Packing for Egypt can be a bit daunting. For one, there is the weather. Especially in the summer when it gets really hot. The other is the cultural aspect. Egypt is a relatively conservative country and it is important to dress accordingly. Then there is also the different types of sites you may be visiting in Egypt. From the Pyramids to the Red Sea, Egypt has a variety of things to do which means you have to pack for all of these activities. This post covers what to pack and what to wear in Egypt in the Summer.
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How to Dress in Egypt
When I am at home, I generally really don’t like being told what to wear nor do I like to tell others what to wear either. However, I do recognize that when I am in another country that has different cultural norms to mine that I need to follow them. Not only is this showing respect to the culture but it also makes a huge difference in your overall trip experience as well.
If you like this philosophy, a good rule to follow for Egypt is to cover your shoulders and knees and to make sure your clothes are not fully transparent.
Dressing for the Weather
Day time temperatures in Egypt in the summer can reach 40+ degrees Celsius. I remember looking at my phone the first day and it was 43C/110F. It was so hot that I sometimes dreaded going out during the day. Luckily we had a lot of outings that were either early morning or late evening. Pack lightweight, flowing, cotton and linen options for this trip! Skip the silks, denim, wool or anything too hot or too heavy.
Dressing for the Location/Activity
Depending on what tour you do, you may be also taking a Nile Cruise or a trip to a resort in Hurghada. As a general rule, dress conservatively to any place that is not your accommodation (i.e. Nile cruise or resort). In other words cover up when you go to an ancient site or anywhere in Cairo, especially the market in Cairo.
So what can you wear to a Nile Cruise or Resort in Egypt? It’s a lot more relaxed. Shorts, swimsuits and resort wear is completely accepted.
What to Pack for Egypt
I am not going to specify a quantity as it may depend on how many days you are touring Egypt. But this is the general list of what to pack and wear in Egypt.
Clothes
- Dresses – I love these midi, cotton, super lightweight but not transparent, flowy dresses from Amazon. They are very colorful and extremely comfortable
- Midi Skirt
- Leggings and pants – one each should be good for most trip durations. Skip the jeans, especially in the summer
- Shorts for the resort
- T-shirts and tops – a few to mix and match with your skirt and pants. Just remember to bring ones with sleeves
- A scarf
- Closed shoes – if you’re like me and hate getting sand in your feet (and socks to go with them)
- One pair of sandals – bring the type that can be washed or won’t get ruined for the dust
- Flip flops
- Swimsuit and cover up
- Underwear
- Sleep clothes – like shorts or light pajamas and a top or two
Other Must Packs
- A hat
- Cross bodied bag to carry daily
- Sunglasses
- Inflatable pillow for long rides
- Adapter for electronics
- Camera and equipment like charges and extra batteries – see my camera gear HERE
- Some sort of waterproof camera – like a GoPro if you have one OR simply your smartphone with a waterproof casing The Red Sea has some of the best underwater sites in the world!
- External battery packs
- Small quick drying towel
- Medicine – especially stomach pain relief
Toiletries
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Facewash
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen and lotion
- Travel size shampoo and body wash
- Wet wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Bug spray
- Disposable toilet paper
- Contact lenses and solution if you wear them
Travel Documents
- Passport
- Photocopy of your passport just in case
- Travel insurance
- Credit and debit card
- US Dollars if you eligible for a visa on arrival (read more in my post – must know things about visiting Egypt)
The One Thing I Never Pack Without
- Packing cubes!!! – like these from Amazon. They seriously help me stay organized and they are a huge space saver! See this post on how to use them!
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So you know what to pack now, but there’s still more to know ahead of your visit. Click HERE or below for must know things about visiting Egypt!
How do you make sure you are not missing the most important sites in Egypt? Click HERE or below to find out!
4 comments
Tks !!!!
You’re welcome!
Great tips regrading packaging. You provided the best information which helps us a lot. Thanks for sharing the wonderful information.
Thank you very much! Glad it was helpful!