Hurghada and Luxor in July

Hi there,

I’m planning my next trip outside Europe for next year, but unfortunately, I don’t have a choice with the dates—it’s late June to early July. Last year, I went to Japan for three weeks, and it was constantly 36-37°C with over 90% humidity. It wasn’t easy, but it wasn’t impossible either.

For Egypt, I know it’s a period to avoid if possible, but I’m thinking that by the sea, it might be manageable. Otherwise, I’ll consider another destination.

Day 1: Arrival in Hurghada in the evening Day 2, 3, 4: Hurghada Day 5: Hurghada, then drive to Luxor in the early afternoon Day 6: Luxor Day 7: Luxor, then drive back to Hurghada in the late afternoon Day 8, 9, 10, 11: Hurghada Day 12: Return flight

For the Hurghada trip, either rent a car or—easier—a private car/van. Is it worth adding an extra day in Luxor?

During the stay, we’re planning activities like camel rides, quad biking, jeep tours, snorkeling, and jet skiing.

Thanks for your replies

Hi there,

Should I plan an extra day in Luxor—is it worth it?

Yes!

For example, to visit Abydos and Dendera.

I went to Egypt in August (not by the sea), and it reached up to 48°C (dry heat) during the day around Lake Nasser. You’ll need to adjust your schedule: visit very, very early in the morning, then from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, it’s pool time before heading out again in the late afternoon.

By the sea, it’s more like 35–40°C with nights around 30°C. Air conditioning in your room is a must.

Hello everyone, Yes, it’s a bit cooler by the water, and the air is drier, so it’s more bearable than back home when it’s sunny. But temperatures can still get really high at the coast—over 40, even 50—though the further south you go, the more wind there is (hot wind, but it helps a little). So for sunbathing, be *very* careful—don’t skimp on the sunscreen. In Egypt, the sun doesn’t forgive, and sunburn happens much faster, especially without precautions.

If I understood correctly, you’re leaving and coming back on the same day? If that’s the case, it’s not possible. The trip alone takes 4h30 each way, so the minimum is two days/one night in Luxor.

And don’t take a private car or rental—take the bus. It’s much cheaper, like Gobus (I always use them for this kind of trip). Their Gobus agency is on "El Nasr" Street, near Cleopatra Hospital. If you take the bus, book at least 24 hours in advance and get your return tickets at the same time. Pick your departure time, and for the return the next day, take the 5 PM bus—or later if possible.

The travel time is the same as by car, with a stop halfway. With the bus, you don’t need to arrange police authorization like you do for cars—unless you’re traveling alone.

If the buses still stop in front of their agency in Luxor, it’s not far from the ferry. Depending on how fast you walk, it’s about 30 minutes (I’m faster, though). Check a map.

Make sure to ask where you need to catch the return bus, as the location can change. For me, it’s the simplest and cheapest option—and it’s chill, you meet other people. With buses, you can travel after dark.

For sightseeing or anything else in Luxor, I’ve got tips to share. DM me if you’re interested.

Happy to help with any other info! Thoutmosis

Hi there,

Thanks for your reply.

No, in Luxor we’d like to stay for 3 days, so 2 nights there. I was thinking of renting a car to have more freedom and move around Luxor easily, but if permits are required, that changes things. Price isn’t an issue—I’d rather pay a bit more and be comfortable. But I’ll also check out Gobus.

We planned to leave Hurghada in the morning to arrive in Luxor in the early afternoon. Second day there. Third day, leave Luxor in the late afternoon for Hurghada.

Is it easy to get around Luxor? Buses between the different historical sites? Taxis?

We were also thinking of doing a day trip to Cairo from Hurghada by plane—it’s not cheap, but I think it’s worth it. Leaving without seeing the Pyramids of Giza (especially since my name is Gizeh!) would be frustrating.

We’re still hesitating between Egypt and southern Morocco.

Thanks anyway!

Hello everyone, You can go for as many days as you want—it was just an example. In one day, it’s not worth it. For Cairo, even by plane, you’ll be rushing. You should arrange someone for your transportation and check which airport you’ll be at—there are now several in Cairo.

