Things to Do in Cairo in November

November Weather in Cairo

24°C (76°F) High Temp

15°C (60°F) Low Temp

5 mm (0.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect weather for walking: Daily highs of 24°C (76°F) make exploring the Giza plateau and Islamic Cairo comfortable from sunrise to sunset, while evenings at 15°C (60°F) are ideal for felucca rides on the Nile
Minimal rainfall disruption: With only 5mm (0.2 inches) of rain across 10 days, you can plan outdoor activities without weather contingencies, though brief afternoon showers provide welcome cooling
Pre-peak season pricing: Hotel rates are 30-40% lower than December-January peak season, while flight prices haven't hit winter highs yet, saving LE 2,000-4,000 per night at luxury properties
Ramadan-free travel: November 2025 falls outside Ramadan (March-April 2025), meaning full restaurant hours, no cultural restrictions on eating/drinking during daylight, and all attractions operating normal schedules

Considerations

Variable weather patterns: November sits between seasons, meaning some days reach 28°C (82°F) while others drop to 12°C (54°F), requiring diverse packing and flexible daily planning
Dust season begins: Khamaseen winds start picking up frequency, creating hazy conditions that reduce pyramid photography quality and can irritate sensitive respiratory systems
Limited Nile cruise availability: Most luxury Nile cruises between Luxor and Aswan reduce frequency in November before high season, with departures only 3-4 times weekly instead of daily

Best Activities in November

Giza Pyramid Complex Photography Tours

November's moderate temperatures and lower UV intensity create ideal conditions for spending 4-6 hours at Giza. Morning light (7-10am) provides perfect pyramid illumination without the harsh shadows of summer, while comfortable 20°C (68°F) temperatures let you walk the 2.5km (1.6-mile) complex perimeter without overheating. Fewer crowds than peak season mean unobstructed shots at classic viewpoints.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through certified guides for LE 800-1,200 including transportation. Look for operators offering sunrise access permits (additional LE 300). See current pyramid tour options in the booking section below.

Khan el-Khalili and Islamic Cairo Walking Tours

November's cooler evenings make 3-4 hour walking tours through medieval Islamic Cairo actually enjoyable. The 15°C (60°F) nighttime temperatures are perfect for exploring the 1.5km (0.9-mile) route from Al-Azhar Mosque to Bab Zuweila. Vendors in Khan el-Khalili stay open later in pleasant weather, and the famous tea houses become gathering spots rather than sweltering tourist traps.

Booking Tip: Evening tours (4-8pm) work best in November weather. Expect LE 600-900 for guided tours including traditional tea stops. Book through hotel concierges or certified Cairo Tourism Authority guides. Current walking tour options available in booking section below.

Nile Felucca Sunset Sailing

November evenings at 15°C (60°F) with minimal wind make felucca sailing from Corniche el-Nil magical rather than chilly. The 1-2 hour sunset cruises showcase Cairo's skyline without summer's oppressive heat or winter's occasional cool snaps. Water levels are optimal after summer's end, and captains operate longer hours in comfortable temperatures.

Booking Tip: Book day-of or 1-2 days ahead directly at Corniche docks for LE 150-250 per person for 90-minute trips. Look for boats with cushioned seating and safety equipment. Avoid overpriced hotel bookings. Current Nile sailing options in booking widget below.

Saqqara and Dahshur Archaeological Site Tours

November's moderate temperatures make the 45km (28-mile) journey south to Memphis necropolis sites actually pleasant. You can spend full days exploring Djoser's Step Pyramid and Dahshur's Bent Pyramid without summer's exhausting heat. The sites receive minimal crowds in November, allowing intimate access to chambers and detailed exploration of the 3km (1.9-mile) Saqqara complex.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours typically cost LE 1,200-1,800 including transportation and entry fees. Book 5-7 days ahead for small group experiences. Look for tours combining both sites to maximize value. See current archaeological tour options below in booking section.

