Weather
Most of northern Egypt, particularly in Cairo and the Nile-Delta region, experiences cooler temperatures in February, offering a welcome respite from the scorching heat that's present throughout the rest of the year. It's wintertime—the coldest month of the year besides January—and temperatures in the capital hover around 72°F during the day, dropping to around 50°F at night.
On the coasts, it's typically warmer. Tourist destinations like Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh, for example, range from 57°F to 77°F. If you're planning a February vacation, it's advisable to bring warm clothes for the evenings. Rain is minimal throughout most of the country with the exception of the northern coast which receives moderate precipitation. Alexandria, for instance, typically sees about 4 rainy days in February.
Crowds and Costs
The downside of touring Egypt in February is that the fantastic weather tends to draw big crowds. In fact, it's one of the busiest months of the year to visit. You'll find high season crowds at the tourist sites, especially around the Pyramids of Giza and other famous ruins.
Additionally, you'll pay high season rates. Hotels can sometimes double in price this time of year and it's be rare to find special deals on lodging (which are usually at capacity). Be prepared to book ahead and budget for increased costs. Down farther south in places like Aswan and Luxor, or east along the beaches, it will be similar with busy restaurants, crowded buses, and packed resorts.
Where to Go
Cairo is particularly inviting this time of year. The cooler temperatures make the city feel less sticky yet the sunshine remains overhead, offering vibrant, sunny days with breathtaking sunsets. The fact that it's so busy sets you up for excellent people-watching and there's no shortage of things to do. The nightlife is lively in February as many of the restaurants and bars host special events. It's a superb time to check out the many dance halls, jazz clubs, champagne bars, brewpubs, and cocktail lounges. The same holds true for Luxor and some of the destinations farther south along the Nile River such as Aswan and Abu Simbel.
The beaches are also bustling with activity in February. The resorts fill with people and you'll find the pool bars fully stocked. It's hotter on the coast and along the Sinai Peninsula, making it great sunbathing weather—and you'll be treated to world-class dining options, too. Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, and Hurghada all make outstanding choices for February vacations.
What to Do
First and foremost, you must check out the Pyramids of Giza. They will be crowded, yes, but exploring the mysterious historical structures, which date back to 2560 BC, is something you can't miss. The magnificent archaeological complex includes the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Pyramid of Khafre, the Pyramid of Menkaure, the Great Sphinx of Giza, and other famous ruins. The main part of Cairo also offers rich architecture with beautiful mosques (try the Sultan Hassan Mosque or the Al-Azhar Mosque) and premiere dining and nightlife.
Up north, check out the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa in the coastal city of Alexandria where you can wander through ruins that are considered among Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages. Alexandria is also home to the Roman Amphitheater with old Roman baths and an ancient mosaic floor, along with the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the Citadel of Qaitbay.
If you visit the beaches around Sharm el-Sheikh or other parts of the Sinai Peninsula, the Red Sea offers breathtaking opportunities for snorkeling, scuba diving, sea kayaking, and other ocean-based activities. It's also a great place to relax and get a massage or sip cocktails by the pool. Diving tours of the SS Thistlegorm Wreck—one of the world's most famous shipwreck dive sites—can be arranged from both Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada.
Events in February
Abu Simbel Sun Festival (also called the Ascension of Ramses II): Twice a year, the sun aligns with Abu Simbel's famous temple, hitting the sanctuary and casting light onto the statue of King Ramsses II. One of these solar alignments occurs in February (the other one is in October) during which a sacred ceremony takes place. It's been held bi-annually for roughly 3,200 years and draws hundreds of people.
Traveling to Egypt in February? Check out this great itinerary
Egypt by Land and Sea: Cairo, Luxor, & the Nile - 10 Days: If you'd rather have someone else handle the logistics of your trip, this 10-day itinerary is the perfect trip to take in February. It includes visits to the major archaeological sites in Luxor and Cairo such as the Pyramids of Giza and a historical Nile cruise through Edfu, Kom-Ombo, and Aswan. Highlights include tea time on the sun deck at Edfu and and a savory Galabiya dinner party.
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