climate and visa of egypt

The Climate and Best Time to Go

The weather in Egypt is typical of the country's desert climate. Days are commonly warm or hot, and nights are cool. Rainy days are few and far between and nearly unknown in upper Egypt.

There are only 2 seasons in Egypt, a mild winter (20-29°C from December through May) and a hot summer (24-42°C from June to November), although the heat is less taxing than you may imagine, due to the low humidity. For most part, the weather is ideal and sunny, but at night there can be a noticeable drop in temperature, making it wise to pack both lightweight and warm clothing.

The Red Sea is a year-round diving destination, with water temperatures ranging between 22-30°C. The overall average water temperature is 25°C. April to May or September to November would be the best time to come to enjoy the warm dayssans the midday heat of high summer and the crush of fellow tourists. Review the resort page of each specific destination for details on the best time to go to each destination.

Tourist Visas

All visitors to Egypt (except those from Malta and Arab countries) must obtain a tourist visa, have a passport that is valid for at least 6 months, sufficient funds for expenses during their stay, and an onward / return ticket. Please email us a copy of the main (photograph) page of your passport. The operator will need this to obtain dive permissions.

A 30-day single entry visa is available from your local Egyptian Consulate, but airport visas may be available for citizens of the UK, EU, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and the United States (may delay you somewhat upon arrival). The cost varies and must be paid in US dollars or British pounds sterling.

Whenever possible it is advisable to obtain visas in advance. Your airline may not allow you to board without a visa and visa requirements may vary from time to time. Please check with your local Egyptian Consulate for information on entry requirements.

If you are a citizen of a country that Egypt requires tourists to apply for a visa beforehand, it can be very difficult to obtain a visa, so allow plenty of extra time for these applications.

Visitor Health

You should be aware that there are potential health hazards when travelling in Egypt. However, it is fair to say that the vast majority of tourists suffer nothing worse than a bout of diarrhoea and is often brought on by overindulgence of rich food and a little dehydration.

Although vaccinations are no longer necessary or required to enter Egypt, evidence of Yellow Fever and Cholera immunizations is required from persons who have been in a Yellow Fever endemic area within 6 days prior to arrival. It is strongly recommended that you are vaccinated for Typhoid, Tetanus, Diphtheria and Hepatitis A. However, we advise you seek medical advice about immunisations at least 6 weeks before you travel. Discuss this and all your health requirements with your doctor.

Most common health problems can be avoided whilst on a diving trip in Egypt by drinking bottled water and lots of it (at least 3 litres per day)! Bottled water is available everywhere but be sure the seal on the bottle is unbroken before you buy it. Avoid tap water and fountain drinks, as well as milk, fruit drinks and ice cubes outside of good hotels. Never eat food from a market or street vendor. You should only eat thoroughly cooked food and fruits that you have washed and peeled yourself.

Mosquitoes are not usually malarial but they can be a nuisance. Use repellent creams to stop them from having you as a snack. The worst time for getting bitten is after dusk.

One or more hospitals are available in the main tourist cities. Most of the hotels have a doctor available on call who can treat you on the spot and will know where to direct you in case you need hospital services. Pharmacists in the major Red Sea towns are very knowledgeable and, in most cases, are familiar with common ailments. We suggest you carry a travel medical and first aid kit with you (including medication against sunburns, insect bites, seasickness and stomach disorders).