Cover shoulders and knees in cities and at religious sites, wear whatever is comfortable at Red Sea resorts, and choose loose natural fabrics over tight ones everywhere. A headscarf is not required except inside mosques, where one is usually available at the door. This is about heat and ease as much as custom — loose long sleeves are cooler in the sun than bare arms.
By place
| Where | What works |
|---|---|
| Temples and tombs | Loose trousers or a long skirt, sleeved top, closed shoes for the dust |
| Cairo streets and markets | Shoulders and knees covered; loose over fitted |
| Mosques | Shoulders, knees and hair covered; shoes removed at the door |
| Coptic churches | Shoulders and knees covered; hair uncovered is fine |
| Nile cruise, on board | Relaxed; smart-casual in the evening |
| Red Sea resorts | Swimwear at the pool and beach as anywhere |
| Desert and oases | Long sleeves, long trousers, a scarf for sand and sun |
The scarf does more than you think
A large light scarf is the single most useful thing to pack. It covers your hair at a mosque, your shoulders in a church, your neck at midday, and your face in blowing sand. It weighs nothing and removes the need for a second outfit.
What to leave at home
- Anything tight or sheer. Not because of a rule, but because it draws attention you will get tired of.
- Shorts for city days. Fine at a resort, out of place in Cairo or Luxor.
- New sandals. Sites are gravel, sand and uneven stone; this is not the week to break shoes in.
- Heavy fabrics. Linen and cotton over synthetics in the heat.
Winter catches people out
November to February is warm by day and genuinely cold after sunset, especially on a cruise deck or in the desert. Bring a proper layer rather than assuming Egypt means heat — our Egypt packing list has the seasonal breakdown.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to cover my hair?
Only inside mosques. Scarves are usually provided at the entrance if you do not have one.
Can I wear shorts?
At resorts, yes. In cities and at religious sites, trousers or a longer skirt will make your day easier.
What about swimwear on a Nile cruise?
Fine on the sun deck. Cover up when you leave the boat for a temple.
Is it different for solo female travellers?
The clothing guidance is the same. Attention is more about being visibly a tourist than about what you wear. Our guide for solo female travellers covers it properly.
Reviewed September 2026.