Planning a trip to Egypt in December? You’ve picked one of the best times to travel to Egypt. With its mild winter weather, world-famous historical landmarks, and warm Red Sea resorts, December is perfect for both adventure and relaxation. Whether you want to explore ancient temples, enjoy festive Christmas holidays in Egypt, or dive into the Red Sea, this month is ideal for an unforgettable journey.
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Why Visit Egypt in December?
- Comfortable Weather: Unlike the scorching summers, Egypt weather in December is mild and pleasant.
- Festive Atmosphere: Experience Christmas in Egypt with decorated churches, traditional meals, and New Year’s Eve celebrations.
- Top Attractions Less Crowded: December falls within the best Egypt travel season, with fewer tourists than peak months like January.
- Red Sea Sunshine: While Europe freezes, Egypt’s coastal resorts like Sharm El-Sheikh and Hurghada remain warm and sunny.
Weather in Egypt in December
- Cairo & Northern Egypt: 15–22°C | Cool evenings, minimal rainfall – perfect for sightseeing in Cairo in December.
- Luxor & Upper Egypt: 20–27°C | Warm days, rare rain – the best climate to explore temples and tombs.
- Aswan: 22–29°C | Dry and sunny – great for felucca rides and Nile-side strolls.
- Red Sea Resorts (Sharm El-Sheikh, Hurghada, Marsa Alam): 22–27°C | Excellent for diving and swimming.
This mild weather makes December one of the best seasons to visit Egypt for both cultural and outdoor activities.
Top 8 Places to Visit in Egypt in December :
1-Marsa Alam
If you’re searching for a tranquil destination away from the crowds, Marsa Alam is a perfect choice for a December Egypt itinerary. This coastal paradise is famous for its untouched coral reefs, exotic marine life, and calm desert surroundings. With over 50 km of golden beaches, Marsa Alam has become a favorite spot for divers and snorkelers from around the world.
One of the highlights here is the Dolphin House Reef (Sha’ab Samadai), where you can swim alongside playful dolphins in their natural habitat. The Elphinstone Reef offers thrilling dives with sharks, while Abu Dabbab Bay is ideal for spotting sea turtles and dugongs. Beyond the sea, Marsa Alam also provides access to the Wadi El Gemal National Park, where desert landscapes meet unique wildlife.
Even in winter, the Red Sea water stays warm, with temperatures between 22°C and 29°C, making it perfect for year-round diving. If you’re considering Egypt winter activities, Marsa Alam combines relaxation, adventure, and natural beauty in one destination.
2 -Sharm El-Sheikh
Sharm El-Sheikh is one of Egypt’s most famous resorts and remains one of the best places to visit in Egypt in December. With crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and palm trees swaying in the breeze, it’s an ideal winter escape. The weather here is warm enough to enjoy outdoor swimming and sunbathing while much of the world is covered in snow.
The resort city is world-renowned for diving, with the Ras Mohammed National Park and the Straits of Tiran offering some of the best coral reefs on the planet. In December, sea conditions are excellent for both beginners and professional divers. For those who prefer to stay on land, Sharm offers desert safaris, camel rides, and quad biking adventures through the Sinai mountains.
By night, Sharm transforms into a lively hub with luxury resorts, fine dining, and a vibrant nightlife. Many travelers choose Sharm for their Egypt Christmas vacation because of the festive beach parties, live music events, and spectacular New Year’s Eve celebrations by the sea.
3 -Hurghada
Hurghada is another top winter holiday spot along the Red Sea coast. Once a small fishing village, it has transformed into a bustling resort city, perfect for families, couples, and adventure seekers. The weather in December is mild to warm, with daytime highs of 22–26°C, making it perfect for beach lovers and water sports enthusiasts.
Hurghada is known for its wide range of activities: snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, sailing, and deep-sea fishing. A must-visit is Giftun Island National Park, where you’ll find breathtaking beaches and stunning coral reefs. Boat trips to the islands of Abu Ramada, Magawish, and Little Giftun are also very popular.
Beyond water activities, Hurghada has a lively promenade with shops, restaurants, and cafés, making it a favorite for Egypt December holiday ideas. It is also one of the most popular destinations for Europeans escaping the cold, especially for Christmas and New Year holidays.
4 -Luxor
If you’re passionate about ancient history, Luxor should be at the top of your Egypt December travel guide. Known as the city of palaces, Luxor is home to an incredible collection of temples, tombs, and monuments that tell the story of the Pharaohs. The mild December weather (20–27°C) makes it ideal for exploring, without the intense summer heat.
