Weather
It's no secret that Egypt is hot in June. Aside from July, it's the hottest month of the year and midday highs in some regions can feel intolerably hot. That said, there are still places you can go to enjoy a wonderful vacation. The best spot is the Sinai Peninsula where the coastal resorts see average daytime highs of 93°F and evening temperatures of about 71°F to 72°F. Cairo is also cooler with temperatures of 97°F (daytime) to 66°F (evening lows).
As you move farther south, these numbers increase significantly. Abu Simbel, for instance, hits scorching average highs of 105°F to 106°F while Luxor is even hotter, sometimes getting to be more than 107°F during the midday heat. Regardless of where you decide to go, it's imperative that you use a good SPF 50+ sunscreen and stay hydrated.
Crowds and Costs
Although you'll have to contend with some serious heat, Egypt is a great place to visit in June due to the delightful lack of crowds. While destinations like the Pyramids of Giza get packed during the cooler months, in June the crowds are substantially thinner. You'll be able to take photos in front of the ruins without dozens of people in the background, and you won't be elbowing for space at all of the museums. Even better, the prices improve, too. Hotels run low-season specials and you can often find deals on airfare as well.
Where to Go
There's no question that the best place to be in Egypt in June is at the beach. Aside from the fact that you'll spend most of the time swimming in the ocean and splashing in the many pools at the resorts, the temperatures themselves are significantly cooler. Add to that a gentle ocean breeze and you've got a pleasant destination that's perfect for sunbathing, snorkeling, and general relaxation.
Cairo is also a great place to visit in June. It's still much hotter than other times of the year but the heat is bearable—especially if you plan on sightseeing early in the day. Book sunrise tours for the outdoor attractions and spend the hottest part of the afternoons inside in air-conditioned cafes or other temperature-controlled climates. Once the sun goes down, you can venture back out in the evenings for dinner al fresco.
Similarly to Cairo, the town of Alexandria along the northern coast is cooler in June, too. This historical city makes a great summertime destination with its variety of archaeological ruins and well-stocked museums.
Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel are all extremely hot this time of year and are best avoided, unless you don't mind the heat (in which case it's a great time to take advantage of the less crowded sites and attractions).
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
You'll find no shortage of activities along the Red Sea coast in the towns of Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada, and Dahab. The first two are swankier resort towns with posher, high-end vibes while the latter is a more laid-back, versatile tourist town with backpacker's hostels alongside the fancier hotels. The turquoise waters are full of stunning aquatic life for snorkeling, scuba diving, and sea kayaking.
It's also an adventure sports capital with things like surfing, kiteboarding, and sailing opportunities. From Sharm el-Sheikh or Hurghada, you can arrange a tour to dive the SS Thistlegorm Wreck—a famous shipwreck dive site with lionfish, stonefish, and sea turtles swimming alongside the ruins of the sea vessel.
In Cairo, check out the famous Pyramids of Giza where you can view the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure, and the Great Sphinx. Or stop by the Egyptian Museum which houses more than120,000 Egyptian antiquities—just note that it's not air conditioned so it's best to go first thing in the morning. Farther north in Alexandria, check out historical treasures like the Roman Amphitheater and the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa.
If you decide to brave the heat of Luxor or Aswan, try taking a cruise on the Nile River where the breeze alleviates some of the heat. From there, you can see the temples and ruins in Kom Ombo, Esna, Edfu, and beyond.
Events in June
Eid Al Fitr: At the end of Ramadan, Egyptian Muslims host a giant feast called Eid Al Fitr which marks the end of the intermittent fasting period. The event goes for three days in June and involves large amount of food, festivities, and general celebration.
Traveling to Egypt in June? Check out this great itinerary
Cairo, Giza, & Alexandria - 5 Days: Rather than touring the entire county, this five-day tour of Egypt focuses on the northern parts of the country where it's cooler, making it a perfect itinerary for a June vacation. Travel through the most beautiful parts of Cairo, Giza, and Alexandria, eating local cuisine and soaking up the historical sites. Highlights include the Pyramids of Giza, the Royal Mummies Room, the Egyptian Museum, and a tour of the famed Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa.