The best time for a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan is October to April, when average daytime highs in Luxor run from about 23 °C (73 °F) in January to 35 °C (95 °F) in April and October. From May to September, highs reach 39–41 °C (102–107 °F), so sightseeing shifts to early mornings. Winter nights are cool, with Luxor lows near 6 °C (43 °F) in January.
Key Takeaways
- Nile cruise ships sail between Luxor and Aswan in Upper Egypt, so the weather of those two cities is the weather of your cruise.
- The coolest month is January: Luxor averages 23.0 °C (73 °F) by day and 5.9 °C (43 °F) at night.
- The hottest months are June to August: Luxor and Aswan average 41 °C (106 °F) or more by day.
- November and March are the sweet spot: highs around 29 °C (84–85 °F) in both cities, warm enough for the sun deck and comfortable for temples.
- Abu Simbel’s sun festival falls on 22 February and 22 October, a good reason to time a cruise that continues to Lake Nasser.
Luxor and Aswan weather by month
Average daily highs and lows, in degrees Celsius with Fahrenheit in brackets.
| Month | Luxor high | Luxor low | Aswan high | Aswan low |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 23.0 (73) | 5.9 (43) | 22.9 (73) | 8.8 (48) |
| February | 25.1 (77) | 7.8 (46) | 24.8 (77) | 11.0 (52) |
| March | 29.5 (85) | 11.8 (53) | 29.4 (85) | 14.9 (59) |
| April | 35.3 (96) | 16.9 (62) | 35.2 (95) | 19.9 (68) |
| May | 39.0 (102) | 21.2 (70) | 39.0 (102) | 23.1 (74) |
| June | 41.3 (106) | 23.5 (74) | 41.2 (106) | 26.1 (79) |
| July | 41.4 (107) | 24.7 (76) | 41.4 (107) | 26.2 (79) |
| August | 41.0 (106) | 24.4 (76) | 41.2 (106) | 26.0 (79) |
| September | 39.3 (103) | 22.2 (72) | 39.5 (103) | 25.0 (77) |
| October | 35.3 (96) | 18.4 (65) | 35.7 (96) | 20.8 (69) |
| November | 29.0 (84) | 12.3 (54) | 29.0 (84) | 15.6 (60) |
| December | 24.3 (76) | 7.8 (46) | 24.2 (76) | 11.3 (52) |
Season by season
Winter: December to February
Days are mild and ideal for long temple visits, and this is the busiest and most expensive time on the river, especially around Christmas and New Year. Nights on deck are genuinely cold, with Luxor lows of 6–8 °C (43–46 °F), so pack a warm layer.
Spring: March and April
March is one of the best months overall, at around 29 °C (85 °F). April warms up quickly to about 35 °C (95 °F), so plan the temples for the morning. Spring can bring dusty desert winds on some days.
Summer: May to September
Highs of 39–41 °C (102–107 °F) make midday sightseeing hard. Cruises still sail, and ships with shaded decks and pools are comfortable; tours start at sunrise and pause through the afternoon. This is the quietest season at the sites.
Autumn: October and November
October starts warm, at about 35 °C (96 °F), and November settles at about 29 °C (84 °F). November is one of the most pleasant months of the year on the Nile, and late October lets a Lake Nasser cruise coincide with the Abu Simbel sun festival on 22 October.
Which cruise suits which season
| Cruise type | Best months | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Classic Nile cruise ship, Luxor–Aswan | October to April | Comfortable temple days; pools and shaded decks also make summer bearable |
| Dahabiya (traditional sailing boat with a few cabins) | October to April | More time on deck and on smaller landings, which suits mild weather |
| Lake Nasser cruise, Aswan–Abu Simbel | October to February | Remote temples in the desert are best before the heat; February and October include the sun festival dates |
Compare a luxury Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan, the slower Dahabiya Nile cruise and the Lake Nasser cruise from Aswan to Abu Simbel, or browse Nile cruises.
Packing by season
- October to April: light clothes for the day, a sweater or light jacket for evenings on deck, and a warm layer for winter nights.
- May to September: breathable clothing that covers shoulders and knees for temples, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen.
- All year: comfortable shoes for uneven temple floors and a refillable water bottle.
FAQ
What is the best month for a Nile cruise?
November and March are the most comfortable, with average highs around 29 °C (84–85 °F) in both Luxor and Aswan. December to February are also popular but colder at night.
Is a Nile cruise too hot in summer?
From June to August highs average about 41 °C (106 °F). Cruises still run, with sightseeing at sunrise and rest in the afternoon, and it is the quietest time at the temples.
Does it get cold on a Nile cruise in winter?
Yes, at night. In January Luxor averages a low of 5.9 °C (43 °F), so bring a warm layer for the deck after sunset.
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