Egypt in January

Fog and a raw sea breeze are common along Alexandria’s corniche in January, and light rain turns the city grey - bring a warm, waterproof layer for museum visits and seafood meals. Temperatures sit around 12-16°C by day but evenings can feel colder near the water, especially in low-lying Delta towns such as Damietta. Winter storms on the Mediterranean occasionally force ferry cancellations and make coastal roads slippery, so allow extra time for travel.

Dense morning smog and cool air are common in early January around Cairo’s Tahrir Square, where daytime highs sit near 15-18°C and streets feel chilly by local standards. Rain is infrequent but when it comes it can disrupt traffic and close outdoor market stalls, so bring a light waterproof coat. This is a good month for museums - fewer tourists and comfortable conditions for walking between historic sites.

Winter mornings at Luxor’s temples in January are cool and wonderfully walkable, with daytime highs around 20-23°C and comfortable sun for temple photography. Nights can drop to 8-12°C so bring a warm layer for early felucca sails and dawn visits to the Valley of the Kings. This is peak season for cruisers and cultural tourism, so book temples and accomodation well in advance.

Visibility in the southern Red Sea is excellent in January: daytime temperatures sit around 22-25°C, with cool evenings that make seaside dinners comfortable. Water temperatures are pleasant for snorkeling and diving, especially around Hurghada and Sharm; winter is prime time for clear underwater visibility and relaxed resort conditions. Pack a light jacket for breezy nights on the waterfront.

January can feel sharply cold in the Sinai highlands: daytime sun is pleasant near Dahab but at elevation around St. Catherine temperatures drop to near freezing at night and the Sinai peaks often collect snow. If you plan a pre-dawn climb of Mount Sinai, expect icy conditions and bring sturdy boots and warm layers. Coastal towns like Nuweiba stay mild, making boat trips and beach walks comfortable.

January mornings in Siwa and the other oases are cool and sometimes frosty in sheltered spots, but daytime sun quickly warms the air into the mid-teens. These months are excellent for exploring the White Desert’s chalk formations and Bilqas archaeological sites without heat stress; nights can be surprisingly cold so pack a warm sleeping layer for desert camps. Occasional winter wind makes sand dust swirl across open roads.