Exploring Egypt’s timeless allure can be both enchanting and economical with strategic planning. Travelers can uncover the cheapest time to go to Egypt, enjoying the country’s rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes without breaking the bank.
Careful consideration of travel dates and bookings can significantly reduce costs, making iconic sites like the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor’s temples, and the bustling markets of Cairo more accessible. This article will explore how to make the most of your travel budget when visiting Egypt in 2024. By identifying the most affordable times to book your holiday, you can experience the country’s rich history and stunning landscapes without overspending.
Cheapest Time to Visit Egypt in 2024
The cheapest time to go to Egypt is during the summer months, from May to August. However, the weather can be scorching, with temperatures reaching 42°C (108°F). This can make sightseeing and exploring quite tricky.
If you’re on a tight budget and can handle the heat, visiting Egypt during the summer may be a good option. However, if you want to explore the sights and enjoy the outdoors comfortably, you may want to consider visiting during the shoulder seasons (March, April, September, and October). The weather during these months is more moderate, and you’ll still be able to find some good deals on travel.
Pros & Cons of the Cheapest Time to Go to Egypt
Traveling to Egypt during the cheapest time, typically in the summer months of June to August and parts of early September, has its pros and cons. Here’s a breakdown:
Pros:
- Lower Travel Costs: Flights and accommodation are significantly cheaper during the off-season. Tourists can take advantage of discounts to stretch their travel budgets.
- Fewer Crowds: Since fewer people travel during the hottest months, major attractions like the Pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum, and the temples in Luxor are less crowded, offering a more peaceful experience.
- Flexible Booking: With lower demand, booking last-minute trips or making changes to your itinerary easier gives travelers more flexibility.
- Authentic Local Experience: Fewer tourists mean more opportunities to interact with locals and experience Egyptian culture in a more genuine, less commercialized way.
Cons:
- Extreme Heat: Egypt’s summer temperatures can soar past 40°C (104°F), especially in desert regions like Luxor and Aswan. This can make outdoor activities uncomfortable or even dangerous if not prepared.
- Limited Outdoor Exploration: The intense heat can limit how much time you want to spend outdoors, especially around noon, making it harder to enjoy walking tours or long sightseeing days.
- Reduced Tourism Services: Some services, such as guided tours, may have fewer offerings or reduced hours during the off-season, as there is less demand from tourists.
- Fewer International Flights: Although the prices are lower, the availability of international flights may be limited during the off-season, potentially reducing travel options.
Cheapest Time to Fly to Egypt in 2024
The cheapest time to fly to Egypt is during the low season, which includes the hot summer months of June to August. While temperatures can soar, especially in cities like Cairo and Luxor, the reduced number of tourists means that airlines often drop their prices. If you can manage the heat, this period offers an excellent opportunity to find cheaper flights, especially if you book early and travel on midweek days like Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Another affordable time to book flights is mid-January to early March, when the tourist rush slows down after the holidays. The weather is milder than in summer, and flight prices are generally lower. Flexibility in travel dates and booking at least two to three months in advance can help you score the best deals during these quieter periods.
Cheapest Airlines that Fly to Egypt
Here are five of the cheapest airlines that frequently offer affordable flights to Egypt:
- EgyptAir: As the national carrier, EgyptAir often provides competitive prices, especially for direct flights from Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
- Turkish Airlines: Known for offering budget-friendly flights, Turkish Airlines often has good deals to Cairo and Alexandria, with a layover in Istanbul.
- Saudia: Saudi Arabia’s national airline offers affordable fares to Egypt, especially from Gulf countries, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
- Pegasus Airlines: This Turkish low-cost carrier provides cheap flights to Egypt, particularly from Europe and Turkey, with a layover in Istanbul.
- Royal Jordanian: With frequent flights to Cairo and competitive pricing, Royal Jordanian is a cost-effective option for travelers from Europe and the Middle East, often with a stopover in Amman.
These airlines frequently offer deals, and booking during the off-season can help you find cheaper fares.
Average Cost of A Trip to Egypt During the Cheapest Time
The average cost of a trip to Egypt during the cheapest time (summer months – May to August) can vary depending on your travel style and preferences, but here’s a breakdown to give you a general idea:
- Flights: Roundtrip flights from the US to Cairo can range from $500 to $1,500 depending on your departure city and the specific dates you choose. Since it’s the off-season, you might be able to snag a good deal!
- Accommodation: Budget hotels and hostels cost between $10 and $30 per night, while mid-range hotels cost between $50 and $100 per night.
- Food: You can expect to spend around $5 to $10 per day eating at local restaurants.
- Activities: Entrance fees to archaeological sites and museums can vary, but expect to pay around $20-$50 each. Activities like a Nile cruise or hot air balloon ride will cost more.
Here’s a possible itinerary for a budget-friendly 7-day trip to Egypt during the summer:
- Day 1-3: Cairo – Explore the Giza Pyramids, the Egyptian Museum, and the Khan al-Khalili market.
