Planning a trip to Egypt? One of the biggest questions for female tourists is: "What should I wear?" Egypt's blend of blazing sun and conservative culture can make it tricky to find outfits that are both practical and respectful. This guide will help you strike a balance between comfort, modesty, and style.
Understanding Egypt's Climate and Culture
There are two main considerations to bear in mind for your packing list: the weather and cultural or religious conventions. Basically, you’ll want to respect the country’s conservative norms whilst staying as cool as possible.
Egypt’s position in the northeast of Africa means that most of the country has a desert climate with hot summers, mild winters, and little rain. Moving southwards, the area around Cairo and the Nile Delta has similar temperatures to the Mediterranean but with lower humidity. The southern area of the country around Luxor and the Red Sea coast, known as Upper Egypt, has a hot, dry desert climate with scorching summers and warm winters. However, the temperature drops at night, making it feel quite cool by comparison.
Egypt is a Muslim country with a modern, diverse culture and a rich history stretching back thousands of years. It’s important for foreign visitors to respect the local culture and dress appropriately for a conservative country. Major cities like Cairo and tourist spots like Sharm el Sheikh tend to be more liberal than villages and towns in rural areas, where the local women will dress more conservatively. The dress code tends to be more relaxed in beach resorts, tourist hotels and on cruise ships.
General Guidelines for Women's Attire
Conservative attire is the best way to dress in Egypt. To be respectful, make a point to observe what local women are wearing and follow suit to the best of your ability. Women should cover as much of their bodies as possible. Avoid wearing revealing or tight-fitting clothing, and opt for loose-fitting clothing like linen shirts, loose trousers, long pants, and flowing skirts or dresses.
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Here are some general guidelines to follow when deciding what to wear in Egypt:
- Cover Shoulders and Knees: This is especially important outside of touristy areas.
- Loose Clothing: Opt for flowy silhouettes that let the breeze in.
- Natural Fabrics: Choose breathable fabrics like cotton and linen.
- Modest Necklines: Avoid low-cut tops.
Although modest dress is generally expected in Egypt, you don’t need to wear baggy, long-sleeved tops. Wearing short sleeves is fine as long as your shoulders are covered and the neckline isn’t too low-cut.
Seasonal Considerations
Although there’s not really a bad time of year to visit Egypt, the weather varies seasonally throughout the year. It will be much hotter in July, August and September. The tourist season for Nile cruises generally runs from October to June.
Daytime temperatures in spring range from 15-25°C in March to 25-35°C in May. You can expect hot, dry weather throughout summer in Egypt. Summer temperatures often rise above 35°C and even over 40°C on the Red Sea coast and across southern Egypt. The temperatures start falling in Autumn, returning to the more comfortable 20-35°C range. Winter in Egypt is pretty mild, with average daytime temperatures rarely dipping below 10-20°C and starting to rise again towards the end of February.
Specific Clothing Recommendations
When you’re planning what to pack for Egypt, the best clothes are cool, comfortable, and conservative. Cool breathable clothing is essential. Here are some specific clothing items to consider:
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- Long, Flowy Dresses: Midi and long dresses are ideal.
- Loose Linen Pants: Pack loose linen pants and even go up one size if you can.
- Button-Down Shirts: A classic white button-down can be paired with skirts or pants.
- Jumpsuits: Long jumpsuits made of breathable materials are a fantastic option.
- Midi Skirts: A midi skirt and button-down shirt is a great outfit for visiting mosques and temples.
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When it comes to pairing shirts with skirts, find lightweight fabrics like linen or cotton that will let air flow through.
Outfit Ideas for Egypt
Here are some outfit ideas to inspire your packing list:
- White Dress and Scarf Combo: A classic white dress paired with a floral scarf.
- Adventurous Explorer Outfit: Khaki pants and a white button-down shirt.
- Jumpsuit with Button-Down: A jumpsuit paired with a white button-down shirt as a light jacket.
- Linen Pants: Loose linen pants.
