Weather in Egypt

The Egyptian summer is hot and dry in most of the country, and humid in the Delta and along the Mediterranean Coast. In recent years the humidity has spread to Cairo, and the city swelters in August! Winter is mild with some rain, but usually it is bright, sunny days with cold nights.

During the summertime, sun protection is the most important single consideration for an Egypt trip, especially for the fair-skinned. Wearing a sunhat is essential. Cheap, and pure cotton, sunhats are made locally and available everywhere. Travel clothing should be light and comfortable, 100% cotton clothing is the best and robust shoes are a must! The climate of Egypt is characterized by a hot season from May to October and a cool season from October to May. Extreme temperatures during both seasons are moderated by the prevailing northern winds.

In the coastal region average annual temperatures range from a maximum of 37° C (99° F) to a minimum of 14° C (57° F). Wide variations of temperature occur in the deserts, ranging from a maximum of 46° C (114° F), during daylight hours, to a minimum of 6° C (42° F) after sunset. During the winter season desert temperatures often drop to 0° C (32° F).

The most humid area is along the Mediterranean coast, where the average annual rainfall is about 200mm. Precipitation decreases rapidly to the south; Cairo receives on average only about 29mm of rain each year, and in many desert locations it may rain only once in several years!

There are 5 days called Khamsin between March and April, when sandstorms can occur sporadically, blowing in different places according to the wind direction.

Winter (between October and May) weather is colder than most people anticipate, and cold winds blow over the desert at sunrise and sunset. Even when it is warm outside, it can be surprisingly cold inside the massive stone Temples. In winter, showers can fall everywhere, so bring a few items of light but warm clothing, so that you can cope with the cold early mornings and the occasional, and unseasonable, cold snap.

Bring one or two dressy outfits along for evenings out, especially for parties, and special occasions or just to get out of your tour clothes! If you are staying in a hotel or on a cruise boat, please be warned that luxury hotels and all the Nile Cruises have efficient, but surprisingly pricey laundry services. If you object to paying 12LE for laundry, you can wash out your T-shirts; just bring some detergent with you, as well as a few yards of clothing line.

Also bring a swimsuit, as most good hotels and cruise ships have nice, warm, swimming pools. 

If you are heading out into the desert, you will get dry quickly, so make sure that you have a good stock of water with you. Egyptian mineral water is available everywhere at less than 3LE per bottle. Remember to cover your head  at all times

The following table for you as a guide so that you know  what to expect and what to bring:

 

Month		Cairo Min/Max	Alexandria Min/Max	Luxor Min/Max	Aswan Min/Max	Hurgha Air/Water Average	Sharm El-Sheik  Air/Water Average
Jan	C F	8.6/19.1 47/66	9.3/18.3 49/65	5.4/23 42/74	8/23.8 46/75	24/18 75/64	24/21 75/70
Feb	C F	9.3/21 48/69	9.7/19.2 49/67	6.8/25.4 44/78	9.4/26.1 49/79	25/18 77/64	25/20 77/68
March	C F	11.2/23.7 52/75	11.3/21 52/70	10.7/29 51/84	12.6/30.4 54/86	26/20 79/68	25/21 77/70
April	C F	13.9/28.2 56/83	14.5/23.6 58/75	15.7/35 60/95	17.5/36 63/97	31/25 88/77	31/22 87/71
May	C F	17.4/32.4 63/90	16.7/26.5 62/80	20.7/39.3 69/103	21.1/38.5 71/101	35/26 95/79	28/24 82/75
June	C F	19.9/34.5 68/95	20.4/28.2 69/83	22.6/41 72/107	24.2/42.1 76/108	37/28 99/82	32/25 89/77
July	C F	21.5/35.4 71/96	22.7/29.6 73/86	23.6/40.8 74/106	24.5/42 76/108	40/28 107/82	37/26 98/78
Aug	C F	21.6/34.8 71/95	22.9/30.4 73/87	23.5/41 74/107	24.7/41.3 76/107	42/29 108/84	38/28 100/82
Sept	C F	19.9/23.3 68/89	21.3/29.4 71/85	21.5/38.5 71/101	22.2/39.6 72/103	38/27 100/81	34/29 93/84
Oct	C F	17.8/29.8 64/86	17.9/27.7 64/82	17.8/35.1 64/95	19.3/36.6 66/99	32/25 90/77	30/27 86/80
Nov	C F	12.1/24.1 54/75	14.8/24.4 59/76	12.3/29.6 54/85	14.5/30.2 58/86	26/23 79/73	27/25 80/75
Dec	C F	10.4/20.7 51/69	11.2/20.4 52/69	7.7/24.8 45/76	9.9/20.5 50/69	26/19 79/66	23/23 73/73

