The main factor in North African travel is heat. From June to August, daytime highs in Cairo, Luxor, Marrakech and the Sahara regularly pass 38–40°C, and in southern Egypt they can reach 45°C. Walking around ancient sites in that weather is exhausting and sometimes unsafe. The comfortable window is roughly October to April, but each country has its own best months, and the Islamic calendar also matters.
The cool season: October to April
For most travelers, this is when to go. Daytime temperatures are around 18–28°C in Egypt and Morocco, with cold nights in the desert and mountains (sometimes close to freezing in the Sahara and High Atlas in December and January). It is dry in Egypt and the interior, with the main rain in Morocco and Tunisia falling between November and March. This is high season, especially from late December to early January and around Easter, so book flights, hotels and Nile cruises in advance.
The hot season: May to September
You can still travel in summer, but you need to adapt. Start sightseeing at sunrise, rest indoors at midday and go out again in the evening. Coastal areas such as Essaouira, Alexandria and the Tunisian beaches are cooler, and the Atlas Mountains offer relief. Prices drop and the big sites are quieter, but the Valley of the Kings, the Giza plateau and Marrakech’s medina are very hard work in July. Inland Tunisia and the Sahara are not recommended in the middle of summer.
Egypt: October to April
Cairo, Luxor and Aswan are at their best from late October to March. In December and January, Luxor’s days are warm (around 22–25°C) and Cairo is mild, though it can be chilly and smoggy in the evening. February and March are pleasant with fewer crowds than Christmas. April starts to heat up quickly, and by May the south is very hot. The Red Sea resorts such as Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh are good for diving and snorkeling most of the year, with comfortable weather from October to May.
Morocco: March to May and September to November
Morocco has more variety. In spring the country is green, Marrakech is warm rather than hot, and the Atlas passes open to walkers. Autumn is similar. Winter can be cold in the mountains and in Fez, with snow in the High Atlas and even a ski season at Oukaïmeden, but the Atlantic coast and Marrakech remain pleasant by day. For the Sahara around Merzouga, the best months are October to April, with the best stargazing on cold, clear nights. Take warm clothes. Summer in Marrakech or the desert should be avoided.
Tunisia: April to June and September to October
Tunisia’s coast has a Mediterranean climate. In spring you can visit Carthage, the Roman amphitheater at El Jem and the blue-and-white village of Sidi Bou Said in comfortable temperatures. September and October are warm enough for the beach and cooler for archaeology. For Tozeur, Douz and the desert in the south, October to April is best.
Ramadan, Eid and holidays
Ramadan follows the lunar calendar and moves about 11 days earlier each year. In 2027, it begins around early February and ends in early March. During the day, some restaurants close or serve discreetly and opening hours of shops and some sights change. At sunset, however, cities come alive with iftar meals and late-night activity. It is a rewarding time to visit if you accept the slower daytime pace, dress modestly and avoid eating in public.
The two Eid holidays (Eid al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan and Eid al-Adha about two months later) bring many domestic travelers, higher prices, booked-out trains and some closures. Check dates before booking, and reserve transport and rooms early if your trip overlaps.
Month-by-month summary
- January–February: Cool and sometimes cold nights. Good for Egypt, Marrakech and the Sahara. Busy early January.
- March–April: Warm and green in Morocco and Tunisia. Egypt gets hot by late April.
- May–June: Hot inland. Better on the coast and in the mountains.
- July–August: Very hot. Best saved for beaches and the Atlantic coast.
- September–October: Still warm in September, then comfortable from October. Good for Morocco and Tunisia, and Egypt from mid-October.
- November–December: Mild and busy. Ideal for Egypt, the desert and Marrakech.
Practical tips
- Wear light, loose clothing that covers shoulders and knees, and use sun protection and a hat even in winter.
- Drink plenty of water. Carry small notes for tips and for buying drinks.
- Plan sightseeing early. At Giza, Luxor and other big sites, the best light and the smallest crowds are in the first two hours after opening.
- Book desert camps through a reputable operator, and do not drive in the Sahara without a local guide.
- Check government travel advice before you go, as conditions can change.
Our recommendation
For a first trip, go in late October or early November, or in March. These months are warm without being extreme and avoid most of the holiday crowds. If your main aim is Egypt, aim for November to February. If you want Morocco’s cities, mountains and desert in one trip, choose spring or autumn.
More guides: North Africa must-see, top destinations in North Africa and the Africa travel guide.