December in Egypt is mild by day and cold by night in the desert: average highs are 20.4°C / 69°F in Cairo and 24.3°C / 76°F in Luxor, but Luxor’s average low is 7.8°C / 46°F. It is also one of the busiest months, so book flights, cruises and guides early.
Key Takeaways
- Luxor averages 24.3°C / 76°F by day and 7.8°C / 46°F at night; Cairo 20.4°C / 69°F and 11.0°C / 52°F; Hurghada 23.2°C / 74°F and 13.0°C / 55°F.
- Luxor’s December nights (7.8°C / 46°F) are 4.5°C colder than in November (12.3°C / 54°F).
- Egypt’s national Christmas holiday is Coptic Christmas on January 7, not December 25, and the public-holiday list shows no fixed-date national holidays in December.
- Our best-time guide names December and January as the busiest months, with higher prices and crowded sites.
December weather in Egypt by city
| City | Average high | Average low |
|---|---|---|
| Cairo | 20.4°C / 69°F | 11.0°C / 52°F |
| Alexandria | 20.1°C / 68°F | 10.5°C / 51°F |
| Luxor | 24.3°C / 76°F | 7.8°C / 46°F |
| Aswan | 24.2°C / 76°F | 11.3°C / 52°F |
| Hurghada | 23.2°C / 74°F | 13.0°C / 55°F |
| Sharm El Sheikh | 23.4°C / 74°F | 15.1°C / 59°F |
Figures are monthly climate normals (long-term averages), not a forecast for a specific week. Luxor and Aswan sit in the desert of Upper Egypt, which is why their days are hotter and their nights cooler than Cairo’s or the coast’s.
How December compares with November and January
| Luxor | November | December | January |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average high | 29.0°C / 84°F | 24.3°C / 76°F | 23.0°C / 73°F |
| Average low | 12.3°C / 54°F | 7.8°C / 46°F | 5.9°C / 43°F |
| Cairo | November | December | January |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average high | 24.7°C / 76°F | 20.4°C / 69°F | 19.0°C / 66°F |
| Average low | 14.6°C / 58°F | 11.0°C / 52°F | 9.7°C / 49°F |
December is where Luxor’s nights turn cold: 12.3°C / 54°F in November, 7.8°C / 46°F in December and 5.9°C / 43°F in January. Cairo is milder at night (11.0°C / 52°F in December). Neighbouring guides: Egypt in November and Egypt in January.
Crowds and prices in December
Our best-time guide names December and January as the busiest months, which can mean higher prices and crowded sites. December falls inside the October–April window our USA packages recommend. Reserve Nile cruise cabins, guides and the Grand Egyptian Museum’s timed entry slots early for holiday weeks.
Holidays and events in December
The public-holiday list shows no fixed-date national holiday in December. Egypt’s national Christmas holiday is Coptic Christmas on January 7, so December 25 is a normal working day for most Egyptians, although hotels and Christian communities mark it. For traditions and how Christmas is celebrated, read how Christmas is celebrated in Egypt; for holiday itineraries see our Christmas tours.
What to pack for Egypt in December
Bring layers, a warm jacket for desert evenings and early mornings, sun protection for the day, and modest clothing for mosques and rural areas (UK FCDO advice). Swimwear is for resort areas only. See what to pack for Egypt and what to wear in Egypt.
Best things to do in Egypt in December
- Nile cruises. Daytime highs of 24.3°C / 76°F in Luxor and 24.2°C / 76°F in Aswan suit deck time; compare Nile cruises.
- Aswan and Philae. A 24.2°C / 76°F average high in Aswan makes the Philae Temple comfortable in the middle of the day.
- Luxor at dawn. With a 7.8°C / 46°F average low, bring a warm layer for early starts at the Valley of the Kings.
- Red Sea days. Hurghada (23.2°C / 74°F high) and Sharm El Sheikh (23.4°C / 74°F high) are mild rather than hot; see our December tours.
Plan your December trip
See the Egypt in winter page for tours that suit the month, or the 7-day Cairo and Nile cruise package for a Cairo-plus-cruise itinerary with domestic flights included.
Before you book
Government travel advice for Egypt and the wider region has changed during 2026. Read the current status in our travel advisory guide and check your government’s live advisory before you pay for flights or tours.
Sources: monthly temperature averages from the WMO World Weather Information Service (data supplied by Egypt’s national meteorological service; averages, not forecasts) – worldweather.wmo.int; public holidays – Public holidays in Egypt; dress guidance – UK FCDO travel advice. Checked September 28, 2026.