Egypt in winter (November to February) offers cooler, more pleasant weather for exploring the pyramids, temples, and bustling markets. It’s the best time to visit, especially for travelers who prefer to avoid the extreme summer heat. Expect warm days, cooler evenings, and desert breezes — meaning layers are your best friend.
You’ll want light, breathable clothing for daytime sightseeing and warmer options for early mornings, desert excursions, or Nile cruises. Modest attire is a must in most areas, especially for women, with shoulders and knees typically covered. This is a trip where fashion meets function — lightweight, respectful, and versatile outfits win.
This comprehensive list covers everything you’ll need for Egypt in winter, from Cairo to Aswan, tombs to temples.
📝Note: This article is all about what to pack for Egypt in winter. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!
Weather & Travel Context 🌦️
- 🌡️ Daytime Temps: 18–24°C (64–75°F)
- 🌙 Evening Temps: 8–12°C (46–54°F)
- 🌤️ Mostly sunny, dry, and breezy
- ❄️ Early mornings and nights can feel quite chilly
- 🕌 Modest dress recommended for temples and cities
What to Pack for Egypt in Winter
Packing smart will help you make the most of your trip. Here’s everything you need to bring for a comfortable and stylish adventure.
Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan
🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools
If you want more options to have everything organized and well packed, take a look at these suggestions.
1. Rolling Backpack / 2. Luggage (large) / 3. Luggage (small) / 4. Toiletry Bag / 5. Beach Bag / 6. Backpack / 7. Packing Cubes
- Rolling suitcase – 🧳 Compact yet roomy for mixed terrain
- Weekender bag – 👜 Ideal for Nile cruise or desert trips
- Daypack – 🎒 For water, layers, camera, and snacks
- Packing cubes – 📦 Keep outfits tidy and separated
- Shoe bags – 👟 Avoid sand on your clothes
- Toiletry kit – 🪥 Leakproof and easy to access
- Document holder – 📁 For passport, visa, and travel docs
- Foldable tote – 🛍️ For local shopping or snacks
- Laundry pouch – 🧺 Separate dusty or worn clothes
- Luggage scale – ⚖️ Shopping adds up fast
- Lock – 🔒 Protect your luggage on the go
- Accessory pouch – 🎀 For scarves, jewelry, extras
- Quick-dry towel – 🧻 Useful for unexpected excursions
- Neck pillow – 💺 For long flights or bus rides
- Eye mask – 😴 Useful for noisy or bright rooms
👗 Clothes
- Long-sleeve shirts (4–5) – 👕 Lightweight and modest
- Breathable t-shirts (2–3) – 👚 For layering or warm days
- Button-down tops or tunics – 👔 Stylish and respectful
- Maxi dresses or skirts (2–3) – 👗 Flowing and modest
- Linen or cotton pants (2–3) – 👖 Keep cool but covered
- Light sweater or fleece – 🧥 For cool mornings and nights
- Jacket or windbreaker – 🌬️ Desert evenings get chilly
- Cardigan or shawl – 🧣 Layers for inside mosques or temples
- Pashmina or scarf (2) – 🧕 Useful for sun, sand, and modesty
- Sleepwear – 🛌 Bring a warmer option for cool nights
- Swimsuit – 👙 Resorts, Nile cruise, or Red Sea excursions
- Cover-up – 🩱 For pool or hotel lounging
- Underwear (7+) – 🩲 Always pack enough
- Bras + sports bras – 👙 For hot days and hikes
- Wool socks + regular socks – 🧦 Mix for city + desert
💆 Skincare
- Hydrating cleanser – 🧼 Desert air is drying
- Toner – 💧 Refresh and prep the skin
- Moisturizer (face + body) – 🧴 Lock in hydration
- SPF 50 sunscreen – ☀️ Protect against strong UV rays
- Micellar water – 🧽 Remove desert dust and makeup
- Exfoliator – 🌿 Use 1–2x per week
- Eye cream – 👁️ Prevent dry creases
- Facial mist – 💦 Rehydrate midday
- Sheet masks – 🛁 Treat yourself after long days
- Lip balm (SPF) – 💋 Must-have for dry air
- Spot treatment – 🎯 For travel breakouts
💄 Makeup
- Light foundation or BB cream (with SPF) – 🧴 Natural finish
- Concealer – 👁️ Hide dark circles from long travel days
- Setting powder – 🧂 Control shine
- Blush – 🌸 Warm up your face tone
- Bronzer – 🌞 Optional for a desert glow
- Highlighter – ✨ Glow without sweat
- Neutral eyeshadow palette – 🎨 Subtle desert tones
- Waterproof eyeliner – ✏️ Wind-proof and long-lasting
- Volumizing mascara – 👁️ Eye pop with minimal makeup
- Brow pencil or gel – 🪮 Frame your features
- Lip tint or balm – 💄 Lightweight and hydrating
- Setting spray – 💨 Help makeup stay put in sun & sand
- Brush set – 🖌️ Only the essentials
💇 Hair Care
- Detangling brush – 💇 Must after dusty days
- Hair ties and clips – 🧷 Hot days = updo time
- Moisturizing shampoo + conditioner – 🚿 Desert-friendly
- Dry shampoo – 🌬️ Freshen up between washes
- Leave-in conditioner – 💁 Reduce tangles and dryness
- Heat protectant – 🔥 Optional for styling
