What are the best Nile River cruise routes to take in May?

The stretch between Luxor and Aswan stands out as the prime route for May cruises featuring stops at ancient landmarks like Kom Ombo Edfu and Philae Temple. Ships like the Sonesta St. George or MS Mayfair offer 4-5 day journeys that balance exploration with downtime. Travelers can choose to sail north from Aswan to Luxor or south in the opposite direction. As mentioned by a TourRadar traveler: "Our guide Mohammed was amazing making each stop between Luxor and Aswan come alive with history and culture."

What is the weather like along the Nile River in May?

The Nile region sees pleasant temperatures in May ranging from 25-35°C (77-95°F) with minimal rain. Upper Egypt near Aswan tends to be warmer with temperatures reaching 40°C (104°F) while the northern areas near Cairo stay a bit cooler. As noted by TourRadar travelers "The warm May weather was perfect for lounging on the sun deck while sailing between temples." These conditions make it an excellent time for cruising on vessels like the MS Mayfair or Steigenberger Minerva.

What are the best attractions to visit along the Nile River in May?

The mild May weather creates good conditions for exploring major sites including the Temple of Philae Kom Ombo Temple Edfu Temple and the Valley of the Kings in Luxor. One TourRadar traveler noted "Our guide Khaled was excellent in timing our May visits to avoid peak heat starting early at Valley of the Kings then visiting air-conditioned museums during midday." Standard routes on ships like the Steigenberger Regency include these key temples taking advantage of the comfortable morning and evening temperatures.

Are there any special events or festivals along the Nile River in May?

The Nile comes alive with cultural celebrations in May starting with the Sham El-Nessim spring festival. Cruise ships like the MS Mayfair plan Egyptian theme nights and traditional Galabya parties during this time. Visitors can catch special evening sound and light shows at Karnak Temple in Luxor or traditional Nubian music in Aswan. As one TourRadar reviewer mentioned: "The evening entertainment and cultural shows on board made the experience even more memorable."

How crowded are the Nile River cruise ships and tourist sites in May?

May falls in the shoulder season bringing moderate crowds and comfortable conditions. Major attractions like Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings see fewer visitors than the busy winter period. Premium ships like the Sonesta St. George and MS Mayfair operate with comfortable passenger numbers. A TourRadar reviewer shared: "The May timing was perfect - we could enjoy all the sites without the winter crowds and our cruise ship felt spacious and uncrowded."

What is the price range for Nile River cruises in May?

Expect to pay between 550 USD and 2100 USD per person for May cruises with costs varying by vessel and trip length. High-end ships like the Sonesta St. George set higher rates while standard cruises remain more affordable. Prices typically fall between peak winter rates and summer discounts. A TourRadar reviewer noted: "The May cruise offered excellent value with luxury accommodations and comprehensive sightseeing included."

Nile Cruises in May 2027

10 Nile river cruises in May 2027

View Map
Explorer
Golden Egypt tour: 14 Day luxury (Cairo GEM & Alexandria & White desert & Nile cruise & Hurghada)
4.4 (30 traveler reviews)
"Seeing the pyramids in person was an event that will never be forgotten; they were truly breathtaking."
Caroline, traveled in December
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Cairo, Giza, Memphis, Saqqarah, Bahariya Oasis,White Desert,Alexandria,Aswan,Agilkia Island,Abu Simbel,Kom Ombo,Edfu,Luxor,Deir el-Bahri,Dendera,Hurghada+11 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
River
Nile
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish,Chinese,Dutch,Russian+7 more
Operator
Golden Egypt
50% Off
From $2,800
US$1,400per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $70
1 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
View tour

