What to wear in Egypt: a packing guide for women

You’ve booked your trip to Egypt and can’t wait to explore the pyramids, go temple hopping and maybe even set sail on a luxury Nile cruise. But what to wear in Egypt? I hate packing at the best of times but knowing what to pack for Egypt wasn’t as straightforward as usual.

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So, I did the research, took the trip and compiled this article and packing list to help answer all your Egypt packing questions. You’ll also find answers to questions like, ‘Do I need to cover my hair?’ and ‘Can I wear leggings in Egypt?’

Read on to find out exactly what to pack for Egypt and what to wear on your trip to have the best possible experience in this incredible country. 

There are two main considerations to bear in mind for your packing list; the weather and cultural or religious conventions. Basically, you’ll want to respect the country’s conservative norms whilst staying as cool as possible. My recommended Egypt dress code is cool, comfortable and conservative.

But a lot will depend on the weather and the time of year you’re visiting so let’s cover that first…

What’s the weather like in Egypt?

Egypt’s position in the northeast of Africa means that most of the country has a desert climate with hot summers, mild winters and little rain. The weather you see will vary depending on which part of Egypt you visit, as the country has three distinct climate zones.

If you’re visiting northern cities on the Mediterranean, like Alexandria, you can expect hot summers and mild, wet winters, similar to other Mediterranean destinations.

Moving southwards, the area around Cairo and the Nile Delta has similar temperatures to the Mediterranean but with lower humidity. It’s hot, windy and dusty.

The southern area of the country around Luxor and the Red Sea coast, known as Upper Egypt, has a hot, dry desert climate with scorching summers and warm winters. However, the temperature drops at night, making it feel quite cool by comparison.  

When is the best time to visit Egypt?

Although there’s not really a bad time of year to visit Egypt, the weather varies seasonally throughout the year. It will be much hotter in July, August and September. The tourist season for Nile cruises generally runs from October to June. We were on our Viking Nile cruise at the beginning of June which is at the end of the season before it gets too hot. 

Spring (March to May)

Daytime temperatures in spring range from 15-25°C in March to 25-35°C in May. Lightweight, breathable fabrics will keep you comfortable as the temperature rises, but take a light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings.

Summer (June to August)

You can expect hot, dry weather throughout summer in Egypt. Summer temperatures often rise above 35°C and even over 40°C on the Red Sea coast and across southern Egypt.

We were in Cairo at the end of May when it was around 40°C and were cruising the Nile between Luxor and Aswan in the first half of June. The temperature hit 48°C in Aswan so you’ll need to be prepared. Lightweight clothing in light colours, a hat and good sun protection are must-haves for visiting Egypt in the summer.

Autumn (September to November)

The temperatures start falling in Autumn, returning to the more comfortable 20-35°C range. You’ll generally need the same wardrobe as in Spring, but you might want to add some long-sleeved tops if you visit in late Autumn.

Winter (December to February)

Winter in Egypt is pretty mild, with average daytime temperatures rarely dipping below 10-20°C and starting to rise again towards the end of February. Light layers like long sleeve shirts and light sweaters are your friend if you visit Egypt in the cooler weather.

What to wear in Egypt for women

When you’re planning what to pack for Egypt, the best clothes are cool, comfortable and conservative. I visited Egypt in June 2024, and the temperature was regularly above 38ºC by mid-morning.

Cool breathable clothing is essential. Read on for culturally appropriate clothing ideas! You might want to skip straight to my Egypt packing list or download my free printable packing list.

Avoid wearing revealing or tight-fitting clothing, and opt for loose-fitting clothing like linen shirts, loose trousers, long pants and flowing skirts or dresses. Choose natural breathable fabrics like cotton and linen and light colours that will reflect sunlight to keep you cool and comfortable.

Egypt is a Muslim country with a modern, diverse culture and a rich history stretching back thousands of years. It’s important for foreign visitors to respect the local culture and dress appropriately for a conservative country. Obviously not everyone does and I saw women in short shorts and low tops but they were in the minority. Personally, I prefer to respect a country’s culture and traditions when I travel.

Major cities like Cairo and tourist spots like Sharm el Sheikh tend to be more liberal than villages and towns in rural areas, where the local women will dress more conservatively. However, revealing clothing like vest tops, strapless dresses and shorts above the knees could be frowned upon, even in the most liberal areas.

The dress code tends to be more relaxed in beach resorts, tourist hotels and on cruise ships. However, modest clothing will still be required when you visit religious and historical sites in Egypt, so keep a shawl or scarf handy to cover your hair and shoulders.

