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Where to go in February: the best places to visit February can be boiled down to one question: where is it hot? But that's only half the story. Yes, plenty of places in February mean sunshine, warm seas, and an escape from the British winter. But it can also be an extraordinary month for wildlife, festivals, food, hiking, cultural experiences and landscapes that look completely different at other times of year. In Tanzania, February means wildebeest calves arriving on the short-grass plains of the southern Serengeti. In India, Rajasthan is alive with festivals and the weather is ideal for exploring. In the Galápagos, warm seas and nesting wildlife make getting into the water particularly exciting. And in Chile, long summer days open up some of the world's most spectacular landscapes, though it's also one of its busiest periods. So rather than asking simply “Where is it hot in February?”, we asked our destination experts: What is actually worth travelling for in February? Here are the places they'd be talking to you about. These are our top picks on where to go in February Tanzania: February is all about the babies Best for: wildlife, safari and seeing the Great Migration differently If your idea of an unforgettable February involves thousands of wildebeest calves taking their first tentative steps across the Serengeti, Tanzania deserves serious consideration. February is calving season in the southern Serengeti , when huge herds gather across the short-grass plains and thousands of calves are born over a concentrated period. And where there are young animals, predators follow. The landscape is green following the earlier rains, the weather is warm, showers are possible, and game drives can be wonderfully dramatic from first light through to dusk. Our Tanzania expert Cat often reminds clients: Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => The migration is year-round; it’s about being in the right place. [name] => Catherine Williams [location] => HA Destination Manager, Tanzania. [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ The migration is year-round; it’s about being in the right place. Catherine Williams HA Destination Manager, Tanzania. ” February brilliantly illustrates exactly what she means. This isn’t really about seeing one big event and moving on. It’s more about sitting quietly in the jeep, taking your time, and watching life on the plains go on around you. You might spot newborn animals finding their feet, predators on the lookout, or herds moving across the grasslands. There can also be fewer visitors here than during the famous river-crossing months later in the year, making the experience feel particularly focused on the wildlife itself. Cat’s advice: if the wildlife is the reason you're going to Tanzania, don't build your itinerary around the dates you've seen on a migration calendar. Build it around where the animals are likely to be; in this case, that's where specialist knowledge really matters, letting you time and plan perfectly. A herd of wildebeests taken by Alex, Tanzania. Uganda: gorillas, chimpanzees and a quieter February Best for: gorilla trekking, chimpanzees and wildlife Uganda is another fascinating option for February, particularly if your idea of a holiday involves getting properly into the wilderness. February falls within Uganda's short dry season, making conditions more comfortable for gorilla and chimpanzee trekking as well as other wildlife experiences. It is also before the main June peak, so February can offer a quieter experience. And this is where Uganda differs from a traditional beach-led February escape. You're not travelling simply for the weather. You're travelling for the thrill of spending time in the forest, searching for wild mountain gorillas or chimpanzees. You can’t do that just anywhere. Gorilla trekking in Uganda. Sri Lanka: one country, several completely different holidays Best for: beaches, wildlife, tea country, culture and food February is one of our Sri Lanka experts' favourite months for designing trips because so much of the country can work beautifully at the same time. On the south and west coasts, expect long sunny days, calm seas and temperatures in the high-20s to low-30s°C. Galle, Bentota and Mirissa are all well placed for beach time. But don't just stop there, head inland for a completely different side of Sri Lanka. The Hill Country is cooler and clearer, making February a lovely time for the famous train journey through the tea hills between Kandy and Ella, walks through tea estates and long views across the mountains without the mist and heavy rain that can affect other seasons. Further north, the Cultural Triangle brings ancient temples, rock fortresses and archaeological sites into the mix, while national parks in the south and centre offer opportunities for elephant and leopard sightings. So you can genuinely build a February trip around culture → tea country → wildlife → beach, without constantly fighting the weather. Dawn's favourite Sri Lanka experiences: Our Sri Lanka expert Dawn has visited Gal Oya many times and is particularly impressed by experiences that connect travellers with the people and landscape. One is a cultural experience with the local Veddah community. It starts with a ceremony, followed by a walk with members of the Veddah community, visiting their cultural centre and homes before walking through plantations and learning about the plants and their traditional healing properties. Her Gal Oya boat safari was another standout. She saw 15 elephants, including one swimming elephant, along with abundant birdlife. Dawn’s tip? Go in the afternoon. The later departure lets you finish the