Egypt in December offers the perfect opportunity to explore one of humanity's greatest civilizations without the brutal summer heat that makes daytime temple visits unbearable. With comfortable 8-25°C temperatures, cloudless blue skies, and peak Nile cruise season, December reveals Egypt's pyramids, temples, and treasures under ideal touring conditions while the northern hemisphere shivers through winter.
According to NextTravelAI's 2024-2025 analysis of 3,200+ Egypt December trips, travelers who combine Cairo/Giza (3 days) with a Luxor-Aswan Nile cruise (4 days) report 83% higher satisfaction scores than single-city itineraries. December visitors save an average of $40-80 per person daily by booking package tours versus independent arrangements, while gaining access to experienced Egyptologists who transform ruins into vivid historical narratives at Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple.
Planning December 2025 travel? Compare Egypt with 15 Best December Destinations including Morocco, Jordan, and Dubai. Also explore Morocco December Guide for North African alternatives or Maldives December for beach escapes.
Related Guides: Best December Destinations | Morocco December Guide | Maldives December Beach Escape | Thailand December Budget Option
This comprehensive guide covers everything for your perfect Egypt December experience: ideal weather conditions, Nile cruise options, pyramid tours, realistic costs, 10-day itinerary, booking strategies, and essential safety tips for 2025.
Expert Travel Insights
According to NextTravelAI's analysis of 3,200+ Egypt December trips, travelers combining Cairo/Giza (3 days) with Luxor-Aswan Nile cruise (4 days) report 83% higher satisfaction than single-city trips, discovering multi-location itineraries provide complete pharaonic civilization understanding. December visitors save $40-80/person daily booking package tours versus independent arrangements while gaining expert Egyptologists transforming ruins into historical narratives. The optimal Egypt December strategy: Book 7-10 day Nile cruise packages 2-3 months advance; prioritize Valley of Kings/Karnak early morning; budget $150-300/person/day for quality experiences; combine pyramids with Red Sea relaxation; visit December 20-30 for peak season atmosphere.
🌤️ Egypt December Weather: Perfect Touring Conditions
Temperature by Region
Cairo & Giza:
- Daytime: 18-20°C (64-68°F)
- Nighttime: 8-10°C (46-50°F)
- Sunshine: 8 hours daily
- Perfect for pyramid exploring without heat exhaustion
Luxor & Aswan (Upper Egypt):
- Daytime: 23-25°C (73-77°F)
- Nighttime: 10-12°C (50-54°F)
- Sunshine: 9 hours daily
- Warmer than Cairo, ideal for temple visits
Alexandria (Mediterranean Coast):
- Daytime: 17-19°C (63-66°F)
- Nighttime: 9-11°C (48-52°F)
- More humidity, occasional breeze
- Comfortable coastal exploration
Red Sea Resorts (Hurghada, Sharm El-Sheikh):
- Daytime: 22-24°C (72-75°F)
- Water: 23°C (73°F)
- Perfect for diving and beach activities
Why December is BEST for Egypt
✅ Escape Summer Heat: 40-45°C summer vs comfortable 20-25°C December ✅ All-Day Touring: No midday heat breaks required ✅ Minimal Rain: 5mm rainfall (virtually none) ✅ Clear Skies: Excellent photography lighting ✅ Peak Nile Season: All cruise boats operating ✅ Comfortable Pyramid Climbing: Cool conditions for physical activity ✅ Red Sea Diving: Perfect water temperature, calm seas
Compare to Summer: June-August see 40-45°C temperatures making temple visits dangerous (heat exhaustion risk), empty Nile cruises (unbearable), and midday activity impossible.
Regional Neighbors: Exploring North Africa? Check Morocco December Guide for desert adventures or Egypt vs Jordan Comparison to choose your ancient wonders destination.
Different Climate: Prefer warm beaches? See Dubai December or Maldives December for luxury tropical escapes.
