Are you planning a trip to Egypt? Then this guide is for you. "What should I wear?" was one of the main questions I got from travelers before the trip. Egypt’s climate, cultural norms, and diverse landscapes require thoughtful packing for comfort and respect for local customs. This guide will tell you exactly what to pack for Egypt and give you tons of Egypt outfits ideas based on what I wore on my Egypt honeymoon.
Egypt is a wonderful country, but the combination of the hot climate and the conservative Muslim culture does pose a problem not that easy to solve.
With the right clothing choices, you can stay comfortable in the heat, respect local customs, and fully enjoy everything this incredible country has to offer. Whether you’re wandering through ancient temples, cruising the Nile, or relaxing on the Red Sea coast, this guide will help ensure you’re dressed perfectly for every occasion.
Essential Items to Pack for a Comfortable Egypt Trip
Understanding Egypt's Climate and Culture
Egypt’s climate varies from hot desert conditions to cooler coastal breezes, depending on the season and location. Summers (June to August) can be intensely hot (often 110 degrees), especially in the southern regions, while winters (December to February) are milder, with cooler nights. For the most part, Egypt is a desert, and it gets very hot. Don’t leave for your trip with essentials like sunscreen, a hat, and breathable clothing. Our trip was mid-May, and even then the daytime temperatures reached triple-digits nearly every day.
Egypt is a predominantly Muslim country, and modest dress is essential to show respect for local customs. But, you should know that Egyptian men dress rather smartly and are rather conservative - both the Islamic majority and the Christian minority. You will see most men in shirts, long trousers, and leather shoes. Rather no jeans, no t-shirts.
Read also: What to Wear: Egypt in November
Egypt is hot throughout the year. It is basically one big desert, it almost never rains (like 2 days a year), and the only thing you possibly have to worry about is a sandstorm. The sun will be extremely intense no matter the season you travel. The good news: It’s a dry kind of heat with extremely low humidity so it won’t feel as hot as it actually is.
Still, places like Cairo, Luxor or the famous Valley of the Kings will be a true furnace in summer (especially June to August). I cannot recommend visiting unprepared!
If you are visiting Egypt in winter (November, especially December & January, until March), you will be able to enjoy cooler temperatures around 10 to 25 ° Celsius / 50 to 77 ° Fahrenheit. The sky can be a bit overcast during that time of the year.
Egypt is a predominately Muslim country with a completely different culture so it’s totally normal to feel so confused about what to wear in Egypt. My Egypt outfit recommendations fall in the middle, erring on the conservative side with practical modifications.
In this day and age, it’s easy to think a destination is totally glamorous because all you’re exposed to is the highlight reel on Instagram. That’s why I’m sharing some honest information on what to expect in Egypt so you’re not surprised during your stay.
Read also: What to Pack for Egypt (Women)
While traveling around Egypt, the majority of the women you see will be wearing some form of head covering and modest clothes, but not all. Around ten to twenty percent of Egypt’s population are Coptic Christians, meaning there are millions of women who do not cover their heads. Contrary to what the news will say, Egyptians are friendly people who coexist peacefully with each other, despite differing religious beliefs.
The average Egyptian earns around $300 per month and most Egyptians live in what Westerners would refer to as slums or dilapidated buildings. I don’t say this to be insulting but to make you aware of what Egypt is actually like.
Egypt is definitely a country that you’re more likely to get sick in due to the contaminated water and questionable hygiene practices. It’s so important you take preventative measures to avoid getting food poisoning or traveler’s diarrhea, and know what to do if you feel sick. Don’t let the risks of getting sick deter you from this amazing country! All the adventurous destinations come with some risk.
Be prepared to tip everywhere and for everything. You’ll want small bills with you at all times so you can easily tip your driver, hotel staff, restaurant staff and tour guides. Constantly tipping can feel pretty annoying if you’re not used to a tipping culture. That’s why it’s so important to go to Egypt accepting that you’re going to tip and even being happy to do it. After all, your Egyptian tour guides and helpers work hard and will be so grateful!
