Lake Mariout
Lake Brackish coastal lagoon adjacent to Alexandria, historic port
A coastal lagoon southwest of Alexandria, Lake Mariout sits beside saltworks and fishing villages; visitors pass through for wetlands, local fisheries and easy access to Alexandria’s archaeological sites.
Lake Mariout is a coastal lake immediately southwest of Alexandria in Egypt’s Alexandria Governorate, historically known as Mareotis. The lake has long been associated with Alexandria and has been exploited for fishing and salt extraction.
Much of the lake shore has been affected by reclamation, canals and land-use change in and around Alexandria; parts of the basin are shallow and brackish. The lake supports local fishing and small-scale industry.
In antiquity the lake and its waters were integrated into the economy and infrastructure of Alexandria and surrounding settlements. Over the 20th century the lake area has seen changing water management and shoreline modification.
Lake Mariout lies just inland from the Mediterranean coast adjacent to the western suburbs of Alexandria, within the low-lying coastal plain of the Nile Delta region.
- History: Historically known as Mareotis in antiquity and closely associated with the city of Alexandria since Hellenistic and Roman times.
How to Get to Lake Mariout #
From central Alexandria, take the coastal road west toward Abu Qir and follow local signs for Lake Mariout/Maryut; local minibuses (microbuses) and taxis serve destinations along the lake’s edge.
Tips for Visiting Lake Mariout #
- Combine a shoreline drive with a visit to Abu Qir and the site of ancient Canopus if exploring the broader Mariout region.
- Avoid polluted stretches near Alexandria's outflows; ask locals where water quality is best for photography.
- Bring binoculars for wading birds; marshy margins are bird-rich in migration seasons.
Best Time to Visit Lake Mariout #
Visit in cooler months for better visibility and bird migration; avoid hottest months for comfort.
Weather & Climate near Lake Mariout #
Lake Mariout's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 9°C to 30°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with 46 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
