The Nile Valley climate is very hot desert, with considerable annual thermal amplitude that strongly conditions visit comfort. The optimal period is November to March, during which 80% of tourists visit the region.
November to March is the high season. Daytime temperatures in Luxor and Aswan are perfect for extended visits (20-26 °C on average, up to 28 °C on the warmest days), evenings are cool (8-15 °C in January — bring fleece and windbreaker for the boat decks), and the golden morning and evening light is exceptional for photographing temples and hieroglyphs. Rainfall is almost non-existent (less than 5 mm per year in Luxor). The only constraints: Christmas and New Year holidays send cruise prices soaring (multiplied by 2-3) and dahabiyas are booked 6 to 12 months in advance for this period.
October and April are shoulder months still very pleasant. Temperatures of 25-32 °C during the day, crowds dropping after European school holidays, and intermediate rates. October is generally the ideal month — perfect climate, magnificent light, reasonable crowds. In April, beware of the khamsin (southwesterly sandstorm wind) which can occur for 2 to 10 days and significantly reduce visibility — impossible to photograph Karnak or Abu Simbel at full resolution.
May and September mark the hot months, bearable with organisation. Temperatures of 35-40 °C during the day, very reduced crowds and prices down 25-35%. Organise your visits only at dawn (6-10am) and end of day (5-7pm), with mandatory siesta in the air-conditioned cabin of the boat at midday. The light at end of day is particularly spectacular at this season — extended golden hour of one hour.
June to August marks the formally to-be-avoided season. The heat regularly reaches 42-48 °C in Luxor, up to 50 °C at Abu Simbel — visits to temples become dangerous for health, and almost all cruise operators suspend or drastically reduce their departures. Real risk of severe heat stroke, particularly in children and elderly. To be advised against without exception, even with reduced rates.
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