Unfortunately, the scamming and aggressive sales tactics in Egypt can be pretty overwhelming. In fact, it’s the main reason most traveler’s end having an awful time in Egypt or swearing they’ll never return.
Read also: What to Wear: Morocco Edition
You can avoid or greatly lessen how bad the hassling and scamming is by traveling with a reputable tour company and visiting the main sites with an Egyptologist. However, the key to not being bothered by these tactics and lessening how long they last is by completely ignoring them and being firm in saying no when necessary.
What to Pack for Men
What to wear in Egypt for men is a bit easier than the recommendations for women. For men, the expectation to dress a certain way is much less strict than for women. Male tourists in Egypt will feel comfortable wearing above-the-knee shorts and t-shirts every day if they would like to, and do not need to adjust clothing choices if they are alone or traveling solo.
Egyptian men almost always wear long pants, no matter the time of year. My first time in Egypt, when I arrived in late August, I was shocked to see men walking around in jeans in 100 degree plus heat, but I got used to it after seeing them don long pants day after day, summer through winter. That being said, I wore shorts whenever I felt like it, and aside from getting strange looks sometimes, no one ever gave me any trouble or made me feel uncomfortable. Shorts are now coming in vogue with younger Egyptians, so you may see some men and boys wearing shorts in the hotter months to stay cool.
Like women, Egyptian men wear long-sleeved shirts most of the time as well, although in the summer, short sleeve dress shirts, polos, or t-shirts are also common. Men may also be seen wearing a galabeya, a traditional garment that is like a loose, flowing, long-sleeved robe. Galabeyas are most commonly seen in the southern parts of Egypt, like Luxor or Aswan. Tank tops are almost never worn by Egyptian men, even when they are working out, but tourists can be seen wearing them. When wearing shorts and a tank top, expect some looks (once an Egyptian man even asked me why I was wearing a tank top and shorts if I was not going to the gym), but no one will bother you. Do not try to go into a mosque in a tank top and shorts, though! Put on at least a shirt with sleeves.
Clothing Recommendations
- Tops: Short or long-sleeved shirts made from light, breathable materials work well in the Egyptian heat.
- Bottoms: Lightweight trousers or chinos are the best choices.
Footwear
Like women, men should opt for comfortable walking shoes or sandals with good support. For shoes, Egyptian women often wear sandals or tennis shoes. Flip flops are worn in the home only (they are considered like a house slipper), although it’s nice for tourists to bring a pair of flip flops for walking around a Nile Cruise, the hotel, the pool, or the beach. Sometimes Egyptian women will be seen out and about in high heels, but the uneven sidewalks and walkways make getting around in heels difficult.
I recommend packing a few different pairs of shoes: some cute, open-toed shoes for airflow and comfort, some sturdy walking shoes for all the steps you will get in, and some nice shoes to wear in the evenings when you want to look chic going out to eat or exploring nightlife options.
No matter what shoes you bring, plan on them getting very dusty! Lots of the outdoor sites (the Pyramids, tombs, temples) are covered in desert sand.
I recommend the same type of shoes for men: an open-toed pair (if you have one), a pair of flip flops just for the hotel, cruise, pool, or beach, some sturdy walking shoes, and some nicer, more stylish shoes for going out in the evenings.
Accessories
- A hat and sunglasses are essential for sun protection.
Practical Packing Tips
Egypt is a hot country and the laundry service is extremely cheap, so I recommend you stay away from overpacking and just pick a small suitcase. Do remember that you will sweat quite a lot, there’s a lot of sand/dirt in the temple ruins, and also remember that sunscreen (mixed with sand) can leave ugly yellow stains on your clothes not easy to remove. So, rather pack a spare or two.
Note: You probably won’t need shorts when visiting in winter. Rather pack a light jacket instead. You will need it in the evening.
Also, avoid packing anything in white. While standing in front of the pyramids in an all-white linen suit makes for a great photo, the desert dust will quickly turn those light-coloured clothes a not-so-delightful shade of brown.
