What To Wear in Egypt: The Ultimate Packing List (Updated 2025)

Linen Skirt

Opting for loose-fitting silhouettes in breezy fabrics to blend-in and stay cool.

Classic Button Down Tops

Plan to bring a few lightweight neutral options that you can switch out with different bottoms for more usability.

Linen Pants

Skirts not your thing? Sub out those options for some breezy, loose pants to keep you covered while helping you withstand the heat.

Midi Dress

Pack 2-3 loose midi or maxi dresses that cover your shoulders, elbows and knees. Additionally, make sure the dress isn’t too low-cut or otherwise revealing.

Shirt Dress

Pack 2-3 loose midi or maxi dresses that cover your shoulders, elbows and knees. Additionally, make sure the dress isn’t too low-cut or otherwise revealing.

Maxi Dress

Pack 2-3 loose midi or maxi dresses that cover your shoulders, elbows and knees. Additionally, make sure the dress isn’t too low-cut or otherwise revealing.

Evening Dress

There are wonderful dinner spots throughout Egypt so pack a few evening dresses to wear once the sun has set. Midi and maxi length options are best if venturing outside a resort.

Sweater or Light Jacket

While you probably won’t need one during the day, desert temperatures dip quite substantially at night, especially near the breezy Nile.

Natural Heels or Wedges

This is up to you and your comfort level, but if you’re planning to visit the famous 1902 Restaurant at the Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan, I liked having this option to fit into the more formal dress code.

Flat and Hardy Boots

Hardy boots with great traction crucial are great options for exploring temples and protecting your feet from the sand.

Breezy Mules

Mules make it easy to visit mosques, where going barefoot is both an entry requirement and a sign of respect.

Classic Sandals

For days spent relaxing by the pool or adventuring around the Red Sea.

Adventure Hat

When a scarf just wasn’t enough for the desert heat, a sun hat was my next best go-to for temple hopping.

One Piece Swimsuit

Pack at least 2 bathing suits (and cover-ups!) for a two week trip, focusing on more conservative styles if you decide to go to a swimming spot outside of a resort.

Sun Hat or Visor

Keep your head cool and your scalp protected while at the pool or along the Red Sea!

Lightweight Scarf

This was my favorite accessory while traveling through Egypt. Not only as a must wear to be respectful while visiting for Cairo’s many mosques, but also to help shelter my scalp and hair from the strong Egyptian sun.

Sunglasses

Protect your eyes from the sun and aggressive bartering! My Luxor Egyptologist shared this secret tip early into my trip. By wearing sunglasses around pushy salesmen, I was hassled much less than the average tourist.

Lightweight Scarf (#2!)

Another lightweight scarf or silk bandana to give your wardrobe more variation!

Zippable Sling Bag

Bring a camera to capture the jaw-dropping ancient temples, the Pyramids and the beautiful Nile river.

Good Book

Whether you’re taking the train to Aswan or laying out by the pool, you’ll probably have some downtime in between all the ancient sights. My recommendation is Agatha Christie’s Death on the Nile!

Beach Bag

As someone with perpetually cold hands, a pair of warm gloves was a lifesaver during Spain’s crisp fall mornings!

Camera

Bring a camera to capture the jaw-dropping ancient temples, the Pyramids and the beautiful Nile river.

Silk Pajamas

I loved having some lightweight pajama sets that were comfortable, yet luxe enough to walk around the hotel in during my downtime between siteseeing.

Hand Fan

As someone with perpetually cold hands, a pair of warm gloves was a lifesaver during Spain’s crisp fall mornings!

Faux Ring

As a frequent solo female traveler, I’ve found that wearing a faux engagement and/or wedding ring can help deter unwanted attention.

Safety Pins

Have a skirt with a slit? Pack a handful of safety pins in your checked luggage. Use these to keep the slit together if heading to a religious site or more conservative area.

Mineral Sunscreen

Something I’d recommend anywhere, sunscreen is especially necessary for the hot Egyptian sun. Opt for a mineral-based version, if possible, especially if you plan to swim in the Red Sea!