When to go — Alexandria

The region's climate varies considerably between the Mediterranean coast (mild and humid climate, similar to southern France) and the western desert around Siwa (extreme Saharan climate).

Alexandria and the north coast benefit from the only truly Mediterranean climate in Egypt — hot and dry summers (28-32 °C), mild but humid winters (12-18 °C), frequent rains from November to February (200 mm/year, which makes Alexandria the rainiest city in Egypt). The best season for Alexandria: April to June and September to October — perfect temperatures (22-28 °C), rare rains, reasonable crowds. Summer (July-August) is the Mediterranean season — warm sea (26-28 °C), festive atmosphere on the corniche, but massive Egyptian crowds and doubled prices. Winter (November-March) is melancholy and literary — frequent rains, grey and misty atmosphere, low prices, ideal for Lawrence Durrell lovers but inadvisable for swimming.

Siwa and the western desert have an extreme Saharan climate — very hot summers (38-45 °C in July-August, bearable temperatures only in the shade of palm groves), mild winters during the day (20-26 °C) but cool at night (5-15 °C, sometimes 0 °C in January). The best season for Siwa: October to April — perfect climate for desert excursions, sunrise over the dunes without suffering, pleasant starry nights under the tent. Avoid June to August for Siwa and the White Desert — extreme heat making excursions dangerous.

The north coast (Marsa Matrouh, Sidi Abdel Rahman) lives to the rhythm of Egyptian summer — from April to October. Off-season (November-March), most resorts close or operate at a slower pace. For swimming, favour May to September (sea at 22-28 °C), ideal June to September.

The khamsin (southwesterly sandstorm wind) can disrupt visits in March-May (5-10 days per year) — reduced visibility, respiratory discomfort. Stay attentive to forecasts, particularly for Siwa and White Desert excursions.