The Ultimate Travel Packing List for Egypt
Visiting Egypt is an unforgettable adventure full of rich cultural experiences and awe-inspiring sights. From the iconic Pyramids of Giza to the winding Nile River, there's no shortage of unique experiences waiting for you in this fascinating country.
It's good to know that Egypt has a desert climate, meaning that it's typically hot and dry throughout the year, with little rainfall. However, there are regional variations in temperature and weather patterns that you should consider when planning your trip.
There are two main seasons in Egypt: summer and winter. Summer lasts from May to September, with temperatures ranging from 30°C to 40°C (86°F to 104°F) in most parts of the country. Winter lasts from October to April, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F) across much of the country.
However, the coastal areas of Egypt, such as Alexandria and the Mediterranean coast, tend to be cooler and more humid than the inland regions. Meanwhile, the Red Sea coast is generally warmer and drier than other parts of the country.
If you're planning to explore Egypt's mountainous areas, such as the Sinai Peninsula or the Eastern Desert, be aware that temperatures can get quite cold, and even snow is possible during the winter months.
Overall, visiting Egypt is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Now that you know a bit about the weather and typical temperature patterns, you can more effectively plan your trip and make the most out of your adventure.
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Tips for a Comfortable and Respectful Trip
Your clothing choices in Egypt may vary depending on your itinerary - whether you plan on sticking to tourist resorts or venturing out into other parts of the country. No matter where you go, though, it's important to respect the conservative Muslim values of the country. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Locals tend to dress up in the evenings, so consider bringing some more elegant attire with you for going out to dinner or taking a cruise.
It can get cooler in Egypt during certain months, so be sure to pack a lightweight travel jacket. We recommend the SCOTTeVEST travel jacket, which has plenty of storage pockets, RFID security, and even removable sleeves.
Avoid wearing clothing with army or combat prints, as this can be seen as disrespectful.
Don't forget to protect yourself from the sun with plenty of sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Mosquito repellent is also a must.
Choose comfortable flat shoes for exploring, and opt for closed-in styles to protect your feet from dusty streets. We love Hotter shoes for travel - they're lightweight, stylish, and comfortable.
What to Wear in Egypt
1. By following these tips, you can ensure that you stay comfortable and respectful during your trip to Egypt.
2. Pants x 2: Long and loose cotton pants are perfect for keeping you cool against the heat, and ideal for keeping you warm in the air conditioned hotels and restaurants of Egypt. They’re also an automatic cover for your legs if you’re planning on entering any mosques.
3. Skirt x 2: Long maxi skirts in cotton or rayon (these two are pretty cute: red, floral) are light and can keep you surprisingly cool.
5. Dress x 1: A long maxi dress in cotton or rayon is also ideal for the heat. If you need to cover up your arms / chest, pair it with a pashmina or scarf.
6. Tops x 5: Loose T-Shirts or tunics in cotton, silk or rayon fabric is your best bet. Stick to light colors to mix and match with your pants and skirts.
7. Cardigan x 1: A cardigan will keep you warm during the cooler nights, and also serves as a cover up for your arms in mosques or while you’re out and about on the street. It’s also a lifesaver on a cold plane.
8. Pashmina / scarf x 1: A pashmina or scarf serves many purposes. It can cover your head in the heat, keep you warm, or cover your shoulders / chest in the more conservative areas you visit.
9. Swimsuit x1: Most of the touristy resorts or hotels have swimming pools, so be sure to include this if you plan to swim. If you are staying at an actual resort, feel free to bring along more swim suits. Here are some cute ones: bikini & one piece.
10. Cover up x 1: A loose and light cover up is ideal for lounging by the pool.
11. Sneakers x 1: The grounds around the Giza Pyramids and the outdoor museums are grimy and dusty, so a sturdy pair of (breathable) sneakers is absolutely necessary.
12. Sandals x 1: Perfect for indoors or lounging by the pool. I’d recommend picking sandals with arch support, like these ones, to keep your feet comfortable while sightseeing. If you don’t mind wearing open toed shoes for the whole trip and wanted to save space, you could go with just 13. one to two pairs of sandals as your only pairs of shoes.
14. Ballet flats x 1: Instead of heels, which take up space and are not practical for grimy Egyptian roads and tourist spots, these are an easy way to jazz up any outfit you bring.
15. Underwear / bras x 7: The key here is to make sure they’re cotton and breathable. Sports bras are ideal.
16. Sun hat: An absolute necessity in the blazing sun, especially if you have dark hair.
17. Sunglasses: Even more essential than the sun hat. I’d even recommend bringing a second pair in case the first pair breaks or gets misplaced.
Toiletries
Travel toilet paper rolls (they take up even less room than tissues, and you'll often need your own TP in public bathrooms)
Hand sanitizer (crucial for bathrooms in Egypt)
Toiletries like sunscreen, contact solution, toothpaste, and moisturizer (OMG bring a good moisturizer or lotion – it is SO DRY in Egypt!)
Solid shampoo/conditioner – I like the solid bars by Ethique; you don't have to worry about liquid rules, AND they won't explode in your suitcase (plus, eco-friendly!)
Any skin care products you usually travel with
First aid kit with Band-Aids, motion sickness pills, pain killers, Imodium, and rehydration salts
Technology:
Camera + charger with 2 batteries is essential for your Egypt packing list. Egypt is a bucketlist site so be sure to capture your memories.
2-4 memory cards. I’d recommend taking 2-4 (8-16gb) cards rather than 1 (32-64mb) memory card (I recommend this brand). It’s always best to spread your pictures across memory cards than rely on one incase it gets stolen or breaks.
Power bank: In case you need to charge on the go. I recommend this one as its cheap and even can charge off solar power as a back up if both your phone and the power bank run out of power.
All Else:
Door stop: A travel sized $5 doorstop will help you feel safer while sleeping at night.
Photocopies of your passport, credit cards and visa incase anything goes wrong.
Multiple bank cards – trust me you never want to leave the country and only have one card on you. Aim for atleast one visa, and one mastercard from well known banks.
Recommended Luggage:
Backpack: You can often take a 45L backpack as a carry on (check bag dimensions against your flight carrier of choice prior to buying). I personally love Osprey and would recommend this 46 Litre one, but there are plenty of similar brands that are cheaper (but wont last as long)
Suitcase: Anything over 20 kilos and you’ll be frustrated by the end of the trip if you have to pull it around yourself. Try to stay between 10-12 kilos, or even less if you’re hoping to get it in as a carry on. This suitcase is good for traveling light but check with your airline if its dimensions meet carry on requirements.
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I hope the packing tips I've shared above have helped you prepare for your trip to Egypt! Remember to leave some extra room in your luggage for souvenirs from the local markets - I promise they're worth it!
I'm excited for you to explore all the incredible sights Egypt has to offer. If you have any additional packing suggestions or travel tips, please share them with us in the comments below. Have a fantastic trip!