Things to Do in Cairo in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Cairo
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Near-perfect weather with daytime temps around 24°C (76°F) and cool evenings at 16°C (60°F) - comfortable for exploring pyramids and walking Islamic Cairo without the brutal summer heat that reaches 40°C (104°F)
- Minimal rainfall at just 5 mm (0.2 inches) for the entire month means you can plan outdoor activities without worrying about downpours, though those 10 rainy days are typically brief morning mist rather than actual rain
- Shoulder season pricing with hotel rates typically 30-40% lower than December-January peak season, and significantly fewer tour groups at major sites like the Egyptian Museum and Saqqara
- Ramadan won't overlap with November 2026 (it'll be in late February-March), so restaurants operate normal hours, you can eat publicly during daylight, and there are no restricted visiting hours at mosques
Considerations
- That 70% humidity is real and noticeable, especially if you're walking around midday - it's not oppressive like summer, but you'll definitely feel sticky by afternoon and need to plan for multiple clothing changes
- November sits right before peak season, so savvy travelers are already booking popular Nile cruises and balloon rides over Luxor, meaning you'll need to reserve at least 3-4 weeks ahead for premium experiences
- Occasional khamsin winds can kick up in late November, bringing desert dust that reduces visibility at the pyramids and makes photography challenging - happens maybe 2-3 days per month but worth knowing about
Best Activities in November
Giza Pyramids and Sphinx Complex Exploration
November is actually ideal for the pyramids because you can visit during the cooler morning hours around 8-10am when temps are 18-20°C (64-68°F) and the light is perfect for photography. The UV index of 8 means you still need serious sun protection, but you won't be dealing with the 40°C (104°F) summer heat that makes climbing around the plateau genuinely dangerous. Crowds are moderate - you'll share the space but won't be shoulder-to-shoulder like in December. The evening sound and light show is particularly comfortable in November since you're sitting outside for 45 minutes in pleasant 18°C (64°F) temperatures.
Islamic Cairo Walking Tours Through Medieval Districts
November weather makes walking the dense alleyways of Khan el-Khalili, Al-Muizz Street, and around Al-Azhar Mosque actually pleasant rather than sweaty misery. The narrow streets provide natural shade, and that 24°C (76°F) high is perfect for spending 3-4 hours wandering without overheating. Locals do their serious shopping in late afternoon around 4-5pm when it's cooler, so join them. The humidity means metalwork and spice vendors' shops smell particularly intense - in a good way. This is also when you'll catch craftsmen actually working in their shops rather than hiding from summer heat.
Egyptian Museum and Coptic Cairo Cultural Tours
Indoor museum time is perfect for November afternoons when humidity peaks and you want air conditioning. The Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square needs at least 3 hours if you're serious about seeing the Tutankhamun galleries and mummy rooms properly. November means fewer school groups than spring months. Coptic Cairo's churches and the Coptic Museum are particularly quiet in November - you'll often have entire spaces to yourself mid-morning on weekdays. The Ben Ezra Synagogue and Hanging Church are walkable between sites, and the 24°C (76°F) weather makes the neighborhood exploration comfortable.
Nile River Felucca Sailing and Dinner Cruises
November evenings on the Nile are genuinely lovely - that 16°C (60°F) low means you'll want a light jacket for sunset felucca rides around 5-7pm, but it's comfortable rather than cold. The traditional wooden sailboats catch decent wind in November, and the lack of summer haze means clear views of the city skyline. Dinner cruises with belly dancing shows are touristy but actually pleasant in November weather since you're partly outdoors on deck. Locals take family felucca rides on Friday afternoons, which tells you something about the conditions.
Saqqara and Memphis Day Trips
November is actually better than peak winter for Saqqara because you'll have the Step Pyramid complex and newly opened tombs to yourself on weekday mornings. The 24°C (76°F) temps make climbing into underground burial chambers comfortable rather than stifling. Memphis outdoor museum is entirely exposed to sun, so that UV index of 8 matters - go before 11am. The drive from Cairo is 45 minutes (32 km/20 miles) through agricultural areas that are particularly green in November after any early rain. Combine with Dahshur's Bent Pyramid for a full ancient Egypt day without the Giza crowds.
Alexandria Day Trips to Mediterranean Coast
November is one of the better months for Alexandria day trips - the 220 km (137 mile) drive takes 2.5-3 hours, and you'll find the Mediterranean coast at comfortable 22-24°C (72-75°F) with refreshing sea breezes that cut the humidity. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina, Qaitbay Citadel, and Roman catacombs are all less crowded than summer. Locals actually swim in November if you're brave. The seafood restaurants along the Corniche are in full operation, and sitting outside for lunch is pleasant rather than sweaty. That said, occasional November rain is more likely in Alexandria than Cairo, so check forecasts.
November Events & Festivals
Cairo International Film Festival
One of the oldest film festivals in the Middle East, typically running late November into early December. Screenings happen across multiple Cairo venues including the Cairo Opera House and various cultural centers. Even if you're not a serious cinephile, the opening night events and downtown atmosphere during the festival give you a glimpse of Cairo's arts scene that tourists rarely see. International and Arab cinema focus with English subtitles common.