Egypt spans Mediterranean coast, Saharan desert, and Red Sea shores. The Nile River creates a narrow fertile corridor through otherwise arid terrain. Cairo sits at approximately 30°N latitude. The Western Desert covers two-thirds of Egyptian territory. The Sinai Peninsula bridges Africa and Asia. These geographical facts determine what belongs in luggage.
**Climate Ranges**
Alexandria receives 200 millimeters of rain annually, concentrated November through March. Cairo receives 25 millimeters. Aswan receives effectively zero. Mediterranean Egypt experiences winter lows near 10°C and summer highs near 30°C. Cairo winter lows reach 9°C, summer highs exceed 35°C. Upper Egypt around Luxor and Aswan sees winter lows near 8°C and summer highs reaching 42°C. The Red Sea coast at Sharm el-Sheikh maintains year-round warmth with winter lows near 15°C and summer highs near 37°C. Desert areas including the Western Desert and Sinai interior experience temperature swings exceeding 20°C between day and night. These ranges create different packing requirements depending on season and destination within Egypt.
**Clothing for Religious Sites**
The Karnak Temple Complex permits visitors in standard tourist clothing. Abu Simbel requires no specific dress code. Saqqara and the Valley of the Kings operate as open-air archaeological sites without clothing restrictions. Active mosques including Al-Azhar Mosque and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali at the Cairo Citadel require covering shoulders and legs for both men and women. Women must cover hair with a scarf. The Hanging Church and other Coptic Christian sites request modest dress but do not mandate head covering. Islamic Cairo contains numerous functioning mosques among medieval architecture. A lightweight long-sleeved shirt and long pants or ankle-length skirt serve these requirements without adding luggage weight. A large scarf measuring at least 100 centimeters square covers hair and shoulders. These items also provide sun protection at open archaeological sites.
**Sun Protection Infrastructure**
The Great Pyramid of Giza offers no shade. The Sphinx sits on an exposed plateau. Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple Complex contain some covered colonnades but primarily consist of open courts. The Valley of the Kings provides no shade between tomb entrances. Abu Simbel faces full sun exposure. Desert sites including the White Desert near Farafra and Siwa Oasis offer no natural shade. Red Sea beaches at Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh provide rental umbrellas at resort areas but not at public access points. Ras Muhammad National Park maintains minimal visitor infrastructure. Wide-brimmed hats protect neck and ears where sunscreen application is impractical. A hat with at least 8-centimeter brim provides measurable protection. Tightly woven fabric blocks more UV than loose weave. Sunglasses require UV400 rating to block ultraviolet A and B wavelengths. Wraparound styles prevent exposure from sides. Sunscreen should offer SPF 30 minimum with broad-spectrum coverage. Egypt's latitude creates year-round UV index above 6 from March through October.
**Footwear for Archaeological Sites**
The Giza plateau consists of limestone bedrock, sand, and gravel. Saqqara contains similar surfaces plus uneven stone pavings around the Step Pyramid of Djoser. Karnak Temple Complex and Luxor Temple feature ancient paving stones worn smooth and uneven from millennia of foot traffic. The Valley of the Kings requires walking on packed dirt paths and stone steps inside tombs. Abu Simbel involves climbing stairs cut into rock. The Egyptian Museum in Cairo and the Grand Egyptian Museum near Giza have polished floors requiring hours of standing. The Khan el-Khalili bazaar in Cairo consists of narrow stone alleys. Closed-toe shoes with thick rubber soles prevent stone bruising. Athletic shoes or hiking shoes with ankle support reduce fatigue during multi-hour site visits. Leather or synthetic uppers withstand abrasion better than canvas. Sandals expose feet to sharp stones and sand that reaches temperatures exceeding 50°C on summer afternoons. Reef shoes serve for Red Sea swimming and snorkeling at Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, and Hurghada where coral and sea urchins present hazards.
