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When Is the Cheapest Time to Visit Egypt?

August 12, 2025
10 minutes read
1,824 words total
When Is the Cheapest Time to Visit Egypt?

Picking the perfect time to visit Egypt can really help you save money on flights, lodging and activities. Knowing the cheapest time to visit Egypt will ensure you get the best bang for your buck. We’ll walk you through when Egypt usually offers the best deals.

Taking a Closer Look at Egypt's Tourism Seasons and the Ever-Changing Price Tags

Egypt’s tourism market tends to follow some predictable high, shoulder and low seasons largely shaped by weather, local holidays and global travel trends. The high season from October to April offers mild weather perfect for exploring ancient sites but it’s also when crowds show up in full force and prices can skyrocket. The shoulder seasons around March-April and September-October usually bring pleasant weather and fewer tourists. If you’re lucky, you might get some early discounts to sweeten the deal. The low season from May through September coincides with Egypt’s intense summer heat enough to send most visitors packing and cause prices to drop. Holidays like Ramadan and Eid along with major festivals can throw a wrench in the usual flow by making things busier and pricier than expected.

SeasonMonthsAverage Flight Cost (USD)Average Hotel Rate (USD/night)Typical Visitor Volume
HighOct - Apr700 - 1200100 - 250High
ShoulderMar - Apr, Sep - Oct500 - 80070 - 150Moderate
LowMay - Sep350 - 60040 - 90Low

Just a heads up: prices tend to climb during the high season, so if you are looking to save a buck, consider traveling in the shoulder or low seasons. Also, note how visitor numbers dip when the rates drop — it’s the classic 'supply and demand' dance in action.

Tourist numbers tend to hit their high point during the winter months and around major holidays when the weather is just a bit more comfortable. It’s no surprise that travel costs often skyrocket during these times. On the flip side, summer usually sees fewer visitors because of the blazing heat. You’re more likely to find better deals and enjoy attractions without the usual crowds.

Best Months for Budget Travelers: The Cheapest Time to Visit Egypt and Snag the Sweetest Deals

For travelers watching their budget, certain months offer a sweet spot where lower prices meet comfortable conditions. July and August bring intense summer heat but also some of the cheapest accommodation and flight deals. November, just after the busy season, usually has hefty discounts and stays fairly mild especially in southern Egypt. Early March feels like a lovely shoulder season with fewer tourists and plenty of pleasant days, particularly along the Nile and in Cairo. Ramadan offers special travel discounts but visitors should be ready for a change of pace with cultural differences and altered opening hours.

1

July-August: Brace yourself for serious heat that usually sends most tourists elsewhere. This is a silver lining since you can snag the best bargains on flights and places to stay, especially in bustling spots like Cairo and Luxor. Just make sure to stay well-hydrated and slap on plenty of sunscreen—the sun doesn’t mess around during these months.

2

November: This month signals a welcome quiet as the peak season crowds start to thin out. You’ll often find hotels and tours knocking down prices for those who book last-minute deals. It’s one of my favorite times to hit up Nile cruises or venture out on desert tours—less hustle, more charm.

3

Early March: The shoulder season is a hidden gem mixing cooler weather with fewer visitors. This combo usually means sweet deals on hotels and domestic flights. Places like Aswan and the Red Sea resorts tend to feel just right—not too hot or crowded—which is a rare treat.

4

Ramadan Period: While some services might shift gears with different operating hours during this holy month, plenty of hotels and restaurants roll out discounts and special offers. It’s a thoughtful time to travel if you’re mindful of local customs and plan accordingly—plus it can add a meaningful layer to your experience.

Finding Affordable Flights to Egypt Throughout the Year—A Savvy Traveler's Guide

Finding the lowest airfare to Egypt usually means booking smart and staying a bit flexible. Planning your purchase about 2 to 3 months ahead gives you a better chance of catching sneaky price drops. Playing around with flexible date options on flight search engines often reveals the cheapest travel days which might not be obvious at first glance. Flying midweek, especially on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, tends to be easier on the wallet compared to weekend flights. It is kinda like avoiding rush hour traffic if you catch my drift. Setting up fare alerts is a lifesaver because they let you pounce on unexpected deals before someone else beats you to it.

  • Try to book your flights 2 to 3 months ahead to catch lower prices and avoid those nasty last-minute price hikes that often sneak up on you.
  • Use flexible date searches on sites like Skyscanner or Google Flights to check prices on days around your travel dates because sometimes a slight shift can save you a bundle.
  • Think about flying midweek instead of weekends since weekdays usually have less demand and more budget-friendly fares.
  • Sign up for fare alerts so you’re in the loop as soon as flight prices to Egypt drop. It’s like having a little travel fairy on your side.
  • Consider nearby airports like Alexandria or Sharm El Sheikh since a quick detour there might help you score a deal that makes your wallet happier.