Comfortable footwear is another must. If you’re staying in a beach town, you might get away with sandals or flip flops, but you’ll need something more sturdy if you’re planning day trips to the Great Pyramids or the Valley of the Kings. It’s the desert so it’s hot, dusty and windy.

An Egypt packing list

With these guidelines in mind, here are some suggestions for culturally appropriate clothing to include on your Egypt packing list:

Tops and Dresses to wear in Egypt

Although modest dress is generally expected in Egypt, you don’t need to wear baggy, long-sleeved tops. Wearing short sleeves is fine as long as your shoulders are covered and the neckline isn’t too low-cut. Avoid tank tops and sleeveless tops.

As you travel further south to locations like Luxor and Abu Simbel, towns generally become more conservative. You might prefer to wear tops that cover your elbows to respect the local culture.

If you’re travelling to Egypt in winter, the evenings can feel quite cool, so pack some long-sleeved shirts and a light jacket or sweater.

There’s no need to leave your sundresses at home, as long as your shoulders, chest and knees are covered. Maxi dresses will feel cool and comfortable and you can pop a light scarf around your shoulders or wear a linen shirt over the top if the sun is too intense or you’re visiting a mosque. A linen shirt dress always looks the part too. A shorter dress may need leggings underneath to cover your knees and protect your modesty should it get windy. 

I wore linen trousers and a shirt or tunic most of the time and sometimes a t-shirt with a scarf to cover my arms in case it got too hot.

In the evenings, there’s unlikely to be a specific dress code at most resorts, or on a Nile cruise, so you can generally wear a modest dress or a pair of trousers with a smart top. Long-sleeved tops and long trousers also have the added benefit of guarding against mossie bites in the evening!

• 1 tunic top
• 1 light short-sleeved top
• 1 longer 3/4-length sleeved top
• 2-3 t-shirts 
• 2 vest/camisole tops for layering underneath a light shirt
• 2 long-sleeved linen or cotton shirts
• 1-2 midi or maxi dresses 
• Depending on the time of year you may need a light jacket or cardigan for evenings

Bottoms for your Egypt trip

It’s generally better to opt for light, loose-fitting trousers for comfort. Jeans will definitely be too hot for daytime wear, especially in the scorching-hot summer, but wide-leg linen trousers or even lightweight capri pants will be fine.

I mainly stuck to linen or cotton wide-leg trousers. You can wear tight trousers like leggings or skinny jeans in most areas of Egypt if you pair them with a long top that covers your bottom. I personally don’t wear leggings so I didn’t pack any but you might like to.

Short shorts are inappropriate for most destinations in Egypt, unless you’re staying in a tourist resort like Sharm el-Sheikh. If you prefer to wear skirts, make sure they cover your knees. The wind can suddenly pick up, especially out in the desert, so wear a pair of leggings under flowy skirts to be on the safe side.

• 2-3 pairs of wide-leg linen or cotton trousers
• 1 pair of capris 
• 2 pairs of leggings (cropped or long depending on your preference)
• 1 maxi-skirt
• 1 pair of jeans if you’re travelling to Egypt in winter

Underwear

Obviously, you’ll need to pack underwear, and you might want to pop a sports bra into your suitcase if you’re planning active day trips with a lot of walking. Thin sports socks are another must with trainers.

If you prefer to wear skirts or dresses without leggings, anti-chafe shorts like Jockey Skimmies cooling moisture-wicking slip shorts are the best thing to wear on long, hot, sweaty days of sightseeing. An anti-chafe balm or stick like Gold Bond Friction Defense is another great way to avoid painful chafing.

It’s fine to wear a swimsuit if you’re visiting a beach resort or staying in a hotel with a pool. If you’re embarking on a River Nile cruise, many boats have a swimming pool on the upper deck as you really can’t swim in the Nile!

Choose a modest one-piece swimming costume or a tankini that covers your midriff. Avoid bikinis or a bathing suit with a low-cut top or thong-style bottom. I did see a woman at the Cairo hotel wearing a very skimpy bikini and a lot of disapproving looks.

• 2  bras
• 1 sports bra
• cotton or breathable underwear
• 2-3 pairs of trainer socks
• 1-2 pairs of Jockey Skimmies for wearing under dresses and skirts
• 1 swimsuit if you’re visiting a beach resort or hotel/ship pool
• Nightwear

Shoes for Egypt

It’s best to leave your heels at home and stick to comfortable flats for your visit to Egypt. 

Breathable, closed-toe shoes with good support are a good choice for sightseeing, especially around historical sites like Giza, ancient temples, and the Valley of Kings where you’ll be walking on uneven surfaces. A pair of flat sandals or lightweight slip-on trainers will be ideal, and are also handy for city sightseeing.

