Capital City: Cairo

Population: 102.674.145

Language: Egyptian Arabic

Area: 1,010,408 km2

Currency: Egyptian Pound

Time Zone: UTC+2

County Code: +20

Government: Unitary semi-presidential republic

Flag:

January is the coolest month in Egypt, although the temperature hardly falls below 49°F.

The weather is comfortably warm from January to March, with occasional rains on the coast. It is one of the most popular seasons in Egypt since visiting the Pyramids of Giza becomes easy due to moderate temperatures.

Temperatures begin to rise in April and May across the country, but the weather is still comfortable enough for sightseeing and exploring the cities. It is also a popular season before the inland becomes too hot. The sky might be a bit dusty in April since the khamaseen hot sand winds blow in short periods, but it doesn’t cause discomfort. Spring celebrations begin during Easter, which makes it a vibrant time to visit Egypt.

Around June, daily temperatures go up to 90°F as the continental heat sweeps in. June might be the best time to visit Egypt before the scorching heat begins, especially for enjoying the activities on the Nile and in coastal cities.

July and August are the hottest months in Egypt, with the daytime temperatures rising to 110°F and above.

Similar to June, September is an ideal month to visit Egypt. The heat of summer is still there, but the weather is breezy and more comfortable. It is less busy compared to summer and autumn.

Similar to spring, the weather in Egypt is warm and sunny throughout October-December. It is the best time to visit Egypt’s landmarks without the heat and the sandstorms. The cities get more crowded as Christmas and the New Year draws near, so it is recommended to book your trip early.

Egyptian food revolves around the best elements of Mediterranean, French, and Middle Eastern cuisine. It may be overwhelming to find the rewarding dishes and drinks in Egypt’s often chaotic streets. But if you know what to look for, you may even tap into a rich vein of Ancient Egyptian food traditions.

Go beyond pita, falafel, and kebab on your food journey, and dive deep into the authentic realm of Egyptian food with our Egypt food guide. Before you begin your tour, keep in mind these Egypt food tips:

* Egyptian restaurants serve lunch between 13:00-16:00 and dinner between 20:00-24:00.

* Exercise caution when buying refreshments in markets and bazaars, as tap water is not safe to drink in Egypt.

* If you are traveling during Ramadan, dinner hours may change in some restaurants. Although alcohol is available at certain restaurants, public drunkenness is not tolerable.

* Here are the top dishes of the Egyptian food scene that will help you eat like a local: Kushari, Hamam Mahshi, Shawarma, Ful Medames, Basbousa.

The best time to visit Egypt is spring and autumn when the scorching desert heat leaves its place to pleasant weather. March to early May and the entire autumn season are ideal times, especially if you want to enjoy the vibrant city of Cairo.

Since this is no secret, you should expect to see more crowds during these months. Summer is great for a Nile cruise and visiting the beaches of the Red Sea, as well.

Egypt’s culture is a fusion of both ancient and modern, bound by a strong sense of community across the country. Egyptian traditions and culture stand amongst the oldest civilisations’, and can be seen through impressive sites, architecture, and artwork. Throughout Egypt, family remains the most important link in the social chain, particularly among the Bedouin of the deserts. Tourism plays a crucial role in the country and Egyptians are friendly, open to other cultures and known for showing good hospitality towards tourists. Egyptians see their country as the gateway between Western society and the rest of the Arabian world. This mixing is most apparent in major cities such as Alexandria and Cairo where international franchises and traditional eateries stand side by side in a fusion of old and new.

Religion plays a big role in the life of Egyptians, and it is intermingled with daily activities of Muslims and Christians. Approximately 90% of the population are Muslim, and the way people dress and interact with each other is largely influenced by religion – it affects many parts of societal life, is permitted by the law and life entails daily prayer. The religious holidays of Ramadan and Eid are the most significant events for Muslims. A wide array of cultural norms, including how people dress and interact with the opposite sex, are influenced as such. In traditional homes, women are largely defined by their role as a mother and matron of the house, whereas men are expected to be the provider.

As a general guideline, we recommend wearing lightweight, comfortable, loose fitting clothing and walking shoes while travelling Egypt. Please also keep in mind that when visiting religious sites, appropriate attire is required. It is recommended to pack at least one set of modest clothing that covers both shoulders and knees, to be worn when visiting mosques and other religious complexes. A headscarf for women is necessary when visiting religious complexes in Egypt.