Introduction: Packing Smart Is Part of the Egyptian Journey
Egypt travel tips range from the clothes you ought to consider packing, all the way through the things you need in order to be prepared spiritually. The scarf you pack isn’t just clothing. The reason you need it is that it enables you to access the mosque. The sandals you ought to think about packing are important since they’ll save your feet from the hot stones when you visit Karnak.
In Egypt of 2025, there are more tourists than ever. There are new museums, high-speed trains, and social attitudes that are shifting. what to pack for Egypt. A one-size-fits-all list isn’t what it used to be. A solo woman in Islamic Cairo, a couple in Dahab who like diving, and a family heading to the Pyramids with children each have their own needs.
This traveller’s handbook provides much more than the usual advice. With the help of up-to-date climate information, cultural advice, and traveller insights, it provides you with a specifically detailed and seasonal travellers’ list of things to bring when visiting Egypt in the year 2025.
Regardless of whether you’re traveling in the sweltering heat of summer in July or the pleasant temperatures of February, this becomes your blueprint on what you’re packing in Egypt.
1. Understanding Egypt’s Packing Challenges: Climate, Culture & Logistics
Before you start your list, here are three big things that help you decide what to pack for Egypt?
A. Extreme Weather
- Summer (May-September): Hot days, 40-45 degrees Celsius (104-113 degrees Fahrenheit) inLuxor; UV index often “extreme”.
- Winter (Dec to Feb): Hot days (18-22°c °C / 64-72°f), with desert and some Nile regions dropping to 8°c / 46°f at night
- Red Sea: Hot all year, and in summer, there are winds and high humidity.
B. Cultural Norms
- Modesty is important outside the tourist areas. The shoulders and knees should be covered in towns and villages.
- In mosques, women have to wear the headscarf and remove their shoes.
- Ramadan (March 1-29, 2025) – Consuming and/or drinking in the daytime in public is discouraged, even among non-Muslims.
C. Practical Details
- Power: Type C/F power outlets, 220V. Better bring a universal adapter.
- WiFi – available in hotels and coffee shops, possibly spotty in the countryside.
- Cash: Small Egyptian pound notes (5, 10, 20) are always useful.
2. The Universal Essentials: What Every Traveler Needs (Year-Round)
These 10 things should be in all Egypt-bound packing in Egypt.- in the year 2025:
1-Passport + printed e-Visa
- Egypt provides e-visas for citizens of 90+ countries. You can (apply here) Always print a copy.
2-Reusable water bottle with filter
- Tap water isn’t safe for consumption. Bottled water isn’t expensive, but the best option would be a Grayl Geopress or a LifeStraw.
3-Small first-aid kit
- Add rehydration salts, an anti-diarrheal medication (such as Imodium), antiseptic wipes, and blister pads.
4-Universal power adapter
- Egypt has type C/F plugs and operates at 220V. While there isn’t a standard USB-C socket.
5-Lightweight daypack
- Ideal for visiting the temples, shopping in the souks, and walking by the Nile. Choose one with anti-theft zippers.
6-Important document copies in paper and digital formats
- Keep scans in your Google Drive and emails. Your travel insurance policy.
7-Sun protection set
- SPF 50+ sunscreen (reef-safe if you’re diving), UV-blocking sunglasses, and a collapsible wide-brimmed hat.
8-Comfortable walking shoes
- Sports sandals with an arched sole, such as Tevas and Birkenstocks, work well. Refrain from flip-flops in temples.
9-“Modest Scarf or Shawl” (Women)
- Light-weight and has an earthy tone. It can be a sun cover, a mosque headscarf, and/or a small blanket.
10-Local SIM card (or eSIM)
- Vodafone and Orange provide approximately 20GB of data services in exchange for 150 EGP, approximately $5. Good for Uber, Google Maps, and translations.
Pro Tip: Download offline Google Maps of Cairo, Luxor, and your hotel area before arrival.
3. Seasonal Packing Lists: Tailored for 2025 Conditions
A. Winter (December-February): Layers Are Helpful
Temperatures – Day 14-22°C, 57-72°F | Night: 8–14°C (46–57°F)
What to Pack for Egypt?
- Light jacket and/or fleece (for evening Nile cruises and desert camping)
- Long-sleeved cotton shirts – sun protection and modesty norms
- Closed-toe shoes (it may be cool in the mornings on the temple grounds)
- Small umbrella (rare rain in Cairo, possible in Alexandria)
- Lip balm/lotion – The air in the wintertime is dry.