Living and Working in Egypt

The majority of international expatriates living and working in Egypt are based in the capital city of Cairo, although growing numbers of expatriates can be found working in Luxor, Alexandria or in Red and Mediterranean Sea resorts for example, often in the fields of tourism and lately in real estate too.

It’s estimated that there are currently around 30,000 European and Northern American expatriates in Egypt and particularly for those living in Cairo an excellent support, social and business networking environment exists which for many makes the whole experience of living in this fascinating country an absolute pleasure.

Naturally enough the customs, traditions and general way of life lived by Egyptians is markedly different to that which the majority of Western Expatriates have experienced before which makes organizations such as Cairo based CSA invaluable. The CSA or ‘Community Services Association’ in el Maadi in Cairo serves the entire international community living and working in Egypt and offers everything from Arabic classes to seminars and sessions for those newly arrived and who want to learn about the fundamentals of living in Egypt.

The organization was established in 1980 by the wife of a former U.S. ambassador to Egypt and is referred to as an ‘informal social network’, whereas in reality it is an excellent first port of call and first point of reference for anyone from anywhere in the world and any background thinking about relocating to Egypt. The support network offered by the CSA is incredibly broad reaching and if nothing else it offers expatriates a security blanket when they first arrive in Egypt and begin establishing their new life abroad.

To travel to Egypt, citizens of most nations require a visa. Tourist visas can be obtained in advance from an Egyptian consulate or embassy in the country from which the individual is traveling. Citizens of certain nations can also get their visas when they arrive at the airport in Egypt although queues can be quite long and the process and wait frustrating. Because requirements, costs, duration of visa etc., vary for citizens on a country by country basis it’s very wise to check out requirements before traveling.

Those with a secure job offer in Egypt will require a work permit but this is usually secured by their employer. Others who travel to Egypt looking for work can enter on a tourism visa and apply for temporary residency and a work visa once they arrive, settle and secure work. However, it’s important to reiterate that Egyptian visa requirements vary greatly depending on the country from which the individual originates, and for up to date information the individual’s local Egyptian embassy should be contacted prior to travel.

It’s possible to split the majority of expatriates living in Egypt into two quite distinct groups; there are those who have secured relatively well paying employment before expatriating ¬ usually in the fields of education or working for NGOs - and there are those who travel to Egypt, settle down and then find a job. The latter group often take jobs and work within the local Egyptian economy and earn their wages in Egyptian pounds or guinay which can make money quite tight for some. The former group tend to be paid in US dollars or another Western currency and have far more disposable income - luckily the cost of living in Egypt, even in the capital city of Cairo is relatively cheap ¬ though having said that, money will buy you almost any luxury you want in Egypt!

To settle in and really get the most out of Egypt be prepared to get stuck in, make contacts and friends, socialize and network, try and learn some Arabic - although English is widely spoken and understood and French is also a useful language skill to have. Don’t be afraid of the chaotic, exciting, fast pace of life, be prepared to socialize until all hours of the night and ignore much of the media’s portrayal of Egypt because it is in fact a very safe place to live apart from the odd bit of pick-pocketing that goes on in the most popular tourist haunts.

