March in Egypt marks the transition from winter to spring, offering travelers a blend of mild temperatures and diverse experiences. As one of the most pleasant times to visit, March is perfect for exploring Egypt’s historical landmarks, vibrant cities, and natural landscapes. Egypt’s climate is predominantly desert, characterized by hot summers and mild winters. March, falling in the early spring, is a transitional month with increasingly warmer temperatures and generally dry conditions.
You might have been told that Egypt has only two seasons - hot and really hot - but there's a little more variation than that. With a Mediterranean coastline as well as much of the country in desert, it can experience a whole range of weather, from arid heat to even snow! The fertile Nile Valley and Delta, which makes up 5.5% of Egypt's land mass, is said to be home to around 99% of the country's population. Here, temperatures are more steady, and although still very hot in the summer, much more bearable than other parts of Egypt. Rainfall is very low across the country, only occurring in the winter months, and although the temperatures dip slightly around then, average winter minimums in Egypt don't hit the usual lows you may expect.
Make a considered choice about the time of year that you head off on an Egypt adventure, as traveling in very high heat and visiting outdoor sights can be pretty demanding, especially for those who are not used to such extreme temperatures. The weather begins heating back up in March as winter transitions into summer. The sun is bright and the skies are clear with temperatures that are neither cold nor brutally hot-it's a great time to visit.
One of the best parts of vacationing in Egypt in March is that the crowds begin thinning out, especially toward the end of the month as the weather gets hotter. However, you won't be fighting the same crowds that you see in January or February when those places are packed to capacity. Another great thing is that the prices start dropping. Global Highlights can arrange your trip to Egypt, and make sure that you're visiting all the best places for you at your chosen time of the year.
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Regional Temperatures and Activities in March
March in Egypt offers a delightful climate for exploring the country’s diverse attractions. With mild temperatures and low rainfall, it is an ideal time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
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Cairo
Cairo and the northern part of the country around the Nile-Delta region, as well as the coasts, especially on the Sinai Peninsula, are all ideal places to visit in March. It's the perfect time to explore the ancient ruins around the capital, as well as Alexandria and even Luxor (though the latter will be hotter). The crowds are slightly smaller yet the weather is warm and not overbearing.
In March, temperatures gradually warm up. Cairo experiences mild to warm temperatures in March, ranging from 12°C to 24°C (54°F to 75°F). Rainfall in Cairo is infrequent but can occur as light showers. In early March in Cairo, daytime highs reach 79°F while evenings hover around 50°F.
What to Wear: Layered clothing is recommended to adjust to temperature changes between day and night. We recommend bringing light layers for March to cope with the daily temperature range. Then in the evenings, especially in Giza, Cairo, or Alexandria, the temperatures still drop to a point of needing to wear a jumper, hoodie, or even a light coat.
Activities: March is an excellent time to explore Cairo’s historic sites, including the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Egyptian Museum. Nearby Giza is home to the Great Pyramid, one of the top tourist destinations in the entire world, so you'll definitely want to spend some time between Cairo and Giza. You can't visit Egypt without experiencing Cairo and its massive, mysterious Pyramids of Giza. Take a full day to explore these magnificent ancient ruins, wandering around the Great Sphinx, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure.
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Luxor and Aswan
Luxor and Aswan enjoy warm temperatures in March, with a range of 15°C to 27°C (59°F to 81°F). Temperatures in the south are notably hotter, and by the end of the month, you'll see temperatures in Aswan hitting highs of 100°F. Rain is rare in southern Egypt.
What to Wear: Light, breathable clothing for daytime and a warmer layer for the cooler evenings.
Activities: March is perfect for visiting Luxor’s Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and Luxor Temple. In Luxor, take a hot air balloon ride or discover the Temple of Osiris in Abydos.
Red Sea Resorts: Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh
It's also an ideal time to head to the beaches. The resorts around Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada will be full of sunshine and blue skies-and you might actually be able to get a pool chair to lounge in since the crowds will be smaller. The water temperature is warm and you can swim, snorkel, and scuba dive without masses of people crammed into one space.
Cities like Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh experience pleasant temperatures ranging from 17°C to 28°C (63°F to 82°F). The normal high temperature in the Red Sea Riviera’s Sharm El Sheikh is 25ºC in March. You won’t need much more than shorts and t-shirts for the day, but bring some warmer clothes for the evenings as it can get quite cool. The average sea temperature’s 22ºC, while humidity’s low and typical rainfall’s 1mm. You can expect ten long hours of sunshine from 12 hours of daylight each day, while UV levels will be very high making sun cream essential.
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One of Egypt's most popular beach destinations, Sharm el-Sheikh, is a good spot to visit in March. March is also a spectacular time for beach-going along the Sinai Peninsula where you can snorkel, sea kayak, surf, and scuba dive. This region offers first-rate dining at its many restaurants and beach resorts, along with exceptional nightlife. The Electric Bar in Sharm el-Sheikh, for instance, offers thumping, pounding EDM music while Gu Bar features belly dancers and international Arabic singers. At Ice Bar, you can cool off with a cocktail served in an ice glass and the Club of Egypt plays laid-back reggae music. One of the world's most famous shipwreck dive sites-The SS Thistlegorm Wreck-is also in this area.
Activities: Enjoy diving, snorkeling, and relaxing on the beaches of the Red Sea.
St. Catherine and Mount Sinai
In areas like St. Catherine and Mount Sinai, temperatures range from 8°C to 25°C (46°F to 77°F).
What to Wear: Layered clothing, including warm layers for cold mornings and evenings.
Activities: March is an ideal time for hiking Mount Sinai and visiting St. Catherine’s Monastery.
Alexandria
Up on the north Mediterranean coastline is Alexandria, with more pleasant temperatures and low rainfall, although slightly wetter than inland Egypt. Sea breezes make this part of Egypt more comfortable than the south, but be wary of the khamaseen - a swirling wind from the Sahara that can make things quite uncomfortable if blowing a gale. The best month for swimming is in August, where sea temperatures average out at a balmy 79°F.
If you visit Alexandria or Cairo in March, you might come across the occasional light drizzle.
Average Temperatures in Key Cities
Here's a quick overview of average high and low temperatures in different cities during March:
| City | Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| Cairo | 81°F | 59°F |
| Alexandria | 73°F | 57°F |
| Aswan | 93°F | 64°F |
| Hurghada | Warm temperatures | Mild temperatures |
Additional Tips for Traveling in Egypt in March
- Spring Equinox: March 20th marks the Spring Equinox, a time when ancient Egyptian monuments align with the sun.
- Health and Safety: Stay hydrated, protect yourself from the sun, and be cautious with street food.
- Currency and Payment: The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP).
- Downtown Cairo Contemporary Arts Festival (D-CAF): This international arts festival occurs every year, typically beginning in late March, and showcases a wide variety of cultural events including theatre, dance, music, films, and visual arts.
Traveling to Egypt in March? Jewels of The Nile: Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan - 8 days: This versatile 8-day trip doesn't leave anything off the itinerary, allowing you to see the best parts of Egypt in just over a week. It includes visits to all of the key historical and touristic regions in Egypt, among which are Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. It's the perfect match for a March vacation because as you travel farther south you board a cruise ship, visiting the hottest parts of the country by boat.
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