- Travel blow dryer – 💨 Small and powerful
- Straightener or curling iron – 🌀 Pack if needed
- Hair oil or serum – ✨ Keep frizz away
- Headbands or scarves – 🎀 Style and sun shield
👟 Shoes & Accessories
- Closed-toe sneakers – 👟 Best for pyramids + long days
- Comfortable sandals – 👡 Walkable and breathable
- Flip-flops – 🩴 For pool or hotel use
- Scarf or shawl – 🧕 Sun, wind, and modesty in one
- Wide-brim hat – 👒 Sun protection in the desert
- Stylish sunglasses – 🕶️ Essential every single day
- Simple jewelry – 💍 Keep it minimal and secure
- Crossbody bag – 👜 Safe and hands-free
- Waist belt bag – 🎒 Optional for crowded markets
- Umbrella – ☔ Rare rain, but helpful shade too
📑 Documents & Essentials
- Passport + copies – 🛂 Keep one in your luggage
- Visa (on arrival or e-visa) – 🧾 Print confirmation
- Travel insurance – 📋 Highly recommended
- Hotel confirmations – 🏨 Offline copies are helpful
- Cash (Egyptian pounds) – 💵 Cash is king at markets
- Credit card – 💳 For hotels, larger restaurants
- Emergency contacts – 📱 Both digital and printed
- Offline map apps – 🗺️ Not all towns have great signal
- Notebook + pen – 📝 For travel logs or notes
- Wallet – 👛 RFID if possible
🚑 First Aid
- Band-aids – 🩹 For sandal blisters
- Rehydration packets – 🧃 For hot, dry days
- Pain relievers – 💊 Headaches or sun exhaustion
- Anti-diarrhea meds – 🤢 Just in case (street food risk)
- Motion sickness pills – 🚗 For boat or long car rides
- Allergy meds – 🌾 Dust can be triggering
- Tweezers + scissors – ✂️ TSA-compliant versions
- Thermometer – 🌡️ Always good to have
🧼 Health & Hygiene
- Prescription meds – 💊 Enough for full trip + copy of prescription
- Vitamins – 🍊 Boost your immunity
- Hand sanitizer – 🧴 Use constantly
- Disinfectant wipes – 🧻 For hands, phones, surfaces
- Toothbrush + toothpaste – 🪥 Bring extras
- Floss – 🧵 Keep it clean
- Deodorant – 🧼 Choose long-wear
- Feminine hygiene – 🩸 Bring what you prefer
- Razor – 🪒 Travel case included
- Nail clippers + file – 💅 Dry weather = brittle nails
- Perfume or roller – 🌹 Keep it light and fresh
- Tissues – 🤧 Public restrooms often lack them
📱 Tech & Electronics
- Phone + charger – 📱 Don’t forget a plug adapter
- Power bank – 🔋 Critical for long touring days
- Plug adapter – 🔌 Egypt uses Type C and F
- Camera – 📸 So much beauty to capture
- Extra memory card – 💾 Never run out of space
- Offline navigation app – 🗺️ In case of no Wi-Fi
- Noise-canceling headphones – 🎧 For buses or flights
- E-reader – 📚 Relax at your hotel or cruise
- SIM or eSIM – 📶 Affordable internet access
🎧 Entertainment
- Books or Kindle – 📖 Perfect for temples + downtime
- Travel journal – 📓 Write your Egypt memories
- Podcasts + playlists – 🎵 For long travel legs
- Games or cards – 🃏 Wind-down at your hotel
- Language cheat sheet – 📘 Helpful for greetings and bargaining
🎁 Extras
- Snacks – 🍫 Energy bars for day tours
- Reusable water bottle – 💧 Stay hydrated!
- Shopping bag – 🛍️ Great for souvenirs
- Travel detergent – 🧴 Wash your dusty clothes
- Sewing kit – 🧵 Tiny fixes on the go
- Whistle – 📢 For solo travelers’ safety
- Lint roller – 🧼 Dust-free clothes
- Foot spray or powder – 👣 Long day relief
- Melatonin – 🌙 Beat jet lag
🌍 Travel Tips
- Layer outfits – 🧥 Day to night temps shift fast
- Cover shoulders and knees – 🧕 Especially for women in temples or rural areas
- Drink only bottled water – 🚰 Stay healthy
- Tip in small cash – 💵 It’s expected for most services
- Pack day-one outfit on top – 👗 Quick change on arrival
- Bring printed copies of everything – 🖨️ In case of tech issues
🛂 Visa Tips
- Apply online (e-visa) – 🛃 Or pay on arrival
- Print visa and hotel details – 📄 Customs may ask
- Return ticket proof – 🎫 Show if requested
- Understand currency rules – 💸 Limited cash in/out allowed
- Know embassy contacts – 📱 Just in case
⭐ Must-Haves
- Passport + e-visa – 🛂 Always with you
- Comfortable walking shoes – 👟 For exploring ruins
- Sunscreen + lip balm – ☀️ Even in winter!
- Pashmina or scarf – 🧣 Modesty + sun protection
- Reusable water bottle – 💧 Refill often
- Daypack – 🎒 Essentials in one place
- Phone with SIM or eSIM – 📱 Stay connected
- Power bank – 🔋 Don’t lose charge in the desert
- Modest outfit – 🧕 For mosques, small villages
- Cash in small bills – 💵 For tips and snacks
👍 Good-to-Have
- Eye drops – 👁️ Dust relief
- Travel steamer – 👔 Keep clothes crisp
- Sleep mask + earplugs – 😴 For shared or loud hotels
- Anti-chafe balm – 🦵 Long walks + heat = irritation
- Extra scarf – 🧣 For dust storms or added coverage
- Luggage tags – 🏷️ Label everything
- Reusable straw – 🥤 Eco + practical
- Photo backups – 📸 Protect your memories