- Day 4-6: Luxor – Visit the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Karnak, and take a day trip to Dendera and Abydos.
- Day 7: Relax by the pool or the Red Sea before your flight home.
Total estimated cost:
- Flights: $1,000
- Accommodation: $210 (7 nights at $30/night)
- Food: $70 (10 meals at $7/meal)
- Activities: $200 (entrance fees, basic tours)
Grand total: $1,480
This is a very basic estimate, and your actual costs could be higher or lower depending on your spending habits.
Cheapest Things to Do in Egypt 2024
Egypt is a land of rich history, culture, and natural beauty. But it can also be a budget-friendly destination, especially if you know where to look. Here are 7 of the cheapest things you can do in Egypt:
- Wander the Souks: Khan el-Khalili in Cairo is a maze of alleyways with shops selling everything from spices and perfumes to carpets and souvenirs.
- Explore Islamic Cairo: Home to some of the most impressive Islamic architecture in the world, including the Mosque of Muhammad Ali and the Al-Azhar Mosque. Entrance fees are usually minimal or nonexistent.
- Picnic in the Park: Al-Azhar Park is a large, leafy oasis in the heart of Cairo. It’s a great place to relax, people-watch, and enjoy a picnic lunch. Entrance is free.
- Visit the Egyptian Museum: Home to an incredible collection of Egyptian antiquities, including the famous Tutankhamun treasures. There is an entrance fee, but it’s very affordable.
- Take a Felucca Ride on the Nile: A felucca is a traditional wooden sailboat. A ride down the Nile is a great way to see the sights of Cairo from a different perspective. Prices are negotiable.
- Hike Mount Sinai: For the more adventurous, there’s Jebel Musa (Mount Sinai), where tradition says Moses received the Ten Commandments. You can hike to the summit to watch the sunrise, but be prepared for a challenging climb. There is a park entrance fee.
- Relax on the Beach: Egypt has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, especially along the Red Sea coast. While some budget beaches are part of resorts, there are also plenty of public beaches where you can relax for free.
Additional Tips to Save Your Money When Visiting Egypt in 2024
Here are 8 additional tips to save money while visiting Egypt:
- Utilize Public Transportation: Cairo’s metro system is cheap and efficient. For short trips, you can also hail shared taxis (white cars with black and white checkered roofs). Agree on a price beforehand to avoid inflated fares.
- Pack Light & Do Laundry: Laundry services are affordable in Egypt, so pack light to avoid baggage fees and do laundry mid-trip.
- Drink Bottled Water: Tap water isn’t advisable for drinking, so factor in the cost of bottled water. Buying larger bottles is more cost-effective than constantly buying small ones.
- Consider Alternative Accommodation: Hostels are a great budget-friendly option for solo travelers. For a more local experience, look into guesthouses or family-run pensions.
- Eat Local: Skip the tourist traps and head to restaurants or street vendors. Falafel, ful medames (fava beans), and Koshari are delicious and cheap Egyptian staples.
- Haggle Wisely: Haggling is expected in souks and markets. Do your research beforehand to understand fair prices, start low, be polite, and be prepared to walk away if you can’t agree on a price.
- Purchase a Tourist Pass: If you plan on visiting multiple archaeological sites, consider buying a tourist pass. These passes offer significant discounts on entrance fees over purchasing individual tickets.
- Learn Basic Arabic Phrases: Learning a few basic Arabic greetings and phrases can go a long way. It shows respect for the local culture and can help you get better deals from vendors and taxi drivers.
In conclusion, the cheapest time to go to Egypt offers significant savings and fewer crowds, but extreme heat and limited services can be drawbacks. Weighing the pros and cons carefully will help determine if this season suits your travel preferences.
Share this BlogFrequently Asked Questions
The cheapest time to travel to Egypt from the UK is typically during the low season, which runs from mid-January to early March and again from September to November. During these periods, flight prices are generally lower due to reduced demand as fewer tourists visit Egypt. You can often find the best deals on flights by booking several months in advance and being flexible with your travel dates.
To find the best flight deals to Egypt, start by booking well in advance and being flexible with your travel dates. Use flight comparison websites and set fare alerts to monitor price drops. Additionally, consider flying mid-week, as flights are often cheaper than on weekends.
Yes, hotel prices are generally lower during the off-peak seasons in Egypt. Traveling during late February to early April or September to early November can result in significant savings on accommodations, as demand is lower and hotels offer competitive rates.
Egypt offers many budget-friendly activities, such as visiting public beaches, exploring local markets, and taking self-guided tours of historic sites like the Pyramids of Giza and Luxor Temple. Museums and cultural sites often have low entry fees, and walking tours can provide rich experiences without high costs.
Booking tours and excursions in advance can often be cheaper, as you can compare prices and take advantage of early-bird discounts. However, booking on arrival can sometimes offer better deals, especially if you negotiate directly with local tour operators.