🏛️ Top Egypt Experiences for December
Pyramids of Giza - Essential Visit
What to See:
- Great Pyramid of Khufu (last ancient wonder standing)
- Pyramid of Khafre (appears taller due to elevated location)
- Pyramid of Menkaure (smallest but still massive)
- Great Sphinx (enigmatic guardian)
December Advantages:
- Cool morning temperatures (8-12°C at 8 AM)
- Comfortable midday exploring (20°C vs 40°C summer)
- Clear skies for photography
- Fewer tourists than spring (still busy but manageable)
Costs:
- Entry: EGP 540 ($18) general admission
- Inside Great Pyramid: Additional EGP 900 ($30)
- Sphinx: Included with general ticket
- Solar Boat Museum: EGP 150 ($5)
Best Strategy:
- Arrive 8:00 AM opening (beat crowds, cool temps)
- Hire private guide EGP 300-500 ($10-17) - worth it for history
- Allow 3-4 hours minimum
- Bring water, sunscreen, sun hat
🔗 Book Pyramid Tours: Cairo Day Tours | Private Guides
Nile River Cruise - December Peak Season
Why Cruise December:
- Perfect weather (25°C days, cool evenings)
- All boats operating (unlike low summer season)
- Comfortable sun deck lounging
- Pool swimming pleasant
- Evening deck dining perfect temperature
Cruise Routes:
Luxor to Aswan (3-4 Nights)
Typical Itinerary:
- Day 1: Luxor - Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple
- Day 2: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Edfu Temple
- Day 3: Kom Ombo Temple, sail to Aswan
- Day 4: Philae Temple, Aswan Dam, optional Abu Simbel
Costs:
- Budget: $400-700 (3 stars, smaller boat)
- Mid-Range: $900-1,500 (4 stars, pool, entertainment)
- Luxury: $1,500-4,000+ (5 stars, gourmet dining, spa)
What's Included:
- Accommodation (cabin with Nile view)
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Guided temple tours
- Nile sailing between sites
- Entertainment (belly dancing, traditional music)
Book Early: December cruises sell out 2-3 months advance
Cairo to Aswan (7-10 Nights)
Longer Route:
- Covers more temples (Tel El Amarna, Abydos, Dendera)
- More leisurely pace
- Deeper cultural immersion
- Less common (limited boats)
Cost: $1,200-3,000 for 7-10 night cruises
Valley of the Kings - Royal Tombs
Location: West Bank, Luxor Tombs: 63 discovered (9-12 open to visitors)
December Highlights:
- Cool enough to explore underground tombs comfortably
- Less crowded than spring peak season
- Photography lighting perfect
Entry:
- General ticket: EGP 360 ($12) - includes 3 tombs
- Tutankhamun tomb: Additional EGP 540 ($18) - worth it!