Coptic Cairo and Old Cairo Cultural Tours

November's comfortable 70% humidity and mild temperatures create perfect conditions for exploring the narrow lanes of Coptic Cairo. The 2km (1.2-mile) walking route through Roman Babylon fortress, Hanging Church, and Ben Ezra Synagogue becomes manageable rather than draining. Churches and museums have extended hours in pleasant weather, and local Christian communities hold more outdoor cultural events.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours run LE 500-800 with certified guides. Morning tours (9am-1pm) work best for photography. Book through Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center or hotel partnerships. Current Coptic Cairo tour options available in booking section below.

Egyptian Museum and Downtown Cairo Heritage Walks

November's mild weather makes the combination of indoor museum visits with outdoor downtown exploration ideal. You can spend 2-3 hours in the Egyptian Museum's non-air-conditioned sections comfortably, then walk the 1km (0.6-mile) route through downtown's Belle Époque architecture without overheating. Tahrir Square and surrounding areas are more pleasant for extended exploration.

Booking Tip: Museum entry LE 200, guided tours add LE 400-600. Book museum tickets online to skip lines. Combine with 2-hour downtown walks for LE 300-500. See current museum and heritage tour combinations in booking section below.

November Events & Festivals

Mid to Late November

Cairo International Film Festival

The Middle East's oldest film festival showcases Arab and international cinema across 15 venues citywide. Evening screenings align perfectly with November's comfortable temperatures, and cultural events extend into late night without weather concerns. Red carpet events at Cairo Opera House and Gezira Cinema become social highlights.

Throughout November

Sham el-Nessim Spring Festival Preparations

Local communities begin preparing for spring celebrations, with traditional food workshops and cultural demonstrations in markets and community centers. November sees increased activity in Khan el-Khalili with artisans creating festival goods, providing authentic cultural immersion opportunities beyond standard tourist activities.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered cotton clothing: Pack t-shirts for 24°C (76°F) days plus light sweater for 15°C (60°F) evenings - synthetic fabrics trap moisture in 70% humidity

Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support: You'll walk 5-8km (3-5 miles) daily on uneven ancient stones and cobblestones throughout Islamic Cairo

High-SPF sunscreen (50+): November's UV index of 8 combined with desert reflection off limestone monuments creates intense exposure during 6+ hour site visits

Lightweight rain jacket or umbrella: Brief afternoon showers last 20-30 minutes but can be intense - avoid heavy rain gear that's impractical in warm temperatures

Dust mask or scarf for face covering: Khamaseen winds carry fine desert sand that irritates eyes and throat, especially during pyramid complex visits

Power bank (20,000mAh minimum): Extended outdoor photography sessions drain phone batteries faster in variable temperatures, and charging opportunities are limited at archaeological sites

Cash in small denominations: Bring LE 20-50 bills for site entries, tips, and market purchases - vendors rarely have change for large notes

Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees: Required for mosque visits and respectful in traditional neighborhoods - lightweight long pants and sleeves work in November temperatures

Anti-diarrheal medication: November's variable temperatures affect food safety at street vendors, and stomach adjustment takes 3-5 days for most visitors

Insect repellent: November's moderate temperatures and occasional rainfall create ideal conditions for mosquitoes near the Nile and in garden areas

Insider Knowledge

Visit major sites between 8-11am when November temperatures hover around 18-20°C (64-68°F) and tourist buses haven't arrived - you'll have near-private access to pyramid interiors and better photography lighting

Book accommodations in Zamalek or Garden City rather than Giza - November evening temperatures make the 20-minute metro ride comfortable, and you'll pay 40% less while enjoying better restaurants and Nile views

Carry Egyptian pounds in LE 20-50 denominations - November brings more local tourists who clean out vendors' change supplies, and ATMs often dispense only large LE 200 notes that create payment problems

Use ride-sharing apps like Uber or Careem instead of street taxis in November - drivers quote inflated 'tourist season' prices even though it's not peak season, and apps show real-time pricing in comfortable air conditioning

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only summer clothes: November evenings drop to 15°C (60°F), leaving tourists shivering during sunset felucca rides and outdoor restaurant dinners in layers of t-shirts

Booking Nile cruises without checking schedules: Many operators reduce November frequency before high season, leaving travelers with limited departure options and higher per-person costs on partially filled boats

Assuming all restaurants have full menus: Some tourist restaurants reduce offerings in November shoulder season, particularly seafood options, without updating online menus or informing booking platforms