View Map
In-depth Cultural
Egypt Highlights—9-Day Journey
4.5 (11 traveler reviews)
"Good organisation of accommodation, site visits and local support."
Jorgen, traveled in February
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Cairo, Giza, Saqqarah, Memphis, Luxor, Valley of the Kings,Deir el-Bahri,Edfu,Kom Ombo,Aswan,Agilkia Island,Philae,Abu Simbel+7 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Regions
Nile Nile ValleyValley Of The Kings+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Truly Egypt Tours
50% Off
From $2,598
US$1,299per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $64
3 May, 2027
10 spaces left
5 May, 2027
10 spaces left
View tour
View Map
River Cruise
3 Nights Cruise Aswan to Luxor including Abu Simbel, Nubian Village and Air Balloon
4.9 (20 traveler reviews)
"Heba helped me book a tour with her last minute after the one I had booked in advanced cancelled on me the day prior to arrival."
rachel, traveled in November
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Aswan, Philae, Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor,Valley of the Kings,Deir el-Bahri+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Nile Nile Valley
Operated in
English, German,Spanish+1 more
Operator
Egypt Gift Tours
9% Off
From $880
US$800per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $40
2 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
3 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
River Cruise
Egypt: Private 5-Day Tour, Nile Cruise, Flights & Balloon
4.2 (5 traveler reviews)
"Excellent tour of Egypt. We found the tour to be very interesting and great value."
Darren, traveled in January
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Cairo, Luxor, Edfu, Abu Simbel
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
River
Nile
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish+4 more
Operator
Egypt Tours USA
9% Off
From
US$2,164per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $108
1 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
River Cruise
4 Days – 3 Nights 5 Star Nile Cruise From Cairo by Flight
4.8 (89 traveler reviews)
"The boat was amazing, the tour operator was amazing, no hidden charges, excellent aircon in an extremely hot location."
Nicholas, traveled in July
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Cairo, Aswan, Philae, Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Nile Nile Valley
Operated in
English
Operator
Holiday In Egypt
50% Off
From $1,299
US$650per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $32
5 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
7 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
River Cruise
River Nile Cruise For 4 Nights From Luxor to Aswan (Opt. Balloon & Abu Simbel)
4.4 (16 traveler reviews)
"We had a great time on the cruise and stopped off at some of the most amazing sites along the way."
Wilson, traveled in July
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Nile Nile ValleyValley Of The Kings+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Egypt Best Holidays
29% Off
From $790
US$561per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $28
1 May, 2027
10 spaces left
3 May, 2027
10 spaces left
View tour
View Map
River Cruise
4-Days 3-Nights Cruise From Aswan To Luxor Including Abu Simbel and Hot Air Balloon
4.9 (8 traveler reviews)
"We were so impressed and comfortable with Hatem that we canceled our prior reservations in Luxor."
Leesa, traveled in February
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Aswan, Philae, Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Esna, Luxor,Valley of the Kings,Deir el-Bahri+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Nile Nile Valley
Operated in
English, German,Spanish+1 more
Operator
Egypt Gift Tours
29% Off
From
US$850per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $42
2 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
3 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
River Cruise
Nile Cruises Trips from Aswan to Luxor for 4 Days 3 Nights
4.0 (5 traveler reviews)
"Unforgettable 5/5 Stars. The well-planned itinerary, seamless logistics, and a balance between iconic landmarks and hidden gems enhanced the overall experience."
Sam, traveled in January
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Aswan, Philae, Valley of the Kings, Deir el-Bahri, Edfu,Luxor+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Nile Nile Valley
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish,Chinese,Dutch,Russian+7 more
Operator
Ancient Egypt Tours
12% Off
From $630
US$554per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $27
1 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
2 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
River Cruise
5 Days – 4 Nights Nile Cruise 5 stars from Luxor to Aswan
4.8 (18 traveler reviews)
"Each morning commenced with unmissable visits to fascinating historical sites."
Madeleine, traveled in December
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Luxor, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan, Philae, Abu Simbel
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Nile Nile Valley
Operated in
English
Operator
Holiday In Egypt
50% Off
From $1,199
US$600per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $30
1 May, 2027
10 spaces left
3 May, 2027
10 spaces left
View tour
View Map
River Cruise
Amazing 2 Nights Nile Cruise From Aswan To Luxor including Tours and Abu Simbel
4.4 (7 traveler reviews)
"The ship was clean and well organized. We'd recommend this tour to others."
Valeri, traveled in December
Duration
3 days
Destinations
Aswan, Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor,Valley of the Kings,Deir el-Bahri+2 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Nile Nile ValleyValley Of The Kings+1 more
Operated in
English, Spanish
Operator
Egypt Gift Tours
50% Off
From
US$650per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $32
1 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
3 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Our most booked and loved tours
Best Seller
River Cruise
4 Days 3 nights 5 stars Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor
4.8 (307 traveler reviews)
"A lot to see and the people were all very kind. As for the conflicts in the middle east , we felt very safe here."
Evi, traveled in March
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Aswan, Philae, Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Esna, Luxor,Valley of the Kings+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Nile Nile Valley
Operated in
English
Operator
Holiday In Egypt
50% Off
From $799
US$400per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $20
5 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
7 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
River Nile Story - 4 Days 5 stars Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor with meals and Sightseeing
4.6 (209 traveler reviews)
"We all had a truly wonderful experience. Everything became amazing once we met Khaled."
Youssef, traveled in January
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Nile Nile ValleyValley Of The Kings+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Egypt Best Holidays
29% Off
From $550
US$391per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $19
3 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
5 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
Explorer
Cairo and Nile Cruise Tours - GEM and Return Flight Included
4.7 (95 traveler reviews)
"The trip was safe; there was no evidence that the war in the Middle East impacted Egypt. Accommodations were very good, food was very good, drivers were very good."
Warren, traveled in March
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Cairo, Giza, Aswan, Philae, Agilkia Island, Abu Simbel,Kom Ombo,Edfu,Luxor+3 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Regions
Nile Nile Valley
Operated in
English
Operator
Nourbelle Tours
50% Off
From $1,390
US$695per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $34
3 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
5 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
River Cruise
5 Days – 4 Nights Nile Cruise 5 Star From Cairo by Flight
4.8 (224 traveler reviews)
"The sites visited are incredible. The boat ride is gentle, scenic, and lovely."
Nathan, traveled in March
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Cairo, Luxor, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan, Philae, Abu Simbel
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Nile Nile ValleyValley Of The Kings+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Holiday In Egypt
50% Off
From $1,399
US$700per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $35
1 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
3 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
View tour
View Map
River Cruise
5 * Deluxe Nile River Cruise from Cairo include flights - 3 Nights 4 Days
4.3 (19 traveler reviews)
"it was fun, just do it!"
samuel, traveled in October
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Cairo, Aswan, Kom Ombo, Luxor, Edfu
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Nile Nile ValleyValley Of The Kings+1 more
Operated in
English, German,Italian,Portuguese,French,Spanish+4 more
Operator
Holiday In
15% Off
From $875
US$744per person
Price based on Private Double Room
Sign up and save up to $37
3 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
5 May, 2027
10+ spaces left
View tour