Weather
By April, the temperatures have definitely begun climbing significantly, although it's not yet the unbearable, dead-of-summer heat that descends in May. The coastal towns on the Sinai Peninsula, along with Cairo and Alexandria in the north, are the coolest parts of the country where you'll find high temperatures lingering between 84°F and 89°F during the days and evenings cooling off to about 50 to 60°F.
Farther south, it's considerably hotter. Luxor sees daytime highs of 91°F to 102°F and Aswan can hit highs of 104°F. If you plan to visit this part of the country, be sure to bring lots of sunscreen and remember to stay hydrated.
Keep in mind that the warm temperatures can also bring moderate winds including the "khamsin," a strong southerly current that creates brief but intense sandstorms. For that reason, be mindful of the weather reports this time of year.
Crowds and Costs
As the temperatures begin climbing in Egypt, the crowds begin dropping. This makes April a fantastic time to plan a vacation if you want to avoid the big tourist crowds. While places like the Pyramids of Giza have sizable crowds year-round, they will be tamer this time of year. Another great thing is that the costs are slightly more wallet-friendly. Although it's still technically shoulder season, many hotels begin offering better prices, especially toward the end of the month.
Where to Go
The Nile-Delta region in the northern part of the country and the coast along the Sinai Peninsula are the best places to visit in April. The temperatures are much cooler there and many of the country's most famous historical sites are located in this region (i.e. the Pyramid of Giza, the Great Sphinx, etc.).
The weather in Cairo will be in the 80s and 90s during the daytime which is still a tolerable climate for exploring the ancient ruins. It's also an excellent atmosphere for wandering through the many wonders of the city itself such as the vibrant markets and beautiful mosques. In Alexandria along the northern coast, it's even cooler so it's a great time to check out the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa or the Roman Amphitheater without the sweltering heat.
Another option is to venture slightly off the beaten path over to the Siwa Oasis where temperatures are comparable (with highs of roughly 86°F) and it's less humid than other times of the year. Just be mindful of potential sandstorms and remember that because this is a more popular time to visit, the resorts may be crowded.
April is an excellent time to visit the beaches, too. You'll find gorgeous weather, good rates, and sightly smaller crowds in places like Hurghada, Dahab, and Sharm el-Sheikh. It's the perfect weather for snorkeling and sunbathing.
Early in the month, destinations farther south such as Luxor, Esna, Edfu, Aswan, and Abu Simbel are still tolerable as well, particularly if you take a Nile River cruise where the river breezes temper the heat. By the end of the month, daytime highs can hit 104°F, making it more difficult to enjoy the sites as the calendar creeps toward May.
What to Do
Cairo and its famous Pyramids of Giza are absolute must-dos on any trip to Egypt. Although crowded, the rich cultural wonders of the Great Sphinx, the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure, and others are sights you can't miss. There are a number of tour operators that offer stunning sunset camel rides, along with the popular Sound and Light Show that takes place at night. Alexandria offers numerous archaeological attractions including the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa and the Roman Amphitheater.
April is an ideal time to visit the beaches where resort towns like Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada, and Dahab offer world-class snorkeling, surfing, scuba diving, kiteboarding, and other water-based activities. The Red Sea is known worldwide for its spectacular coral, as well as the SS Thistlegorm Wreck, a famous shipwreck dive site.
If you decide to brave the heat of Luxor, try taking a hot air balloon ride in the morning when the air is cooler, or wander through the famed Temple of Osiris in Abydos. It's also a great jumping-off point for trips to Karnak, Esna, and Edfu, all of which are full of intriguing historical temples.
Events in April
Coptic Easter Sunday: Egyptian Christians celebrate Coptic Orthodox Easter with a large feast that follows a fasting period. In addition to religious ceremonies, there are banquets and celebrations to commemorate the rising of Jesus Christ.
Sham Al Nassim: The Monday after Coptic Easter, Egyptians go to parks with big picnics for a second day of more casual feasting. It follows a related celebration called El Limbo where folks in the Suez Canal area burn an effigy in Port Said to honor protests that took place in the 1800s against the British.
Sinai Liberation Day: Every year on April 25th, Egyptians commemorate the day in 1982 when the Sinai Peninsula was recovered from Israel, marking the end of a long war with the neighboring country. In addition to ceremonies honoring fallen troops, tourist hubs like Sharm El Sheikh and Dahab come alive with parties and events celebrating the scenic coastal region.
Traveling to Egypt in April? Check out this great itinerary
Jewels of The Nile: Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan - 8 days: There's no better time than April for this all-encompassing 8-day itinerary. It begins in Cairo with a tour of the Egyptian Museum and the Pyramids Of Giza. From there, you fly to Luxor to board a cruise ship, stopping at historical wonders such as the Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and the temples of Kom Ombo. Given that the hottest parts of the country are toured by boat, it's an ideal itinerary for this balmier time of year.