What to Pack for Egypt: A Practical Packing Guide

Egypt is hot, dusty, and full of open-air sites with very little shade, which should shape most of what goes in your suitcase more than anything else.

Clothing

Loose, breathable layers in light colors work far better than anything tight or dark. Covered shoulders and knees are comfortable in the heat and also appropriate at religious sites and outside resort areas — a lightweight long-sleeve shirt and loose trousers or a maxi skirt do double duty for sun protection and modesty. Bring a warm layer too: desert nights, and Nile-side mornings from November through February, get genuinely cool.

Footwear and Sun Protection

• Comfortable, broken-in walking shoes — temple floors are uneven stone, not paved paths
• A wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses
• High-SPF sunscreen, reapplied more than you'd expect — the desert sun is strong even in cooler months
• A reusable water bottle; dehydration is the most common thing that ruins an otherwise good day of touring

Small Essentials Worth Not Forgetting

A portable phone charger or power bank, a downloaded copy of your e-visa, a few small-denomination local currency notes for tipping, and any prescription medication in its original packaging. If you're visiting between June and August, pack lighter and looser than you think you need to — temperatures inland regularly pass 40°C (104°F).