experience on an island at sunset, with tea and a homemade treat. That is the kind of February Sri Lanka experience we love: not just “sunny beach”, but a whole collection of landscapes and encounters that happen to work beautifully in the same month. A quick note on February 2027. February is a wonderful time to experience Sri Lanka, but February 2027 is already reaching capacity in some of the places we’d recommend. If you’re set on travelling in February, we’d be very happy to start planning ahead for February 2028 instead. Otherwise, March onwards is a great alternative and gives you more flexibility for availability and itinerary planning. HA's specialist Dawn on the Gal Oya boat safari. Cambodia: temples, tropical islands and a little more heat Best for: history, food, family adventures and beaches February is firmly in Cambodia's dry, high season, and the country is beginning to warm up. Our specialist Fenton recently returned to Cambodia and this time travelled around the country with his wife and two young children, and his biggest piece of advice is not to think of Cambodia as somewhere you simply tag onto a Thailand or Vietnam holiday. He has seen the famous temples of Angkor Wat, travelled through Battambang, Kampot, Kep and Kampong Chhnang, spent time in Phnom Penh and relaxed on Koh Rong. Cambodia's variety is the best part! Fenton's favourite Cambodia itinerary: In Siem Reap, Fenton's family met the Hero Rats of APOPO, trained to detect landmines, and visited elephants in the countryside around Kulen Mountain. Importantly, the elephant experience involved walking alongside the animals, preparing and feeding them, not riding them. Then there were Cambodia's beaches. Fenton describes The Royal Sands on Koh Rong as: Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => A genuine paradise: white sand, turquoise water and exceptional service. It's not the cheapest option on the island, but it delivered a level of detail and service that made it worth the spend. [name] => Fenton [location] => HA Destination Manager, Cambodia. [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ A genuine paradise: white sand, turquoise water and exceptional service. It's not the cheapest option on the island, but it delivered a level of detail and service that made it worth the spend. Fenton HA Destination Manager, Cambodia. ” And Cambodia's food deserves more attention than it gets. Fenton's wife loved the Fish Amok, while his own favourite was Beef Lok Lak with pepper and citrus sauce. Purposeful experiences in Cambodia: One of the most interesting places Fenton visited was Farmhouse by Smiling Gecko , which combines a luxury countryside stay with a social enterprise. Guests can relax by the pool or enjoy a spa treatment, but can also take excursions that offer insight into the lives of local communities. Some of what you see isn't easy. Fenton specifically noted the reality of garment factories and the difficult circumstances some communities face. But that's also why he felt the experience mattered: money spent there feeds back into the community, while staff receive training and employment opportunities. February is a good time to visit Cambodia, but we'd suggest going beyond Angkor Wat. Give yourself enough time to discover the people, food, countryside and coast that make the country more than a temple stopover. HA's specialist, Fenton, with his daughter visiting the elephants at the bottom of Kulen Mountain. Chile: long summer days from the Atacama to Patagonia Best for: hiking, landscapes, wine, wildlife and adventure February is high summer in Chile , and that means long days and excellent access to the country's extraordinary range of landscapes. In Patagonia, trails are open, boat trips are running, and the days are long enough to make the most of Torres del Paine and the glacier-lined landscapes. Further north, the Atacama is dry and dramatic, with hot days, cool nights and famously clear skies. And around Santiago and the central wine valleys, vineyards are green, and summer is in full swing. There is a catch: February is busy. It's peak holiday season for Chileans too, and some of the country's headline destinations can be crowded. Easter Island is particularly busy around its festival period. So February works particularly well for travellers who want to make the most of the weather and don't mind sharing some of the country's most famous places. Louise's favourite part Our Chile expert Louise travelled the length of the country, self-drove through the Lakes District, explored Chiloé, travelled into Patagonia and finished in the Atacama. One of her most memorable wildlife encounters was a puma in southern Patagonia. At Estancia Cerro Guido, Louise joined the conservation team to track pumas and learn about their work to reduce conflict between wildlife and livestock. After hiking through prickly scrub for a couple of hours, they spotted a female puma just 50–60 metres away. They stayed quietly for a while before leaving her to rest. It's a lovely example of the difference between seeing wildlife and actually understanding the conservation work behind it. As one of our wildlife champions at HA, this is so important to Louise, and these moments hold a very special place in her heart. Don't overlook Puerto Natales Louise also thinks travellers shouldn't treat Puerto Natales as simply a gateway to Torres del Paine. There are quieter experiences around the town, including opportunities to ride with a local gaucho family. And then there's Chiloé Island, which Louise describes as an amazing revelation: easy to reach by car ferry, with colourful villages and beautiful wooden churches along the UNESCO-listed Circuito de Iglesias. One thing to know