Things to Do in Cairo in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Cairo
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect daytime temperatures of 18-20°C (64-68°F) make February the absolute sweet spot for exploring the pyramids and outdoor sites without the brutal summer heat that can hit 40°C (104°F) - you'll actually enjoy standing in the desert instead of hiding in air conditioning
- Tourist crowds drop by roughly 40% compared to December-January peak season, meaning shorter lines at the Egyptian Museum (typically 15-20 minutes instead of 45+ minutes) and you can actually get photos at the Sphinx without 200 people in the background
- Hotel prices fall 25-35% after the New Year rush - four-star Nile-view hotels that cost $180-220 in January drop to $120-150 in February, and you'll have much better negotiating power for multi-night stays
- The Nile is at a stable, pleasant level in February with calm conditions perfect for felucca rides - the wind patterns are predictable (typically picking up around 2-3pm) which makes for excellent sailing without the choppy conditions you sometimes get in spring
Considerations
- Evenings get surprisingly cool at 10-12°C (50-54°F), especially in the desert areas around the pyramids - that 10-degree temperature swing from day to night catches first-timers off guard who pack only for warm weather
- February sits in Cairo's brief rainy period with occasional showers on roughly 10 days throughout the month - while rainfall totals only 2.5 mm (0.1 inches), when it does rain it can disrupt outdoor plans and turn unpaved areas around archaeological sites muddy
- The humidity averages 70% which feels heavier than you'd expect for a desert city - it's not tropical-level oppressive, but that damp quality makes mornings feel cooler and can leave you feeling clammy by midday even when temperatures are mild
Best Activities in February
Giza Plateau and Pyramid Complex Tours
February offers genuinely ideal conditions for spending 4-5 hours exploring the pyramids - temperatures peak at a comfortable 20°C (68°F) around midday instead of the punishing 35-40°C (95-104°F) heat of summer. The UV index of 8 is strong but manageable with proper sun protection. Start early (7-8am when it opens) to catch the best light for photos and finish before the brief afternoon heat peak. The reduced crowds mean you can actually walk around the base of the Great Pyramid without being in a constant human traffic jam.
Islamic Cairo Walking Tours
The cooler February temperatures make this the perfect month to spend 3-4 hours walking through the dense streets of Islamic Cairo - areas like Khan el-Khalili bazaar and the Citadel involve lots of standing, bargaining, and navigating narrow alleys where summer heat gets trapped and unbearable. The variable weather actually works in your favor here since most of the route includes covered souks and indoor mosques. Mornings (9-11am) offer the best combination of open shops and comfortable temperatures before the midday warmth.
Nile Felucca Sailing
February brings stable wind patterns and calm water conditions perfect for traditional felucca sailing - the afternoon breeze typically picks up around 2-3pm, creating ideal sailing conditions without the choppy water you sometimes get in March-April. The 18-20°C (64-68°F) daytime temperatures mean you can enjoy an hour-long sunset sail (usually 4:30-6pm) without freezing as the sun drops. The humidity makes evenings feel warmer than the actual temperature suggests, which is actually pleasant on the water.
Egyptian Museum Extended Visits
February's variable weather makes this the ideal month to dedicate a full morning (3-4 hours minimum) to the Egyptian Museum without feeling like you're wasting perfect outdoor weather - when those occasional rainy mornings hit, you'll be grateful to be inside with the mummies. The reduced tourist crowds mean you can actually spend time with major pieces like Tutankhamun's treasures without being pushed along by crowds. The museum's climate control also provides relief from the outdoor humidity.
Saqqara and Memphis Day Trips
The February temperatures make this the best time to explore the sprawling Saqqara necropolis - you'll be walking across open desert terrain for 2-3 hours with limited shade, which is genuinely pleasant at 18-20°C (64-68°F) but brutal in summer. The Step Pyramid area is less crowded than Giza, and the newly opened Saqqara tombs (several have been restored in recent years) are spectacular without the human traffic jams. The morning light is particularly good for photography here.
Coptic Cairo Historical Quarter
February's mild weather is perfect for exploring this compact but fascinating area - you'll spend 2-3 hours walking between ancient churches, the Coptic Museum, and the Ben Ezra Synagogue, much of it outdoors in narrow streets. The cooler temperatures mean you can take your time examining the intricate details without rushing between air-conditioned spaces. The area is less affected by the occasional February rain since most significant sites are either covered or have quick indoor access.
February Events & Festivals
Cairo International Book Fair
Typically held late January through early February at the Egypt International Exhibition Center, this is the Middle East's largest book fair and a genuinely fascinating cultural experience. You'll see Egyptian families spending entire afternoons browsing, authors doing readings, and publishers from across the Arab world. It's a side of Cairo most tourists never see - packed with locals, zero tourist infrastructure, and a great window into contemporary Egyptian intellectual life. Entry is cheap (around 10-20 EGP) and the people-watching alone is worth it.