usually also borrow something to cover up on site, you might prefer to have something of your own.

What to Wear at the Beach

What to Wear at the Beach in EgyptVisit Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt

While at Egypt's beach destinations in the resorts, pretty much anything goes. You can wear shorts, sleeveless tops, and you'll see tourists wearing bikinis.

Just be mindful that if you head out of the resort and into the cities for dinner, for example, you might want to cover up a little more to avoid unwanted attention. We do not recommend leaving the resort in swimwear, just out of respect for Egyptian culture and habits.

What to Wear in the Desert

Quad bikes safari in desert near Hurghada, EgyptQuad bikes safari in desert near Hurghada, Egypt

In the desert, temperatures are high in the day and low in the evenings, and you'll be coming across a lot of dust and sand. This is why we recommend not wearing white if you can avoid it, as the dust will gather on your clothes.

Colors like beige or other lighter colors are better than black though, as black clothes can make you feel hotter during the day. Do bring some additional layers if you're spending the evening out in the desert, as you will be surprised how quickly the temperature can drop after the sun goes down at dinner.

Why Global Highlights (10,000+ reviews & 98.8% 5-star rating)

  • Save Your Time:
  • Less research, more enjoyment!
  • Real-time 1V1 expert planning
  • Maximize Your Flexibility:
  • Personal local guide and ride
  • Explore at your own pace
  • Celebrate Your Journeys:
  • Specially-crafted family adventures
  • Celebrate milestones with style!

Get Inspired with Some Popular Itineraries

9-Day Essential Egypt Tour with Nile Cruise 10-Day Private Egypt Active Family Expedition Tour 12-Day Egypt Luxury Tour with Abu Simbel 12-Day Journey Through Egypt and Jordan's Ancient Lands 2-Week Egypt and Jordan Family Adventure Tour 15-Day Egypt and Kenya Highlights Tour 15-Day Morocco and Egypt Highlights Tour 16-Day Grand Egypt Tour with White Desert

More Travel Ideas and Inspiration

How to Plan a 7-Day Egypt Itinerary 2024/2025: Top 6 Options Top 6 Egypt Itineraries for 8 Days (2024/2025) How to Plan a 10-Day Egypt Itinerary (Best 4 in 2024/2025) Top 4 Egypt Itineraries for 12-Day Trips (2023/2024) Planning a 2-Week Egypt Itinerary 2024/2025: Best 5 Options 2-Week Jordan and Israel Itineraries for First-Timers How to Plan a 3-Week Egypt Itinerary (2024/2025) How to Plan a Trip to Egypt 2024/2025 & Itinerary Ideas
We are here to help you...
start planning your tailor-made trip with 1-1 help from our travel advisors.
Create Your Trip

Sign up to Our Newsletter

Be the first to receive exciting updates, exclusive promotions, and valuable travel tips from our team of experts.

Where Can We Take You Today?

Rated 4.6 out of 5 | Excellence
China Highlights International
Travel Service Co., LTD
Featured on
Global Highlights was featured on these medias.

Address: Building 6, Chuangyi Business Park, 70 Qilidian Road, Guilin, Guangxi, 541004, China