Hi, all,
I wanted to ask for some advice about visiting Egypt in August - one of its hottest months.
I've been planning a trip to Egypt for more than 3 years. I'm due to go in August 2027. The reason I'm going then, and have been planning it for so long, is that there will be a Total Solar Eclipse (TSE) occurring at that time. (I've been fortunate enough to have witnessed a TSE previously and it was amazing - I would definitely recommend it.)
I've booked a multi-day guided tour with an overseas travel agency (I've used them before for a day-trip, so, I know that they're a real company).
Since I was a child, I've been fascinated by Egyptian culture and the pyramids, so this trip should be amazing. I've been slowly paying it off in instalments for more than 3 years (the next one is due at the end of the month). There is no option to shift the tour to another time as the tour is operating then due to the timing of the TSE.
August will be an exceptionally hot time to visit (38C in Cairo, up to 45C in Awsan). I know that when it's >35C at home I don't want to be outside. To be 10C more than that, for the duration of the tour, could be considered foolish, and potentially dangerous, for me to pursue. (Yes, I knew about the heat beforehand but was only thinking about the TSE but as I get older (I've been planning this for 3 years), I'm thinking more about my health and safety.)
I've enquired about cancellation conditions with the tour company. They have a tiered scale which is based solely on timing. Even though they've got a very long waitlist, they're not willing to refund me all my money as they're sticking solely to their policy. This means that if I quit, I stand to lose >$2k (not insubstantial). I enquired about holding credit for a future tour (to visit a different location for a TSE) but they're only willing to hold the lower amount (so, still a loss of >$2k).
Has anyone on here visited Egypt during August before? If so, how bearable (or unbearable) was the heat?
Whilst some may say that the crowds are usually lower in August due to the heat, as there'll be a TSE occurring, it's likely that this benefit will not occur in 2027.
My choice is basically this: 45C or lose >$2k?
Most people I've spoken to, have suggested to accept the loss as my health is more important (my father even made the point that $2k is minimal compared to how much I've saved with points flights (thanks, mostly, due to the help and tips that I've received from AFF)). Whilst I mostly agree, it's frustrating that this is essentially a $2k (~USD1.4k) profit for the tour company, for doing nothing. Yes, it's how the world works, capitalism, et cetera - it's still super frustrating.
(If I go, I'll likely add a tour (via a separate company) to Jordan, to visit Petra (and, if time allows, go to some locations in Europe too - but that's for a separate discussion). On top of that, it would make for a nice trip report.)
Regards.
I wanted to ask for some advice about visiting Egypt in August - one of its hottest months.
I've been planning a trip to Egypt for more than 3 years. I'm due to go in August 2027. The reason I'm going then, and have been planning it for so long, is that there will be a Total Solar Eclipse (TSE) occurring at that time. (I've been fortunate enough to have witnessed a TSE previously and it was amazing - I would definitely recommend it.)
I've booked a multi-day guided tour with an overseas travel agency (I've used them before for a day-trip, so, I know that they're a real company).
Since I was a child, I've been fascinated by Egyptian culture and the pyramids, so this trip should be amazing. I've been slowly paying it off in instalments for more than 3 years (the next one is due at the end of the month). There is no option to shift the tour to another time as the tour is operating then due to the timing of the TSE.
August will be an exceptionally hot time to visit (38C in Cairo, up to 45C in Awsan). I know that when it's >35C at home I don't want to be outside. To be 10C more than that, for the duration of the tour, could be considered foolish, and potentially dangerous, for me to pursue. (Yes, I knew about the heat beforehand but was only thinking about the TSE but as I get older (I've been planning this for 3 years), I'm thinking more about my health and safety.)
I've enquired about cancellation conditions with the tour company. They have a tiered scale which is based solely on timing. Even though they've got a very long waitlist, they're not willing to refund me all my money as they're sticking solely to their policy. This means that if I quit, I stand to lose >$2k (not insubstantial). I enquired about holding credit for a future tour (to visit a different location for a TSE) but they're only willing to hold the lower amount (so, still a loss of >$2k).
Has anyone on here visited Egypt during August before? If so, how bearable (or unbearable) was the heat?
Whilst some may say that the crowds are usually lower in August due to the heat, as there'll be a TSE occurring, it's likely that this benefit will not occur in 2027.
My choice is basically this: 45C or lose >$2k?
Most people I've spoken to, have suggested to accept the loss as my health is more important (my father even made the point that $2k is minimal compared to how much I've saved with points flights (thanks, mostly, due to the help and tips that I've received from AFF)). Whilst I mostly agree, it's frustrating that this is essentially a $2k (~USD1.4k) profit for the tour company, for doing nothing. Yes, it's how the world works, capitalism, et cetera - it's still super frustrating.
(If I go, I'll likely add a tour (via a separate company) to Jordan, to visit Petra (and, if time allows, go to some locations in Europe too - but that's for a separate discussion). On top of that, it would make for a nice trip report.)
Regards.
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