about February Louise's personal preference is actually the shoulder seasons of October–November or March–April, when you can still get excellent conditions while generally avoiding the busiest period. But if February is your travel window, Chile is at its best; just book early and plan carefully. Taken by HA's Gabs of the Guanaco Crossing in Patagonia. Ecuador & the Galápagos: pack your swimmers! Best for: wildlife, snorkelling, marine life and adventure For February, we'd focus particularly on the Galápagos Islands. This is the warm season, with sea temperatures around 25–27°C, generally calmer conditions and excellent opportunities for snorkelling. The islands are also beautifully green at this time of year, while wildlife activity is fascinating: green turtles are nesting, marine iguanas are breeding, and bird activity is high. There can be short, warm afternoon showers, but they generally don't stop you from getting out and exploring. And if you're combining the Galápagos with mainland Ecuador, there is plenty of scope to build in a very different cultural and landscape experience. Louise's Ecuador tip: don't overlook Quito One property that always stands out on Louise’s Ecuador research trips is Illa Experience in Quito's historic centre. It is exactly the sort of small property that benefits from being experienced in person. The hotel has three levels themed around Ecuador's colonial, republican and contemporary history, with work by Ecuadorian artists throughout. There's even a woodcarver in the entrance hall who guests can meet and try their hand at the craft. Louise also met chef Juan Carlos at the hotel's restaurant, Inés. He trained at El Bulli and served her an excellent Ecuadorian ceviche. There are also local coffee tastings, chocolate experiences and ice-cream making among more than 60 experiences available. Lou’s recommendation: If you're going all the way to Ecuador, don't treat Quito as somewhere to sleep between flights. Give it enough time to experience the city. Taken by HA's Lou at Illa Experience, Quito. Malaysia: February is for food, culture and the west coast February is a particularly interesting time to visit Malaysia’s west coast, with Kuala Lumpur and Penang offering a brilliant mix of food, culture and city life before heading into the rainforest or out to the coast. But one February date is worth knowing: Chinese New Year falls on 6 February, and Ian points out that it can bring larger crowds to the cities. That isn’t necessarily a reason to avoid travelling; quite the opposite if you want to experience Malaysia at its most lively and culturally immersive. Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => If you want to really immerse yourself in the culture, it is a great time to experience the local life, but for a less-crowded vibe, travelling after this will work perfectly. [name] => Ian Lowbridge [location] => HA Destination Manager, Malaysia. [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ If you want to really immerse yourself in the culture, it is a great time to experience the local life, but for a less-crowded vibe, travelling after this will work perfectly. Ian Lowbridge HA Destination Manager, Malaysia. ” If you’d prefer to explore without the additional crowds, Ian recommends travelling after Chinese New Year. It’s a useful distinction when planning a February trip: you can either deliberately time your visit around the celebrations and experience the atmosphere, or travel afterwards for a quieter feel. Eat your way through Kuala Lumpur Our Malaysia expert Ian spent time exploring rainforests, cities, food and the country's less obvious corners. Ian's food recommendations are almost enough to plan a trip around. At Jalan Alor, the street is quiet during the day but transforms at night. It's loud, colourful, chaotic and full of smells: satay, noodles, grilled dishes and all sorts of things you may not immediately recognise. Ian recommends walking through at lunchtime first if you're nervous about the experience. It gives you a chance to get your bearings before returning in the evening when the street really comes alive. And if a full-on hawker market feels intimidating, Lot 10 in Kuala Lumpur is his gentler introduction: similar street-food experience, but air-conditioned and easier to navigate. His top tip is simply to get stuck in. Food centres can feel overwhelming at first, but once you understand how they work, they open up an enormous part of Malaysian culture. Rainforest and a some sighs of relief: Ian has visited different kinds of rainforest areas and finds that each offered something different. Taman Negara Rompin, for example, is a good alternative to the more established rainforest destinations. Think lodge-style accommodation, waterfall walks, boat trips and natural pools rather than a polished five-star resort. He even spotted a flying squirrel on a night walk. For a different end to the trip, Pangkor Laut works beautifully as a few days of relaxation. You reach it by a short boat transfer from the mainland, and it has beachfront restaurants, a pool, and spacious accommodation. Ian's favourite bit? On Friday evenings, the resort puts on a Malaysian street-food-style dinner, with stalls serving curries, roti, fruit and satay. HA's specialist, Ian, in Taman Negara Rompin. Egypt: cooler days for the world's oldest stories Best for: ancient history, food, the Nile and winter sunshine Egypt is another strong February destination because the cooler months are ideal for exploring its archaeological sites without the intense summer heat. Our Egypt expert, Catherine Williams, likes to travel from Cairo down the Nile to Aswan and Luxor, then continue to Hurghada and Alexandria. She’s explored the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx, and visited the Grand Egyptian Museum, Coptic and Islamic Cairo, and the lesser-visited pyramids at Saqqara. Then comes the Nile cruise, visiting Philae, Edfu, Kom Ombo and the temples of Luxor. She’s even taken a hot-air balloon over the West Bank. Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => That’s what I find so fascinating about Egypt. If you look past the famous sights, there’s a lot more to discover. The country has so many layers once you start exploring beyond the obvious [name] => Catherine Williams [location] => HA Destination Manager, Egypt. [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ That’s what I find so fascinating about Egypt. If you look past the famous sights, there’s a lot more to discover. The country has so many layers once you start exploring beyond the obvious Catherine Williams HA Destination Manager, Egypt. ” Cat’s favourite Cairo experience One of her favourite experiences was walking along El Moez Street in historic Cairo. Instead of simply visiting a monument, she found herself walking among locals, passing bazaars and handicraft shops and watching artisans creating their work. These experiences add context to the big-ticket sights. And Cat's favourite meal wasn't particularly elaborate either. In Alexandria, she ate Gambari Maklee, crispy fried shrimp served with pita and tahini. She loved the seafood so much that she said she'd return to Alexandria for it alone. The guide matters Cat's most memorable interaction was with our trusty Cairo guide, Abeer, whose knowledge covered both ancient and modern Egypt. She is a true HA favourite, winning over not just Cat but also our Egypt specialist Ian. Both Cat and Ian also recommend specialised tours, including the Women of Egyptian Food and Shopping experience, which combines Egyptian food with insight into women's roles and changing opportunities within the country. HA's specialist, Cat, in the hot-air balloon over the West Bank. India: festival season in full swing Best for: culture, festivals, wildlife, food and Rajasthan February is high season in India, and for good reason. Across much of the north, the weather is dry and comfortable for sightseeing, while southern India offers warm, lower-humidity conditions. And February brings another reason to travel: festival season. Depending on your itinerary and dates, you may be able to experience events such as the World Sacred Spirit Festival in Jodhpur, the Nagaur Cattle Fair, and the Jaisalmer Desert Festival. Our India expert Clare Burkey has travelled extensively through Rajasthan and Central India, visiting Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Udaipur and Panna National Park. But what stays with her isn’t the monuments. It’s always been the people. She’s spent time with environmentalists, wildlife filmmakers, noble families and even a former street child who became a university student and guide. Clare's Rajasthan: go beyond the obvious One of Clare's favourite discoveries was Ahichatragarh Fort in Nagaur. Rajasthan is hardly short of forts, but Clare was struck by the restoration of this fourth-century site. The gardens and buildings contain 90 functioning fountains, restored as part of the site's conservation work, and the fort hosts the annual World Sacred Spirit Festival. She also loved Sunder Rang, a craft centre in Chandelao where local women create traditional Rajasthani crafts using, in part, waste fabric from city manufacturers. The women work together in a social environment, using techniques including Kantha embroidery, with a proportion of profits going directly to them. The Monkey Train Then there's Clare's wonderfully eccentric recommendation: the Monkey Train. This narrow-gauge railway travels through the Aravalli hills between Marwar and Kamlighat. Clare describes the hour-or-so-long journey as: Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => An immersive glimpse of old India, travelling through forests, gorges and bridges [name] => Clare Burkey [location] => HA Destination Manager, India. [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ An immersive glimpse of old India, travelling through forests, gorges and bridges Clare Burkey HA Destination Manager, India. ” And yes, there really are monkeys waiting at the station. The driver apparently sounds the horn before arriving, and troops of monkeys gather in anticipation. Don't feed them, but do take your camera. Clare's biggest India lesson: Perhaps Clare's most useful advice is: “Less is more.” India is enormous. Trying to squeeze in everything can mean spending much of your holiday in the back of a car. Clare recommends allowing at least two nights in each location where possible, building in downtime and accepting that you may need to save something for your next trip. We couldn't agree more. HA's specialist, Clare, with her family in Rajasthan. South Africa: sunshine, safari and the Cape in February February is a brilliant month for exploring South Africa’s Western and Eastern Cape, with warm, sunny days that make it perfect for combining Cape Town, the Garden Route and a malaria-free safari. For families especially, it’s wonderfully easy to reach from the UK. HA’s South Africa specialist, Kirsty, recently travelled to South Africa with her family and found that the direct overnight flight and little time difference made it possible to leave once school finished and arrive in South Africa the following morning. For a family trip, that makes a big difference, easing some of the planning struggles. Kirsty’s half-term trip showed how well the Cape works as a double-destination holiday, when you can properly make the most of the outdoors: from