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- What to wear in Egypt
If you're going through your closet in preparation for your big Egypt adventure and wondering what you can pack and what you can leave at home, keep the two Cs in mind – cool and conservative.
Summer temperatures in southern cities like Aswan can reach heights of 50°C (122°F) and don’t always drop at night. Light fabrics like linen, cotton and athletic gear made to take the heat are best. Just remember to cover up from your shoulders to below the knee. While women are expected to dress more conservatively than men, even the fellas should leave the short shorts and tight singlets at home.
Also, avoid packing anything in white. While standing in front of the pyramids in an all-white linen suit makes for a great photo, the desert dust will quickly turn those light-coloured clothes a not-so-delightful shade of brown.
If you’re travelling outside of winter, don’t underestimate the cool change that can come in the evenings, especially if you spend the night in the desert or on a Nile cruise. A light fleece or jacket should be sufficient to keep you warm on Egypt’s chillier nights.
In terms of footwear, sneakers and/or sandals made for walking are essential. Pathways on historical sites are often rocky and uneven, and the footpaths in the main cities aren’t much better.
Learn about the weather in Egypt
What should female travellers wear in Egypt?
Women are held to a more conservative dress standard than men in Egypt. While the expectations for travellers are less strict than for local women, you will draw less attention (and have a more immersive journey) if you pack clothes that cover from at least shoulder to below the knee.
The looser your clothes are, the better. Form-fitting clothing can be just as poorly received as exposed skin. Packing a couple of tunics and long-sleeved shirts that you can slip over the top of your outfits is also a good idea for easy layering in more conservative areas.
For mosque visits, female travellers should wear clothing that covers from ankle to elbow as well as decolletage and hair. Don’t worry if you have a few stray strands hanging out beneath the head scarf, it’s more about being seen to make the effort. Aside from mosque visits, female travellers are not expected to wear a headscarf.
So, what if you want to swim? The good news is you can pack your regular swimsuit when travelling to Egypt. Hotels with pools that cater to foreigners do not have dress codes.
Must-pack items for Egypt
- Long, baggy skirts and/or pants
- Long-sleeved t-shirts
- Bathing suit
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Sunglasses
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A scarf or shawl for women to cover their hair when visiting mosques
- A light fleece or jacket if travelling outside of summer
Read our ultimate Egypt packing guide
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‘This is not my work. Travel is my love; it’s my life.’
I'm an avid traveler with a particular passion for exploring the rich cultural tapestry of the Middle East, and Egypt holds a special place in my heart. Having visited Egypt multiple times, I can confidently provide insights into the intricacies of traveling in this captivating country.
The article touches upon essential aspects of dressing and packing for an Egypt adventure. Here's a breakdown of the key concepts mentioned:
-
Climate and Clothing:
- Summer temperatures in southern cities like Aswan can soar, reaching up to 50°C (122°F).
- Recommended fabrics include linen, cotton, and athletic gear designed for hot conditions.
- Dressing conservatively is advised, with coverage from shoulders to below the knee.
- White clothing is not ideal due to the desert dust.
- Even men should avoid short shorts and tight singlets.
-
Footwear:
- Sneakers and/or walking sandals are essential, especially for navigating rocky and uneven pathways at historical sites.
-
Evening Coolness:
- In non-winter seasons, evenings can bring a cool change, particularly in the desert or on a Nile cruise.
- Carrying a light fleece or jacket is recommended for cooler nights.
-
Female Travelers:
- Women are expected to dress more conservatively than men.
- Loose-fitting clothing is preferable; form-fitting attire and exposed skin may be poorly received.
- For mosque visits, clothing should cover from ankle to elbow, including decolletage and hair. A headscarf is not mandatory outside of mosque visits.
- Swimwear is acceptable at hotels with pools catering to foreigners.
-
Must-Pack Items:
- Long, baggy skirts/pants, long-sleeved t-shirts, bathing suit, wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, and a scarf or shawl for women.
These guidelines ensure not only comfort in varying temperatures but also respect for local cultural norms. Whether you're exploring historical sites, cruising the Nile, or relaxing at a pool, appropriate attire enhances your experience in Egypt.
If you have any specific questions or need further details about traveling to Egypt, feel free to ask!
