Things to Do in Cairo in April

April Weather in Cairo

28°C (82°F) High Temp

16°C (60°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

38% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect temperature for pyramid exploration - mornings start at 16°C (60°F) before climbing to comfortable 25°C (77°F) by 10am
Khamseen winds clear air pollution, giving crystal-clear visibility of monuments - you can see the Giza plateau from 15 km (9 miles) away
Ramadan typically falls in April 2025, creating magical evening atmosphere with iftar street food and reduced daytime crowds at major sites
Hotel rates drop 40-60% compared to peak winter season while weather remains excellent for sightseeing

Considerations

Midday temperatures reach 28°C (82°F) with UV index of 9 - outdoor activities become uncomfortable between 11am-4pm
Khamseen sandstorms occur 3-5 days during April, reducing visibility and coating everything in fine dust
Many restaurants close during Ramadan daylight hours, limiting lunch options outside hotels and tourist areas

Best Activities in April

Giza Pyramid Complex Early Morning Tours

April's cool mornings (16°C/60°F at sunrise) make this the perfect time for extensive pyramid exploration before crowds arrive. The dry air provides exceptional photography conditions, and you can comfortably spend 3-4 hours on-site before heat becomes uncomfortable. Sunrise tours let you experience the monuments in golden light with minimal tourists.

Booking Tip: Book sunrise tours 7-10 days ahead through licensed operators - prices range EGP 800-1,500 including transport. Look for operators offering early 5:30am pickups. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Coptic Cairo Walking Tours

The narrow streets of Old Cairo become pleasantly cool in April mornings, perfect for exploring ancient churches and synagogues. April's low humidity (38%) makes the 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles) of walking comfortable, and reduced tourist crowds during Ramadan mean better access to sites and more interaction with local Christian communities.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically cost EGP 600-900 and work best starting at 8am. Book with operators including Hanging Church and Ben Ezra Synagogue access. Reference booking widget below for current options.

Nile Felucca Sunset Cruises

April evenings are magical on the Nile - temperatures drop to 20°C (68°F) by 6pm with gentle breezes. The clear, dust-free air after khamseen winds provides stunning sunset views of Cairo's skyline. Traditional felucca boats offer authentic Egyptian experience without the summer heat intensity.

Booking Tip: Book directly at Nile Corniche for EGP 200-400 per hour, or through operators for EGP 500-800 including transfers. Avoid Friday afternoons during prayer times. Current tour packages available in booking section below.

Islamic Cairo Architecture Walks

April's dry conditions are ideal for exploring the medieval city's winding alleys and climbing minaret stairs. Cool mornings allow comfortable 4-5 km (2.5-3 miles) walks through Khan el-Khalili and Al-Azhar areas. The clear air showcases intricate architectural details often obscured by summer haze.

Booking Tip: Choose tours including mosque entry fees (EGP 60-100 per site). Half-day walks cost EGP 700-1,200 through certified guides. Book 5-7 days ahead and confirm Ramadan schedule adjustments. See available tours in booking widget below.

Egyptian Museum Extended Visits

April's heat makes indoor attractions more appealing during midday hours (11am-4pm). The museum's air conditioning provides perfect refuge, and reduced tourist crowds mean better access to Tutankhamun collection and mummy rooms. Plan 3-4 hour visits during peak heat periods.

Booking Tip: Entry tickets cost EGP 200 for foreigners, plus EGP 300-450 for special exhibitions. Book mummy room access separately. Private guided tours range EGP 800-1,500. Current tour options available through booking section below.

Saqqara Archaeological Site Tours

April's excellent visibility conditions make the 30 km (18.6 miles) journey to Saqqara worthwhile for pyramid enthusiasts. The site is less crowded than Giza, and cool mornings allow thorough exploration of Step Pyramid and mastaba tombs. Desert location benefits from April's clear, dry air.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours including transport cost EGP 1,200-2,000. Site entry is EGP 150 plus additional fees for special tombs. Book with operators offering early departure (7am) to maximize cool weather time. Reference booking widget for current options.

April Events & Festivals

Early to Mid April

Ramadan Evening Markets

Traditional iftar markets spring up throughout Cairo during Ramadan, offering incredible street food experiences. Tentmakers' Street and around Al-Hussein Mosque become food wonderlands after sunset, with dates, qatayef pastries, and traditional sweets. The evening atmosphere is celebratory and welcoming to visitors.

Mid to Late April

Coptic Easter Celebrations

Egyptian Orthodox Easter often falls in April, bringing special services at Coptic churches in Old Cairo. The celebrations include traditional foods, processions, and church decorations. Visitors can respectfully observe services at Hanging Church and Saint Sergius Church.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and lip balm - UV index reaches 9 in April's clear desert air

Light cotton long-sleeve shirts - protect from sun while staying cool in 38% humidity

Comfortable walking shoes with closed toes - essential for pyramid climbing and dusty archaeological sites

Dust mask or bandana - khamseen winds create sandstorms 3-5 days during April

Light jacket for evenings - temperatures drop to 16°C (60°F) after sunset

Insulated water bottle - staying hydrated crucial in dry 28°C (82°F) heat

Cash in small bills - many vendors don't accept cards, especially during Ramadan

Respectful clothing for mosque visits - long pants and sleeve coverage required

Portable phone charger - extensive photo opportunities drain batteries quickly

Eye drops and moisturizer - extremely dry air causes discomfort for many visitors

Insider Knowledge

Ramadan creates unique opportunities - many locals invite visitors to share iftar meals, offering authentic cultural experiences not available other times of year

Khamseen sandstorms usually last 24-48 hours and occur with little warning - have backup indoor activities planned and check weather forecasts daily

April hotel rates are 40-60% lower than December-February peak season, but book accommodations near metro lines as traffic becomes heavier during Ramadan evening rush

Local Cairenes take afternoon naps during April heat - plan museum visits and indoor activities for 12pm-4pm when outdoor sites become uncomfortable

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities during midday heat - temperatures jump from comfortable to oppressive between 11am-4pm

Not preparing for Ramadan impact on dining - many restaurants close during daylight hours, leaving tourists with limited lunch options outside hotels

Ignoring khamseen weather warnings - these sandstorms make outdoor sightseeing impossible and can last 2-3 days