The most common thing passengers tell us after landing in January is “I wish I’d brought a jumper”. The most common thing they tell us in July is “I didn’t need the jacket”. Luxor’s dawn temperatures swing a long way through the year, and a balloon flight starts in the coldest hour of the day. Here is how to dress for it.

A jet of burner flame filling a hot air balloon envelope during inflation in Luxor

Is it cold in a hot air balloon?

Less than you would think — but the morning around it can be. In the air there is almost no wind chill, because the balloon moves with the wind, and every time the pilot fires the burner you feel a wave of radiant heat from above. The cold part is the hour before the flight: the pickup, the boat across the Nile, and standing at the launch site in the dark while the balloons are inflated.

Month by month

Months	Typical dawn on the ground	What to wear
December – February	Cold, often around 5–10 °C	Warm layers: thermal or long-sleeve top, fleece or jumper, light jacket, long trousers, hat. Gloves for children.
March – April	Cool, about 12–18 °C	Long sleeves plus a light jacket or fleece you can take off.
May – September	Mild to warm, often 22–28 °C	Light long-sleeve shirt and trousers, a thin layer for the boat.
October – November	Mild, about 15–22 °C	Long sleeves and a light layer.

These are typical ranges, not forecasts — check the evening before. For how weather affects flights themselves, see our best time of year guide.

The rules that apply all year

Closed, flat shoes. Trainers or walking shoes. You stand on rough ground in the dark and may land in a field. No sandals, flip-flops or heels.
Layers over one thick coat. You will warm up quickly once the sun rises; layers come off, a heavy coat just gets in the way.
A hat. In winter for warmth, in summer for sun, and all year for the burner’s radiant heat above your head.
Long trousers. Climbing in and out of the basket is easier and more comfortable.
Natural fabrics if you can. Cotton and wool cope better than synthetics with the heat from the burner.

What to bring

Phone or camera with a wrist strap — dropping one from 1,500 feet ends the story
A small bag or a jacket with zip pockets
Sunglasses for after sunrise
Passport copy or hotel name, in case the crew needs to confirm your booking
Any medication you may need during the morning

What to leave in the vehicle

Large backpacks and camera bags — basket compartments have little floor space
Tripods and selfie sticks wider than the basket rail
Drones — not permitted from the basket or at the launch site

Photos: what to wear if you want great pictures

Strong colours read well against the pale desert and the blue morning sky — red, yellow, teal and white all work. If photos matter, our balloon ride and photo session provides a professional photographer and traditional Egyptian costumes, so you can arrive in normal clothes and still get the postcard shot.