**Respiratory Considerations**
Cairo ranks among the world's most polluted cities. The World Health Organization monitoring indicates PM2.5 particulate concentrations regularly exceed 100 micrograms per cubic meter, multiple times above recommended levels. Desert winds carry sand during khamsin season from March through May. The Western Desert and Eastern Desert produce dust storms that reduce visibility in Cairo and along the Nile Valley. Individuals with asthma or chronic respiratory conditions should consult their physician regarding travel to Egypt. Disposable N95 or FFP2 masks filter particulates more effectively than cloth or surgical masks. Air quality monitoring apps provide real-time data for Cairo and Alexandria. Indoor spaces including museums and hotels typically maintain filtered air.
**Water and Hygiene Items**
Egyptian municipal water undergoes chlorination but distribution systems vary. Hotels in Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, and Red Sea resorts maintain water purification systems. Brushing teeth with tap water in major hotels presents minimal risk. Drinking tap water commonly causes digestive upset in foreign visitors due to different microbial profiles rather than contamination. Bottled water sells at shops and kiosks throughout urban areas and tourist sites. A 1.5-liter bottle costs approximately 5-10 Egyptian pounds. Reusable water bottles with built-in filters allow refilling from taps. Models using activated carbon and ion exchange reduce chlorine taste and some dissolved minerals. UV sterilization bottles neutralize bacteria and viruses. Daily water intake should reach 3-4 liters when visiting outdoor sites in warm months. Hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol supplements handwashing where soap availability varies. Individual packets of tissues serve where toilet paper may be limited.
**Electronics and Power**
Egypt uses Type C and Type F electrical sockets. Type C features two round pins. Type F adds grounding clips. Voltage runs 220 volts at 50 Hz frequency. North American devices rated for 110-120 volts require voltage converters unless labeled "100-240V." Phone chargers and laptop power supplies typically accept dual voltage. Hair dryers and heated styling tools often do not. A universal adapter with Type C pins handles Egyptian outlets. Smartphones enable navigation, translation, and ride-hailing services. Cairo Metro, Uber, and Careem apps function in Egypt. Offline maps downloaded before arrival continue working without cellular data. Power banks maintain phone charge during long site visits where outlets are unavailable. Banks rated for 10,000-20,000 mAh provide multiple phone charges. Egyptian SIM cards sell at Cairo International Airport and mobile phone shops in cities. Orange, Vodafone Egypt, and Etisalat offer prepaid data packages. Registration requires presenting passport.
**Documents and Money**
Egyptian visa requirements vary by nationality. Citizens of most countries require visas obtainable before travel through Egyptian consulates or upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, Hurghada International Airport, and other international entry points. Official requirements appear at https://www.visa2egypt.gov.eg. Passport must have six months validity beyond entry date. Photocopy of passport identification page serves as backup. Credit cards work at major hotels, restaurants in tourist areas, and larger shops. Visa and Mastercard have wider acceptance than American Express. Many smaller establishments, street vendors, taxis, and archaeological site ticket offices accept only cash. Egyptian pounds come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 pounds. ATMs operate throughout Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, Aswan, and Red Sea cities. Exchange bureaus at Cairo International Airport offer competitive rates. US dollars and euros exchange readily. A money belt or hidden pouch secures passport and excess cash during crowded market visits.
**Temperature Regulation Clothing**
November through February brings cool evenings in Cairo with temperatures dropping to 10°C. Luxor and Aswan experience similar nighttime lows. A fleece jacket or lightweight down layer provides warmth for evening felucca rides on the Nile River or nighttime visits to sound and light shows at Karnak Temple Complex. Desert excursions to the White Desert or Siwa Oasis require warm layers since nighttime temperatures in winter can approach freezing. A merino wool or synthetic base layer worn under regular clothing adds warmth without bulk. Desert areas experience temperature drops within minutes after sunset due to lack of humidity. March through October brings heat requiring different approaches. Loose-fitting cotton or linen clothing allows air circulation. Light colors reflect solar radiation more than dark colors. Long sleeves provide sun protection while allowing sweat evaporation in low humidity. A lightweight scarf dampened with water and worn around the neck reduces perceived temperature through evaporative cooling.
