Egypt in December — What to Expect
December offers wonderful weather but peak crowds and prices. Book early for holiday travel.
January 20, 2026
December brings wonderful weather and holiday magic — along with peak crowds and prices. Plan ahead.
Quick Overview
- 🌡 Weather: 15-23°C in Cairo
- 👥 Crowds: Very High
- 💰 Prices: Peak
- ⭐ Our rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
December Weather Across Egypt
| Location | High | Low | Notes | |----------|------|-----|-------| | Cairo | 23°C | 15°C | Cool and pleasant, jacket needed | | Luxor | 26°C | 18°C | Perfect | | Aswan | 28°C | 20°C | Warm days, cool evenings | | Red Sea | 24°C | 18°C | Cooler but swimmable |
What to Pack
- Layers (Cairo evenings are cool)
- Light jacket or sweater
- Sun protection (still needed)
- Comfortable walking shoes
Crowds & Prices
Crowd level: Very High — Peak tourist season. Christmas and New Year bring maximum visitors. Major sites extremely busy.
Price level: Peak — Highest rates of the year, especially December 20-January 5.
Booking advice: Book 3-4 months ahead minimum. Nile cruises and premium hotels sell out early for holidays.
Holiday Considerations
- Christmas/New Year premium — Expect 50-100% markups on accommodations
- Special events — Many hotels offer gala dinners (often mandatory, priced accordingly)
- Domestic tourism — Egyptians also travel during school holidays
- Limited availability — Popular restaurants and experiences book up
Is December Right For You?
December is great for:
- Holiday travelers who plan ahead
- Those who want comfortable weather
- Families with school-age children (school holidays)
- Travelers who don't mind crowds
December might not be ideal if:
- You're budget-conscious
- You dislike crowded sites
- You're booking last-minute
- You want intimate experiences at temples
Strategy for December
- Book early — 3+ months for accommodations, 6+ months for peak-date Nile cruises
- Consider early December — December 1-15 is less hectic than holiday period
- Budget extra — Plan for 30-50% higher costs than shoulder season
- Book experiences — Popular tours and restaurants fill up
Recommended Itineraries
All itineraries work well, but book early:
- 7-Day Cairo & Luxor — Great family option
- 10-Day Full Nile Journey — Book Nile cruise 6+ months ahead
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