For Luxor, there aren’t any buses between the sites. Actually, there are minibuses, but they don’t go directly to the sites. There’s one that leaves from the bus station (west bank near the ferry, about 100 meters away), but you need to know the route. Otherwise, you’ll likely get overcharged for the ride. To get off, just press the bell or ask someone to let the driver know. Getting around between the sites isn’t complicated. If you’re up for it, biking is an option—we often do that. Otherwise, one of our taxi driver friends can help.

To get to the Karnak and Luxor temples, you can take the ferry, specifically the one that goes near the hospital past the Luxor Museum, then continue on foot if you want. Otherwise, a taxi or horse-drawn carriage works, but don’t ask them to wait. You can also cross with your bikes (you’ll have to pay as if it were an extra person), and don’t forget to ask for a chain with a lock—we usually do that.

For your round trips to Luxor, the bus is much cheaper, and there are frequent departures. Check Aladdin Tour ((https://www.ask-aladdin.com)) for all the bus schedules. Otherwise, as mentioned in the other post, go directly to the GoBus agency.

I wouldn’t recommend renting a car—it’s up to you, but we never do it to avoid problems. For travel permits, you don’t need them if you’re using buses. If you’re with your driver and staying in Luxor (so between the different sites, for example), you don’t need one. But for places like Abydos and Dendera, you *do* need a permit, and the driver should request it the day before your departure. So, make sure to bring copies of your ID, passport, or national ID card.

Thoutmosis

I’ve already experienced 51°C on the Nile in July—I can assure you, it fries your brain even under a cap! !

Hi there,

Thanks so much for the explanations. Biking is always a pleasant solution, like we did in Japan this year, but with 50°C it’s not going to be easy.

We’ll think about it a bit—it’s really just the weather that’s putting us off. Otherwise, we love adventure and discovering new things.

Have a great Sunday! Thomas

I’ve experienced up to 47.5°C in Death Valley and Palm Springs too, but we were just passing through and didn’t do any major sightseeing or long walks.

But I guess it should still be doable before noon and after 5 PM.

Hat, sunscreen, vitamin C, and of course water—everything’s possible. In 10 years, it might not seem so obvious 🙂

Hello everyone, Yes, even worse—and not just in July or August. In 2018 and 2020, in February, Aswan was 57°C and Abu Simbel 60°C 😎. This year in July, and already in June, Luxor hit 54°C. As for me, I don’t mind, as long as I’m covered with my turban and have water. But for my wife, it’s a different story—such strong sun is really tough. Thoutmosis

Hi Tom, Yes, I hadn’t thought about that when I mentioned bikes—definitely avoid them in July. Even I don’t do it. If you’re not driving, it’s on foot, and the heat really hits hard. Be extra careful at the first sign of overheating: get into the shade fast and cool yourself down, inside and out. Don’t hesitate—it’s the quickest way to lower your temperature. And if you spot a public fountain along the way (they look like big metal boxes), don’t hesitate to pour water over yourself. That’s what I do at the first sign of trouble.

Hi,

Just a little update after some thought. We’re booking a multi-destination flight: Brussels -> Hurghada and return Cairo -> Brussels. That way, we avoid unnecessary round trips, and the price is more or less the same.

Day 1: Arrival in Hurghada in the evening Day 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7: Hurghada Day 8: Hurghada, then travel to Luxor in the early afternoon Day 9 and 10: Luxor Day 11: Travel to Cairo in the late morning Day 12 and 13: Cairo Day 14: Return flight in the late afternoon

