What to Pack for Egypt: A Complete Packing List for All Seasons

What to pack for Egypt comes down to three things: lightweight comfort, respectful clothing, and sun protection. Most travelers do best with breathable outfits, sturdy walking shoes for ancient sites, and a few smart extras that make hot days and busy streets easier.

Whether you’re visiting Cairo and the pyramids, cruising between Luxor and Aswan, or relaxing in Sharm El Sheikh, this Egypt packing list covers exactly what to bring.

Quick Checklist: What to Pack for Egypt

If you want the fastest answer to what to pack for Egypt, start here:

• Breathable tops (cotton/linen)

• Loose bottoms (light pants/long skirt options)

• Light jacket or sweater

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Hat + sunglasses

• Sunscreen + hand sanitizer

• Reusable water bottle + electrolytes

• Universal adapter (Type C/F) + power bank

• Phone/camera storage space

• Passport + visa info + copies of bookings

• Cash in small denominations + cards

• Swimwear (if Red Sea or hotel pool)

• Scarf/shawl (sun + religious sites)

Clothing: What to Wear in Egypt

When packing for Egypt, aim for clothes that are light, modest, and easy to layer. This keeps you comfortable in heat and respectful in public areas.

Lightweight, Breathable Tops

Pack cotton or linen:

• T-shirts, short-sleeve shirts, blouses

• Light colors to stay cooler in the sun

Loose, Modest Bottoms

For most sightseeing, these work best:

• Linen trousers or lightweight pants

• Midi/long skirts

• Shorts are common in tourist areas, but less so in local neighborhoods

Light Jacket or Sweater

Add one layer for:

• Winter evenings and desert nights

• Strong air-conditioning in cars, hotels, and museums

Comfortable Walking Shoes

Ancient sites mean uneven terrain:

• Sneakers or sturdy walking sandals

• Avoid slippery soles for stone paths and sand

Sun Hat or Cap

A hat matters more than people expect, especially at open-air sites.

Swimwear (If Needed)

Bring swimwear if you’re doing:

• Red Sea resorts (Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh)

• Hotel pools
  Add a cover-up for moving around resorts.

Scarf or Shawl

A scarf is one of the most useful items to pack for Egypt:

• Sun protection

• Cooler evenings

• Mosque visits when needed

Toiletries and Personal Items

These are “don’t regret it” essentials on any Egypt trip.

Sunscreen

The sun can be intense year-round, even in winter.

Insect Repellent

Useful near:

• The Nile

• Gardens and riverside areas

• Warmer months

Regular Toiletries

Bring your basics (shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush, skincare). Hotels may provide some items, but quality varies.

What to Pack for Egypt: A Complete Packing List for All Seasons

Hand Sanitizer and Wet Wipes

Very helpful for:

• Outdoor sites

• Busy markets

• Long travel days

Health and Safety Essentials to Pack for Egypt

A few small items can save your day.

• Reusable water bottle: hydration is non-negotiable

• Basic first aid kit: band-aids, pain reliever, antihistamine

• Electrolyte packets: helpful during hot excursions

• Travel insurance documents: keep digital + printed copies

Electronics to Bring

If you’re building a reliable Egypt packing list, these matter.

Universal Adapter

Egypt uses Type C and Type F plugs (European style).

Portable Power Bank

A must for full-day sightseeing.

Camera/Phone With Storage

You’ll take more photos than you expect—make sure you have space.

E-SIM or Local SIM Card

Mobile data is usually affordable and very useful for navigation and ride-hailing.

Travel Documents and Money Essentials

When travelers forget items, it’s usually here.

• Passport and visa details (entry requirements vary by nationality)

• Printed copies of reservations (hotels, tours, flights)

• Cash in small denominations (tips, taxis, markets, small shops)

• Credit/debit cards (commonly accepted in hotels and modern restaurants)

Smart Extras That Make Egypt Travel Easier

These “small” items often make the biggest difference.