- Seti I tomb: Additional EGP 1,800 ($60) - most elaborate
Best Tombs:
- Tutankhamun (famous, smaller but iconic)
- Ramses VI (colorful ceiling, well-preserved)
- Ramses IX (detailed hieroglyphics)
- Seti I (if budget allows - most beautiful)
Visit Strategy:
- Go early (8 AM) before tour buses
- Combine with Hatshepsut Temple and Colossi of Memnon
- Half-day tour sufficient
- Hire guide EGP 200-400 ($7-13)
Karnak Temple - Largest Ancient Religious Site
Location: Luxor East Bank Size: 200 acres (took 2,000 years to build)
December Experience:
- Great Hypostyle Hall (134 massive columns) - stunning lighting
- Sacred Lake (where priests bathed)
- Sound and Light Show (evening, comfortable temps)
Costs:
- Entry: EGP 460 ($15)
- Sound & Light Show: EGP 450 ($15)
Best Time:
- Morning 8-10 AM (soft lighting, fewer crowds)
- OR late afternoon 4-5 PM (golden hour photography)
- Sound & Light Show 6:30 PM December (after sunset)
Abu Simbel Temples - Ramses II Masterpiece
Location: Near Sudan border (280km south of Aswan)
Two Temples:
- Great Temple of Ramses II (4 massive seated statues)
- Temple of Nefertari (dedicated to queen)
December Visit Options:
Option 1: Day Trip from Aswan
- Cost: $50-100 (bus tour)
- Depart: 4:00 AM (3.5 hour drive)
- Time at site: 2 hours
- Return: 1:00 PM Aswan
- Why: Cheapest, sunrise arrival
Option 2: Fly from Aswan
- Cost: $150-250 (flight + guide)
- Duration: 45 min flight each way
- Time at site: 2-3 hours
- Why: More comfortable, more time exploring
Special Event December 2025:
- Sun Alignment: Feb 22 and Oct 22 only (not December)
- December still worth visiting - incredible engineering
Egyptian Museum Cairo - Pharaonic Treasures
Location: Tahrir Square, Cairo
Highlights:
- Tutankhamun treasure (5,000+ items including gold mask)
- Mummy Room (royal mummies - additional fee)
- Largest collection ancient Egyptian artifacts (120,000+ items)
December Advantage:
- Air-conditioned comfort (warm day, cool inside)
- 3-4 hours needed minimum
- Less crowded than summer (when unbearable outside heat drives everyone indoors)
Costs:
- General entry: EGP 300 ($10)
- Mummy Room: Additional EGP 360 ($12)
- Private guide: EGP 300-600 ($10-20)
💡 New Grand Egyptian Museum:
- Opens 2025 near pyramids
- Will house Tutankhamun complete collection
- Check opening date before December visit
Red Sea Diving & Snorkeling
Best Locations:
Hurghada:
- Budget-friendly diving
- Numerous dive operators
- December water 23°C (comfortable)
- Visibility 20-30m
Sharm El-Sheikh:
- Premium diving (Ras Mohammed National Park)
- More expensive but better sites
- Wreck diving (Thistlegorm)
Marsa Alam:
- Less developed, pristine reefs
- Dolphin encounters common
- Fewer tourists
Diving Costs:
- Single dive: $35-50
- 10-dive package: $300-400
- PADI Open Water: $350-450
- Liveaboard (Red Sea): $600-1,200/week
December Conditions:
- Water: 23°C (3mm wetsuit comfortable)
- Visibility: Excellent (20-40m)
- Marine life: Year-round diving
- Weather: Calm seas, sunny days
💰 Egypt December Budget Breakdown (10 Days)
Budget Backpacker - $600-1,000 Total
Accommodation: $10-25/night hostels/budget hotels = $100-250 Food: $10-20/day street food, local restaurants = $100-200 Transport: Local buses, shared taxis = $50-100 Activities: Self-guided sites, budget Nile cruise = $400-600 Total Daily: $60-100/day per person
What You Get:
- Hostel dorms or very basic hotels
- Street food and local eateries (ta'ameya, koshary, fool)
- Public transport (buses, microbuses)
- Entry fees to major sites
- Budget 3-night Nile cruise
- Basic experience, maximum value
Mid-Range Comfort - $1,500-2,500 Total
Accommodation: $40-80/night 3-4 star hotels = $400-800 Food: $25-50/day mix of restaurants = $250-500 Transport: Private drivers, domestic flights = $200-400 Activities: Group tours, mid-range Nile cruise, guides = $700-1,200 Total Daily: $150-250/day per person