- Midi Skirt and Button-Down: A midi skirt and button-down shirt, perfect for mosques and temples.
What to Pack: The Essentials
Here’s a quick overview of what to pack for Egypt, based on firsthand experience.
- Dresses: Two dresses are sufficient - one breathable floral maxi dress and one white cotton dress.
- Scarves: A minimum of two scarves for different purposes.
- Long-Sleeved Shirts: Two neutral white button-down tops in a size up for a looser fit.
- Short-Sleeve Shirts: At least three short-sleeve tops.
- Pants: Loose, long pants.
- Skirt: A long, breathable skirt.
- Jumpsuit: A modest jumpsuit.
- Comfortable Shoes: Comfortable closed-toe shoes.
- Bras: One strapless bra and two regular bras.
- Cotton Jacket: A cotton jacket for chilly evenings.
In addition to clothing, don't forget these essential items:
- High-Quality Sunscreen: Shade is hard to come by, so sunscreen is essential.
- Sunglasses: Polarized sunglasses are recommended.
- Hats: Straw hats or any light-material hat will do.
- Small Bag: A small straw bag for carrying essentials.
- Swimsuit: If your hotel has a pool, pack a swimsuit.
Here's a quick packing list to help you get started:
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- 2 pairs of long pants
- 4 long flowy dresses
- 2 kimonos
- 1-2 pairs of biker shorts
- 1 maxi skirt
- 2 loose, short-sleeved shirts
- 2 lightweight long-sleeved shirts
- Sunglasses
- Scarves
- 1 hat
- 2 tank tops
- 2 pairs of leggings
- A bathing suit
- 2 pairs of pajamas
- 3 pairs of socks
- Sandals with a strap on the back
- Sneakers
- Underwear
Footwear
Comfortable footwear is another must. If you’re staying in a beach town, you might get away with sandals or flip flops, but you’ll need something more sturdy if you’re planning day trips to the Great Pyramids or the Valley of the Kings. Breathable, closed-toe shoes with good support are a good choice for sightseeing, especially around historical sites like Giza, ancient temples, and the Valley of Kings where you’ll be walking on uneven surfaces.
Do You Need to Cover Your Hair?
One of the biggest questions is: Do I need to cover my hair in Egypt? The answer is kind of dependent on your comfort level. Unless you’re visiting mosques, then you will absolutely need to cover your hair. While wearing a veil isn’t mandatory in Egypt, social norms mean that most Egyptian women wear a hijab or headscarf to cover their hair. But as a non-Muslim foreign woman, no, you aren’t generally expected to cover your hair. However, it’s a good idea to keep a scarf or shawl handy.
Egyptians are aware how important tourisim is to their economy and that most tourists aren’t Muslim.
What Not to Wear
Shorts, crop tops, and short dresses are better left for the beach resorts or the pool. Around town, these items are likely to get you some unwanted stares. Avoid wearing jewelry or stick to cheap items.
Additional Tips for a Comfortable Trip
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to combat the desert heat.
- Sun Protection: Use sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
- Be Respectful: Always be mindful of local customs, especially in more conservative areas.
- Carry a Scarf: A lightweight shawl or scarf is handy for covering your head and shoulders.
- First Aid Kit: It’s worth taking your own first aid kit.
Men's Attire
What to wear in Egypt for men:
- Men should NOT wear shorts (we were told by locals that “only young boys wear shorts”).
- Long sleeve shirts and long pants are the norm regardless of the temperatures.
Table: Climate and Clothing Recommendations
| Season | Temperature | Recommended Clothing |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March-May) | 15-35°C | Lightweight clothing, long sleeves, scarves |
| Summer (June-August) | 35-40°C+ | Breathable fabrics, loose clothing, hats |
| Autumn (September-November) | 20-35°C | Comfortable clothing, layers for cooler evenings |
| Winter (December-February) | 10-20°C | Mild clothing, jackets for cooler nights |
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.
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