Has anyone visited Egypt in August?

[MG1]

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.

 

[Scr77]

I think only you know how badly the heat will affect you. There’s also a difference between being uncomfortable and dangerous, depending on your age and health conditions.

I went to Jordan early August, a couple of years ago when I was 46. Yes, it was damn hot, especially at Dead Sea (-ve altitude). But I was in reasonable shape. The tour operator also did a great job of very early starts on the worst days, or planning to be on the road (in AC) during the middle of the day.

I wouldn’t cancel based on heat, but if your health is average, does the lead in time allow you to improve that?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Agree with scr77… only you know your health limits.

Done egypt many times, in various seasons. When it’s hit it is dry heat, so not quite as bad as hot and humid (43 degrees in bangkok with 100% humidity is not fun).

The key is early starts… for example we were up before dawn, took a row boat across the nile, then donkey ride to valley of the kings to watch the sunrise. And then back to the hotel to nap, and have for an afternoon of air-con and cooling off in the pool. Head out again a night for evening tours of the monuments or sound and light shows or wandering around markets.

In Cairo the museum is sort of air conditioned… not icy, but just comfortable… as in another degree or two and it would be uncomfortable. You just hop from air-con uber or tour bus to air-con venue.

Same with the pyramids… got to visit early, or late in the afternoon when the crowds have thinned.

I unashamedly use an umbrella in those sorts of conditions if necessary… don’t care what anyone thinks (most likely they’re thinking ‘why didn’t we think of that )

 

[RooFlyer]

Agree with @MEL_Traveller . Check what time the tour operator is planning to visit the pyramids. Morning and early evening should be fine.

But even in the middle of the day, I would do it - with an umbrella, hat and water I don't think the heat will be a big issue for short periods - as long as you are reasonably mobile. If you need some support to walk, then maybe not. Bus tours of the pyramids these days tend to be bus park in designated spot, take pics; drive to next stop, stop, pics; time for wander & maybe pay to enter pyramid (not recommended at this time of year- its very crowded and humid) or take camel ride (again, I wouldn't recommend that) , next stop etc. You can get the views without much exertion if you want to minimise it.

Petra would be a different matter, again, unless you get an early - sparrows - (not late) start. Its a long walk - through the Siq is OK (~2km), in the shade, but in Petra site its open (except in the tombs) and a long walk slightly downhill to the end (~1.5km) , (and side walks to see the tombs) and then the long walk back slightly uphill. But Petra is fantastic.

 

[Warks]

I was there in September so not quite. But that was 1990. It was still hot but I'd live in northwest NSW through hot dry summers before that and it really didn't bother me. That said I was only in my early 20s.
One of the great things about visiting Egypt when you are young is that you never have to go back!!

 

[Seat0B]

I agree with all the other comments. I have not been to Egypt in August, but I have been to UAE and Oman in early September where it was hot (43 degrees most days) and humid. I hate the heat. I was 57 when I did that and in average health and slightly above average fitness but I did find it wearing.

As others have said early starts are a must (and I hate early starts almost as much as the heat), take plenty of water, wear loose, light, cool clothing, I agree about the umbrella as a sun shade, and pace yourself very slowly. There is a reason we joke about Island Time - just move slowly and do not hurry or rush at all. Avoid exertion - pay the porter to carry your things. Take re-set breaks in air con and have a lovely cool drink.

I don’t know the state of your health, and I agree that $2000 is an annoyingly “significant” amount to forego if you do decide to cancel - but compared to your health, not that much really. However, given your life long love of things Egyptian and the TSE opportunity, I would really look at the schedule and consider your options before deciding to cancel. There may be ways you can manage it, even if you have to cut some things out and rest more than you thought.

Come back and tell us what you decide?

