SALM TEAM 
In a world where few places seem undiscovered, Egypt still holds an air of mystery despite its popularity as a tourist destination. From the Pyramids of Giza and the Valley of the Kings to the Sphinx and ancient temples that have endured for millennia, exploring these historic sites offers a glimpse into a world that feels far removed from our own.
While the most popular time to visit Egypt is during the European summer months, there are many advantages to visiting in the off-season between January and March. From the cooler weather and calmer atmosphere to the relative lack of crowds, here are five reasons to choose Egypt as your next off-season escape.
- More meaningful exploring
Unlike the sweltering summer months, the first few months of the year in Egypt offer milder and more pleasant weather. With daytime temperatures averaging between 23 and 28°C, it’s far easier to wander slowly among the sites without the heat taking its toll. In Cairo, this means a more leisurely visit to the Pyramids and the Sphinx, while in Luxor and Aswan, exploring Karnak Temple or the tombs of pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings is far more appealing. You’re also less constricted by the time of day: instead of limiting excursions to the early mornings or evenings, you can take time to truly soak up your surroundings – whether it’s stopping for a tea break or taking that perfect photograph.
- A new chapter in history
Travelling to Egypt in early 2026 means you’ll be able to visit the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Cairo, which is set to open in November this year. At over 480,000 square metres in size, the GEM will be the world’s largest archaeological museum. Among other attractions, it will house King Tutankhamun’s complete collection, including over 5,000 treasures displayed together for the first time. Located near the Pyramids of Giza, the museum will create a seamless cultural circuit, allowing you to easily move from the tombs and monuments to seeing the artefacts that were contained within them. If you’re interested in culture and heritage, this is reason enough to visit Egypt in the coming year.
- Fewer crowds and richer moments
Visiting Egypt in the off-season means smaller crowds and shorter queues to visit the popular sights than you would encounter during peak holiday periods. Whether you’re visiting the temples of Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo or Edfu, these moments will feel more personal and meaningful – and your memories will be more vivid with fewer people around. Without jostling for space, you’ll also get more opportunity to be fully present in your travel experience.
- A more comfortable Nile cruise
One of the best ways to see Egypt is through a Nile cruise, as many of the country’s most extraordinary ancient sites, such as the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, sit along its banks. A Nile cruise also gives you the chance to see the region’s natural beauty, whether it’s palm groves, sweeping desert landscapes or magical river sunsets. During the off-season, the cooler weather makes a Nile cruise more pleasant – and you’ll encounter fewer other vessels on the river. Travel companies like Insight Vacations include a Nile cruise as part of their Egypt tours. On these trips, you’ll be accompanied by a professional Egyptologist who brings the country’s history and mythology to life – while you relax in modern comfort on their elegantly designed cruise vessels.
- Safety and peace of mind
For many travellers, safety is a primary concern when visiting Egypt. Fortunately, the country is generally safe for tourists, especially in popular areas such as Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, where dedicated Tourism Police often have a more visible presence when there are fewer crowds. In recent years, Egypt has also increased security at airports and hotels. For an even safer way to explore the country, consider joining a guided tour. Trafalgar Tours’ group tours to Egypt, for example, feature a carefully considered itinerary that covers all the main highlights. With this kind of pre-arranged tour, you can focus entirely on your experience without worrying about safety or logistical issues.
While Egypt is a worthwhile destination any time of year, travelling during the off-season is becoming increasingly popular. If you’re looking for an unforgettable journey that combines adventure and history with more comfort and easier travelling, January to March travel is the savvy traveller’s best-kept secret. Whichever way you choose to see it, this ancient land will become not just another travel destination to tick off your list, but a life-changing experience that will stay with you long after you’ve returned home.
Lwazi Nongauza 
