General
What you wear will depend a little on whether you are staying solely in the tourist beach resorts, or exploring the wider country. However, always remember it is a Muslim country so you should respect their conservative values at all times.
Local people like to dress up in the evening, so if you’re going out to dinner it’s a great opportunity to dress with more care than usual.
On cruise boats, it’s nice to have something smart to wear in the evening
You will need a good pair of sunglasses with an ultra-high UV rating.
Sunburn is a major concern for many tourists in Egypt. So it is advisable to pack a good sunscreen lotion.
Shoes To Pack
You will be doing a considerable amount of walking so take flat shoes which should well and truly be comfortable for exploring, and the streets can be dusty so you may prefer closed-in style shoes. Shoes should be able to “breathe”, and should ideally be made from lightweight nylon or some other similar fabric. Tennis shoes or some other sporting shoes are generally good for this.
Clothing For Women
Egypt is a Muslim country, and although its cities are modern and local women may wear make-up now, they always dress conservatively.
Cotton or other natural fiber long-sleeved shirts or t-shirts, worn with long pants or ankle-length skirts are a good choice, and keep your shoulders covered too. Keep clothing loose – it will keep you cooler and you’ll get less unwanted attention. Egyptians find it very inappropriate to reveal even the slightest amount of stomach or hips, so short tops, short skirts or shorts, or tight clothes should be avoided completely when away from tourist hotels.
Although the dress code is more relaxed in hotels and tourist resorts like Sharm el Sheikh, you will find that you will get more respect if you dress modestly.
Keep your swimwear for the beach or pool only, and cover up with a kaftan or sarong when walking around the hotel. Definitely avoid topless sunbathing as the locals really do not like it.
If you’re going to visit any religious sites then use your pashmina or sarong to cover your shoulders, stomach, and bare legs.
Clothing For Men
Cotton or other natural fiber long-sleeved shirts or t-shirts will keep you cooler.
Keep your shorts for the beach and resort areas. Elsewhere, long pants and a shirt are best.
Pack For The Weather
In the summer it can be as hot as a furnace, so light, natural breathable fabrics are best.
In the winter (roughly December, January, and February) days can be chilly and sometimes cloudy. You may need a light pullover or pashmina during the day, and a warmer coat at night. Choose layers that can be taken off during the day and put back on for cooler evenings.
In Cairo in December, January, or February be prepared for some rain – pack a lightweight raincoat. The rest of the year is almost always entirely dry.
In the Taba Heights resort a chill breeze quite frequently blows off the sea during the day throughout March. A light wrap, sweater, or kaftan is useful for those times when you’re not flat out on your sun bed.