**Nile River Cruise Considerations**
Nile River cruises between Luxor and Aswan typically operate October through April. Vessels include outdoor sun decks and enclosed air-conditioned cabins. Evening dining on deck requires layers for 15-20°C temperatures. Daytime excursions to Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, and other riverside sites involve outdoor walking in direct sun. Cruise vessels maintain dress codes for evening meals ranging from smart casual to formal on some premium lines. Men may need collared shirts and closed-toe shoes. Women may need dresses or dress pants. Specific requirements vary by cruise operator. Binoculars enhance wildlife viewing along riverbanks where herons, egrets, and kingfishers frequent shorelines. Compact models with 8x magnification provide sufficient detail without excessive weight.
**Medication and First Aid**
Pharmacies in Cairo, Alexandria, and major tourist cities stock common medications. Pharmacy chains including Seif and El Ezaby Pharmacies operate throughout urban areas. Many prescription medications available only by prescription in other countries sell over the counter in Egypt. Visitors should consult their physician, not rely on foreign pharmacy access, for prescription medications. Bringing sufficient prescription medication for the entire trip plus additional days accounts for travel delays. Medications should remain in original containers with prescription labels. A physician's letter describing medical necessity helps with customs clearance for controlled substances. Basic first aid supplies including adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment, anti-diarrheal medication, and oral rehydration salts address common minor issues. Imodium or loperamide treats acute diarrhea. Oral rehydration salts replace electrolytes lost to diarrhea or heat. Individual packets mix with bottled water. Antihistamines address allergic reactions to unfamiliar foods or environmental allergens.
**Photography Equipment**
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo prohibits photography of certain artifacts including items from Tutankhamun's tomb. The Grand Egyptian Museum near Giza allows photography in most areas without flash. Interior tomb photography in the Valley of the Kings requires purchasing separate photo tickets at 300 Egyptian pounds per tomb. Flash photography damages ancient pigments and is prohibited in all tombs. Archaeological sites including the pyramids of Giza, Karnak Temple Complex, and Abu Simbel permit photography without restrictions. Smartphone cameras capture adequate images in bright outdoor conditions. Dedicated cameras with larger sensors perform better in low-light tomb interiors where flash is prohibited. Wide-angle lenses capture temple columns and pyramid faces from close distances. A 16-35mm equivalent focal length suits archaeological architecture. Telephoto lenses bring distant details closer at sites where barriers prevent close approach. Dust enters camera bodies when changing lenses in desert environments. A single zoom lens covering 24-200mm equivalent eliminates lens changes. Camera bags with sealed zippers and weather-resistant fabric reduce dust infiltration. Lens cleaning supplies including microfiber cloths and air blowers remove sand and dust that accumulate daily.
**Red Sea Equipment**
Sharm el-Sheikh, Dahab, and Hurghada offer dive shops renting full equipment including masks, fins, snorkels, wetsuits, and BCDs. Rental quality varies. Bringing personal mask ensures proper fit, critical for preventing leaks and jaw fatigue. Masks should create seal without strap pressure. Prescription lens masks accommodate vision correction. Reef-safe sunscreen lacking oxybenzone and octinoxate protects coral ecosystems while preventing skin damage. Ras Muhammad National Park at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula prohibits sunscreen containing harmful chemicals. Labels indicating "reef safe" or "coral safe" do not guarantee absence of damaging compounds. Checking ingredient lists confirms formulation. Rashguards with UPF 50 rating block ultraviolet radiation while eliminating sunscreen application on torso and arms. Red Sea water temperatures range from 21°C in February to 28°C in August. A 3mm wetsuit provides thermal protection and abrasion resistance against coral during winter months. Summer snorkeling requires only rashguard for most people. Underwater cameras or smartphone housings document marine life including parrotfish, butterflyfish, and sea turtles common in Red Sea reefs.
