Things to Do in Cairo in January

January Weather in Cairo

18°C (66°F) High Temp

10°C (50°F) Low Temp

5mm (0.2 inches) Rainfall

55% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect temperature for walking - 18°C (66°F) highs mean you can explore pyramids and Islamic Cairo comfortably for 6-8 hours without overheating
Crystal clear air quality - minimal dust storms and pollution, giving you unobstructed views of pyramids and cityscape that photographers dream of
Tourist crowds drop 40% after New Year's week - you'll have breathing room at major sites and better photo opportunities without buses of tour groups
Hotel rates plummet after January 7th - luxury Nile view rooms cost 50-60% less than December peak season pricing

Considerations

Nights get genuinely cold at 10°C (50°F) - many budget accommodations lack proper heating, and rooftop restaurants become uncomfortable after 8pm
Strong winds from the north can kick up sand particles - expect 2-3 days during the month where outdoor sightseeing becomes unpleasant
Some Nile felucca operators reduce evening trips due to cooler temperatures - sunset sailing options are more limited than warmer months

Best Activities in January

Pyramid Complex Exploration

January's cool mornings (10-15°C/50-59°F) are ideal for climbing inside the Great Pyramid and exploring Saqqara. You'll avoid the scorching heat that makes summer visits unbearable. The clear, dry air provides exceptional visibility for photography, and reduced humidity means less camera lens fogging inside tombs. Start at 8am when crowds are minimal.

Booking Tip: Book pyramid interior tickets 2-3 weeks ahead through official channels. Entry costs typically range from 400-800 EGP depending on which pyramids you access. Licensed guides charge 300-500 EGP for half-day tours. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Islamic Cairo Walking Tours

Cool January temperatures make the 5-7km (3-4 mile) walking routes through Al-Muizz Street and Khan el-Khalili bearable. The dry weather means narrow medieval streets aren't humid and stuffy. Mosque visits are comfortable without excessive sweating, and you can spend hours exploring without heat exhaustion that plagues summer visitors.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walks work well, but guided tours (typically 200-400 EGP for 3-4 hours) provide crucial historical context. Book morning tours starting 9-10am for optimal weather. Many operators offer small group experiences for 300-600 EGP per person.

Nile River Cruises

While evening felucca rides can be chilly, daytime Nile cruises (10am-4pm) are perfect in January. The cool air provides relief while still enjoying sunshine. Longer day cruises to sites like Dendera or multi-day Luxor trips avoid the crushing heat that makes summer Nile travel miserable for many visitors.

Booking Tip: Day cruises typically cost 800-1,500 EGP including meals. Multi-day cruises drop to low-season rates after January 10th. Book through licensed operators with good safety records. Check current availability in the booking section.

Desert Excursions to White Desert

January offers the only comfortable window for camping in Egypt's Western Desert. Daytime temperatures reach pleasant 18-20°C (64-68°F) while nights drop to 5-8°C (41-46°F) - perfect for campfires and stargazing. Summer desert trips are dangerously hot, making January the prime season for these otherworldly landscapes.

Booking Tip: Two-day camping trips typically cost 1,200-2,000 EGP including transport, meals, and camping gear. Book with operators who provide proper cold-weather sleeping equipment. Reserve 1-2 weeks ahead as January is peak season for desert tourism.

Coptic Cairo Historical Sites

The cool, dry January weather is ideal for exploring the narrow alleyways and underground crypts of Old Cairo's Christian quarter. Sites like the Hanging Church and Coptic Museum are more comfortable to visit when temperatures stay below 20°C (68°F). The reduced humidity also preserves ancient artifacts better, meaning better displays.

Booking Tip: Most sites charge 60-100 EGP entry. Guided tours of the entire Coptic quarter typically cost 250-400 EGP for 2-3 hours. Morning visits (9am-noon) offer the best combination of comfortable temperatures and natural lighting for photography.

Alexandria Day Trips

January's mild weather makes the 3-hour drive to Alexandria worthwhile - Mediterranean breezes keep temperatures pleasant for exploring the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and Pompey's Pillar. Summer heat makes Alexandria's concrete cityscape oppressive, but January offers comfortable sightseeing conditions along the corniche.

Booking Tip: Full-day Alexandria tours typically cost 600-1,000 EGP from Cairo including transport. Train tickets cost 50-100 EGP each way if traveling independently. Book tours that include multiple sites to maximize the long travel time investment.

January Events & Festivals

January 7th

Coptic Orthodox Christmas Celebrations

January 7th brings elaborate celebrations in Coptic Cairo with midnight masses, traditional foods, and street festivities. Churches stay open late with special ceremonies, and local families share traditional kahk cookies. It's a rare glimpse into Egypt's Christian minority culture.

Late January

Cairo International Book Fair

One of the Arab world's largest cultural events, featuring Arabic literature, international books, and cultural performances. The fairgrounds become a gathering place for intellectuals and book lovers, with evening poetry readings and author talks providing insight into contemporary Egyptian culture.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings start at 10°C (50°F) but afternoons reach 18°C (66°F), so pack removable layers like cardigans and light jackets

Closed-toe walking shoes with good grip - marble mosque floors can be slippery, and you'll walk 8-12km (5-7 miles) daily on uneven historical surfaces

Warm sleepwear and socks - many accommodations have minimal heating, and nights genuinely feel cold at 10°C (50°F)

Lightweight scarf or pashmina - essential for mosque visits, plus provides warmth during evening activities and wind protection

SPF 30+ sunscreen - despite cool temperatures, UV index reaches 6 and desert reflection intensifies sun exposure

Moisturizer and lip balm - humidity drops to 55%, much drier than most visitors expect, causing skin and lip chapping

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries 20-30% faster, and you'll use GPS and translation apps constantly

Cash in small denominations - ATMs may be unreliable, and vendors often can't change large bills for 20-50 EGP purchases

Tissues and hand sanitizer - public restroom facilities vary widely in cleanliness and supply availability

Small daypack - you'll carry water, layers, and purchases while walking long distances between sites

Insider Knowledge

Start sightseeing at 8am when sites open - you'll finish major outdoor activities by 2pm before afternoon winds pick up sand and dust

Carry a light jacket even on sunny days - Cairo's buildings create wind tunnels that can drop perceived temperature by 5°C (9°F) unexpectedly

Book accommodations with heating after reading recent reviews - many budget and mid-range hotels advertise heating they don't actually provide effectively

Take advantage of outdoor café culture - January is the only month when sidewalk seating at traditional ahawi (coffee houses) is truly comfortable all day

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only summer clothes because 'it's Egypt' - January nights genuinely require warm clothing and many visitors get uncomfortably cold

Booking felucca sunset trips without asking about blankets - operators may not warn that evening river trips become quite chilly after dark

Assuming all tourist sites have indoor heating - many museums and monuments have minimal climate control and feel cold inside during January