Avoid heavy coats—indoor heating is rare, but you’ll be moving most of the day.
B. Spring (March-April): Gentle Comfort
Temperatures: Day – 19-30°C (66–86°F) | Night: 12–18°C (54–64°F)
What to Pack for Egypt?
- Light cardigan (for air-conditioned museums and mosques)
- Linen trousers that breathe, or a maxi skirt that’s modest and cool.
- Electrolyte tablets (heat rises, stay hydrated)
- Ramadan note: Pack discreet snacks in your hotel room (March 2025)
Note: Sandstorms (“khamsin”) can occur in March–April. Bring a buff or lightweight face covering.
C. Summer (May – September): Survival in the Furnace
Temperatures: Day 35-45ºC (95–113°F), Night 25-30°C (77–86°F)
What to Pack for Egypt?
- Cooling neck towel (immersed in water for hours of cooling)
- Protective clothing – UPF 50+ shirts, long dresses
- Portable fan or misting bottle
- Electrolyte powder, like Dioralyte, is marketed in Egyptian pharmacies
- Flip-flops with grips (for Red Sea resorts, or pools in hotels)
Avoid dark colors—they absorb heat. Stick to white, beige, or light blue.
D. Autumn (Oct-Nov): The Quiet Pleasant Window
Temperatures:: Day: 22–30°C (72–86°F) | Night: 15–20°C (59–68°F)
What to Pack:
- Light scarf (for sun and mosque visits)
- Sun hat with chin strap (Feliccas on the Nile)
- Small cross-body bag (safe during mulid in Tanta and Cairo)
- Camera with extra battery (golden-hour lighting is great)
This is peak season for photography—pack lens wipes (desert dust is everywhere).
4. Traveler-Type-Specific Packing Lists
A. For Women Travelers (Solo or Group)
– Modest clothing essentials:
- Maxi dresses with sleeves
- Lightweight trousers – linen, rayon
- Long cardigans that can be thrown over tanks in cities
– Safety and comfort:
- Cross-body anti-theft bag, such as Pacsafe
- Discreet money belt, useful in crowded souks
- Reusable sanitary items available, pads and tampons, possibly under different brands
– Cultural tools:
- Hijab clip, quick hijab fix when you’re unexpectedly visiting the mosque.
- Compact mirror for making last-minute adjustments
Insight: Egyptian women often wear abayas in conservative areas, but foreigners aren’t expected to—modest Western clothing is respected
B. For Families with Children
– Health and Hygiene:
- Child-safe sunscreen and insect repellent
- Portable water purifier for refilling bottles
- Favorite foods and avoiding picky eating
– Comfort:
- Stroller and sun canopy (city sidewalks in Cairo might be rough; baby carriers available for under 3s)
- Tablet pre-loaded with/TV shows for long train/plane rides
– Engagement:
- Kids’ archaeology kit, toys like a brush and a ‘mummy’ wrap game
- Egyptian coloring book, available on Amazon or in the Khan el-Khalili bazaar
Tip: Book family-friendly Nile cruise with kids’ menus and shaded decks.
C. For Solo Travelers
– Security:
- Doorstop alarm for budget guesthouses
- Tile or AirTag – location tracking on your daypack
– Connectivity:
- eSIM card, using either Airalo or Nomad, available as a hotspot access option.
- Offline translation application (Google Translate with Arabic pack)
– Social:
- A small gift from home, such as a postcard, related to cultural exchange
Solo travelers report that a notebook and pen often spark conversations with curious locals
D. For Luxury & Honeymoon travelers
– Style Meets Functionality
- Designer sun hat (e.g., Lack of Color)
- Silk sleep mask, early access tour at dawn
- Portable steamer for freshening up clothing
– Experiences:
- Underwater camera for Red Sea snorkeling
- Personalized journal – Stargazing experiences in the desert
Luxury resorts like Four Seasons Sharm or Sofitel Winter Palace Luxor provide most amenities—but bring your preferred skincare.
E. For Red Sea Divers & Snorkelers
– Essential gear:
- Reef safe sunscreen (required, and chemical sunscreens are prohibited in marine reserves)
- Dive logbook or GoPro
- Rash guard with UV protection
- Waterproof pouch for your phone
– Comfort:
- Ear drops, post-dive treatmentcare
- quick-dry towel, cotton absorbs sand
Note: Most dive centers rent gear, but bring your own mask for fit and hygiene
5. Cultural & Religious Etiquette: Packing with Respect
What Not to Pack (or Wear)
- Shorts, tank tops, and crop tops in the city, villages, and religious centers.
