Yes — late November is genuinely good weather, right as high season begins. Thanksgiving week falls when Luxor and Aswan have cooled to a comfortable 29°C average high, and Cairo is mild. The trade-off is that everyone else notices this too: it's a popular week to book, so US travelers using the long weekend should reserve earlier than they would for a random November date.
Key takeaways
- Thanksgiving week sits at the very start of Egypt's winter high season.
- Weather is comfortable across Cairo, Luxor and Aswan by late November.
- US long-weekend demand plus the start of high season means earlier booking matters more than usual.
- A week is enough for a classic Cairo–Luxor–Aswan itinerary if flights are booked to match.
What a Thanksgiving-week trip usually looks like
| Days | Typical use |
|---|---|
| Departure day + arrival | Fly out on or just before Thanksgiving Thursday |
| Cairo | Pyramids, the Grand Egyptian Museum, Islamic and Coptic Cairo |
| Luxor / Aswan | Temples, tombs, and often a short Nile cruise |
| Return | Back for the following weekend or early the week after |
Our 8-day Cairo and Nile cruise itinerary fits comfortably inside a Thanksgiving-week absence from work.
What actually changes at Thanksgiving
Nothing closes for the US holiday — Thanksgiving isn't observed in Egypt. What matters is that it's the week outbound demand from the US spikes for winter trips, so flights and popular Nile cruise cabins book up. If you're set on this exact week, book flights and the cruise together rather than piecing the trip together later.
Frequently asked questions
Will I miss Thanksgiving dinner in Egypt?
Some larger hotels in Cairo run a Thanksgiving-themed dinner for American guests, but don't count on it — it isn't a local tradition. Most travelers treat the trip itself as the holiday.
How far ahead should I book a Thanksgiving trip?
Earlier than for a random November week — see how far in advance to book Egypt for the general rule and why holiday weeks push it forward.
Reviewed September 2026.