Expatriates who move with their families to live in Egypt will find that there are a range of international schools and educational establishments available, although costs and standards vary greatly. One of the most popular schools for expatiate children is the British International School Cairo and most international schools are centred in the capital city of Cairo; the Google Directory has quite a comprehensive list of what’s available. Anyone being relocated to Egypt for employment should discuss with their employer their right to have their children’s school fees paid which is quite common among many employers.

In terms of where in Egypt to set up home, the city or town you choose will often depend on which company you work for or which industry you’re seeking employment in. As for which district of a given city to choose, some are more international than others, some more family friendly and some more dynamic and chaotic. In Cairo for example the El Maadi/Digla area is popular with families who have children attending nearby international schools whereas Zamalek and Mohandiseen are popular areas with younger professionals and couples who want to be nearer both work and the social scene in Cairo. The best advice is to take a short term rental if possible then take advice and seek assistance from a range of fellow expatriates living and working in Egypt already.

Egypt currency and Exchange Rate

The unit for Egypt currency is the pound (EGP; symbol E£) = 100 piastres. Notes are in denominations of E£100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 1, 50 piastres and 25 piastres. Coins are in denominations of 20, 10 and 5 piastres.

Two interesting peculiarities of Egypt currency are that each note is written in two languages, Arabic and English, and that the smaller the note denomination, the smaller its physical size. The Arabic side of the note has engravings of architecturally and historically important mosques. The English side depicts the legacy of Ancient Egypt, with engravings of figures, statues and temples. Egyptian paper money is among the most beautiful, on account of its color and the use of Egyptian and Arab motifs in its design.

Currency exchange is available at banks, official bureaux de change and most hotels. Banks often have better exchange rates than bureaux de change or hotels. All common international currencies are accepted. The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited. The import of local currency is unlimited. The export of local currency is prohibited. An attempt discriminates!

One-five pound note is a good tip for service.

American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted, but generally only in bigger hotels or restaurants in Cairo and restaurants in tourist areas. You may avoid additional exchange rate charges by using traveller's cheques in US Dollars, Euros or Pounds Sterling.

Travel Time to Egypt

Peak travel season in Egypt runs from mid October to May, and this is the best time to visit. As you will notice, the tourist season is during winter and spring, but this is also the high season, and prices go up at this time of year. Some hotels can be really expensive, and because of this, I would advise prior reservations for all hotels before you come, even the budget hotels.

From May until October, the temperatures are fairly high, especially in Luxor and the southern parts of the country, yet summer offers a time to see Egypt in relative peace and quite. It is a huge advantage being able to see the tourist sites without hassle from school children, or from the crowds of tourists. Imagine, piece and quiet to take photographs, without strangers obscuring the view!

Although certain Cairo hotels will fill up with many Arab visitors in the summer, who would rather be here than having to endure even hotter weather in their own countries, advanced bookings are rarely required, and a variety of discounts are even offered, as incentives to them who would brave the heat.

Another very good time to visit Egypt is during the springtime. During spring the weather is fairly moderate, but try and avoid the “The Khamsin wind” season that runs between March and April, though it only takes a few days and you can handle that so easily ....The Khamsin wind is a warm wind that blows in from the desert, carrying sand and dust!.... it is quite an adventure!

Some Egypt travellers may avoid travelling to Egypt during Ramadan. This is mainly due to the fact that alcohol is not allowed during this month, especially during the daytime! or maybe many of street restaurants are closed during Ramadan, and all tourist sites would usually close entry at least two hours earlier than usual, causing a shorter time for visiting. People are slow during day time but very active after they break their fast.

But on the other hand Ramadan is a lovely month in Egypt, as it a month-long festival. At night all coffee shops are open and full of people who will stay up till the early morning hours. It is the time when Cairo (and the rest of Egypt) never sleeps, the time when all people go out to have fun.

General Information about Egypt

Egypt is officially known as the Arab Republic of Egypt and is located in north-eastern Africa and southwestern Asia. Cairo, the capital and largest city, is the most modern in the Middle East and Africa.

