How to Dress for a Trip to Egypt
One of the things not to do in Egypt is to visit the country without understanding the dress code expectations!
One of the things not to do in Egypt is to visit the country without understanding the dress code expectations! While seasons and weather conditions dictate how we dress, the rules for visiting places of worship are equally essential to consider. Local customs and appropriate attire: here's how to dress in Egypt – for women and men.
How to Dress in Egypt?
To visit a place of worship or sacred site
The Pyramids
Whether male or female, it is mandatory to cover your legs and shoulders fully when visiting the pyramids. In summer, always keep lightweight trousers (easy to transport) and a shawl in your bag, so you can change if needed – and adapt to the entrance rules of these monuments, both historic and sacred, such as the Giza Plateau.
Mosques
Égypte is a Muslim country where mosques form part of the cultural heritage. Admired for their architectural beauty, they attract many visitors each day: it's important to remember that these buildings are primarily intended for the faithful.
During your visit, you must cover your legs and shoulders and, if you are a woman, preferably conceal your hair beneath a veil (this is not obligatory for non-Muslim women, but it is recommended as it is perceived as a sign of respect).
Note also that it is mandatory to remove your shoes at the entrance of a mosque. So, if you plan to visit several during a single day, choose shoes that are easy to take off!
To explore the city or dine at a restaurant
City walks also require appropriate attire. While it's possible to dress "Western-style" (jeans, t-shirts, tank tops, etc.), shorts and bermudas are, once again, best avoided, even in major cities. These are, however, tolerated in coastal towns by the seaside.
For a Nile cruise?
How to dress during a Nile cruise is also a question to consider before boarding... Multiple criteria should guide your outfit choice:
- Temperature variations aboard a boat are significant. During the day it can be very hot. T-shirts and bermudas are permitted for a cruise. In the evening, temperatures can drop considerably. Remember to bring a cardigan.
- Dining at the restaurant: if you dine onboard, it is recommended to wear elegant attire. Women are permitted to wear a dress, provided it is long enough (ankle-length), without a low neckline and not transparent.
How to Dress in Egypt as a Woman?
Wearing a dress in Egypt
As we've seen, a woman must always cover her shoulders and legs in a place of worship. While it's often advised to cover the legs with long trousers for practicality, women also have the right to wear a dress to visit sacred sites, provided it is modest (long, opaque, and without a low neckline), as during a cruise.
Wearing a swimsuit in Egypt
In coastal towns, you'll have the chance to enjoy the beach and take a swim. However, to avoid offending locals and drawing disapproving glances, it's best to wear a discreet swimsuit. Note that this recommendation applies to public beaches. On private beaches or hotel resort pools, bikinis are permitted.
Wearing non-form-fitting clothing
Wearing non-form-fitting clothing means not overly emphasizing feminine curves. However, it's not necessary to wear an extra-large if you normally wear a medium! The key is simply not to attract attention and blend in.
How to Dress in Egypt by Season?
In summer or during extreme heat
In summer, Égypte is known for its scorching temperatures. This is the trickiest season for deciding what to wear (balancing comfort with customs). During extreme heat, opt for breathable fabrics with quick-drying properties – and avoid cotton, which traps perspiration and moisture. Moreover, always have a head covering (essential if you need to queue at the entrance of a monument).
In cool season and evenings
In winter, the Egyptian climate remains mild, with temperatures hovering around 20°C. During this period, the country experiences heavy rainfall and strong wind gusts. So, remember to bring a raincoat or windbreaker.
Regardless of season, Egyptian nights remain cool, with temperatures dropping to 10-15°C, or even 5-7°C in certain regions (even during extreme heat periods).
Climate differences between northern and southern Egypt Be aware that temperatures vary between the north and south of the country. While northern Égypte enjoys a temperate climate (influenced by the Mediterranean), with hot-dry summers and mild-humid winters, the south experiences a Saharan desert climate, where it remains fairly hot year-round. The result? Summer daytime temperatures range around 30-35 degrees in the north and over 40°C in the south, while winter temperatures reach 10-20°C in the north and 20-25°C in the south. |
Frequently asked questions
Shorts are generally discouraged in Egypt, particularly in cities and places of worship. They are, however, tolerated in beach resorts and coastal areas. Aboard a Nile cruise boat, bermudas are permitted during the day.
Non-Muslim women are not required to wear a veil in Egypt. However, when visiting a mosque, it is strongly recommended to cover your hair as a sign of respect. Outside places of worship, no such obligation applies.
To visit the pyramids, both men and women must cover their legs and shoulders. In summer, choose lightweight and breathable fabrics. Also remember a head covering, essential for sun protection, and comfortable shoes for walking on sand.
On deck during the day, t-shirts and bermudas are acceptable. In the evening, more elegant attire is appropriate at the boat's restaurant. For women, a long, opaque dress without a low neckline is ideal. Also pack a cardigan as temperatures drop at night.
In winter, daytime temperatures hover around 20°C but can drop to 10°C at night, even lower in the south. Pack a raincoat or windbreaker to handle rainfall and wind gusts, as well as a lightweight sweater for evenings.
