Weather
The weather begins heating back up in March as winter transitions into summer. The sun is bright and the skies are clear with temperatures that are neither cold nor brutally hot—it's a great time to visit. There's a significant difference in the weather between the first and second half of the month. Temperatures in early March in Cairo, for example, see daytimes highs of 79°F while evenings hover around 50°F. By the end of the month, however, they increase considerably with daytime highs hitting 89°F and nights only reaching 60°F.
In the south, it's notably hotter and by the end of the month, you'll see temperatures in Aswan hitting highs of 100°F. The days also begin getting longer and by the time April rolls around, the sun is rising at 5:45 am and setting at 6:15 pm, offering 12.5 hours of light every day. There's almost no rain to speak of this time of year.
Crowds and Costs
One of the best parts of vacationing in Egypt in March is that the crowds begin thinning out, especially toward the end of the month as the weather gets hotter. It's still considered shoulder season so don't expect to find the tourist attractions completely empty—you'll still see sizable crowds at places like the Pyramids of Giza which tend to busy year-round.
However, you won't be fighting the same crowds that you see in January or February when those places are packed to capacity. Another great thing is that the prices start dropping. While it's unlikely you'll find hotels offering low-season rates yet, there are bound to be scattered deals on both lodging and airfare.
Where to Go
Cairo and the northern part of the country around the Nile-Delta region, as well as the coasts, especially on the Sinai Peninsula, are all ideal places to visit in March. The weather is still fairly pleasant and you won't experience the hotter temperatures that begin appearing farther south in locations like Aswan and Abu Simbel.
It's the perfect time to explore the ancient ruins around the capital, as well as Alexandria and even Luxor (though the latter will be hotter). The crowds are slightly smaller yet the weather is warm and not overbearing. There's more than 12 hours of light every day and the sunsets in this part of the country are stunning.
It's also an ideal time to head to the beaches. The resorts around Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada will be full of sunshine and blue skies—and you might actually be able to get a pool chair to lounge in since the crowds will be smaller. The water temperature is warm and you can swim, snorkel, and scuba dive without masses of people crammed into one space. Plus, the sunbathing is prime in March.
If you decide to head farther south, taking a Nile River cruise is a great way to see places like Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan, where you can take advantage of the warm river breezes that take the edge off the heat or escape into your air-conditioned cabin if the temperatures get too stifling.
What to Do
You can't visit Egypt without experiencing Cairo and its massive, mysterious Pyramids of Giza. Take a full day to explore these magnificent ancient ruins, wandering around the Great Sphinx, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the Pyramid of Menkaure. Ride a camel at sunset or check out the spectacular nighttime Sound and Light Show.
In Luxor, take a hot air balloon ride or discover the Temple of Osiris in Abydos. Soak up ancient history in Karnak at the Valley of the Kings or take a day trip to the temples in Esna and Edfu.
March is also a spectacular time for beach-going along the Sinai Peninsula where you can snorkel, sea kayak, surf, and scuba dive. This region offers first-rate dining at its many restaurants and beach resorts, along with exceptional nightlife. Check out a swanky jazz bar or party it up at an all-night dance club.
The Electric Bar in Sharm el-Sheikh, for instance, offers thumping, pounding EDM music while Gu Bar features belly dancers and international Arabic singers. At Ice Bar, you can cool off with a cocktail served in an ice glass and the Club of Egypt plays laid-back reggae music. One of the world's most famous shipwreck dive sites—The SS Thistlegorm Wreck—is also in this area. Trips can be arranged from Sharm el-Sheikh or Hurghada.
Events in March
Downtown Cairo Contemporary Arts Festival (D-CAF): This international arts festival occurs every year, typically beginning in late March, and showcases a wide variety of cultural events including theatre, dance, music, films, and visual arts. It typically offers a blend of Egyptian, Arabic, and international artists, and events taking place in venues throughout the city.
Traveling to Egypt in March? Check out this great itinerary
Jewels of The Nile: Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan - 8 days: This versatile 8-day trip doesn't leave anything off the itinerary, allowing you to see the best parts of Egypt in just over a week. It includes visits to all of the key historical and touristic regions in Egypt, among which are Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan. It's the perfect match for a March vacation because as you travel farther south you board a cruise ship, visiting the hottest parts of the country by boat. In addition to the Pyramids of Giza, highlights include the Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, and the temples at Edfu and Kom Ombo.
More Helpful Information
Egypt in April
Egypt in February
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