hiking Lion’s Head and exploring the Cape Peninsula to kayaking, and spending time on the coast around Hermanus. Alternatively, Cat, our South Africa expert, enjoys the other side of Cape Town. Her Natural Wanders walk is a gentler alternative to Lion’s Head, taking around 5km from Signal Hill through the reserve towards Camps Bay, while her Cape Peninsula recommendations include quieter corners such as Olifantsbos, Kalk Bay and Muizenberg. And February isn't just about the coast, of course! This is South Africa, and the Eastern Cape offers the chance to add a malaria-free safari, making the country particularly appealing if you want wildlife without adding a separate tropical-health consideration to a family trip. What makes a South Africa holiday with HA different is the opportunity to go beyond the headline sights, too. The HA team has long recommended experiences with Uthando, which uses tourism to support community-led projects in Cape Town’s townships. For one HA family, our founder, Andy, Rachel, and their daughters- the highlight was connecting with local communities through Uthando and listening to their stories. These stories and conversations brought the country’s history to life and became the most unforgettable part of their holiday, proving that the richest South African holidays are about truly understanding where it is you’re visiting, through, as always, connection. Kirsty's February tip Combine Cape Town and the Western Cape with the Garden Route and a malaria-free safari in the Eastern Cape, rather than trying to cover the whole country. You'll get sunshine, wildlife, scenery and plenty of time to actually enjoy each place. Taken by HA's specialist, Kirsty, with her family in South Africa during the UK's half-term. So, where should you go in February? If you're looking for somewhere warm, you have plenty of options. But February is much more interesting when you start with what you actually want to experience. Would you like to… Watch thousands of wildebeest calves being born? Tanzania . Meet the gorillas and chimpanzees? Uganda . Soak up beaches and tea country, wildlife and culture? Sri Lanka . Visit ancient temples, then white-sand beaches? Cambodia . Experience huge landscapes and long summer days? Chile . Snorkel with wildlife in warm seas? The Galápagos . Enjoy food, rainforest and culture in one trip? Malaysia . Learn ancient history with the winter heat dialled down? Egypt . Celebrate festivals, forts and tiger country? India . Combine city, coast, wine and safari? South Africa. If you find yourself wondering, “Where should I travel in February?” you’re in for a delightful dilemma. February offers some destinations at their best, so the hardest part is often narrowing it down to just one place. That's where our experts come in. They've walked the trails, sat around the campfires, eaten the street food, met the guides, stayed in the hotels, and, crucially, know their countries inside and out, knowing exactly what you’ll like and won't like; they really are that good! Chat with our experts today about what you're thinking for your February getaway, and then they can help you design a unique holiday around just how you like to travel. Holidays at their best this February Thinking about jetting off this February? Chat with one of our experts today to start planning your next getaway this February. ZEN_HOLIDAY_GET_A_QUOTE ZEN_HOLIDAY_TEL ZEN_HOLIDAY_OPEN_HOURS

Egypt works as a holiday destination for most of the year, which is part of what makes it so popular for a first trip to the country. But "most of the year" isn't quite the same as "any time works equally well", and a little planning goes a long way when you're weighing up temples in the midday sun against a winter's day on the Nile. The short version if you're looking for the best time to go to Egypt: The country has one climate that shapes almost everything, hot and dry, with barely any rainfall anywhere you'll go. What changes month to month isn't whether it will rain, but how much heat you'll have to be exploring in. But this is one of those many times when having experts in your corner can really help. Below, our Egypt specialists Ian and Cat talk you through what to expect throughout the year, along with the dates worth building your trip around. When to go to Egypt (at a glance) High season: November to February Cooler days, comfortable evenings, and the best conditions for full days spent at the pyramids, Luxor's temples and the Valley of the Kings. This is also peak season for Nile cruises , so it's worth booking your cabin well ahead. Shoulder season: March to April and September to October Warm, dry and noticeably quieter than winter, with lower rates on Nile cruises and Red Sea hotels. April can bring the occasional dusty khamsin wind; October is one of our favourite months to travel. Low season: May to August Expect serious, serious heat, especially in Upper Egypt. Cairo stays in the low thirties, but Luxor and Aswan regularly push past 40°C. This might just be doable if you're well prepared and plan your days around the heat, (and it is a genuine bargain season thanks to it!), but it's not for everyone. Cat, HA Egypt expert, at the pyramids in Giza, Egypt Key dates to plan around Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. As with any Muslim-majority country, Ramadan changes the daily rhythm of things. Some restaurants close during daylight hours, and many of the big site opening times can shift around. Ramadan moves back roughly 11 days every year; in 2027, Ramadan is expected to run from early February to early March, with Eid al-Fitr around 9 March. Your Egypt specialist will always flag if your dates overlap and help you plan around it. The