November is one of the best times of year to visit Egypt. It's the beginning of winter and the temperatures cool off dramatically, offering respite from the scorching heat of the summer months. The crowds grow in size this time of year but don't yet hit the peak that arrives in December and January. It's a fantastic month to discover the many treasures of the world's oldest civilization.

Weather

Similarly to October, the month of November is marked by a gradual descent into cooler weather. It starts out with temperatures around 82°F in Cairo (with lows of 60°F at night) and by the end of the month, it drops to about 71°F (with nighttime lows of 51°F).

Farther south, daytime highs are hotter (though still reasonable) and the nights are considerably cooler. The change in temperature over the course of the month is more notable there, too. Luxor, for instance, sees daytime highs of 89°F early in November but drops 12 degrees down to 77°F at the end. Nighttime lows range from 48 to 57°F so you'll definitely want a warm jacket for the evenings, along with a possible hat and scarf.

There's very little rain during November with the exception of the northern coast where cities like Alexandria average about five days of precipitation throughout the month. 

Crowds and Costs

Crowds in Egypt are moderate in November. While there are certainly many more tourists than you find during the summer months of July and August, it's not nearly as packed as it gets in December and January. You'll still find sizable crowds at the major attractions (i.e. the Pyramids of Giza. etc.) but the smaller tourist destinations aren't as saturated. Overall, it's a great time to visit. Costs do begin creeping up and it's rare to find hotels that haven't switched over to high season pricing. However, things are still cheaper than they are during the two months that follow when everything hits its peak over the holidays.

Where to Go

It's hard to go wrong in Egypt in November as just about everywhere has something to offer. The weather is moderate and the crowds are manageable country-wide. Cairo, which is beginning to bustle with life this time of year, is a great starting-off point. Experiencing the awe of the Great Pyramids is an excellent way to kick off the trip and, in addition to the historical treasures, there's world-class food and nightlife, too. 

The beaches are similarly wonderful in November. Although the northern coast near Alexandria experiences occasional rain, the Red Sea beaches along the Sinai Peninsula are warm and dry. Temperatures are hot enough to swim and sunbathe yet not so sweltering that it's uncomfortable to walk around town. 

Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel also make great November destinations. You can take a Nile River cruise to hit all of the inland sites which are chock-full of temples and ancient ruins. From any of these cities you can also access nearby tourist points such as Esna, Edfu, and Kom Ombo.

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What to Do

In Cairo, it's an absolute must to visit the Pyramids of Giza—that's half the reason people go to Egypt, after all. The magnificence of the ancient structures in terms of both size and engineering is truly awe-inspiring. The Great Sphinx, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure are just a few of the wonders you'll behold. While you're in the capital city, take time to also visit the Egyptian Museum (which houses more than120,000 ancient artifacts) or check out some of the religious architecture throughout town such as the Al-Azhar Mosque or the Sultan Hassan Mosque.

On the Sinai Peninsula, head over to Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada, Dahab, or other coastal towns to explore the picturesque white-sand beaches or snorkel in the crystal blue Red Sea. Myriad opportunities abound for activities like scuba diving, surfing, swimming, sea kayaking, parasailing, or other water-based attractions. Lounge by the pool all day sipping cocktails or take a beautiful sunset dinner cruise. The region is also home to the SS Thistlegorm Wreck, a world-class shipwreck dive site. 

Further south, try taking a Nile River cruise to see the Temple of Khnum in Esna, the Ptolemaic Temple of Horus in Edfu, or the sacred Temples at Abu Simbel. 

Events in November

Arab Music Festival: Early in November, the Cairo Opera House hosts a 10-day festival showcasing classical Arabic music. In addition to stellar international musicians, the event draws poets, artists, and other types of performers. 

Cairo International Film Festival: This acclaimed film festival occurs later in the month, sometimes spilling into December, drawing a wide selection of both Arab and international films. It boasts the honor of being one of only 15 film festivals worldwide that's classified as "Competitive" by the Fédération Internationale des Associations de Producteurs de Film (FIAPF), alongside prestigious names like Cannes and the Venice Film Festival. 

Traveling to Egypt in November? Check out this great itinerary

Explore Egypt: Cairo, Alexandria, & Sharm El Sheikh - 7 Days: If you're planning to visit Egypt in November, this seven-day tour offers the perfect itinerary. On top of famous sites like the Great Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza, you'll travel north to Alexandria to see the famed Citadel of Fort Qaitbey where an ancient lighthouse holds a statue of Poseidon, and over to Sharm el-Sheikh to snorkel in the ocean and relax on the beach.

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