Alexandria sits on the Mediterranean, and its weather is closer to Greece or southern Italy than to the desert south. That is a relief if you have been in Luxor or Aswan, where the heat is much harsher. It also means the planning rules are different.
The city has something to offer in every season. The main difference is how comfortable it is to be outdoors, and what you want from the sea.
Spring: March to May
Spring is mild and pleasant. Days are warm without being heavy, and the evenings are cool enough for a walk along the Corniche. It is a good time for a full-day tour or for Rosetta.
A dusty wind from the desert can blow in spring, usually for a few days at a time. It makes the air hazy but passes quickly.
Summer: June to September
Summer is warm and humid. Daytime temperatures are not as extreme as in Upper Egypt, but the damp air makes the middle of the day tiring. The sea breeze helps, and the beaches are busy.
If you visit in summer, start early. Do your outdoor sights in the morning and keep the library, a museum or a long lunch for the afternoon.
Autumn: late September to November
Autumn may be the best season overall. The humidity drops, the sea is still warm and the light is soft. Sightseeing is easy, and crowds are moderate.
Winter: December to February
Winter is cool and often wet. Alexandria gets more rain than most of Egypt, and storms can bring strong wind and rough seas. Days can still be bright, but you will want a jacket.
Winter can be a good time for travelers who dislike heat and crowds. The Catacombs and the library are comfortable in any weather, and the cafés are at their best.
- March to May – mild, some desert wind
- June to September – warm, humid, busy beaches
- Late September to November – comfortable and bright
- December to February – cool, wet, fewer visitors
A note on combining with the south
Many travelers pair Alexandria with Cairo or the Nile. If you visit Luxor and Aswan in the cooler months, which is typical, Alexandria will be cool and possibly rainy at the same time. Pack layers.
Events, crowds and prices
Summer is the local holiday season. Egyptian families take their vacations on the north coast, and the beaches and the Corniche get very busy in July and August. Hotels fill, so book ahead if you plan to visit then.
Foreign visitors are fewest in the middle of winter, and hotel rates can be lower. The weather is changeable, but the city has a pleasant, slightly melancholy feel in the rain, and the cafés are warm and welcoming.
Religious holidays and long weekends can make traffic heavier. If your dates are fixed, tell us and we will plan the day with traffic in mind.
Whatever the season, our private trips run to your schedule. Your guide can switch indoor and outdoor stops around to avoid rain or the strongest sun.
Whichever month you choose, mornings are the time for sightseeing and afternoons are the time for the sea breeze, a long lunch or a café. The city rewards a slow rhythm in every season.
If you are unsure, spring or autumn is a safe pick. Tell us your dates and we will help you decide what to do on each day.
Plan with us
Alexandria: the best time to visit
Alexandria has milder, wetter weather than the rest of Egypt. Learn which months suit sightseeing, beach time and winter visits.