• Crossbody bag or daypack (secure + hands-free)

• Tissues/pocket paper (many restrooms don’t provide toilet paper)

• Travel laundry soap (great on longer trips)

• Notebook or travel journal

• Lightweight travel towel (useful for beaches and cruises)

Packing for Egypt by Season

Use this table if you’re deciding what to pack for Egypt based on the time of year.

Packing by Itinerary: Cities, Temples, Cruise, or Red Sea?

Your plan changes what to pack for Egypt more than people expect.

Which Packing List Is Best for You?

Choose a “Temple-and-City” Packing Style If You’re Mostly Sightseeing

Best if your trip includes Cairo, pyramids, Luxor temples, and markets:

• Prioritize breathable modest outfits

• Bring your best walking shoes

• Carry wipes + water + sun protection daily

Choose a “Cruise-Friendly” Packing Style If You’re Doing a Nile Cruise

Best if you’re spending days on the boat:

• Pack light layers for evenings and AC

• Bring comfortable slip-on footwear

• Add a small daypack for temple stops

Choose a “Beach-First” Packing Style If You’re Doing the Red Sea

Best if you’re staying in resorts:

• Swimwear + cover-up is key

• Bring a towel if your itinerary is mixed

• Keep one modest outfit for city excursions

Cultural Considerations for Clothing

Egypt can be conservative in many areas. What to Pack for Egypt? You don’t need to dress traditionally, but modest clothing is appreciated in public.

For Women

• Sleeveless tops can be fine in tourist areas, but avoid very low-cut designs in conservative neighborhoods

• Shorts are common near beaches; for general sightseeing, long trousers or skirts often feel easier

• A lightweight scarf is useful, especially for mosque visits

For Men

• Shorts are fine in tourist areas and hot weather

• T-shirts or polos work almost everywhere

• Long trousers are better for formal venues or religious sites

Conclusion

The simplest way to answer what to pack for Egypt is: pack light, pack breathable, and pack for sun. Add comfortable shoes for temples, a scarf for flexibility, and a few practical items like wipes and a power bank. With this packing list, you’ll be ready for Cairo, Luxor, Nile cruises, and the Red Sea.

4. FAQ 

1) what to pack for Egypt as a first-time visitor?

Pack breathable tops, loose bottoms, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen. Add a light jacket for evenings or air-conditioning, plus a power bank and small cash. This covers temples, cities, and most year-round conditions.

2) What to pack for Egypt in summer?

For summer, pack very lightweight outfits, extra sunscreen, UV-protective clothing, and a cooling towel. Plan for strong sun at outdoor sites, and carry a reusable water bottle with electrolyte packets for long sightseeing days.

3) What to pack for Egypt in winter?

In winter, pack warm layers for evenings, a light jacket, and closed shoes. Days can be mild, but desert nights and air-conditioned spaces can feel chilly, especially in northern cities or on early-morning excursions.

4) What clothes are best for sightseeing in Egypt?

Breathable, modest clothing works best for sightseeing in Egypt. Cotton or linen tops and lightweight trousers or long skirts keep you comfortable at temples and markets. Comfortable shoes are essential for sand, stone paths, and uneven ground.

5) Do I need a scarf in Egypt?

A scarf is very useful in Egypt. It helps with sun protection, windy evenings, and modest coverage when entering religious sites. It’s also an easy way to adapt your outfit quickly without changing your whole wardrobe.

6) What electronics should I bring to Egypt?

Bring a universal adapter (Type C/F), a power bank, and a phone or camera with plenty of storage. Mobile data is helpful for navigation, and many travelers use an e-SIM or local SIM for affordable connectivity.

7) How much cash should I carry in Egypt?

Carry small denominations for taxis, tips, markets, and small shops. Cards are accepted in many hotels and modern restaurants, but cash is still commonly used for everyday purchases and quick payments, especially in busy tourist areas.

8) What should I pack for a Nile cruise vs the Red Sea?

For a Nile cruise, pack light layers, comfortable sandals, and a small daypack for temple stops. For the Red Sea, pack swimwear, a cover-up, and beach-friendly items. Both benefit from sunscreen, a power bank, and a travel towel.

SOURCE