 

[Seat0B]

Also I have been to Petra, in later September and it was amazing. It was hot in the middle of the day - around 35-37 degrees, but not as bad as Oman! Once again, get an early start and pace yourself. Don’t take any of the optional walks (they are quite steep and in the open) but the main track is not too bad, noting the uphill incline to depart as mentioned by @RooFlyer. So definitely turn around well before you feel too tired to go on!

Just to get you in the mood:




And you can buy a drink along the way - delicious icy lemon mint juice made freshly just for you.


Edited to add this photo

 

[Eastwick20]

When I was there it was in the month of May and it was very hot but as others said , it's a very dry heat which isn't as bad as humidity

The temperatures didn't cool down much over night but assuming your in nice air conditioned accommodation for most of it that shouldn't be issue.

I'd say go for it , its a fascinating country

 

[Warks]

Also I have been to Petra, in later September and it was amazing. It was hot in the middle of the day - around 35-37 degrees, but not as bad as Oman! Once again, get an early start and pace yourself. Don’t take any of the optional walks (they are quite steep and in the open) but the main track is not too bad, noting the uphill incline to depart as mentioned by @RooFlyer. So definitely turn around well before you feel too tired to go on!

Just to get you in the mood:

View attachment 524255View attachment 524256View attachment 524257


And you can buy a drink along the way - delicious icy lemon mint juice made freshly just for you.

View attachment 524258View attachment 524259
Edited to add this photo

I visited Petra on the same trip as Egypt in 1990. It was in the middle of the "Gulf Crisis" so between the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq but before the Allied attacks in January 1991. It was brilliant. I had a half day in there with a Kiwi bloke I'd met on the ferry from Egypt (town near Dahab) to Aqaba. Second day he didn't get out of bed so I went in alone and I did not see another tourist the entire day I was there. I wandered for miles. To this day one of my favourite places in the world I have visited. Thanks for the memories!

 

[Seat0B]

I visited Petra on the same trip as Egypt in 1990. It was in the middle of the "Gulf Crisis" so between the invasion of Kuwait by Iraq but before the Allied attacks in January 1991. It was brilliant. I had a half day in there with a Kiwi bloke I'd met on the ferry from Egypt (town near Dahab) to Aqaba. Second day he didn't get out of bed so I went in alone and I did not see another tourist the entire day I was there. I wandered for miles. To this day one of my favourite places in the world I have visited. Thanks for the memories!

We also visited Aqaba and had a good time there. Plus Wadi Rum, Ajloun, Jerash and Amman. Jordan was spectacular.

 

[MG1]

Thank you to everyone who has responded thus far: I appreciate your advice.

It seems that the general consensus to go ahead with the booking (as long as health is OK), provided that the outdoor activities are early morning, or evening, and to stay cool during the middle, hottest part of the day.

I've e-mailed the tour company to try to obtain detailed timings (all the itinerary mentions is vague terms, such as "after breakfast"). Once/If I receive this information, I'll have more information of whether to proceed or not.

Thanks for the photos, @Seat0B.

(43 degrees in bangkok with 100% humidity is not fun).

Interesting that you should use that as your example, as I'll be in Bangkok very soon (provided that the flooding doesn't worsen).

The key is early starts

Check what time the tour operator is planning to visit the pyramids. Morning and early evening should be fine.

As others have said early starts are a must (and I hate early starts almost as much as the heat)

This is why I've sent the tour company an e-mail to try to obtain these times.
(I'm not a morning person either but would have to push through for this trip, should I go ahead with it.)

I unashamedly use an umbrella in those sorts of conditions if necessary… don’t care what anyone thinks (most likely they’re thinking ‘why didn’t we think of that )

Nothing to be ashamed of.

Petra site its open

Good to know.
This will also play into my decision-making. I haven't booked the Jordan tour yet but figured that it would make sense to do both on the same trip away from home.

I agree that $2000 is an annoyingly “significant” amount to forego if you do decide to cancel - but compared to your health, not that much really. However, given your life long love of things Egyptian and the TSE opportunity, I would really look at the schedule and consider your options before deciding to cancel. There may be ways you can manage it, even if you have to cut some things out and rest more than you thought.