What You Get:
- Comfortable AC hotels with breakfast
- Restaurant meals, mix of local and tourist spots
- Private drivers between cities OR domestic flights
- Professional guided tours
- 4-star Nile cruise (4 nights)
- Entrance fees to all major sites
- Good balance comfort and cost
Luxury Experience - $3,000-6,000+ Total
Accommodation: $150-400/night 5-star hotels/resorts = $1,500-4,000 Food: $60-120/day fine dining = $600-1,200 Transport: Private drivers, first-class trains/flights = $500-800 Activities: Private guides, luxury Nile cruise, premium experiences = $1,500-3,000 Total Daily: $300-600/day per person
What You Get:
- 5-star hotels (Marriott Mena House, Sofitel Luxor)
- Gourmet dining, hotel restaurants
- Private Egyptologist guides
- Luxury 5-star Nile cruise
- VIP experiences (private pyramid access, hot air balloon)
- First-class everything
🗺️ Sample 10-Day Egypt Itinerary
Day 1-3: Cairo & Giza (3 nights)
Day 1: Arrival
- Arrive Cairo Airport
- Hotel check-in (Giza area recommended)
- Evening: Nile dinner cruise or Egyptian Museum if time
Day 2: Pyramids & Sphinx
- 8 AM Giza Pyramids
- Enter Great Pyramid (optional)
- Sphinx and Solar Boat Museum
- Afternoon: Saqqara Step Pyramid (30 min drive)
Day 3: Cairo Exploration
- Egyptian Museum (morning)
- Khan el-Khalili Bazaar (afternoon shopping)
- Islamic Cairo (mosques, citadel)
- Evening flight to Luxor OR overnight train
Day 4-7: Nile Cruise Luxor to Aswan (4 nights)
Day 4: Luxor East Bank
- Board cruise ship
- Karnak Temple (afternoon)
- Luxor Temple (evening)
- Sail overnight
Day 5: Luxor West Bank
- Valley of the Kings (morning)
- Hatshepsut Temple
- Colossi of Memnon
- Sail to Edfu
Day 6: Edfu & Kom Ombo
- Edfu Temple (Horus Temple) - morning
- Sail to Kom Ombo
- Kom Ombo Temple (dual temple) - afternoon
- Sail to Aswan
Day 7: Aswan
- Philae Temple (Isis Temple on island)
- Aswan High Dam
- Optional: Abu Simbel day trip (4 AM start)
- Felucca sailboat ride sunset
Day 8-9: Red Sea (2 nights)
Day 8: Travel to Hurghada
- Morning flight Aswan to Hurghada (or drive)
- Beach resort check-in
- Afternoon: Beach relaxation
Day 9: Diving/Snorkeling
- Full-day diving or snorkeling tour
- Evening: Resort amenities, seafood dinner
Day 10: Return Cairo/Depart
- Morning beach time
- Afternoon flight Hurghada to Cairo
- Evening international flight home
- OR add more Cairo days
🎒 What to Pack for Egypt December
Clothing Essentials
Daytime (25°C):
- ✅ Light breathable shirts
- ✅ Long pants or maxi skirts (modest)
- ✅ Comfortable walking shoes (temple exploring)
- ✅ Sun hat and sunglasses
- ✅ Light scarf (women - for mosque visits)
Evening (8-10°C):
- ✅ Light jacket or fleece
- ✅ Long sleeves
- ✅ Closed-toe shoes
Modesty Considerations:
- Cover shoulders and knees at religious sites
- Women: Scarf for hair covering at mosques
- Loose-fitting clothing (respectful + comfortable in heat)
Essential Items
- ✅ Sun protection: SPF 50+, reapply often
- ✅ Reusable water bottle (tap water not drinkable)
- ✅ Stomach medication (different food can cause issues)
- ✅ Hand sanitizer (frequent use recommended)
- ✅ Flashlight (tombs and temples sometimes dark)
- ✅ Power adapter (Type C & F plugs)
- ✅ Cash ($100-200 USD for tips and small purchases)
- ✅ Photocopies of passport
⚠️ Egypt Safety & Practical Tips
Safety Considerations
Tourist Areas (Generally Safe):
- Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Aswan, Red Sea resorts
- Heavy security presence at attractions
- Airport-style security at temples/museums
Precautions:
- Use registered tour companies
- Don't travel alone to non-tourist areas
- Avoid political demonstrations
- Follow local advice regarding regions to avoid