If you plan to venture into the desert, you will need sturdier boots or walking shoes to protect your feet from the sand and rocks.

Don’t forget to pack your flip-flops if your hotel or river cruise boat has a pool. These are also good for wearing around your hotel room.

In some religious places, like Muhammed Ali Mosque in Cairo, you will need to remove your shoes or use shoe covers which are provided. 

• 1 pair of trainers or walking shoes
• 1 pair of comfortable walking sandals – my Fitflop sandals were perfect for cities
• or hiking sandals – I like the Teva Verra which will keep you comfortable all day long
• 1 pair flip-flops (also double up for cold marble hotel room floors)

Accessories for your Egypt holiday

Sunglasses

Sunglasses don’t just look good, they also help protect your eyes from the strong desert sun. Choose sunglasses with UV400 protection as these will filter out up to 99% of UVA and UVB rays – they’ll have the CE or UV400 mark on the frame.

Hat

A wide-brimmed or straw hat will also help shade your eyes and protect the delicate skin on your face and neck from the intense Egypt sun. I would’ve appreciated a bigger brimmed hat than the one I was wearing in these pics to keep the sun off my face more.

If you’re going into the desert or on a camel ride, you might want to take a baseball cap or a wide-brimmed hat with ties. It gets windy in the desert so choose something that won’t blow away.

A scarf or shawl

A lightweight shawl or scarf is really handy for covering your head and shoulders in conservative areas and religious sites. I used my light linen scarf to cover my arms when temperatures got too hot. It also help to protect the back of my neck from the sun.

A hidden pocket travel scarf is useful on travel days, as the pockets can keep your passport and money handy.

A small bag

A cross-body bag is great for sightseeing as it keeps your belongings secure and is difficult to snatch. However, if you’re big-boobed and find that the strap draws too much attention to your chest, a theft-proof backpack is a good option.

If you want to take a small crossbody bag for the evenings or when you’re not carrying your water bottle or other heavy items, you can pair it up with a scarf.

• 1 wide-brimmed hat
• 1 pair sunglasses 
• 2 scarves (one with a hidden pocket travel scarf is useful)
• 1 cross-body bag
• 1 small daypack or camera bag

Toiletries and first-aid

A high SPF sunscreen is another essential addition to your Egypt packing list. If you plan to swim in the sea, choose a reef-safe sunscreen to help protect the coral reef and marine life.

You can protect your lips with a lip balm containing SPF, and remember to pack a cooling after-sun lotion as well!

Mosquitoes can be a problem, especially if you’re visiting between late spring and early autumn. So, a good mozzie repellent containing DEET like Pestects Insect repellent spray will be useful.

If you prefer to avoid chemicals, you could try a citronella-based insect repellent instead. Remember you’ll need to spray yourself regularly.

A parasol or small UV protection umbrella will provide some extra shade, vital for those who still get sunburned even when wearing SPF50. I also took a cooling facial mist which was handy to freshen up with.

• SPF sunscreen
• lip balm containing SPF,
• After-sun lotion
• Mosquito repellent
• Hand sanitiser – essential in Egypt 
• Hand wipes are also useful 
• Cooling facial spray
• Tissues for use in public toilets
• Toothbrush and toothpaste (use bottled water to clean your teeth in Egypt)
• Your usual make-up and skin care products

Hotels, resorts and river cruisers will all have medical facilities available, but it’s worth taking your own first aid kit. I include the following essentials in mine:

• Plasters
• Compeed blister plasters 
• Painkillers 
• Imodium 
• Rehydration salts 
• Anticeptic cream (like Savlon)
• Antihistimine cream (for bites)

Tech and Equipment

Organise all your cables, chargers, batteries and adapters in a travel tech bag.

• A surge protector or power strip will protect your gadgets from power surges and is helpful if you don’t have many plug sockets in your room.
• Egypt uses European-style adaptors. Take type F plugs with two round pins in 4.8 mm diameter  
• Camera, batteries, memory cards
• Charging cables for phone, camera, power bank
• A Power bank is handy for long days of sightseeing and essential if there’re no USB sockets on the coach
• A USB chargeable travel fan or good old-fashioned hand-held fan will keep you comfortable in the heat 
• Dual voltage hairdryer (I can’t get on with hotel hairdryers and prefer to use an air brush)

Travel Gear

I always fly with my Kovered backpack as a carry on which is sadly discontinued. It covers everything I need and has been with me for over four years and still looks as good as new.

