There is no official dress code for tourists in Egypt, but what you wear makes a real difference to how comfortable you feel — in the heat, in the desert and in a country where most people dress conservatively. The simple rule: relaxed on the beach and in Red Sea resorts, modest in cities, mosques, churches and monasteries. This guide tells you what to pack for each part of your trip.
What to Wear in Egypt at a Glance
| Where | What works |
|---|---|
| Beach and hotel pools (Dahab, Sharm, Hurghada) | Normal swimwear; cover up when you leave the beach |
| Resort towns | Shorts, T-shirts and summer dresses are common |
| Cairo, Luxor, Aswan | Loose clothes covering shoulders and knees |
| Mosques | Arms and legs covered; women also cover their hair; shoes off |
| Churches and monasteries (e.g. St. Catherine) | Shoulders and knees covered |
| Museums and temples | Comfortable, respectful clothes and good walking shoes |
| Desert and Mount Sinai at night | Layers, warm jacket, hat and gloves in winter |
For Women
- In cities and at sights: loose trousers, midi or maxi skirts and tops that cover the shoulders. Light linen and cotton keep you cool.
- A scarf is the most useful item you can pack: sun protection, a cover for shoulders and a head covering for mosques.
- In resorts: beach clothes are normal; many women wear a light cover-up between the beach and town.
- Tight or very revealing clothes draw attention in traditional areas — dressing a little more conservatively usually means fewer comments.
For Men
- Shorts are fine in resorts and on tours in the desert or at sea; in cities, light trousers are more common.
- Avoid sleeveless tops in mosques and religious sites; knees should be covered in mosques.
- Bare chests are for the beach and pool only.
Visiting Religious Sites
At mosques, both men and women should cover arms and legs; women cover their hair, and everyone removes their shoes at the entrance. Some large mosques lend robes or scarves at the door. At Coptic churches and at St. Catherine’s Monastery, shoulders and knees should be covered. Read more in our guide to Mount Sinai and St. Catherine.
Museums and Archaeological Sites
The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities asks visitors to museums to dress appropriately and to keep their shoes on. Expect a lot of walking on uneven ground at temples and tombs, so comfortable closed shoes matter more than anything. See our guide to museum and site rules.
By Season
- Summer (June–September): very hot; light, loose, long clothes actually keep you cooler and protect from the sun. Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential.
- Winter (December–February): warm days but cool evenings, especially in the desert and in Cairo; bring a sweater and a jacket. Nights on Mount Sinai can be below freezing.
- Spring and autumn: pleasant; pack layers.
Check conditions month by month in our best time to visit Egypt guide.
Packing Checklist
- Light long trousers or skirts and shirts covering the shoulders
- A large scarf or shawl
- Swimwear and a beach cover-up
- Walking shoes, sandals and water shoes for the reef
- Hat, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen
- Warm layers for desert nights and the Mount Sinai climb
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a dress code for tourists in Egypt?
There is no formal law for tourists, but modest dress is expected at religious sites and appreciated in cities. Museums ask visitors to dress appropriately.
Can I wear shorts in Egypt?
Yes, in resorts such as Dahab, Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada and on beach or desert tours. In cities and at religious sites, long trousers or skirts are better.
Do women need to cover their hair?
Only when entering a mosque. Elsewhere it is not expected of visitors.
What should I wear to climb Mount Sinai?
Good walking shoes and warm layers — a jacket, hat and gloves from November to March — as the summit is cold before sunrise.
Sources
- Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities — visitor rules, Egyptian Museum: egymonuments.gov.eg