Accommodation Tips for Snagging the Best Deals on Your Stays (Without Breaking a Sweat)

Accommodation usually takes the biggest slice of your travel budget when visiting Egypt but with savvy booking, you can keep costs in check. Opting for guesthouses or hostels over flashy international resorts—especially in lively spots with a safe, authentic vibe like Downtown Cairo or Dahab in Sinai—usually means you’ll spend less without missing local flavor. Sometimes last-minute bookings can surprise you with hefty discounts due to cancellations during the quieter low season. Joining loyalty programs and booking directly with property owners often unlocks nice perks. One tip: avoid weekends in bustling cities like Cairo because prices tend to spike with the local crowd.

  • Consider booking last minute especially during quieter months when cancellations happen and unsold rooms become available at friendlier prices.
  • Opt for guesthouses and boutique hotels right in the city center instead of sprawling resorts because you’ll usually get better value and a travel experience that feels more authentic.
  • Don’t overlook signing up for hotel loyalty programs or using platforms like Booking.com Genius which can unlock great member-only deals.
  • Try to plan your stays on weekdays rather than weekends since city hotel prices often rise due to local demand.
  • If you’re staying for more than a week it’s worth reaching out directly to hosts or hotels because a friendly negotiation might get you a nice discount for longer more relaxed visits.

How to Save on Activities and Tours During the Cheaper Times of the Year

Tours and activities in Egypt often turn out to be surprisingly affordable during the low season—if you play your cards right with a few well-chosen strategies. Many operators tend to lower their prices or toss in extra perks to lure travelers when things quiet down. Exploring on your own with apps and guidebooks can really help you dodge those pricey guided tour fees, especially since the sites won’t be crawling with crowds at that time. Snagging combo tickets or multi-attraction passes usually scores you some nice savings compared to shelling out for individual entries. It’s definitely worth giving some thought to lesser-known yet fascinating historical spots and cultural experiences—it’s a win-win with fewer crowds and friendlier prices.

  • Whenever you can, grab combo or multi-site tickets instead of individual ones because it is a nifty way to save some cash at hotspots like the Pyramids and the Egyptian Museum.
  • During those quieter months, opting for self-guided tours with reliable travel apps works wonders and keeps you from spending too much on guided tours.
  • Don’t overlook the charm of lesser-known archaeological sites and local cultural spots since they often provide richer experiences without burning a hole in your pocket.
  • Try booking tours directly with local operators rather than going through middlemen or popular online platforms because this usually lands you a sweeter deal.
  • Traveling in small groups can be a game-changer as sharing transportation costs on day trips and desert adventures really helps keep the price tag low for everyone.
Small group of budget travelers exploring the Pyramids during off-peak season, illustrating cost-effective travel experiences in Egypt.

Small group of budget travelers exploring the Pyramids during off-peak season, illustrating cost-effective travel experiences in Egypt.

Extra Tips to Help You Save More on Your Trip to Egypt (Because every penny counts, right?)

There are a few lesser-known tricks that can seriously help trim down your overall costs when traveling in Egypt, especially if you visit during the cheapest time to visit Egypt. Snagging a local SIM card not only spares you from those dreaded roaming fees but often opens the door to discounts and apps you’d miss otherwise. Public transportation is surprisingly reliable and much kinder on your wallet than taxis, especially in bustling spots like Cairo and Alexandria. If you can, try to avoid major local holidays such as Eid—it usually means less chance of getting hit with inflated prices or running into sold-out options. Going for small, family-run restaurants instead of touristy joints not just delivers a more genuine taste but also stretches your budget a bit further.

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Snag a local SIM card right after you land. This trick lets you use data-driven apps and find local deals most tourists miss.

2

Make the most of Cairo's metro and microbuses because they are reliable and much cheaper than taxis.

3

Try to avoid traveling during big local holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Prices usually rise and services become unpredictable during these times.

4

Choose smaller community-run eateries hidden away from the usual tourist spots. You will enjoy more authentic flavors and save quite a bit.

5

When traveling around Egypt, consider booking multi-destination or open-jaw flights. This is a smart way to reduce domestic travel costs whether you’re heading to Luxor, Aswan or Hurghada.

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Elliot Fairmont

Elliot Fairmont

22 pages contributed

Driven by a passion for culinary history, this food writer explores how ancient cooking techniques and forgotten ingredients can revolutionize modern home kitchens.

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