Discovering the Warmest Places in Egypt
This ancient land of pharaohs and pyramids bridges North Africa and the Middle East. With a culture that’s as unique as its location on the Mediterranean and Red Sea coasts. But if you’re seeking the most sweltering spots in this desert nation, where are the warmest places in Egypt?
The Southern deserts soak up non-stop sun all year long. Far from crowds, you can quad bike across rippling dunes, traverse rugged plateaus in a 4×4, or bed down under endless stars in a nomad’s tent. With summer highs over 110°F, the deep south is no mirage – it’s clearly one of the warmest places in Egypt.
Venturing north, Luxor and Aswan on the Sahara border also sizzle routinely into the 105s from March through October. Still, the dry heat won’t dampen a sunrise hot air balloon ride or felucca sailing at sunset. Don’t expect cool breezes, but do expect awe.
So leave that sweater behind and lather on the sunscreen for an adventure in Egypt’s blistering south. Camel, kayak, or kiteboard – you’ll soon see why it’s the hottest destination in more ways than one!
Warmest Places in Egypt:
No. 1 Aswan
The lively desert city of Aswan has been welcoming traders and travelers on Egypt’s Nile River for ages. Just north of the famous Aswan Dam, it serves as Egypt’s gateway into the south.
Aswan’s ancient monuments still surprise visitors today. Many statues, temples, and shrines are made of local pink granite. On nearby Elephantine Island, you’ll find old structures like the Temple of Khnum from Egypt’s 3rd Dynasty era.
Aswan lies 600 miles south of crowded Cairo near the Sudan border. Though hot, palm groves and colourful sailboats called feluccas gliding on the Nile create a vibrant, riverside retreat. Away from busy streets, stroll through Nubian villages with bright-coloured homes or relax at café patios watching boats drift by.
From packed city markets overflowing with local crafts to islands with ancient sites, Aswan reveals hidden marvels. But heed seasons before visiting. Long summers from April to October can be brutal with temperatures over 100°F, making Aswan one of the warmest places in Egypt. While winters average 80°F, cool nights offer relief.
Whenever you go, expect sun and heat perfect for adventures on the Nile. Cruise in a felucca or explore living history. In this riverside oasis, ancient heritage and hospitality await around each river bend.
High On the List of Warmest Places in Egypt:
No. 2 Siwa Oasis
A desert landscape comes into view from the moving sands near the border Egypt shares with Libya. You’ve reached Siwa, an oasis with swaying date palms and mud homes housing a unique tribal people.
For centuries, some 20,000 Berber tribesmen have called Siwa’s fertile oasis home. Like nomads crossing the Sahara, they travel by camel and connect deeply to the land. Unlike most of Egypt’s values, Siwan customs offer contrasts.
Thanks to isolation, Siwa Berbers have preserved a culture openly celebrating male homosexuality and same-sex marriage – unlike anywhere else in Egypt. This interesting difference has made scientists want to study life here, even though leaders try more and more to stop the community’s unusual traditions.
Beyond its people, Siwa holds ancient mysteries within its palm groves – called “palm land” since olden times. Walk through the remains of the Temple of Amun, established in antiquity and visited by Alexander the Great.
In Siwa town, you can see a castle and mosque from the 1300s that show the oasis’ middle age history. With essentially no rainfall year-round, summer daytime temperatures hit 100°F from June to August, making Siwa one of the warmest places in Egypt.
While winters average cooler 70s, nights get very cold – perfect for stargazing in the Sahara. As a visitor, don’t just glimpse Siwa’s history and leave. Embrace its mysteries – bathe in shimmering salt lakes at sunset, explore vibrant culture in narrow alleys, and appreciate how this tiny tribal community contrasts starkly against the surrounding desert.
Up There With the Warmest Places in Egypt:
No. 3 Luxor
Harmoniously blending antiquity and modernity, Luxor beckons along the east bank of the Nile. While a contemporary city of hotels and cafés greets visitors today, the pharaohs’ old capital still captivates at its core.
Just a mile apart, Karnak and Luxor Temples stand as monuments to ancient Egypt’s greatest rulers. Marvel at soaring columns from Seti I’s 15th century BC reign, then descend into desert valleys to wander royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings and Queens. Quieter west bank streets reveal a more humble Luxor mingling with mysteries of the past.
