Things to Do in Cairo in February

February Weather in Cairo

20°C (68°F) High Temp

11°C (51°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect weather window - daily highs of 20°C (68°F) make walking the pyramids and Khan el-Khalili comfortable without summer's brutal 40°C+ (104°F+) heat
Peak tourist season hasn't started - February is the last month before March-April crowds arrive, meaning shorter lines at major sites and better photo opportunities
Crystal clear air quality - February's dry conditions and minimal sandstorms offer the best visibility for photography at Giza and Islamic Cairo's skyline views
Ideal Nile cruise weather - calm winds and mild temperatures create perfect conditions for felucca rides and river dining without the choppy waters of winter months

Considerations

Temperature swings require layered clothing - morning starts at 11°C (51°F) but afternoon reaches 20°C (68°F), meaning you'll be constantly adjusting what you wear
Occasional rain disrupts outdoor plans - while rare (2.5mm total), February's 10 rainy days can catch tourists off-guard since most expect desert dryness year-round
Higher accommodation prices than January - hotels raise rates 15-25% in February anticipating March peak season, though still cheaper than spring months

Best Activities in February

Giza Pyramid Complex Exploration

February's mild 20°C (68°F) afternoons make the 2-3 hour pyramid walk comfortable without summer's dangerous heat. Morning humidity at 70% clears by noon, providing crystal-clear photography conditions. This is the last month before March crowds arrive, meaning better access to the Sphinx and pyramid interiors.

Booking Tip: Book pyramid interior access 7-10 days ahead through licensed operators - only 300 daily tickets available for Great Pyramid chamber. Expect to pay EGP 800-1,200 ($26-39) for comprehensive tours including transport. See current options in the booking section below.

Islamic Cairo Walking Tours

February's moderate temperatures and low rainfall make navigating the narrow medieval streets comfortable. The 11°C (51°F) morning temperatures are perfect for the 3-4 hour walks through Al-Azhar, Citadel, and Khan el-Khalili areas. Clear February air provides excellent visibility from the Citadel's elevated viewpoints.

Booking Tip: Join organized walking tours departing 9am to avoid afternoon crowds and capture golden hour photography. Licensed guides cost EGP 400-600 ($13-19) for 4-hour tours. Book 3-5 days ahead through certified operators listed in booking section below.

Luxor Day Trips

February's stable weather and minimal sandstorms create ideal conditions for the 12-hour Luxor day trip from Cairo. Valley of the Kings tomb exploration is comfortable at 18-22°C (64-72°F) without summer's suffocating underground heat. Clear skies ensure unobstructed views of Karnak Temple's massive columns.

Booking Tip: Book domestic flights 14-21 days ahead - February flights to Luxor cost EGP 2,800-4,200 ($90-135) roundtrip. Full-day tours including flights, guides, and entrance fees typically range EGP 4,500-6,500 ($145-210). Current tour options available in booking section below.

Nile Felucca Sailing

February's calm winds and pleasant evening temperatures around 15°C (59°F) create perfect felucca sailing conditions. The traditional wooden boats are most comfortable during February's dry period - avoiding both winter's choppy waters and summer's unbearable afternoon heat. Sunset cruises offer stunning photography lighting.

Booking Tip: Book sunset felucca rides for 4:30-6:30pm departure when temperatures drop to comfortable levels. Private felucca rentals cost EGP 200-350 ($6-11) per hour for up to 8 people. Avoid unlicensed operators near tourist areas - book through hotel concierge or established operators in booking section below.

Coptic Cairo Cultural Tours

February's mild weather and reduced tourist numbers make exploring Old Cairo's Christian quarter ideal. The underground St. Sergius Church and narrow Roman fortress passages are more comfortable in February's moderate humidity compared to summer's stifling conditions. Morning tours at 11°C (51°F) are particularly pleasant.

Booking Tip: Combine Coptic Cairo with nearby Amr Ibn al-As Mosque for comprehensive religious history tours lasting 3-4 hours. Guided cultural tours cost EGP 300-500 ($10-16) including entrance fees. Book morning departures 2-3 days ahead through licensed guides available in booking section below.

Alexandria Day Excursions

February offers ideal conditions for Alexandria's coastal attractions - the Mediterranean coast is pleasantly cool at 18°C (64°F) without summer's humid heat. The new Bibliotheca Alexandrina and Pompey's Pillar are comfortable to explore, while Qaitbay Citadel provides stunning sea views in clear February weather.

Booking Tip: Alexandria day trips from Cairo take 6-8 hours total including 2.5-hour each way transport. Full-day tours cost EGP 1,800-2,800 ($58-90) including lunch and entrance fees. Book 5-7 days ahead for guaranteed transport - see current Alexandria tour options in booking section below.

February Events & Festivals

Late February

Cairo International Book Fair

The Arab world's largest book fair attracts over 2 million visitors to the Egypt International Exhibition Center. Browse books in multiple languages, attend author readings, and experience Cairo's intellectual culture. The fair showcases contemporary Arabic literature alongside international titles.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight merino wool layers - temperature swings from 11°C (51°F) mornings to 20°C (68°F) afternoons require easy-to-remove clothing

SPF 50+ sunscreen and lip balm with SPF - February's UV index of 8 combined with desert reflection creates intense sun exposure

Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support - expect 8-12km (5-7.5 miles) daily walking on uneven ancient stones and sand

Light rain jacket or packable poncho - February's 10 rainy days bring sudden 15-30 minute downpours that can soak through cotton

Moisture-wicking undergarments - 70% humidity makes cotton underwear uncomfortable during active sightseeing

Dust mask or bandana - occasional February dust storms and construction around archaeological sites create breathing irritation

Insulated water bottle - staying hydrated in dry air is crucial, and hotels charge EGP 15-25 ($0.50-0.80) for bottled water

Cash in small bills - many sites and vendors only accept Egyptian pounds in EGP 5, 10, 20 denominations

Portable phone charger - GPS navigation and photography drain batteries faster in variable February weather conditions

Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees - required for mosque visits and reduces unwanted attention in conservative areas

Insider Knowledge

Visit major sites at 7:30am when they open - February mornings at 11°C (51°F) are comfortable, crowds minimal, and photography lighting optimal before harsh midday sun

Carry tissue packets and hand sanitizer - February's occasional rain creates muddy conditions around archaeological sites, and restroom facilities vary in quality

Download offline maps before arriving - cellular data is expensive for tourists (EGP 200-400/$6-13 for weekly plans) and coverage spotty in some historic areas

Book internal flights through EgyptAir directly rather than international booking sites - saves 20-30% on domestic routes and provides better customer service for weather delays

Avoid These Mistakes

Wearing only light summer clothes - tourists underestimate February's 11°C (51°F) morning temperatures and end up uncomfortable during early site visits

Not bringing rain protection - visitors expect desert dryness year-round but February's 10 rainy days can ruin outdoor plans without proper gear

Scheduling back-to-back outdoor activities - February's variable weather requires flexibility for sudden temperature changes and occasional dust storms