What to Wear in Luxor and Aswan
What to wear in Luxor and Aswan and on a Nile cruise: clothes for temples, sun and heat, cool winter evenings, and what to pack.
In Luxor and Aswan, wear light, loose clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, comfortable closed shoes for uneven ground, and a hat and sunscreen, because most temples have little shade. From November to February add a warm layer for early mornings and evenings. Women visiting a mosque also need a scarf to cover their hair.
At the temples and tombs
There is no strict dress code at the ancient sites, but Egypt is a conservative country and covering shoulders and knees is respectful and also protects you from the sun. Cotton or linen trousers, long skirts and light long-sleeved shirts work well.
The ground is sandy, rocky and uneven, and you walk a lot, so wear trainers or walking shoes rather than flip-flops.
Sun and heat
Even in winter the sun is strong. Bring a wide hat, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen and a refillable water bottle. In summer, visits start early and you'll be glad of breathable fabrics and a light scarf for your neck.
Winter mornings and evenings
From November to February, nights can fall below 10°C. A fleece or light jacket is useful for the sunrise balloon, the early drive to Abu Simbel and evenings on the cruise deck.
On a Nile cruise
Dress on board is casual. Swimwear is fine by the pool on the sun deck but not in town. Some ships hold a themed evening where guests wear a galabeya, the traditional long robe; you can buy one in the market or skip it.
