Best Time to Visit Egypt’s Western Desert

The best time to visit Egypt’s Western Desert is from October to April, when the days are warm and the nights are cool. October, November, March and early April are the most comfortable months; December to February bring pleasant days but cold desert nights. From May to September the desert is very hot, so trips focus on early mornings and evenings.

The Western Desert month by month

Months	Days	Nights	Good to know
October – November	Warm and sunny	Mild to cool	One of the best times for White Desert camping and Siwa
December – February	Pleasant, not hot	Cold, sometimes close to freezing in the open desert	Great for long days outdoors; bring real warm layers for the night
March – April	Warm	Cool	Excellent season; on some spring days hot, dusty winds (khamsin) can blow
May – September	Very hot	Warm	Possible, but plan activities for sunrise and sunset and rest at midday

Best time for the White and Black Desert

For a night of camping in the White Desert, October–November and March–April are ideal: warm afternoons for the drive through the Black Desert and Crystal Mountain, and comfortable evenings at camp. Winter trips are beautiful too, with clear skies, but the nights are cold, so pack well (see our desert packing list).

Best time for Siwa Oasis

Siwa is at its best from October to April. This is the season for floating in the salt lakes in the sunshine, walking around Shali Fortress and heading into the Great Sand Sea for a sunset safari. In summer, plan the sightseeing for the morning and late afternoon.

Best time for Bahariya and Fayoum

Bahariya and Fayoum follow the same pattern: the cooler months are the most comfortable for 4×4 drives, dunes and sandboarding. Fayoum is a day trip from Cairo, so it also works well in winter, when the days are mild.

Tips for any season

• Bring a warm layer: even after a hot day, desert nights cool down quickly.
• Protect yourself from the sun with a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, all year round.
• Drink plenty of water, especially in the warmer months.
• The exact schedule of every trip depends on the weather and local conditions on the day.

Planning your dates?

Tell us when you are travelling and we will suggest the best desert trip for that time of year. See our desert tours and oasis tours.

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