Most travellers think of Egypt as hot and dry. Alexandria is not. It has a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters, a damp breeze and a real rainy season. That changes both what you pack and when you should come.
Spring and autumn: the sweet spots
From April to early June, days are warm, the sea is fresh and the light is clear. October and November are similar, with the added pleasure of a warm sea. These are the best months for a full day on foot, including the Catacombs, the fort and a long lunch outside.
Winter: quiet, cool and sometimes wet
From December to February the city is at its calmest. Days are cool, and rain falls on some of them, sometimes hard. Storms can whip up the harbour. It is a good season for the library, the museums and cafés, and a bad one for beach plans. Bring a coat, not a sun hat.
Summer: humid, lively and full
June to September is hot and sticky, although the sea breeze helps. The Corniche is busy until late, beaches are crowded and traffic is heavy, especially at weekends. If you come in summer, do your sightseeing in the morning, rest in the middle of the day, and go out again after sunset.
- March to May: pleasant, occasional windy days.
- June to September: humid, busy, best for beach and evening plans.
- October and November: warm and settled.
- December to February: cool, wet in places, quiet.
Combining Alexandria with the rest of Egypt
The best months for Alexandria are not the best for Luxor and Aswan, where the cooler winter is more comfortable. Many travellers add Alexandria on the way in or out of Cairo in spring or autumn, when both are pleasant. If you travel in winter, pack for two climates.
What to pack in each season
In spring and autumn, light layers, comfortable shoes and sunglasses will do. In winter, bring a waterproof jacket, a scarf and closed shoes with a good sole, since pavements can be slick. In summer, choose loose cotton, a hat, sun cream and sandals you can walk in. A small folding umbrella earns its place in a winter bag, while a swimsuit is essential for summer.
Events, holidays and crowds
Alexandria fills at weekends and on Egyptian public holidays, when families come to the coast. The Corniche, cafés and beaches become noisy and crowded. If you want a calm visit, choose weekdays and avoid peak holiday weeks. Ramadan changes opening hours and meal times, and some cafés close in the day. The nights, though, can be very lively, which many visitors enjoy.
Our city tours run all year, and the guide can adapt the order to the weather. A heavy rain day may mean more time inside the library and museums. A very hot day may mean a longer lunch break. Rosetta and the Giza trip are less comfortable in extreme weather because of the road time, so choose your day with care.
If you can choose freely, pick late April, May, late September or October. You get settled weather, a sea that is either warming or still warm, and room to walk. If you cannot choose, any month works with the right clothes and a flexible plan, and a private guide can move stops around to suit the day.
Whatever the season, a private tour can be planned around the weather, with indoor stops moved to the wetter hours. Open the trip pages to see the options.
Plan with us
When to go to Alexandria: sea breezes, rain and the summer crowds
Spring and autumn suit Alexandria best. Learn what winter rain, summer humidity and the August crowds mean for sightseeing and for beach days.