It is bounded on the north by the Mediterranean Sea, on the east by Israel and the Red Sea, on the south by Sudan, and on the west by Libya. The country has a maximum length from north to south of about 1086 km (about 675 m) and a maximum width, near the southern border, of about 1255 km (about 780 m). It has a total area of about 1,001,450 sq km (about 386,662 sq m). Less than one-tenth of the land area of Egypt is settled or under cultivation, this consists of the valley and delta of the Nile, a number of desert oases, and land along the Suez Canal.

More than 90 percent of the country consists of desert areas: In the west, the Libyan Desert, a part of the Sahara Desert which is also known as the Western Desert. The Libyan Desert includes a vast sandy expanse called the Great Sand Sea. Located here are several depressions with elevations below sea level, including the Qattara Depression, which has an area of about 18,000 sq km (about 7000 sq m) and reaches a depth of 133 m (436 ft) below sea level, the lowest point in Africa. Also found here are the oases of Siwa, Kharga, Baharia and Dakhla.

In the east the Arabian Desert, also called the Eastern Desert (which borders the Red Sea and the Gulf of Suez). Much of the Arabian Desert occupies a plateau that rises gradually east from the Nile Valley to elevations of about 600 m (about 2000 ft) in the east and is broken along the Red Sea coast by jagged peaks as high as about 2100 m (about 7000 ft) above sea level.

In the extreme south, along the border with Sudan, is the Nubian Desert, an extensive region of dunes and sandy plains.

The Sinai Peninsula consists of sandy desert in the north and rugged mountains in the south, with summits looming more than about 2100 m (about 7000 ft) above the Red Sea. Mount Catherine (Jabal Katrìnah - 2637 m/8652 ft), the highest elevation in Egypt, is in the Sinai Peninsula, as is Mount Sinai (Jabal Mosa), where, according to the Old Testament, Moses received the Ten Commandments.

The Nile enters Egypt from the Sudan and flows north for about 1545 km (about 960 m) to the Mediterranean Sea. For its entire length, from the southern border to Cairo, the Nile flows through a narrow valley lined by cliffs. Lake Nasser, the world's largest man-made reservoir and formed by the Aswan high dam, extends south across the Sudan border. The lake is about 480 km (about 300 m) long and is about 16 km (10 m) across at its widest point. About two-thirds of the lake lies in Egypt.

South of a point near the town of Idfu, the Nile Valley is rarely more than 3 km (2 m) wide. From Idfu to Cairo, the valley is about 23 km (about 14 m) in width, with most of the arable portion on the western side. In the vicinity of Cairo the valley merges with the delta, a fan-shaped plain, the perimeter of which occupies about 250 km (about 155 m) of the Mediterranean coastline. Silt deposited by the Rosetta (Rashid), Damietta (Dumyat), and other distributaries has made the delta the most fertile region in the country. However, the Aswan High Dam has reduced the flow of the Nile, causing the salty waters of the Mediterranean to erode land along the coast near the Nile.

A series of four shallow, brackish lakes extends along the seaward extremity of the delta. Another larger lake, Birkat Qarun, is situated inland in the desert north of the town of Al Fayoum.

Geographically and traditionally, the Nile Valley is divided into two regions, Lower Egypt and Upper Egypt, the former consisting of the delta area and the latter comprising the valley south of Cairo.

Although Egypt has about 2450 km (about 1520 m) of coastline, two-thirds of which are on the Red Sea, indentations suitable as harbours are confined to the delta. The Isthmus of Suez, which connects the Sinai Peninsula with the African mainland, is traversed from the Mediterranean to the Gulf of Suez by the Suez Canal.

Egyptian Museum, Cairo

The Egyptian Antiquities Museum in Cairo, known more commonly as the Egyptian Museum, houses the largest collection of Ancient Egyptian artifacts in the world.