- Extreme makeup, or clothing too revealing in conservative regions (Tanta, Luxor Province).
- The use of drones is closely controlled, and permission has rarely been granted to tourists (Egypt Civil Aviation ). .
Modesty Tips That Help
- Convertible travel pants. Can unzip legs for shorts. Wear full-length in cities.
- Tunic tops that are lightweight, paired with leggings.
- Long sarong that can be used either as a skirt, a dress, or a beach cover-up.
During Ramadan 2025 (March 1–29), pack discreet snack packs for your room—eating in public during daylight is illegal in some governorates.
6. Tech & Connectivity: Staying Powered and Connected
- Smartphone: a vital tool in Uber Egypt, InDriver, and Google Maps.
- Power Bank (20,000mAh max) Power Bank max. 20,000mAh Portable Power Bank, max.
- eSIM options:
- Airalo: “Egypt Discover” tariff (10GB/30 days – $9)
- Nomad: “Egypt Plus” (15GB = $11)
Offline apps:
- Maps.me (offline maps)
- Arabic, Duolingo, basic phrases
- iOverlander (discover campsite recommendations and advice)
Egypt’s 4G coverage is excellent in cities; 5G rolling out in 2025 (Cairo, New Capital).
7. Health & Wellness: Beyond the Basics
Medications to Bring
- Prescription meds (in original packaging + doctor’s note)
- Probiotics (to support gut health)
- Antihistamines (for dust or insect bites)
What’s Available Locally
- Tip: Say “I need medicine for stomach” → “عايز دوا للبطن” (pronounced: ‘ayez dawa lel batn).
- Pharmacies (“صيدلية”) are everywhere—even in small towns.
- Brands: Panadol, Nurofen, and local equivalents of Imodium are available.
CDC recommends Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines—though not required (CDC Egypt ).
8. Luggage Strategy: What to Carry vs. Check
Usable in
- Passport, cash, Cards
- Medications
- Scarf, hat, sunglasses
- Cellular phone and charger
- A change of clothes (in the event your baggage gets delayed)
Checked Luggage Tips
- Use a hard-shell suitcase (it protects luggage better from dust, and rough treatment)
- Attach a luggage tag containing a contact number in the local area (eg, the first hotel’s number)
- Pack clothes in packing cubes. This saves space and keeps things organized by day.
EgyptAir allows 23kg checked + 8kg carry-on for economy (EgyptAir Baggage)
9. Sustainable Packing: Travel Light, Leave Lightly
- Refillable toiletry bottles (avoid single-use plastics)
- Reusable shopping bag (for souk purchases)
- Biodegradable soap (if desert camping)
- Carbon-offset your flight via Gold Standard
Egypt banned single-use plastics in protected areas in 2023—bring your own bottle
10. Final Checklist: Your 2025 Egypt Packing Summary
✅ Documents: Passport, e-visa, insurance, ID copies
✅ Clothing: Modest, season-appropriate, layered
✅ Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes + sandals
✅ Health: First-aid kit, prescriptions, sunscreen
✅ Tech: Adapter, power bank, local SIM
✅ Cultural: Scarf, modest swimwear (for Red Sea), respectful attitude
Conclusion: Pack with Purpose, Travel with Presence
Knowing what to pack for Egypt in 2025 isn’t about checking boxes—it’s about preparing your body, mind, and spirit for a land that rewards the thoughtful traveler. Every item you choose should serve a purpose: protection from the sun, respect for tradition, readiness for connection.
When you arrive in Cairo or Luxor with a bag that reflects awareness—not excess—you’re not just a tourist. You’re a guest. And in Egypt, guests are treated like family.
So pack light, pack smart, and leave room in your suitcase—and your heart—for the souvenirs that matter most: stories, silence, and the golden dust of eternity.
Trusted 2025 Resources
- Egyptian Ministry of Health – Traveler Health Guidelines:
https://www.mohp.gov.eg - U.S. CDC – Egypt Travel Health Notice:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/egypt - Egypt e-Visa Portal:
https://visa2egypt.gov.eg - Lonely Planet – Egypt 2025 Edition:
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/egypt
Last Updated: November 2025. Always verify entry requirements before travel.