It’s mid-September, and before you know it temperatures will be on the decline and festivities will be on the horizon. Yeah sure, summer is fun and everything. Sahel, tanning under the sun, iced coffee…the appeal is definitely there.

Winter though? It’s something else. Especially in Egypt, where the weather is just chilly enough for a cute coat, but not so chilly that your extremities are at risk of death. It’s called BALANCE.

Without further adieu, here are all the reasons we’re obsessed with winter in Egypt

1. Halabesa (hommos el sham)

It’s salty, spicy, tangy…it’s everything you need during the winter to warm you up. Halabessa, or otherwise known as hommos el sham, is a one-way ticket to that cosy, warm feeling inside that we all know and love.

Recommended

Naguib Sawiris Stole The Spotlight At The Circoloco ConcertMiss Universe Egypt Stunned As Cleopatra: A National Costume To RememberAfter Slapping A Young Man… Amr Diab Got Referred To Misdemeanor Court!

2. Taking a trip to Alexandria

Whoever said Paris is the city of romance really needs to take a step back. Or at least add Alexandria to the list. It has its flaws, but let’s be fair here, there is nothing like taking a stroll on Stanley Bridge on a winter night as the rain settles into the pavements, and looking over to see the vast sea.

It’s heritage architecture, plethora of vintage bakeries and shops, and its local street food makes it all the better. Alexandria in the winter is kind of like traveling back in time and into a 40s era postcard. Alexa, play Abdelhalim Hafez!

3. All the fresh produce

In most places, winter is a time where little vegetation grows. Egypt can’t relate lol. The Egyptian winter is kind of like autumn everywhere else, so there’s a wide variety of fruits and vegetables that are only available during the cold season. Especially strawberries and oranges, yum.

4. The amazing decorations

In Egypt, we go big or go home! Whether it’s the mall, a cafe, or wherever it is you may go, winter decorations are in full blast especially during Christmas. Nobody decks the halls with boughs of holly like us, period.

5. Sahlab

If you aren’t familiar with this glorious beverage, I am so sorry sweetie. For centuries, people in the Middle East have been drinking this thick, custardy drink. It’s made from milk and starch, which doesn’t sound like much, but we promise it’s darn good. It’s like a warm hug from your grandparents.

Bonus tip: drink it in the evening in the balcony with your blanket for extra cosy points.

6. Luxor & Aswan

Located in the south of Egypt, Luxor and Aswan are two of the most ancient cities in the country that are brimming with culture. Maybe more so that Cairo itself. They’re also extremely hot, so visiting them in the winter is essentially the only option unless you’re trying to save on airfare. Karnak Temple, Elephantine Island, the Winter Palace, the list is practically endless of things you can do there.

Bonus tip: If you’re really adventurous, take a hot air balloon ride during sunrise, it is a once in a lifetime experience.

7. Hike snowy St. Catherine

We don’t need to remind that St Catherine is a holy site. It’s where Moses saw the burning bush, and the monastery there is quite literally one of the oldest on the planet. It’s also one of the few mountains that make for a great hike, and one of the even fewer places that receive snow on a regular basis in Egypt. It’s an entirely different feeling to the palm trees and sun we’re used to, it doesn’t even feel like Egypt.