December and January turn Egypt into one of the most rewarding winter escapes in the world. The summer heat is long gone, the skies stay clear, and the country’s greatest sites feel calm and comfortable to explore. If you are dreaming of swapping a grey European winter for warm days beside ancient temples, spending Egypt at Christmas and New Year is hard to beat.
Why spend Christmas and New Year in Egypt
Winter is peak season in Egypt for good reason. Daytime temperatures in Cairo, Luxor and Aswan are pleasant for sightseeing, the Red Sea stays warm enough to swim, and the festive weeks bring a special energy to hotels, cruises and resorts. You get the best of both worlds: history by day and celebrations by night.
It is also a wonderful time for families and couples. Many travellers combine the holidays with a Nile cruise or a few days on the Red Sea, so the trip feels like a proper celebration rather than a rushed tour.
Weather in December and January
Expect warm, dry days and cool evenings. Cairo and Giza usually sit around 18 to 22 C in the day, while Luxor and Aswan are often a few degrees warmer. Nights can feel chilly, especially out in the desert or on deck during a cruise, so a warm layer is essential. For a full month by month breakdown, see our guide to the best time to visit Egypt.
Coptic Christmas on 7 January
Egypt is home to one of the oldest Christian communities in the world. Coptic Orthodox Christmas falls on 7 January, and churches across the country hold beautiful late evening services. Visitors are welcome to experience the atmosphere respectfully, and it adds a meaningful layer to a winter trip that you simply will not find on a standard summer holiday.
New Year on the Nile
There are few more memorable ways to welcome the new year than from the deck of a cruise ship gliding between Luxor and Aswan. Festive dinners, live music and golden temple visits by day make the Aswan to Luxor cruise a favourite for the holidays. Cabins sell out very early for this period, so book well ahead.
New Year on the Red Sea
If you prefer beaches and warm water, resorts in Hurghada and Marsa Alam put on lively New Year celebrations with gala dinners, fireworks and plenty of sunshine. It is an easy, relaxing way to unwind after the busy sightseeing of Cairo and the Nile.
Best things to do over the festive season
- Explore the Pyramids of Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum in comfortable winter weather.
- Sail the Nile with festive dinners between the temples of Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan.
- See Abu Simbel, at its most striking in the low winter sun.
- Relax on the Red Sea with diving, snorkelling and New Year galas.
- Experience Coptic Christmas services in Cairo on 7 January.
A sample festive itinerary
A popular seven night plan looks like this: two nights in Cairo for the Pyramids and the museum, a flight south for a four night Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor over the holidays, then a final night back in Cairo. Add a few nights on the Red Sea if you want to see in the new year by the beach. Every detail can be shaped around your dates, so customise your Egypt trip with us and we will build the perfect festive route.
What to pack
Bring light clothing for the day, a warm layer for the evenings, comfortable walking shoes and modest clothing for churches and mosques. Our full what to pack for Egypt guide has the complete list.
Plan your Christmas and New Year in Egypt
The festive weeks are the busiest of the year, and the best cruises, hotels and guides are reserved months in advance. If Egypt is on your list for this winter, now is the time to plan. Talk to our team and we will design a private, tailor made trip around your dates and interests.
Frequently asked questions
Is Christmas celebrated in Egypt?
Yes. Egypt’s Coptic Christian community celebrates Christmas on 7 January, and international hotels, cruises and resorts also mark 25 December and New Year with festive dinners and events.
Is December a good time to visit Egypt?
December is one of the best months to visit. The weather is warm and dry for sightseeing, though it is peak season, so the sites are busier and prices are higher than in spring or autumn.
Is Egypt safe over the holidays?
The main tourist areas are well organised and welcome millions of visitors every year. For more detail, read our honest guide on whether Egypt is safe for tourists.