Hurghada -> Luxor by bus. Luxor -> Cairo by private car or overnight train

Hello everyone, I think I’ve seen this post on another site before??? But for your trip to Luxor, take the bus—it’s much cheaper, and the travel time is the same as by car (taxi). However, you *must* book your round-trip tickets at least 25 hours in advance because this route is super popular with both locals and tourists. Go with Gobus; their office is on El Nasr Street, near Cleopatra Hospital. Check the departure times at the office—I’m not listing them here since they might change. For the weather, it’s more bearable by the coast, but inland, watch out for heatstroke. It’s *very* dry there, and this year in Luxor, it hit 54°C for a few days. Even hotter in Aswan and Abu Simbel, and that was in February! For your return to Hurghada, take the 5:00 PM or 5:30 PM bus (ask the agency). Keep in mind the trip takes about 4 hours 30 minutes, with a stop roughly halfway. It’s not *specifically* a period to avoid—I’ve spent over 7 weeks there in July-August—but you just need to be careful. Watch for any symptoms: headaches, blurry vision, noticing your skin turning red, or a sudden wave of heat. If that happens, get to shade *fast*, lie down, drink *lots* of water, and pour water over your head first to cool down. Monitor your heart rate, and once you feel better, head back to your hotel and rest until all symptoms are gone. No need to panic, but just know it *can* happen. Thoutmosis

Good evening,

Oh no, I didn’t post this message on another site—I only come here.

I’ll only take a one-way trip to Luxor from Hurghada, since after Luxor we’re heading to Cairo for the end of the trip and we’ll fly back from Cairo.

I found a private transport for 220 € for 2-3 people, which will be much more comfortable. The bus would take too long. I also saw a night train between Luxor and Cairo, but it’s way more expensive than the private transport.

Yeah, the heat—we’ve dealt with it before elsewhere, so we’ll adapt! :-)

Thomas

Hi everyone, For transportation from Hurghada to Luxor at 220 €, that’s really expensive. True, the bus is full of people, but everyone has their own seat, and you can also meet other nice travelers. For the trip to Cairo, check out flights with EgyptAir, Air Cairo, or NileAir—we usually take NileAir because their planes are newer and the cabin crew is super friendly. Depending on the time, this airline can also be cheaper. Just don’t bike during this period, or only very early or very late in the day—and even then, be careful! Thoutmosis

Hi,

So, the flight tickets are finally bought—it’s really happening now!

Outbound flight to Hurghada on 3/7, arriving at 6:15 PM Return flight at 4:20 PM from Cairo on 17/7.

From July 3 to 10 in Hurghada July 10: bus transfer to Luxor (arriving around 2 PM) July 11–12: Luxor July 13: morning departure for Cairo (private car with stops along the way), arriving around 6 PM July 14–15–16: Cairo July 17: morning sightseeing, then to the airport by 1:30 PM

The 220 € is for a private transfer from Luxor to Cairo (not from Hurghada to Luxor). The flight costs the same, and yeah, it’s just an hour. I was thinking of taking a private transfer so we could stop at Dendera and Abydos along the way.

Just one last question: is it more interesting to have 3 full days in Luxor or Cairo?

The 3rd day in Luxor would be for going to Aswan The 3rd day in Cairo would be for a day trip to Alexandria, for example

Thanks, Thomas

Hi,

I once took a day trip to Alexandria from Cairo (by train).

I thought it was really nice.

Hi everyone, Yes, there was the train to Alexandria. Apparently, the line has reopened after being out of service for a long time. But for a day trip, leave as early as possible, buy your return tickets at the same time, and make sure to purchase them at least 24 hours in advance. Thoutmosis

Well, my flights were canceled last week by the airline, and they’re not offering me anything at all—so I got a full refund.

I looked at other flights, but none of them work for me, so we’re going somewhere else instead.

Maybe next time for Egypt! :)

Hi everyone, Which airline are you flying with? Thoutmosis

Hi there,

This year, we were leaving from Brussels (I hate departing from Brussels, but no choice since we’re going to a concert at Stade Roi Baudouin on July 2nd).

I’d booked with Brussels Airlines for an outbound flight to Hurghada with Discover Airlines (a Lufthansa low-cost airline) via Munich, and a return from Cairo with Lufthansa.

Only the outbound flights were canceled, but they weren’t offering anything decent—or else via Zurich with a departure on the 2nd (which wasn’t possible for me) and a 10-hour layover.

Thomas

Hello everyone, Okay, lots of middlemen, and I bet they’re all passing the buck? Did they give you a reason for the cancellation? Have you tried with TUI?? That’s always the airline we use for Egypt—way fewer issues—and we always arrive in Luxor (once we land, we pick up the passengers heading back home), then the plane continues to Hurghada to drop off those going there and pick up passengers from Hurghada who are also returning, before heading to Brussels. Thoutmosis