January is Egypt’s coolest month on average: highs of 19.0°C / 66°F in Cairo and 23.0°C / 73°F in Luxor, and lows of 9.7°C / 49°F in Cairo and 5.9°C / 43°F in Luxor. It is a peak-season month with two national holidays, so book early and pack warm layers for mornings and nights.
Key Takeaways
- Cairo’s January average high (19.0°C / 66°F) and Luxor’s average low (5.9°C / 43°F) are the lowest figures of the year in this data.
- Luxor still reaches 23.0°C / 73°F by day, which is 18.4°C below its July average (41.4°C / 107°F).
- January 7 (Coptic Christmas) and January 25 (Revolution Day / National Police Day) are fixed-date national holidays.
- Our best-time guide names December and January as the busiest months, with higher prices and crowded sites.
January weather in Egypt by city
| City | Average high | Average low |
|---|---|---|
| Cairo | 19.0°C / 66°F | 9.7°C / 49°F |
| Alexandria | 18.3°C / 65°F | 9.3°C / 49°F |
| Luxor | 23.0°C / 73°F | 5.9°C / 43°F |
| Aswan | 22.9°C / 73°F | 8.8°C / 48°F |
| Hurghada | 21.7°C / 71°F | 11.2°C / 52°F |
| Sharm El Sheikh | 21.9°C / 71°F | 13.5°C / 56°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 January compares with December and February
| Luxor | December | January | February |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average high | 24.3°C / 76°F | 23.0°C / 73°F | 25.1°C / 77°F |
| Average low | 7.8°C / 46°F | 5.9°C / 43°F | 7.8°C / 46°F |
| Cairo | December | January | February |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average high | 20.4°C / 69°F | 19.0°C / 66°F | 20.3°C / 69°F |
| Average low | 11.0°C / 52°F | 9.7°C / 49°F | 10.3°C / 51°F |
January is the low point of the year for temperatures: Luxor’s average low is 5.9°C / 43°F, against 7.8°C / 46°F in December and 7.8°C / 46°F in February. Cairo warms slowly as well (average high 19.0°C / 66°F in January, 20.3°C / 69°F in February). Neighbouring guide: Egypt in December; February is covered on our February tours page.
Crowds and prices in January
Our best-time guide names December and January as the busiest months, which can mean higher prices and crowded sites. January is inside the October–April window our USA packages recommend, so the trade-off is comfort against crowds: the weather is at its coolest, and popular cabins, guides and museum slots go first.
Holidays and events in January
- January 7 – Coptic Christmas. Listed as a national holiday, marking the birth of Jesus according to the Coptic calendar; the public-holiday list notes that not every government office closes. See how Christmas is celebrated in Egypt.
- January 25 – Revolution Day / National Police Day. A fixed-date national public holiday.
What to pack for Egypt in January
Pack a warm jacket or fleece for Luxor mornings and nights (average low 5.9°C / 43°F), plus layers for the day, sun protection and comfortable shoes. Dress modestly at mosques and in rural areas (UK FCDO advice). See what to pack for Egypt.
Best things to do in Egypt in January
- Giza and Cairo. With a 19.0°C / 66°F average high in Cairo, a full day at the Giza Pyramids and the Great Sphinx is comfortable.
- Luxor and Aswan. Highs of 23.0°C / 73°F (Luxor) and 22.9°C / 73°F (Aswan) suit long temple days; nights are cold, so start with layers. See Karnak Temple.
- A winter Nile cruise. Cruise ships are based in Luxor and Aswan; compare Nile cruises.
- Red Sea. Hurghada (21.7°C / 71°F high, 11.2°C / 52°F low) and Sharm El Sheikh (21.9°C / 71°F high, 13.5°C / 56°F low) are mild by day and cool at night.
Plan your January trip
Browse the Egypt tours in January page, or see the 8-day Cairo and Nile cruise tour for Cairo, Aswan and Luxor 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.