14 Incredible Fall Destinations In Egypt (A Local’s Guide!)

Egypt has beautiful autumns when the days are pleasant and mild – but still sunny enough for a dip in the Red Sea.

And while much of the West gets rainy and gloomy, you can combat your seasonal depression with a getaway to the sunny temples of Luxor or boho cafes of Dahab.

And the best part is: you can pack in busy days of sightseeing without the risk of heat stroke or exhaustion.

I’m a travel planner living for over a decade in Egypt – and autumn is my absolute favorite time to travel in Egypt. It’s when I can finally leave my A/C behind and head out to explore the Saqqara countryside or the beaches of Soma Bay.

And there’s lots going on at this time of year, too, from film festivals in Cairo to the olive harvest in the countryside. It’s the high season for tourism and locals are a lot more eager to travel, too.

Here is my ultimate local’s guide to my favorite fall destinations in Egypt:

1. Alexandria

If you love Graeco-Roman history, historic hotels and incredible seafood, then Alexandria is an absolute paradise in autumn.

Say goodbye to the stifling humidity and overcrowded beaches of the summer months. And say hello to quaint eateries with sea views, Greek-Egyptian history and imposing medieval fortresses.

Alexandria’s outdoor destinations – like Fort Qaitbey on the sea, Pompey’s Pillar, the corniche and the Kom el Dikka Roman amphitheater are a lot more pleasant to explore when you’re not panting in the heat and guzzling bottled water.

Must-sees in Alexandria in the fall: Don’t miss the Graeco-Roman Museum (which just re-opened in 2023 after years of restoration work), explore the bookish exhibits at the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and dig into some barbouni (red mullet) at a seaside restaurant – it’s a delectable fish that you can only find in the Mediterranean.

Read more: 18 Best Things To Do In Alexandria, Egypt

2. Luxor

Luxor has a half dozen Ancient Egyptian temples with wide open courtyards where you’ll appreciate the cooler autumn breezes after hours of sightseeing.

Tourist favorites like Karnak and Luxor Temple are magical this time of year. They get crowded in the afternoons but they’re still manageable because of the mild temperatures. Not to mention the tombs of the Valley of the Kings – which are glorious to explore when you’re not battling the underground heat.

Treat yourself to a full day at Karnak – the immense temple to Amun that’s one vast open-air museum filled with temples, pylons and chapels. Or head to lesser-known gems like the Ramesseum where you’ll get the temple nearly all to yourself in the morning.

Must-sees in Luxor in the fall: Visit the legendary temples of Karnak, Luxor and Hatshepsut, go underground to see the tomb of King Tut and take a hot air balloon ride at dawn over the West Bank.

Read more: 17 Best Things To Do In Luxor (A Local’s Guide)

3. Cairo

I might be biased because I live here, but Cairo is amazing in the fall. The medieval souqs, historic mosques and the legendary pyramids of Giza with their sandy plateau are all lovely to explore when the air is brisk.

Sip a mint tea on a rooftop overlooking the minarets of Moez Street, explore the awe-inspiring pyramids and visit the much-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum with its 12 main galleries now open to the public.

And if you love exploring off the beaten path, lots of small indie tour companies are back from summer break with artsy downtown tours and birdwatching on the Nile.

Must-sees in Cairo in the fall: visit the pyramids without the risk of heatstroke, explore the Cairo Citadel and its legendary mosque and spend a half-day at the old Egyptian Museum for troves of ancient artifacts.

Read more: 25 Best Things To Do In Cairo (A Local’s Guide)

4. Hurghada

Autumn in Egypt has top conditions for diving and snorkeling in the Red Sea – with far fewer crowds.

It’s warm enough well into November for a refreshing dip in the Red Sea even without a wetsuit. And lots of resorts in Hurghada have immense heated swimming pools and kids parks to enjoy.

Hurghada is also a real-life Egyptian city (and not just a beach resort town) so there’s lots of street food, nightlife and authentic city markets to explore.

Must-sees in Hurghada in the fall: unwind at a beach resort, take a boat trip to the Giftun Islands and shop at the historic El Dahar market for souvenirs. For a more luxurious getaway, head to nearby Soma Bay (about an hour from the Hurghada airport).

