Packing for Egypt: What to Wear in Cities, Temples, Mosques and the Desert

Why it matters

Egypt is a moderate Muslim country, and away from the beach resorts people dress more conservatively than in Europe. Shorts in Cairo will not get you stopped, but they will get you noticed — and for women, covering up really does cut down on hassle.

Comfort points the same way. Two hours on bare stone at Karnak in April means 35°C and no shade, and loose long sleeves in linen or cotton are much cooler than a t-shirt.

Women

• Loose trousers, a long skirt or a midi dress — linen is perfect.
• Sleeves to the elbow or longer. In strong sun, long sleeves feel cooler, not hotter.
• One big scarf: you need it in mosques, and it doubles as sun cover and warmth on a chilly cruise deck.
• Sandals in the cities, closed shoes at the sites — the ground at Saqqara and in the Valley of the Kings is uneven.
• At Red Sea resorts and hotel pools, swimwear is completely normal and bikinis are fine. On a public beach in Alexandria, they are not.

Men

• Long trousers, or shorts that reach below the knee. Mosques require long trousers.
• T-shirts are fine anywhere; sleeveless tops are not, in mosques or churches.
• Proper walking shoes for the sites.

Mosques and churches

Everyone covers shoulders and knees. Women cover their hair — take your own scarf rather than using one from the door. At mosques shoes come off, so wear socks you are happy to walk around in.

Desert trips and overnight stays

It gets properly cold. In January the White Desert falls close to freezing at night, and the top of Mount Sinai is cold at 4am whatever the month. Pack a fleece and a windproof layer, even in summer.

By season

Winter (Nov–Feb): Layers — warm days, cool evenings, cold desert nights, and a jacket for the balloon. Spring and autumn (Mar–Apr, Oct): Light long-sleeved cotton, a scarf and one warm layer. Summer (May–Sep): Your lightest, loosest clothes with the most coverage. In Luxor, a wide-brimmed hat is essential.

Three things that get left behind

1. A proper brimmed hat. A cap leaves your neck and ears exposed.
2. Sunglasses. Limestone throws back a fierce glare.
3. A spare pair of shoes. Desert sand gets everywhere.