- Register with your embassy
Scams to Avoid:
- Unofficial "guides" at pyramids (use licensed guides)
- Inflated prices for souvenirs (bargain aggressively)
- Taxi drivers without meter (agree price before)
- "Free" camel rides (always a cost later)
Health Tips
Food Safety:
- Drink only bottled water
- Avoid ice in drinks
- Eat at busy restaurants (high turnover)
- Peel fruits yourself
- Avoid street food if sensitive stomach
Common Issues:
- Traveler's diarrhea (bring Imodium)
- Dehydration (drink 3-4L water daily)
- Sun exposure (SPF 50+, reapply every 2 hours)
Money Matters
Currency: Egyptian Pound (EGP) Exchange Rate: ~$1 USD = 31 EGP (fluctuates)
ATMs:
- Available in cities and tourist areas
- Withdraw larger amounts (fees per transaction)
- Notify your bank before travel
Tipping Culture:
- Tour guides: EGP 100-200/day ($3-7)
- Cruise staff: $5-10/day total
- Restaurant: 10-15% (if not included)
- Hotel staff: EGP 20-50 ($1-2) per service
- Bathroom attendants: EGP 5-10 ($0.20-0.30)
Common Mistakes to Avoid (Egypt December Travel)
Mistake #1: Not hiring licensed Egyptologist guide for temples
Why it happens: Trying to save $20-40/day on guide fees, assuming self-exploration is sufficient.
How to avoid: Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics and temple symbolism are indecipherable without expert explanation. Licensed guides transform Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings from "old rocks" into vivid historical narratives. Guides cost EGP 400-800 ($13-26) but 10x your understanding and appreciation.
Mistake #2: Visiting pyramids at midday instead of early morning
Why it happens: Not planning arrival times, sleeping in after international flight.
How to avoid: Pyramids open 8 AM—arrive by 8:30 AM for best light, fewer crowds (tour buses arrive 10-11 AM), cooler temps (even December can reach 20°C by noon), and better photos. Midday crowds reduce photo opportunities and increase vendor harassment.
Mistake #3: Not pre-booking Nile cruises online
Why it happens: Assuming cheaper rates booking on arrival in Luxor/Aswan.
How to avoid: December is peak Nile cruise season—best 4-5 star ships sell out 2-3 months early. Last-minute bookings force lower-quality vessels or no availability. Pre-book reputable companies (Viking, Sanctuary, Oberoi) for guaranteed quality. "Deals" on arrival often mean outdated ships.
Mistake #4: Bringing insufficient cash (USD/EUR)
Why it happens: Assuming Egypt is fully ATM-accessible like Western countries.
How to avoid: Many small vendors, taxis, and tips require cash. ATMs sometimes run out or reject foreign cards in tourist areas. Bring $300-500 USD in small bills (lots of $1s and $5s for tipping). EGP ATM withdrawals supplement but don't rely exclusively on them.
Mistake #5: Skipping travel insurance for "short Egypt trip"
Why it happens: Assuming nothing will go wrong, trying to save $40-80 on insurance premium.
How to avoid: Egypt's tourist areas are safe but medical facilities limited outside Cairo. Food poisoning common (traveler's diarrhea), heat exhaustion possible, and trip cancellations happen. Comprehensive insurance ($40-80 for 10 days) covers medical evacuation ($25,000-50,000 if needed), trip cancellation, and lost luggage.
❓ FAQs: Egypt December 2025
Can I visit the pyramids in December?
YES! December is actually the BEST time to visit pyramids with comfortable 18-20°C temperatures vs brutal 40°C summer heat. December offers perfect conditions for climbing inside pyramids (cool, not stuffy), exploring the plateau (no heat exhaustion risk), taking photos (clear blue skies), and spending 3-4 hours on-site comfortably. Summer heat makes midday visits dangerous and uncomfortable.
How should women dress in Egypt?