5. Quseir

The tiny harbor city of Quseir on the Red Sea is a hidden gem with great scuba diving, snorkeling and pristine beaches without the crowds.

And it’s definitely still warm enough in autumn for swimming, birdwatching and lounging around in the sand.

Quseir is a historical bay with 5,000 years of history that was once a vibrant trade center. Today the bay is archaeologically protected and only allows a certain number of divers at a time. The aquatic life here is special: you’ll see seahorses, rare mouse fish, eagle rays and dolphins.

Must-sees in Quseir in the fall: take a dive to explore the local marine life, enjoy your resort’s beach, and don’t miss the Movenpick inspired by traditional Nubian architecture for dinner overlooking the sea.

6. Aswan

With its picturesque temples, vibrant Nubian culture and laid-back atmosphere, Aswan is a must-see that’s just glorious in autumn.

Aswan hits highs of 42 C (107 F) in the summer, so autumn is a much-welcome relief for anyone who wants to explore the city’s Philae Temple, Nubian Village and Unfinished Obelisk.

Aswan is also famous for beautiful resorts perched on Nile islands and boho getaways amid the banana fields. And all those are so much more enjoyable when the air is warm and breathable.

Must-sees in Aswan in the fall: explore the Graeco-Roman Philae Temple on a Nile island, wander the Nubian Village to learn about local culture and have high tea at the historic Old Cataract overlooking the Nile.

Read more: 15 Best Things To Do In Aswan (A Local’s Guide)

7. Fayoum

Fayoum is known for its magical lakes, sand dunes and waterfalls – all just a 1.5-hour drive from Cairo.

Fayoum is a longtime favorite for Cairenes looking for a getaway into nature. Its stunning landscapes are a surreal blend of soft sand, desert and fresh water dotted with natural wonders and ancient artifacts.

There’s also the nearby Tunis Village, where artisans spin the wheels to create Fayoum’s trademark colorful pottery. And don’t miss the Valley of the Whales (Wadi el Hitan) – a UNESCO site that contains fossils of one of the earliest forms of whale.

Must-sees in Fayoum in the fall: go sandboarding in the desert, see Egypt’s only waterfall and go birdwatching at Lake Qarun.

Read more: 5 Incredible Things To Do In Fayoum, Egypt

8. Sharm el Sheikh

Sharm el Sheikh is a long-time favorite destination for scuba divers. And with average water temperatures of 26 C (79 F) even through November, it’s great for swimmers and snorkelers too.

Take a dip at your resort’s heated swimming pool, dive to see the world-famous wreckage of the SS Thistlegorm and visit the new lavish El Sahaba mosque, one of the most beautiful in Egypt.

Sharm el Sheikh is also a great starting point to explore the deserts of the Sinai – lots of tour companies offer day trips that include dune buddy rides, BBQ and stargazing.

Must-sees in Sharm el Sheikh in the fall: avoid pushy salesmen and head to SOHO Square for hastle-free dining and shopping, explore local marine life on a glass bottom boat and get a taste of Coptic history at the Heavenly Cathedral.

Read more: 15 Best Things To Do In Sharm el Sheikh (A Local’s Guide)

9. Port Said

Port Said is a bustling coastal town with historic charm, maritime history and incredible seafood right at the entry point of the Suez Canal.

It’s a perfect day trip from Cairo if you want to escape the tourist crowds and discover some modern Egyptian history.

Port Said has a breezy charm and laid-back feel. And it boasts fish markets, historic villas and a Military Museum that recounts the history of the city and the 1956 Suez Crisis.

Must-sees in Port Said in the fall: dig into a seafood lunch, stroll down the corniche to explore historical sites like the Port Said lighthouse and take the ferry to Port Fuad for a stroll through the historic district lined with villas and verandas.

Read more: 12 Incredible Things To Do In Port Said

10. Siwa

The Siwa Oasis is Egypt’s best-kept secret with its breathtaking landscapes, dreamy salt lakes and vibrant Amazigh culture.

Siwa boasts hundreds of salt pools and lakes where you can float in serenity just like at the famous Dead Sea. Siwa’s salty waters are said to cure sinuses and infections – and they’re very photogenic too.