Cross back over the Nile to discover the city’s cosmopolitan energy – a far cry from antiquity’s hushed tombs. Stroll through lively bazaars stuffed with local crafts or lounge riverside as feluccas drift by. But save energy to get lost in the colossal temples – the real heart of Luxor lies in its living history.
When planning your visit, heed the desert climate much like nearby Aswan’s. From April to October, relentless sun pushes temperatures over 100°F. Brief winters offer respite with breezy 70°F days.
Time trips for the “cool” season to beat the heat.
Yet whenever you arrive, this modern city nested in ancient sands holds wonders both ancient and new under the valley’s endless blue skies.
Egypts Warmest Places, Outdoing Most Of The Country:
No. 4 Sohag
Along the Nile River’s west bank between Luxor and Cairo sits the desert city of Sohag – one of Egypt’s driest spots. While settled today, this dusty town hides over 7,000 years of buildings within its hot and dry borders.
South lies a cemetery from Egypt’s first dynasty still standing. In Sohag’s old Muslim quarters visit antique mosques like brick-covered El-Atiq and stroll narrow plastered lanes.
Traditionally designed houses are all along the palm tree-lined streets overlooking the Nile River.
At the riverbank, find the sleek, modern Sohag National Museum – its tiered shape reminiscent of old Egyptian temples fitting the landscape. Yet inside lie artifacts unveiling the area’s key ancient role – like treasures from ongoing digs at Ramses II’s temple.
Cant Stand the Heat, Head for the Coast
No. 5 Hurghada
Lined with colourful coral reefs and bright blue seas, the Red Sea hotspot of Hurghada shows Egypt has more than deserts. Both a sunny beach escape and a base for Sahara adventures, it’s a place with the best of everything.
Stretching nearly 40 shimmering kilometers down the Red Sea coast, Hurghada lures water sports lovers from across the world to its crystal clear waters. As one of the warmest places in Egypt, its climate is ideal for year-round beach activities.
Like neighbor Sharm El-Sheikh, its modern El-Sakkala area overflows with dive shops and schools for scuba fans to enjoy top-notch shipwreck dives and vibrant reefs. Eager divers also sail from Hurghada to remote underwater marvels.
Yet you need no experience to enjoy the waters here – gentle coral gardens and marine life from dolphins to whale sharks reward snorkellers of every level. And when the last dive boat returns, unwind on soft sand beaches lining stylish resorts as lively promenades behind tempt with bars, eateries and shops.
Beyond the shore, discover El Dahar’s old streets where spice-filled souks feel worlds away, even as soaring minarets over Egyptian cafes show Hurghada’s dual nature. The new and old not only coexist but better each other.
Best of all, with beach and bazaar bounties at your fingertips, arrange a camel desert trek, 4X4 safari or Bedouin camp overnight to balance seaside relaxation with Sahara adventure.
Blessed by endless sunshine year-round, Hurghada still demands sun protection with average summer temperatures around 90°F from April to October. For cooler weather, visit in winter when averages drop to 80°F to enjoy the blue waters and marine life more comfortably.
Whether you want a classic beach getaway or an aquatic adventure hub, Hurghada delivers the best of everything. Dive in and see for yourself!
How Safe is Egypt?
While Egypt has a low crime overall, visitors should still take care. Big cities see more petty theft and rare tourist incidents happen. Harassment of women is also worse in Cairo than in other big towns. But Egypt stays fairly safe with some smart awareness – just travel in groups when you can and keep valuables secure so you can enjoy the amazing culture all around you!
Best Time to Visit Egypt?
For the best weather in Egypt, avoid the blazing summer and go between October and April. While daytime highs often reach a nice 80 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, nights cool off a lot. And with constant sunshine all season, you’ll have blue skies however you explore Egypt’s treasures!
Is the Red Sea Safe?
Even when the currents are strong, you can still enjoy great snorkelling in Egypt’s Red Sea. Just remember to follow local advice. Beaches labeled safe for swimming have flags – stay inside them and don’t swim too far without a boat.
You’ll see tons of sea life, and while shark sightings are rare, it’s smart to listen to locals since respecting the ocean gives you the best snorkelling trip.
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