What to Wear on a Nile Cruise: Dress Code and Packing List
Updated on: 14/10/2026On a Nile cruise there is no dress code on board: everyone dresses as they like, swimsuits included. When visiting temples and sites, men and women wear modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees, out of respect for local customs and to avoid unwanted stares. Choose light, loose-fitting clothes in cotton or linen, and pack a warm layer for winter evenings. This advice applies to the Nile cruises offered by Filovent, whether on a dahabiya (a traditional Nile sailboat, also spelled dahabieh) or a cruise ship.
Is there a dress code on a Nile cruise?
- Wear what you like day and night, whether you sail on a dahabiya or a felucca. You don’t need dressy clothes for dinner.
- A swimsuit comes in handy: the boat may have a pool or a hot tub, and some itineraries include a swimming stop. Swimming in the Nile carries a risk of schistosomiasis (bilharzia), and the CDC advises travelers to avoid freshwater swimming in Egypt: ask the crew before going in.
- Sandals or light shoes are enough on deck.
- A sweater or light jacket for evenings on deck from October to March.
On tours: shoulders and knees covered
The same rule applies to all the sites visited on a Nile cruise: Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae in Aswan and, as an excursion, Abu Simbel.
| Who | Best choices | Avoid |
| Women | Long dress, below-the-knee skirt, flowy pants, top with sleeves | Shorts, tank tops, backless tops, sheer fabrics |
| Men | Lightweight pants, knee-length shorts, shirt or T-shirt | Short shorts, tank tops |
| Everyone | Closed-toe shoes, hat, sunglasses | Flip-flops, heels |
Women do not need to cover their hair on tours. A light scarf is still useful: it protects you from the sun, covers your shoulders and lets you cover your hair when you visit a mosque.
What to wear by season?
| Season | Climate | Recommended clothing |
| October to November | Hot during the day, mild in the evening | Light clothes, a jacket for the evening |
| December to February | Pleasant during the day (average highs around 73°F in Luxor), cool at night (around 45°F) | Layers, sweater or fleece, windbreaker |
| March to April | Hot, khamsin (hot, dusty desert wind) possible | Light clothes, scarf, sunglasses |
| May to September | Very hot and dry (over 104°F in Luxor in summer) | Loose linen and cotton, wide-brimmed hat |
Tours often start early in the morning to beat the heat: in winter, a warm layer is a must when heading out, especially for a hot-air balloon ride at sunrise.
What to pack for a Nile cruise?
- Clothes: light long pants and skirts, tops with sleeves, T-shirts, a sweater or fleece, a light jacket.
- On board: swimsuit, casual clothes, sandals.
- Footwear: one pair of comfortable closed-toe shoes for walking on sand and stones.
- Protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, scarf.
- Health: bug spray, a small first-aid kit, and the vaccines for a cruise to Egypt (check before you travel).
- Practical: small backpack, water bottle, wet wipes.
Frequently asked questions
Can you wear shorts in Egypt?
Yes, on board, with no restrictions. For tours and walks in town, lightweight pants or knee-length shorts are a better choice.
Do you need to cover your hair in Egypt?
No, except when entering a mosque. A scarf in your bag is enough.
Can you swim on a Nile cruise?
Yes, in the pool or hot tub if your boat has one, depending on whether you choose a Nile cruise on a dahabiya or a cruise ship. Avoid swimming in the Nile itself unless the crew confirms it is safe. Keep your swimsuit in your carry-on: luggage sometimes reaches the cabin after boarding.
Do you need formal wear for dinner on board?
No. The atmosphere is relaxed and no formal attire is required at dinner, regardless of the meal plan in the services included in a Nile cruise.