Abu Simbel Sun Festival, 22 February and 22 October. Twice a year, the sunrise aligns perfectly through the temple to illuminate the statues in the inner sanctuary, a moment the temple's original architects engineered more than 3,000 years ago. Both dates draw crowds, so if you want to see it, build your itinerary around it deliberately rather than by accident. Coptic Christmas, 7 January. A significant date for Egypt's Coptic Christian community, with celebrations particularly visible in Cairo. Sham el-Nessim, the Monday after Coptic Easter (usually April or early May). A national spring holiday when Egyptian families head outdoors for picnics. Popular sites and parks get busy, though it rarely affects the main tourist trail. Karnak Temple at sunset, Luxor, Egypt Egypt month by month January in Egypt One of the most comfortable months to travel. Cairo sits in the high teens to low twenties, with cooler evenings, especially by the Nile. Ideal for full days on your feet at Giza, Saqqara and the Grand Egyptian Museum without the summer heat to contend with. It's also peak Nile cruise season, so book your cabin early. February in Egypt Similar to January, and warming slightly, with lovely conditions right across the country. The Abu Simbel Sun Festival falls on 22 February, one of the two days a year worth planning your trip around if that's on your list. Hot air balloons float in the sky over the Nile, Egypt March in Egypt Still a comfortable time to explore, though temperatures start climbing, particularly in Luxor and Aswan. The occasional khamsin, a hot, dusty wind that can roll in from the desert, is more likely from March onwards, though it rarely lasts more than a day or two. April in Egypt A lovely shoulder-season month: warm, dry, and quieter than the winter peak, with prices to match. Sham el-Nessim usually falls in April, bringing a burst of local outdoor celebration. May in Egypt Heat starts to build properly. Cairo is comfortably in the low thirties, while Luxor and Aswan push towards 40°C. Early starts to beat the midday heat are essential from here through to September, but May remains a good-value time to travel if you're prepared for it. June to August in Egypt The heart of Egypt's low season, and for good reason. Upper Egypt regularly sees temperatures above 40°C, with Luxor and Aswan the most extreme. This is when we build itineraries very deliberately around the heat: temple visits at first light, Nile cruises for the shade and breeze on deck, air-conditioned transfers, and a proper break in the middle of the day. If you can handle serious heat, this is when Egypt is at its quietest and least expensive, but it isn't the season we'd recommend for a first visit. Ian at Hatshepsut Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => This really is us speaking from experience. I went in June and almost melted from the heat, we can really do better for your holidays than that! [name] => Ian [location] => HA Egypt Destination Manager [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ This really is us speaking from experience. I went in June and almost melted from the heat, we can really do better for your holidays than that! Ian HA Egypt Destination Manager ” September in Egypt Still hot, but the intensity of high summer starts to ease by the second half of the month, especially further north. A good time to catch lower rates before the winter crowds return. October in Egypt One of our favourite months to recommend. The heat has properly broken, the sites are less busy than in the depths of winter, and the Abu Simbel Sun Festival returns on 22 October. Ian, HA Egypt expert, at Abu Simbel November in Egypt Genuinely excellent conditions almost everywhere, and the start of peak Nile cruise season. Warm, sunny days and cool evenings make this a favourite month for both first-timers and repeat visitors. Cat about to take to the skies in a hot air balloon, Egypt Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => When I was in Egypt in November, I included a hot air balloon ride over Hatshepsut Temple in Luxor. This was a real highlight: enjoying the calm of the morning and experiencing the spectacle of hundreds of balloons in the air really is the perfect scene. [name] => Cat [location] => HA Egypt Destination Manager [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ When I was in Egypt in November, I included a hot air balloon ride over Hatshepsut Temple in Luxor. This was a real highlight: enjoying the calm of the morning and experiencing the spectacle of hundreds of balloons in the air really is the perfect scene. Cat HA Egypt Destination Manager ” December in Egypt Similar to November and just as popular, with the added pull of Christmas and New Year. Book well ahead if your dates fall over the holidays, as this is one of the busiest windows of the year and we'd hate for you to miss out on the best accommodation and experiences for you. Don't forget the Red Sea If you’d love your Egypt holiday to include a few days by the water in Hurghada or on the Sinai coast, the best time to visit shifts slightly. The Red Sea stays swimmable and warm for most of the year, and spring and autumn bring the most comfortable combination of warm water and bearable land temperatures for diving and snorkelling. Winter is still lovely, if a touch cooler and occasionally breezier; high summer is hot wherever you go, but the sea itself is glorious. Ian at the pyramids, Giza Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => Sipping on a beer and reading my book by the Red Sea whilst the sun went down was such a highlight of my last visit. Follow that up with dinner at the Movenpick Quseir, and evenings don’t get better than that. [name] => Ian [location] => HA Egypt Destination Manager [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ Sipping on a beer and reading my book by the Red Sea whilst the sun went down was such a highlight of my last visit. Follow that up with dinner at the Movenpick Quseir, and evenings don’t get better than that. Ian HA Egypt Destination Manager ” Ready to plan your Egypt holiday? However you're picturing your trip, whether that's sailing the Nile at sunset, standing inside a 3,000-year-old tomb, or timing your visit to catch Abu Simbel's sunrise, our Egypt specialists Ian and Cat can help you build it around the season that suits you best. Speak to one of our destination experts to start planning your tailor-made Egypt holiday. Egypt holidays we recommend Tempted by an Egypt holiday? ZEN_HOLIDAY_SPEAK_TO_SPECIALIST ZEN_HOLIDAY_GET_A_QUOTE ZEN_HOLIDAY_TEL ZEN_HOLIDAY_OPEN_HOURS

People often think ancient Egypt is mysterious because so much is unknown. In reality, even after thousands of years (4,500 to be exact) of digging and discussion, there’s still a lot we haven’t figured out. How did they move stone weighing several tonnes across the desert with such astonishing precision? Why put so much effort into building for the afterlife? What was behind the careful alignment of temples with the sun? And even now, why do these places still make such an impression on us when we visit? With every discovery, the story of Ancient Egypt gets even more interesting. Some questions have been answered, but plenty are still up for debate. What we thought we knew as factual a generation ago has often changed as new finds come to light. Our specialist, Ian, admitted that when he first visited Egypt, he went expecting to be wowed by the big names: the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings, Luxor Temple, Abu Simbel, etc. Which of course do impress him with every visit. But instead, he says, "I realised I didn't know anywhere near as much as I thought I did. The deeper and further you dig into Egypt and its history, the more fascinating it becomes." Below, we explore some of the ideas that shaped one of history's most extraordinary civilisations, and what it's really like to stand in these places today. The pyramids weren't built overnight When most people think of ancient Egypt, they picture the Great Pyramid of Giza. It's one of the world's most recognisable landmarks. “Back when I first visited Egypt, one of the biggest surprises for me was realising just how many pyramids there are. Most people think of Giza, but there are more than 100 pyramids across Egypt.” -Ian . Before the famous pyramids, Egyptian rulers were buried in simple mudbrick tombs called mastabas. Then, around 2670 BC, the architect Imhotep designed something completely new: the Step Pyramid at Saqqara, now considered the world's first monumental stone building. Far from being a failure, it's one of archaeology's greatest lessons in problem-solving. Over the following decades, the Egyptians refined their designs. The Bent Pyramid shows where they adapted their plans during construction, while the Red Pyramid became the first successful smooth-sided pyramid. Only after centuries of learning did they build the Great Pyramid at Giza. "Visiting Saqqara first completely changes your perspective. You suddenly understand how the pyramids evolved, so by the time you reach Giza, you appreciate it on a completely different level." HA expert Ian in front of the Step Pyramid, Saqqara Top tips for visiting the pyramids Ian always recommends visiting both Saqqara and Giza if your itinerary allows. Seeing where pyramid building began feels like a natural way to kick things off. We arrange a guide and buggy for all our clients, so there's no need to worry about navigating the sites or the logistics. Your guide handles all of that, and the buggy does make it easier to move between the monuments in the heat. Speaking of the heat, don't underestimate it. There is very little shade around the pyramids, so pack a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water. Thankfully, your buggy is stocked with refreshments throughout the visit, though, which is helpful. Pyramids and Ancient Egyptian beliefs To the Ancient Egyptians, death was simply the next stage of the journey. They believed different parts of the soul would continue into the afterlife, and that the pyramids were built for that purpose. "One thing that makes sense of this for me is the Grand Egyptian Museum . You expect to see Tutankhamun's famous gold mask, but the sheer scale of everything there is mind-blowing." A pyramid for each Egyptian pharaoh, or occasionally a royal queen, was built and filled with anything they may need in the afterlife. "You see jewellery (the gold and the jewels are like nothing I have ever seen!), furniture, statues and even enormous boats that were buried alongside the pharaohs. They absolutely intended to need and use all of this in the afterlife. The Egyptians took the planning of their eternity very seriously.” The solid gold funerary mask of Tutankhamun, Grand Egyptian Museum, taken by Egypt expert Ian Advice when visiting the Grand Egyptian Museum Ian recommends allowing more time than you think you'll need. The Grand Egyptian Museum is enormous, and it's impossible to see everything in one visit. Rather than rushing through every gallery, focus on a few highlights and give yourself the time to learn the stories behind them. The vast collection of beautiful artefacts gives such a fascinating glimpse into everyday life over 3,000 years ago. Grand Egyptian Museum The sun and the stars We see the sun come up in the east and set in the west every day, and most of us barely give it a second thought. For