The pyramids look different every hour of the day. In the morning they're soft and pale against a hazy sky; in the late afternoon they glow gold and throw long shadows across the sand. The time you ride changes your photos, your comfort and your horse's day too. Here's how to pick the right season and the right hour.
The best months: October to April
From October to April, days in Giza are warm and sunny and rarely hot: daytime temperatures are mostly between 15 and 25 °C (59–77 °F). That's the most comfortable season for riding, for you and the horses.
From May to September, midday temperatures often go above 35 °C (95 °F) and can pass 40 °C (104 °F). Rides still happen, but early in the morning is the only comfortable time.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | December – February | Mild, sunny days, cool mornings and evenings. Bring a warm layer. |
| Spring | March – April | Warm and bright. Occasional dusty wind days (the khamaseen). |
| Summer | May – September | Hot. Ride early in the morning; drink plenty of water. |
| Autumn | October – November | Warm days, cooler evenings. One of the best times to ride. |
Morning at Giza or sunset at Saqqara?
Morning is the time for the Great Pyramids of Giza. The air is at its coolest, the horses are fresh and the desert is quiet. The soft light gives gentle, even photos, and you have the rest of the day for the museum or the city. Our rides start from 8:30 am.
Sunset is the time for Saqqara. Our Saqqara Ride crosses the quiet desert toward the Step Pyramid as the light turns gold and the shadows grow long: the most dramatic time for photos. Riding at the Giza pyramids is a morning experience; for sunset, Saqqara is the place.
Sunrise and sunset at the pyramids through the year
Approximate times on the 15th of each month, in Cairo local time:
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6:51 am | 5:17 pm |
| February | 6:35 am | 5:43 pm |
| March | 6:05 am | 6:03 pm |
| April | 5:28 am | 6:22 pm |
| May | 6:01 am | 7:41 pm |
| June | 5:53 am | 7:57 pm |
| July | 6:04 am | 7:58 pm |
| August | 6:22 am | 7:37 pm |
| September | 6:39 am | 7:01 pm |
| October | 6:57 am | 6:25 pm |
| November | 6:20 am | 4:59 pm |
| December | 6:43 am | 4:57 pm |
Egypt uses summer time from the end of April to the end of October, which is why the clock times jump in May. Our home page shows today's exact sunset time for the Saqqara sunset ride.
What to wear
- All year: long, comfortable trousers and closed shoes or boots. A helmet is free on our rides.
- Sun: a hat that stays on, sunglasses and sunscreen. The desert reflects light even in winter.
- Winter mornings: a warm layer you can take off once the sun is up.
- Summer: light, loose, breathable clothes and a bottle of water.
- For photos: colors that stand out against the sand (white, red, blue) look great with the pyramids behind.
Ramadan and holidays
During Ramadan the pace of the day changes and many places keep shorter hours, while the evenings are lively and festive. If your trip falls in Ramadan, message us to confirm ride times. Around Egyptian public holidays the plateau can be busier with local visitors; booking ahead is a good idea.
Quick answers
What's the single best time to ride?
A morning between October and April: comfortable temperatures, calm horses and beautiful light.
Is it too hot to ride in summer?
Not if you ride early in the morning. Avoid the middle of the day from May to September.
Can I ride at sunrise?
Our rides start from 8:30 am, when the light is still soft and the desert quiet. For golden light, choose the sunset ride at Saqqara.
Make a day of it with a morning ride and the Grand Egyptian Museum, and check what a fair ride price looks like.
