What to Pack for a Nile Cruise (By Season)

A Nile Cruise is one of the most unforgettable ways to see Egypt — temples, tombs, and endless views of the river as you sail from Luxor to Aswan (or vice versa). But packing for it can be a little tricky. The weather along the Nile changes a lot by season, and your wardrobe needs to work for sightseeing, relaxing on deck, and dinners on the boat.

Here’s a breakdown of what to pack for each season:

🌸 Spring (March–May)

Spring along the Nile is warm but not scorching. Expect daytime highs of 28–34°C, with cooler mornings and evenings.

What to Pack:

Lightweight pants or maxi skirts – good for temple visits and comfort on deck.
Breathable tops – short sleeves or long sleeves for sun protection.
Light jacket or cardigan – evenings can still be breezy.
Sun hat & sunglasses – essential on deck.
Comfortable sandals & walking shoes – for sightseeing.

💡 Tip: Stick with airy fabrics like cotton or linen — the sun is strong, but you still want modest coverage for temple visits.

☀️ Summer (June–August)

Summer is HOT — often 38–42°C during the day. But boats are air-conditioned, and you’ll want to keep cool outdoors.

What to Pack:

Loose, breathable clothing – linen pants, cotton dresses, maxi skirts.
Light shawl or scarf – for modesty at temples, doubles as sun cover.
Wide-brimmed hat – you’ll be so glad you brought one.
Swimwear – most cruises have small pools.
Sandals – you won’t want closed shoes in the heat.

💡 Tip: Pack more changes of clothing than usual as you’ll want to freshen up after sightseeing in the midday heat.

🍂 Autumn (September–November)

Autumn is one of the best times for a Nile Cruise: warm days, cooler evenings, and fewer extremes.

What to Pack:

Lightweight pants or skirts – perfect for sightseeing.
T-shirts or blouses – breathable and modest.
Cardigan, denim jacket, or light sweater – evenings can dip to 20°C.
Walking shoes + sandals – for flexibility.
One nice outfit – for dinners or special evenings on board.

💡 Tip: This is when you’ll really appreciate layers — mornings and nights feel fresh, afternoons are warm.

❄️ Winter (December–February)

Winter surprises a lot of travellers — Cairo and the Nile can actually feel chilly, especially at night. Daytime highs are around 20–24°C, but evenings can drop below 10°C.

What to Pack:

Jeans or travel pants – warm enough for mornings and evenings.
Layers – thermal top + sweater + light jacket (yes, you’ll use them!).
Puffer jacket or fleece – for early morning temple tours.
T-shirts – warmer days still happen.
Closed shoes/sneakers – comfortable for walking and warmer than sandals.

💡 Tip: Pack at least one cosy mid-layer (like fleece or merino) — you’ll use it on deck in the evenings.

🎒 Extras to Pack Year-Round

Day pack – for excursions to temples and markets.
Sunscreen & lip balm with SPF – even in winter, the sun is strong.
Reusable water bottle – essential for staying hydrated.
Scarf or wrap – for sun, modesty, or warmth.

💡 Tip: Pick up a traditional galabeya at one of your stops along the cruise. You’ll mainly wear it for the theme night, which is lots of fun with traditional dancing and games. Some boats offer rentals, but buying one is a fun souvenir and a comfortable option for the evening.

✅ Final Thought:
A Nile Cruise wardrobe is all about versatility. Think lightweight layers, breathable fabrics, and a balance between comfort for sightseeing and something a little nicer for evenings on board. Pack by season, but always bring a scarf and comfortable shoes — they’ll be your most-used items no matter when you sail. No one really dresses up too much; you definitely do not need heels in Egypt!