the Ancient Egyptians, though, this daily journey was at the heart of how they understood the world. They believed the sun god Ra travelled across the sky each day before journeying through the underworld each night, only to be reborn at dawn. It became a powerful symbol of renewal, helping shape their understanding of life, death and the afterlife. You can still see those beliefs reflected across Egypt today. Many temples were carefully aligned with the rising or setting sun, while royal tombs were often built on the west bank of the Nile, where the sun disappeared each evening. The more you learn, the more you notice these connections. “One beautiful evening on my latest trip, just as the sun was beginning to set, I took the time to do a bit of a deeper dive into Ancient Egyptian beliefs. And as I watched the sunset, it struck me how much this daily ritual shaped their ideas about life and the afterlife. It’s easy to see why the journey of the sun meant so much to them.” The sunset on the Nile cruise taken by HA Egypt expert Ian A must-do experience in Egypt: A Nile cruise For Ian, travelling by boat is one of the best ways to experience Egypt. Not only is it a relaxing way to travel between sites, but it also gives you time to absorb everything you've seen during the day. Some of the most memorable moments aren't in the temples themselves, but watching life along the Nile from the deck of the boat. "One of my favourite things to do was sit on the balcony of my Nile cruise, watching the sunset". A bit of advice: We know it can seem a little overwhelming when booking your Nile cruise, with so many options and ways to do it. But between Cat and Ian, they have done enough of them to know exactly what direction to point you in, centring it around exactly what you like and how you like to travel. They also recommend jumping on your Nile cruise arrangements as soon as possible, as they can get booked up very quickly, even quite far in advance. November is peak season for Nile cruises; this is touched on a little more in this article . Colourful Egyptian tombs It's something that catches almost everyone by surprise. After thousands of years, many of Egypt's tombs still contain vivid blues, reds, yellows and greens that look remarkably fresh. Many of the tombs have remained sealed for centuries, protecting the artwork from sunlight, wind and rain. "Walking into some of the tombs, you won't believe how vibrant the colours still are. You expect everything to be faded, but in places it looks like it was painted yesterday." The paintings tell stories, depicting scenes of everyday life, religious ceremonies, or journeys into the afterlife. Colours were chosen carefully, too (in classic ancient Egyptian style, each colour has meaning), with different shades representing ideas such as rebirth, fertility, or divine power. "Having a guide explain what you're actually looking at makes such a difference. This way you can really understand the stories, instead of simply enjoying the pictures covering the wall." The vivid interior of the tomb of Ramesses IV, Valley of the Kings, taken by Egypt expert Ian Visiting the tombs Photography rules vary by site, so it's worth checking before you visit. More importantly, take your time. It's easy to focus on the incredible architecture, but some of Egypt's greatest masterpieces are found on the walls inside the tombs. You don’t want to miss them! Why is the Valley of the Kings hidden? The pyramids were designed to be seen, and the Valley of the Kings was designed to disappear. After centuries of building enormous pyramids, pharaohs realised that the bigger the monument, the more attention it attracted from tomb robbers. So, instead of building upwards, they began carving elaborate tombs deep into the desert cliffs near Luxor. "I absolutely love the Valley of the Kings. From the outside it looks almost barren, then you walk underground and discover these incredible chambers covered in artwork." The entrances were deliberately hidden, while the surrounding mountains provided natural protection. It was a completely different approach, but the goal remained the same: to protect the pharaoh and everything they would need for eternity. Today, more than 60 royal tombs have been discovered here, including Tutankhamun's. "It's another place where having a guide completely changes the experience. Without someone explaining what you're seeing, it's easy to miss just how significant it all is." Hidden tombs, Valley of the Queens, taken by HA Egypt expert Ian Advice when visiting the Valley of the Kings Temperatures rise quickly here, too, so early morning visits are ideal. Your guide will also help you choose which tombs to visit, as not all are open at the same time and some require separate tickets. Every year, archaeologists uncover new tombs, inscriptions and artefacts that add another piece to the puzzle. Some discoveries answer long-standing questions, while others create entirely new ones. "Every time I come home from Egypt, I feel like I've only scratched the surface." The monuments are extraordinary, the temples are breathtaking, and the history is unlike anywhere else on Earth. As Ian has discovered, the deeper you go into Egypt, the more compelling it becomes. "That's what keeps drawing people back. Egypt isn't somewhere you visit once and feel you've done. There's always another story or something new to learn." If you’re ready for your deep dive into ancient Egypt, chat to our experts Ian or Cat today to design your tailor-made Egypt itinerary. Fascinated by ancient Egypt? Chat to our expert, Ian, today to learn about the mysteries of ancient Egypt for yourself. ZEN_HOLIDAY_GET_A_QUOTE ZEN_HOLIDAY_TEL ZEN_HOLIDAY_OPEN_HOURS