I use this American Tourister for my hold luggage. Don’t forget to check luggage allowances on any internal flights which may differ from your main flights. I also pop an Apple Airtag in each bag.

An anti-theft day pack big enough to hold your wallet, phone, power bank, water bottle, sunscreen, camera and any other essentials for days out and excursions.

I use these compression packing cubes to optimise space and help keep my suitcase organised.

If you’ve never used a Trtl Travel Pillow I can highly recommend them – I never travel without mine on a flight of four hours or more. I always get a few hours of decent shut eye on an overnight flight with my Trtl. You might want noise cancelling headphones too.

Other essentials

For mobiles phone coverage eSIM cards will help you avoid roaming charges on your holiday. Purchase an eSIM before your trip. I use Airalo which currently costs US $12.50 for 15 days and 2GB of data in Egypt. Other packages are also available. You simply switch your device over to it when you arrive in Egypt and back again when you get home.

Remember to use a VPN to protect your passwords and financial details if you use public WiFi. 

Of course, it goes without saying that travel insurance is absolutely essential.  

Egyptian pounds are the currency in Egypt but US dollars and often Euros are accepted in markets and tourist spots. Ensure you’ve got plenty of $1 or €1 notes for tipping which is always expected. 

Read about my 12-day trip to Egypt visiting Cairo, Luxor and Aswan.

FAQs

These frequently asked questions will also help with your Egypt travel plans.

What should I wear to the Pyramids?

When visiting the Great Pyramids, you’ll want to stay cool and comfortable, as you’ll be walking on uneven terrain and in hot conditions. There is not an inch of shade at the pyramids. Opt for lightweight cotton or linen clothing and comfortable closed toe shoes suitable for walking rather than sandals or flip-flops. You’ll need a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and water.

Do female tourists need to cover their hair in Egypt?

Although wearing a veil isn’t mandatory in Egypt, social norms mean that most Egyptian women wear a hijab or headscarf to cover their hair. More conservative women will wear a niqab that covers their face and body.

But as a non-Muslim foreign woman, no, you aren’t generally expected to cover your hair. Egyptians are aware how important tourisim is to their economy and that most tourists aren’t Muslim. However, it will be necessary to cover your hair if you visit mosques or other holy places, so it’s a good idea to keep a scarf or shawl handy. A light shawl will also be useful to cover your head and shoulders from the sun when it gets too hot. 

Can I wear shorts in Egypt?

Female visitors can wear shorts in a beach resort like Sharm el-Sheikh, but I wouldn’t recommend wearing them in cities like Cairo. They’d certainly be inappropriate for visiting religious sites but longer shorts are acceptable at tourist sites like Valley of the Kings and the temples.

Should I only wear baggy clothes?

Although it’s polite to respect the cultural norms of Egypt, the good news is that you don’t need a suitcase full of baggy clothing for your holiday. Emphasising your curves is more likely to attract unwanted glances from Egyptian men, but wearing leggings was fine on my Nile river cruise and at the temples especially paired with long, loose tops.

Do I need to cover my arms and knees?

You don’t need to wear long sleeves, but the general rule is to keep your shoulders and knees covered and avoid showing too much cleavage. It’s also polite to keep your elbows covered but I noticed many women wearing short sleeved t-shirts in the sightseeing areas without any problems. I wore them myself and didn’t feel conspicuous. Capris and trousers that show your ankles are acceptable in Egypt.

Whether you’re planning a beach holiday in Sharm el-Sheikh, exploring the pyramids or sailing down the River Nile on a cruise boat, choosing what to wear in Egypt is easy if you remember a few simple rules. Packing clothing and footwear that’s cool, comfortable and modest will allow you to enjoy a great time on holiday whilst respecting local customs. 

I hope I’ve covered all your questions and concerns about your Egypt packing list in this post. If not, feel free to drop me a message or comment below and I’ll get back to you.

Ready to plan your trip to Egypt?

• To get the best deals on flights, compare cheap prices with Skyscanner flight comparison site
• Book your airport transfers with Welcome Transfers
• Find the perfect place to stay on Booking.com
• Compare prices for your car hire
• Stay connected at affordable rates with data and roaming from Airalo
• Explore your destination through local experiences
• If you think you need a visa check with iVisa
• Plan your trip with maps and guide books
• I use a Wise account multi-currency debit card. Easy to top up, low fees and better exchange rates.
• If you’re travelling long-haul the Trtl travel pillow will help you get some decent in-flight sleep.
• And, finally, please don’t forget to protect you and your trip with travel insurance. I’m very happy with my Heymondo travel insurance.