**Desert Excursion Supplies**
White Desert tours from Farafra typically include overnight camping. Tour operators provide tents, sleeping bags, and meals. Participants should bring personal items including headlamps, since desert campsites lack artificial lighting. LED headlamps with red light modes preserve night vision for stargazing. The White Desert's isolation from urban areas eliminates light pollution, revealing thousands of stars invisible from cities. Siwa Oasis sits 560 kilometers west of Cairo near the Libyan border. Multi-day trips require luggage suitable for rough roads. Soft duffel bags compress better than hard-shell suitcases in overcrowded 4x4 vehicles. Dust infiltrates all containers. Placing clothing in sealed plastic bags within luggage keeps items clean. Bedouin-operated desert camps in Sinai around Saint Catherine's Monastery provide similar overnight experiences. Winter desert nights require sleeping bags rated to 0°C. Summer nights remain warm enough for sheet sleeping. Lip balm prevents chapping in extremely low humidity. Desert air humidity often drops below 10 percent.
**Urban Navigation Tools**
Cairo covers 3,085 square kilometers with a population exceeding 22 million in the metropolitan area. The Cairo Metro operates three lines connecting Giza, downtown Cairo, and eastern suburbs. Metro maps appear at stations and online. A rechargeable metro card purchased at station kiosks costs 15 Egyptian pounds plus fare credit. Single rides cost 5-7 pounds depending on distance. Women-only cars occupy the front two cars of each train during rush hours. Ride-hailing apps including Uber and Careem operate throughout Cairo and other major cities. Drivers typically speak limited English. Having hotel or destination names written in Arabic facilitates communication. Google Maps provides Arabic-language navigation and identifies landmarks. Alexandria's tram system serves coastal areas. Luxor and Aswan remain small enough for taxi navigation. Agreeing on taxi fares before entering vehicles prevents disputes. A Cairo airport to downtown Tahrir Square taxi costs approximately 150-200 Egyptian pounds.
**Luggage Selection**
Cairo International Airport implements standard international baggage allowances. EgyptAir allows one checked bag up to 23 kilograms for economy class on international flights. Domestic flights permit 20 kilograms. Low-cost carriers including Air Arabia Egypt and Nile Air charge for checked baggage by weight. Carry-on bags must not exceed 8 kilograms with maximum dimensions of 55x40x23 centimeters. Nile River cruise vessels provide limited cabin storage. Soft-sided luggage compresses to fit narrow spaces better than rigid suitcases. A daypack serves for site visits. Capacity of 20-25 liters holds water bottles, sunscreen, cameras, and light layers. Anti-theft features including lockable zippers and slash-resistant fabric deter opportunistic theft in crowded areas including the Khan el-Khalili bazaar. Luggage locks secure zippers during hotel stays and transport. TSA-approved combination locks allow security screening without breaking locks.
**Seasonal Specific Items**
Khamsin winds blow from the Sahara across Egypt from March through May. These hot, dry winds carry sand that reduces visibility and coats all surfaces. Dust storms can last several days. Wrapping a scarf across nose and mouth filters large particles. Keeping windows closed during khamsin prevents indoor sand accumulation. July and August bring peak heat with Cairo regularly exceeding 35°C and Upper Egypt around Luxor reaching 42°C. A handheld battery-powered fan provides personal cooling during outdoor waits at archaeological sites. Cooling towels activated by water evaporation lower skin temperature. December and January can bring rain to Alexandria and the Nile Delta. A compact umbrella or packable rain jacket addresses occasional showers. The Sinai Peninsula receives more winter precipitation than the Nile Valley. Saint Catherine's Monastery at 1,586 meters elevation occasionally receives snow in January.