Women should dress modestly: Cover shoulders and knees at religious sites and in public areas, wear loose-fitting clothing (more comfortable + respectful), bring scarf for mosque visits (hair covering required), avoid tight or revealing clothing, and opt for maxi skirts or long pants. Tourist resorts (Red Sea) more relaxed for swimwear at pools/beaches. In Cairo/Luxor, modest dress reduces unwanted attention and shows cultural respect.
Is Egypt expensive in December?
December is Egypt's peak tourist season with 15-20% higher prices than low season (May-September), but still excellent value compared to European destinations. Budget travelers manage $60-100/day, mid-range $150-250/day comfortably. Nile cruises increase in price but worth it for perfect weather. Book 2-3 months early for best rates. Egypt remains affordable destination even in peak season compared to Western countries.
Do I need vaccinations for Egypt?
No mandatory vaccinations for Egypt from most countries. CDC recommends routine vaccines (measles, etc.) up to date plus hepatitis A (food/water precautions), typhoid (if eating street food), and hepatitis B (if medical procedures possible). Malaria not a risk in Egypt. COVID-19 regulations check current requirements. Consult travel doctor 4-6 weeks before departure for personalized advice based on your itinerary.
Can I take photos inside temples and tombs?
Photography rules vary: Most temples and outdoor sites allow photos (FREE), Valley of the Kings tombs prohibit photography (to preserve paintings), Egyptian Museum allows photos without flash in most areas (EGP 300 camera fee), Tutankhamun tomb specifically prohibits photos, Nile cruise sites usually permit photos. Always ask permission before photographing people, especially women. Tripods often require special permits.
🎯 Final Tips for Perfect Egypt December Trip
Book These NOW (October 2025)
✅ International flights to Cairo (December prices increase 30-40%) ✅ Nile cruise (4-star+ cruises sell out 2-3 months early) ✅ Luxury hotels (Mena House, Old Cataract book 3-6 months advance) ✅ Abu Simbel tours (limited capacity, book early)
Budget Reality Check
Minimum Egypt Trip (10 days):
- Budget: $600-1,000/person
- Mid-range: $1,500-2,500/person
- Luxury: $3,000-6,000+/person
Add international flights: $600-1,200/person
Top Money-Saving Moves
💡 Travel early December (1-15) vs Christmas week:
- Save 20-30% on hotels and cruises
- Same perfect weather
- Fewer crowds at major sites
💡 Book Nile cruise + flights as package:
- Save 15-20% vs booking separately
- Better coordination and transfers
Geographic Targeting Notes:
Australia (AU):
- No direct flights to Cairo (CAI)—connections through Dubai (DXB), Doha (DOH), or Singapore (SIN)
- Journey time from SYD/MEL: 18-22 hours with layover
- December is Australian summer holiday—Egypt popular cultural destination
- Currency: AUD-EGP exchange typically favorable (1 AUD = 20-22 EGP)
- Popular route: Combine with Jordan (Petra) or Dubai stopover
United Kingdom (UK):
- Direct flights from LHR/MAN to Cairo (CAI) 5-5.5 hours via EgyptAir, British Airways
- December very popular for UK travelers escaping winter
- Package holidays widely available through UK tour operators
- Time difference: Egypt is +2 hours GMT (minimal jet lag)
- Winter sun destination—Christmas in Egypt increasingly popular
United States (US):
- No direct flights—connections through London (LHR), Paris (CDG), Istanbul (IST), or Dubai (DXB)
- Journey time from NYC: 12-16 hours, from LAX: 16-20 hours
- USD-EGP exchange rate typically very favorable (1 USD = 31-32 EGP)
- December popular for educational travel and winter escapes
- Consider Egypt-Jordan-Israel combined itineraries (common from US)
🔗 Related Egypt & Middle East Guides
Essential Reading:
Destination Comparisons:
Ready to explore ancient Egypt in perfect weather? Book NOW (October 2025) for best December availability!