Grey skies, a few days off and a calendar marked All Saints’ Day holiday: where do you go? Somewhere the sun still reaches 28°C in November, the temples are open and the Nile is already waiting.
Does Your Country Get a Long Weekend This Year?
Not automatically. In 2026, 1 November falls on a Sunday, so most Europeans gain no extra weekday off. French families fare better: the official Toussaint school break runs from Saturday 17 October to Monday 2 November 2026, according to the French education ministry.
| Country | What 1 November means |
|---|---|
| France | Public holiday, plus the school break above |
| Italy | Public holiday (Ognissanti) |
| Spain | Public holiday (Todos los Santos) |
| Portugal | Public holiday (Dia de Todos os Santos) |
| Poland | Public holiday, with family visits to graves |
| Austria, Belgium, Hungary | Public holiday |
| Germany | Public holiday in five states |
Egypt does not treat the date as a public holiday, so sites and tours run as normal. Sunday is a regular working day here, too.
Want a bigger window? Take Monday to Friday, 2 to 6 November, and you can travel from Saturday 31 October to Sunday 8 November. That is nine days.
Why Does Early November Feel Like Egypt’s Opening Night?
Because the summer heat has broken and the winter rush is only beginning. Here is what to expect, in round numbers.
- Luxor: about 28°C by day and 13°C at night.
- Cairo: mid-20s by day, high teens at night.
- Aswan: close to 30°C by day.
- Red Sea water: around 25°C.
These are averages, not promises. Our Luxor weather guide and Egypt seasons guide show how the numbers shift week by week.
One Day for the Saints, One for the Pharaohs: A Cairo Double
Start in Coptic Cairo, then give Giza the afternoon light. The pairing suits an All Saints’ Day holiday because Egypt’s Christian heritage sits right beside its pharaonic one.
- Morning: visit The Hanging Church in Cairo, then walk to the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus. Tradition says the Holy Family sheltered in its crypt.
- Etiquette: cover shoulders and knees, keep voices low and ask before photographing inside.
- Afternoon: head to Giza as the light softens. Our pyramids guide for travelers helps you choose your viewpoints.
Field note: Coptic Cairo is compact. The two churches sit a few minutes’ walk apart, so allow about two hours and keep Giza for the golden hour.
Want the Cairo double without the logistics? Browse our Cairo sightseeing tours.
Has the Grand Egyptian Museum Changed the Plan?
Yes. It now deserves at least half a day. The museum officially opened on 1 November 2025, so your trip may fall on its first anniversary.
- It holds more than 100,000 artefacts.
- It shows over 5,000 items from Tutankhamun’s tomb together for the first time. Our Tutankhamun tomb guide explains what to look for.
- It stands about 2 km from the Giza pyramids, so one day can hold both.
Book tickets ahead in busy weeks, and check the museum’s current entry rules before you go.
Which Route Fits Your Days Off?
Match the route to the days you have, and change hotels as little as possible.
| Days available | Route that works |
|---|---|
| 4 to 5 days | Cairo and Giza, then a short flight to Luxor |
| 7 days | Cairo, then a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan |
| 9 to 10 days | Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and a Red Sea beach finish |
| Beach first | Hurghada as a base, with day trips to Luxor or Cairo |
Our 7-day Cairo, Luxor and Aswan itinerary follows the classic line. A Luxor to Aswan cruise stops at Edfu Temple and Kom Ombo Temple, so the boat does the sightseeing between nights. Have a spare day in Luxor? Follow the Beautiful Festival of the Valley route across the West Bank, an ancient feast in honour of the dead.
Short on time? Choose one region and go deep. Seven days between Cairo and the river beats ten days of airport queues.
Ready to let the river do the travelling? See our 4-night Luxor to Aswan Nile cruise.
Can You End the Break on a Beach?
Yes. Early November sea temperatures hover around 25°C, which is comfortable for a swim. Hurghada is the easiest base.
- Fly in, swim and snorkel, then dip into history with a Luxor day trip from Hurghada.
- Want the pyramids too? Try the 2-day Cairo trip from Hurghada.
- Planning the beach days? Our Hurghada seasons guide covers sea and air temperatures.
Field Notes for a Calm Short Break
- Book flights and cabins early, because early November is when demand starts to climb.
- Arrive at the big sites at opening, before the tour buses.
- Pack light layers for cool evenings, especially in Luxor and the desert.
- Dress modestly at churches, mosques and temples.
- Hire a private guide for crowded places such as the museum and the pyramids.
Quick Answers for the All Saints’ Day Holiday in Egypt
Which dates should I fly for the All Saints’ Day holiday in 2026?
Leave on Saturday 31 October and return on Sunday 8 November if you take 2 to 6 November off. French families can start earlier, from Saturday 17 October.
Is Egypt crowded in early November?
Busier than summer, quieter than December. The popular sites fill up from mid-morning, so start early.
Which Coptic Cairo sites fit into one morning?
The Hanging Church and the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus. They sit a few minutes’ walk apart, so about two hours is enough.
Do I need to book the Grand Egyptian Museum in advance?
It is wise in busy weeks. Check the museum’s current ticket rules before you travel.
Spend the Saints’ Days Under a Warmer Sun
A short break is enough for Egypt. In one trip you can walk through Coptic lanes, stand before Tutankhamun’s treasures and finish with sea or river. Early November gives you the weather to enjoy all of it.
Ready to choose your dates? See our Egypt itineraries and we will build the break around them.