If you’re traveling outside of winter, don’t underestimate the cool change that can come in the evenings, especially if you spend the night in the desert or on a Nile cruise. A light fleece or jacket should be sufficient to keep you warm on Egypt’s chillier nights.
In terms of footwear, sneakers and/or sandals made for walking are essential. Pathways on historical sites are often rocky and uneven, and the footpaths in the main cities aren’t much better.
Comfortable light walking shoes. Trekking sandals can be a very good option (I’m using these Teva sandals | women’s version)Sandals as you see fit. Beach shoes or flip-flops; the sand will be too hot to walk on. I’m using Adidas ClimaCool Water Shoes, though the ground underwater is usually not rocky or dangerous. One pair of closed shoes/leather shoes Socks - you are not allowed to wear shoes in Mosques.
Note: Due to the extremely hot ground, it is not uncommon for the glue of your shoes to melt (happened to me more than once).
That being said, diarrhea is a MAJOR issue in Egypt. Definitely stick to “peal it, cook it, or leave it”. Don’t drink fresh juices or anything with ice cubes (except they only use filtered water and you REALLY trust them; I wouldn’t!). It is quite important to stay hydrated throughout the day. Egyptian tap water is not drinkable and I don’t recommend using sterilizing agents either as they mostly don’t kill tapeworm eggs!
You won’t need to bring a canteen, but a shoulder strap to carry your water bottle (something like this) will be quite a smart idea. Also, consider bringing a small umbrella if you got sensitive skin and don’t forget a hat.
There are billions of midges around the Nile, though very few mosquitos. Bringing an anti-bug spray might be a good idea, although better cruise ships will have equipment so you will be able to sit on the upper deck after sunset without trouble (Just don’t open the window of your cabin at night!).
Egypt Outfit Ideas for Men
Linen Shirt and Khaki Pants
Neutral tones look great in the desert and men can’t go wrong with white linen, it just looks good on everyone!
Long-Sleeve Tactical Shirt and Shorts
Ryan got this shirt for our trip to Kenya and it has become his favorite shirt for travel anywhere! It looks really nice but keeps him cool and holds up well. He wore shorts at many of the tourist sites (like Abu Simbel and Valley of the Kings) and it was no big deal. If you want to be extra cautious, steer clear of wearing shorts in areas with tons of locals, like train stations, local restaurants, etc.
Long-Sleeve Linen Shirt and Comfortable Cotton Pants
Linen Shirt and Linen Pants
Many days of the trip, he wore head to toe linen! Those pants were a nice color but they were semi see-through so I’d stick with darker colors if you buy pants at the link below. Something else you should definitely know is that linen shrinks when dried! One pair of his pants became unwearable after the first day because he dried them. Stick with hang drying!
Quick Tips
- Respect Local Norms: Always be mindful of local customs, especially in more conservative areas.
- Stay Hydrated: It is quite important to stay hydrated throughout the day.
- Bathroom Resources: Many bathrooms in Europe do not have soap or sanitizer, and it is common for toilet paper to cost a small amount of money.
- Power Adapter: In Egypt the supply voltage is 220 V. There is either a Type C or a Type F socket. Visitors from the US or the UK will need a Power adapter; Buy an international one you can use on your next trip. If your electrical appliances do not support dual voltage or 220 V, you will need a step-down converter.
Can you wear shorts in Egypt?
Absolutely! Men can wear shorts everywhere, except in churches and mosques (although these sometimes allow men with shorts inside). Most Egyptian men will not ever wear shorts, but tourists often wear them.
At the swimming pool or the Red Sea, men are often seen in swim trunks, and many foreign men are seen in speedos. Egyptian men usually don gym shorts when going for a swim, and many will also opt to keep their t-shirts on in the water.
What Not to Wear in Egypt
In general, there is not a rule about what cannot be worn in Egypt, although I would recommend staying away from clothing that shows support for any LGBTQ+ topics, or Israel. Both of these are contentious subjects in Egypt.
Popular articles:
tags: #Egypt
