Time in Egypt: Time Zone, Summer Time and the Difference with Europe
What time is it in Egypt, and do you need to change your watch? Below: Egypt’s time zone, how summer time works, the difference with the UK and Europe, and what it means for early tour departures and opening hours.
Egypt’s time zone
Egypt is on Eastern European Time — UTC+2 in winter. In 2023 the country reintroduced summer time, so from the last Friday of April to the last Thursday of October clocks go forward to UTC+3. Smartphones switch automatically; check that any watch or travel clock is set correctly.
Time difference with the UK and Europe
| City | Difference with Egypt (most of the year) |
|---|---|
| London, Dublin | Egypt is 2 hours ahead |
| Berlin, Paris, Rome, Warsaw | Egypt is 1 hour ahead |
| Athens, Helsinki, Kyiv | Same time |
| New York | Egypt is 7 hours ahead |
Europe and Egypt change their clocks on different dates, so for a few weeks in spring and autumn the difference can be an hour more or less. If you have a flight or a tour on those days, check the time with your airline and with us.
What it means for your holiday
- Tour pick-ups — all times we send are local. Cairo tours from Hurghada leave around 1–2 am, Luxor tours around 4–5 am. More in “Hurghada to Cairo”.
- Sunrise and sunset — in winter it gets dark around 17:00, in summer around 19:00–19:30. Plan boat trips and walks accordingly.
- Sites — the Giza plateau opens at 7:00 and temples close in the late afternoon; Luxor Temple is open into the evening.
- Ramadan — opening hours are shorter. More in “The best time to visit Egypt”.
Entertainment · Hurghada
Turkish Hammam in Hurghada — Standard or Cleopatra with Massage
- 2 hours
- Group
- Daily
Cairo & pyramids · Hurghada
Cairo by Bus from Hurghada (with a Church and a Mosque)
- 22 hours
- Group
- Wed, Thu, Sat
- Kids friendly