Of course, my health is worth more than $2k. I think that the thing that annoys me most is that this would be pure profit for the company just due to their silly policy (and I know that there's a long waitlist).
I'll need to factor that in with my fascination with Egypt, the pyramids, and the opportunity to see a second TSE (and what a place to see one as well).

Come back and tell us what you decide?

Definitely will do. I've got a few weeks to think about it.

a very dry heat which isn't as bad as humidity

Agreed.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

The other thing is, presumably, even if you’re on a tour you could ‘no show’ for some days? So if they’re proposing a 9am start (‘after breakfast’) you could simply make your own arrangement for the day and leave at 530am? And stick with the tour for those activities you want, and to the sights you want?

Independent tours in Egypt aren’t expensive… ride shares too are a dollar for a couple of kilometres… so it’s fairly easy to get around and do exactly what you want, when you want.

 

[clarkkent]

I was in Luxor at the end of an August when it was 45 degrees. Hot enough that my phone would shut down with the heat. But you don't have to spend that much time out in the sun. Say at the Valley of the Kings, ok it's hot walking between tomb entrances, but then it's nice inside, and everything is close together. Karnak is a bit tougher being a sprawling outdoor site but you can find shade.

In Giza, ok not much shelter looking at the pyramids/sphinx, but you probably wouldn't spend heaps long there since there's only so many photos to take. I forget which pyramid it was (maybe not a Giza one) but inside one of them it was extremely humid, drenched with sweat by the time of leaving (and somewhat arduous with a steep narrow tunnel). More memorable for the experience than seeing anything amazing inside.

Our driver had heaps of chilled water in the car for us, everything worked out fine. And as everyone says, the mornings and evenings are nice temperatures.

Also visited Wadi Rum and Petra on the same trip, camel ride in the former was hot but short so not too bad, walking around the latter you can choose how much you want to see / how far you want to walk.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I was in Luxor at the end of an August when it was 45 degrees. Hot enough that my phone would shut down with the heat. But you don't have to spend that much time out in the sun. Say at the Valley of the Kings, ok it's hot walking between tomb entrances, but then it's nice inside, and everything is close together. Karnak is a bit tougher being a sprawling outdoor site but you can find shade.

In Giza, ok not much shelter looking at the pyramids/sphinx, but you probably wouldn't spend heaps long there since there's only so many photos to take. I forget which pyramid it was (maybe not a Giza one) but inside one of them it was extremely humid, drenched with sweat by the time of leaving (and somewhat arduous with a steep narrow tunnel). More memorable for the experience than seeing anything amazing inside.

Our driver had heaps of chilled water in the car for us, everything worked out fine. And as everyone says, the mornings and evenings are nice temperatures.

Also visited Wadi Rum and Petra on the same trip, camel ride in the former was hot but short so not too bad, walking around the latter you can choose how much you want to see / how far you want to walk.

We did the temple at Luxor in the evening, because of the heat during the day. We arranged a local guide to pick us up from the hotel at around 6? Maybe 7? And did a private tour.

The grand/great pyramid at giza is very hot and humid inside, and packed with tourists. They limited entry at one time to 150 a day, but they have scrapped that now and the queues can be an hour long to get inside. But totally worth it to do it once.

We saw at around 3 or 4 pm the line shortened dramatically… maybe only 20 mins to get in, and the pyramid itself provided the shade.

 

[Warks]

We also visited Aqaba and had a good time there. Plus Wadi Rum, Ajloun, Jerash and Amman. Jordan was spectacular.

I would have loved to visit all of the above. Wish I'd gone on to Syria as well. But given the increasing sabre rattling at the time I considered it prudent to get in and out of Jordan as quickly as I could. Will likely never be back and Syria is 'gone' now. Well at least I had that time alone there.