Highlights include the Valley of the Kings, where more than 70 tombs of pharaohs including the tomb of Tutankhamun can be explored. The Temple of Karnak is another awe-inspiring site, with its vast hypostyle hall of massive columns. Don’t miss the Luxor Temple, which is beautifully lit at night.
December is also one of the best times to take a Nile River cruise from Luxor to Aswan, where you can enjoy both the ancient wonders and the festive atmosphere onboard. Luxor is a must for those planning a cultural-focused Egypt itinerary in December.
5 -Aswan
Located further south, Aswan is known for its warm and sunny weather even in the middle of winter, making it one of the most pleasant cities to visit in December. It offers a slower, more relaxed atmosphere compared to Cairo and Luxor, which is why many travelers choose it as part of their Egypt winter activities.
Stroll along the Corniche, visit the Philae Temple, or sail in a traditional felucca to Elephantine Island, where you’ll encounter authentic Nubian villages. One of the most impressive nearby sites is Abu Simbel, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure built by Ramses II, with its colossal statues and fascinating history.
In December, Aswan also feels particularly festive, with Nile cruises hosting Christmas dinners, music, and cultural performances. If you want both history and serenity, Aswan is one of the best cities to include in your Egypt December holiday ideas.
6 -Cairo
No trip to Egypt is complete without visiting Cairo, the capital city. In December, Cairo weather is mild, with daytime temperatures averaging 15–22°C, making it perfect for sightseeing. The city is home to the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, two of the world’s most iconic landmarks.
Other must-visit attractions include the Egyptian Museum, which houses treasures of Tutankhamun, and Islamic Cairo, where you’ll find beautiful mosques, medieval streets, and vibrant bazaars. Don’t miss shopping at Khan El Khalili, where you can buy souvenirs, spices, and handmade crafts.
If you’re wondering what to do in Cairo in December, the answer is plenty: from attending Christmas services in Coptic churches to enjoying New Year’s Eve fireworks over the Nile, Cairo offers both history and celebration during the festive season.
7 -Alexandria
Located on the Mediterranean coast, Alexandria offers a cooler but refreshing alternative in December, with daytime temperatures averaging around 18–20°C. Known as the “Bride of the Mediterranean,” Alexandria is famous for its mix of Greco-Roman history and seaside relaxation.
Top attractions include the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern tribute to the ancient library, the Qaitbay Citadel, built on the site of the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria, and the Catacombs of Kom El-Shoqafa, a fascinating underground necropolis. The Corniche is perfect for evening strolls, and seafood lovers will enjoy Alexandria’s famous coastal cuisine.
For those who want a mix of history and leisure, Alexandria is a great addition to an Egypt itinerary in December.
8 -Siwa Oasis
Far from the bustling cities, the Siwa Oasis is one of Egypt’s most unique destinations. Nestled in the Western Desert near the Libyan border, Siwa offers a mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure. December is the perfect time to visit, as the desert climate is cooler and more comfortable.
Explore the crystal-clear salt lakes, soak in natural hot springs, or visit the ancient Oracle Temple of Amun, where Alexander the Great once sought guidance. The local Siwan culture, with its Berber traditions, adds to the charm of the oasis.
For travelers looking for Egypt December holiday ideas that go beyond the usual tourist spots, Siwa Oasis offers a magical and unforgettable experience.
Best Things to Do in Egypt in December
- Explore the Pyramids of Giza and Sphinx in mild weather.
- Take a luxury Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan with Christmas festivities onboard.
- Discover Abu Simbel and the Nubian Monuments.
- Enjoy Red Sea activities like snorkeling, diving, and windsurfing.
- Visit Old Cairo and its historic mosques and churches.
- Attend Christmas Mass at a Coptic Orthodox Church.
- Celebrate New Year’s Eve with fireworks in Cairo or beach parties in Sharm El-Sheikh.
- Try authentic Egyptian cuisine: koshari, falafel, molokhia, and sweet basbousa.
Events & Celebrations in December
- Christmas in Egypt: Celebrated by Christian communities with lights, nativity scenes, and festive meals. Coptic Orthodox Christmas falls on January 7, extending the holiday atmosphere.
- New Year’s Eve:
- Cairo: Fireworks over the Nile and lively street celebrations.
- Luxor: Cultural performances by ancient temples.
- Sharm El-Sheikh: Beach parties, live music, and a festive coastal vibe.
Don’t just dream about it ,book your Egypt December vacation today and experience the perfect blend of history, sunshine, and adventure!