Siwa is a 10-hour drive from Cairo (there’s no major airport), but it’s worth if for Ancient Egyptian tombs, freshwater lakes amid sweeping sand dunes and some of the country’s most breathtaking ecolodges.

Must-sees in Siwa in the fall: stroll through the medieval downtown built from salt and clay and shop for local olives and herbs, visit the temple of the Oracle of Amun where Alexander the Great got a prophecy to rule Egypt, and have a bonfire in the desert with local Amazigh music.

Read more: 16 Incredible Things To Do In The Siwa Oasis

11. Marsa Alam

Marsa Alam is a quiet destination on the Red Sea with white sand beaches, incredible diving sites and a unique mangrove forest on the water.

It’s also a diver’s paradise with vibrant coral reefs, the region’s famous dugongs (sea cows) and two sites with dolphins.

Known as the “Egyptian Maldives,” Marsa Alam has serene and secluded beaches that are a far cry from well-known destinations like Sharm el Sheikh and Hurghada.

Must-sees in Marsa Alam in the fall: visit the Wadi El Gemal Natural Reserve for mangrove forests and wildlife, swim with the dolphins at Sha’ab Samadai and dive at the Elphinstone Reef for 100-meter walls covered in soft coral.

Read more: 7 Best Things To Do In Marsa Alam (A Local’s Guide)

12. The Nile River

There’s no better place in Egypt in the fall than the deck of a majestic dahabiya boat sailing down the Nile with sightseeing stops at all the Ancient Egyptian temples along the way.

Lounge on a spacious sun deck as your boat sails past scenes of everyday Nile life. You’ll see fishermen casting their nets, doum palm trees on sandy shores and friends playing in the water.

And the autumn weather is just perfect for a Nile sail: sunny and pleasant but not too stifling or humid. Days are warm for sightseeing and evenings are cool for mint tea on the deck.

Must-sees on the Nile River in the fall: the temple of the crocodile and falcon gods at Kom Ombo, the rural countryside and the Temple of Horus at Edfu.

Read more: An Ultimate Nile Cruise Guide (And 8 Essential Tips!)

13. Dahab

Dahab is an offbeat destination on the Red Sea in the Sina known for its boho vibes, kitesurfing and beachside camping.

Dahab has perfect year-round conditions for kite surfing with warm and windy days all throughout autumn. Lots of centers and resorts offer windsurfing and kitesurfing lessons for all levels.

Dahab also has gorgeous beaches like the Blue Hole, a favorite spot for divers and snorklers. It’s also a backpacker favorite with campsites on the beach with Bedouin-style tents right on the shore.

Must-sees in Dahab in the fall: take a quad tour in the desert, go swimming in the Blue Lagoon and take a walk along the boardwalk for charming restaurants with Red Sea views.

14. Soma Bay

Soma Bay is an upscale resort destination known for pristine beaches, elegant resorts, scuba diving and a championship golf course.

It’s a peninsula surrounded by the sparkling sea with ideal wind conditions for kite and wind surfing. There’s also a few tiny islands to explore by katamaran for an unforgettable experience.

Soma Bay is home to just 6 resorts (including a beautiful Kempinskiand it’s a perfect spot to escape the tourist crowds. It’s my favorite resort town in Egypt and I highly recommend it for couples and families.

Must-sees in Soma Bay in the fall: play a round of golf, savor an elegant dinner with Red Sea views and learn the ropes of a katamaran boat.

Incredible things to do in Egypt

Egypt boasts centuries of history, from pharaonic tombs to medieval mosques and offbeat museums.

And it has some incredible natural wonders from sand dunes to sparkling blue beaches.

There’s a lot more to Egypt than just the pyramids.

Read 30 Incredible Things To Do In Egypt (A Local’s Guide!) for my ultimate guide.

The best beaches in Egypt

From boho towns on the Red Sea to world-famous diving resorts, Egypt has tons of incredible beaches.

And it’s no wonder. Egypt has some 1,800 kilometers of coastline along the Mediterranean and the Red Sea.

And while Egypt is most famous for ancient temples and pyramids, it’s also an incredible destination for year-round sunshine and crystal-clear (and warm!) waters.

Read 10 Best Beaches in Egypt (A Local’s Guide) for my ultimate guide.

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