History

The Egyptian Museum owes its existence to the Egyptian Antiquities Service, established by the Egyptian government in 1835 to limit the looting of Egypt's priceless artifacts.

The museum opened in 1858 with a collection assembled by Auguste Mariette, the French archaeologist retained by Isma'il Pasha. It was originally housed in an annex of the palace of Ismail Pasha in Giza, the museum moved to its present location in 1900.

What to See

The Egyptian Museum's collection includes over 120,000 items. As at the Louvre Museum in Paris, it is necessary to be selective during a visit.

One major highlight is the famous Pharaoh Tutankhamen tomb collection on the museum's upper floor. The tomb of "King Tut" (as he is better known) was found remarkably intact by Howard Carter in the Valley of the Kings in 1923. Artifacts on display include the gold funerary mask and sarcophagus, four huge gilded boxes that fit inside each other, an ancient trumpet, thrones, and even a royal toilet seat.

Also upstairs is the royal Mummy Room, which houses 11 royal mummies from pharaonic times. It has a significant entrance fee and does not allow photos, but the adjacent (free) room has a nice assortment of mummified animals and birds.

ABU SIMBEL, EGYPT

In 1257 BCE, Pharaoh Ramses II (1279-13 BCE) had two temples carved out of solid rock at a site on the west bank of the Nile south of Aswan in the land of Nubia and known today as Abu Simbel. Long before Ramses II, the site had been sacred to Hathor of Absek. The temple built by Ramses, however, was dedicated to the sun gods Amon-Re and Re-Horakhte. Because of their remote location near the Sudanese border in sourthern Egypt, the temples were unknown until their rediscovery in 1813. They were first explored in 1817 by the Egyptologist Giovanni Battista Belzoni.

The sacred area, marked out as a forecourt and bounded on the north and south sides by brick walls, occupied a place between the sandstone cliffs and the river. Ramses' temple was cut into the face of the cliff, before which is a rock-cut terrace. The temple is approached across this terrace up a flight of steps with an inclined plane in the middle, and enclosed on either side by a balustrade behind which stood a row of hawks and statues of Ramses in various forms.

The rock-cut fa açade of Ramses' temple represents the front of a pylon in front of which are four colossal seated figures of Ramses. This facade is one 119 feet wide, and 100 feet high, while the colossal statues are 67 feet in height. At the top of the pylon, above the cornice, is a row of baboons, who, as Watchers of the Dawn, are shown with their hands raised in adoration of the (rising) sun. The Egyptians believed baboons played a role in helping the sun god Ra defeat the darkness of night and so were believed sacred to the worship of the rising sun.

The Main Hall, Abu Simbel

The actual interior of the temple is inside the cliff in the form of a man-made cave cut out of the living rock (cf. The Sacred Cave). It consists of a series of halls and rooms extending back a total of 185 feet from the entrance. The long first hall is 54 feet wide and 58 feet deep and has two rows of Osirid statues of Ramses each 30 feet high. Those on the north side are shown wearing the White Crown of Upper Egypt, while those on the south wear wearing the Double Crown of Lower Egypt. At the west end of the main hall are three doors, the side ones leading into lateral chambers, and the central one opening into a room with four square pillars. From this room a doorway leads to the vestibule, and beyond that is located the innermost shrine with seated statues of the gods Ptah, Amun-Ra, the deified Ramses II, and Re-Horakhte.

The Innermost Shrine, Abu Simbel

The most remarkable feature of the site is that the temple is precisely oriented so that twice every year, on 22 February and 22 October, the first rays of the morning sun shine down the entire length of the temple-cave to illuminate the back wall of the innermost shrine and the statues of the four gods seated there. Precisely this same effect was apparently also fundamental to the design of the artificial cave of Newgrange in Ireland.

With the construction of the Aswan High Dam in the 1960s, the temples were threatened with submersion under the rising waters of the reservoir (Lake Nassar). Between 1964 and 1966, a project sponsored by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the Egyptian government disassembled both temples and reconstructed them on top of the cliff 200 feet above the original site.