Cairo - When to Visit

When to Visit Cairo

Climate guide & best times to travel

Monthly Climate Data for Cairo Average temperature and rainfall by month Climate Overview 5°C 13°C 22°C 31°C 40°C Rainfall (mm) 0 5 10 Jan Jan: 18.0°C high, 10.0°C low, 5mm rain Feb Feb: 20.0°C high, 11.0°C low, 3mm rain Mar Mar: 23.0°C high, 13.0°C low, 5mm rain Apr Apr: 28.0°C high, 15.0°C low, 3mm rain May May: 32.0°C high, 19.0°C low Jun Jun: 34.0°C high, 22.0°C low Jul Jul: 35.0°C high, 23.0°C low Aug Aug: 34.0°C high, 24.0°C low Sep Sep: 33.0°C high, 22.0°C low Oct Oct: 30.0°C high, 20.0°C low Nov Nov: 24.0°C high, 15.0°C low, 5mm rain Dec Dec: 20.0°C high, 11.0°C low, 3mm rain Temperature Rainfall
Cairo operates on a pretty classic desert climate pattern—hot, dry, and reliably sunny for most of the year. You've got two main seasons to think about: a genuinely pleasant winter from roughly November through March, and a scorching summer that dominates from May through September. Rainfall is almost negligible year-round (we're talking less than an inch most months), so you're unlikely to pack an umbrella regardless of when you visit. The Nile and desert location mean humidity stays fairly consistent around 70%, which actually makes the heat more bearable than you'd expect in peak summer. The shoulder months of April and October are where things get interesting for trip planning. Temperatures are warm but not overwhelming, and you'll dodge both the winter tourist crowds and the summer heat that can make midday sightseeing at the Pyramids genuinely exhausting. That said, Cairo doesn't really have a "bad" season—even the hottest months are manageable if you adjust your schedule to explore early mornings and evenings. Winter brings the biggest crowds but also the most comfortable conditions for spending hours outdoors at archaeological sites.

Best Time to Visit

Beach & Relaxation
April through October offers warm-to-hot temperatures ideal for the Red Sea coast, though July and August might be too intense for lounging in direct sun.
Cultural Exploration
November through March is perfect for temple-hopping and pyramid visits, with comfortable temperatures that won't leave you overheated after hours of outdoor exploration.
Adventure & Hiking
October through April provides the best conditions for desert excursions and climbing around archaeological sites, with cooler mornings and bearable midday heat.
Budget Travel
June through August sees fewer tourists despite the heat, meaning better hotel deals and shorter lines at major attractions if you can handle temperatures in the mid-90s.

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What to Pack

Year-Round Essentials

High-SPF sunscreen
The desert sun is relentless year-round, and you'll be spending hours outdoors at archaeological sites with minimal shade.
Wide-brimmed hat or cap
Essential sun protection that also helps keep you cooler during long days of outdoor exploration.
Modest clothing options
Cairo is a conservative city, and covering shoulders and knees shows respect while also protecting you from the sun.
Comfortable walking shoes
You'll be on your feet for hours navigating uneven terrain at ancient sites and busy city streets.
Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated in the dry climate is crucial, and having your own bottle reduces plastic waste.
Light scarf or shawl
Versatile for sun protection, temple visits requiring coverage, and surprisingly cool air-conditioned spaces.
Sunglasses with UV protection
The glare off sand and stone monuments is intense, and protecting your eyes makes sightseeing more comfortable.
Small daypack
You'll need something to carry water, sunscreen, and layers as you move between hot outdoor sites and air-conditioned interiors.

Spring (Mar-May)

Clothing
Lightweight long pants or maxi skirts, Breathable cotton or linen shirts, Light cardigan for air-conditioned spaces
Footwear
Closed-toe walking shoes with good support for archaeological sites
Accessories
Sunglasses, Lightweight scarf for dust protection during khamsin winds
Layering Tip
Mornings can still be cool in March, but by May you'll want the lightest fabrics possible with minimal layering.

Summer (Jun-Aug)

Clothing
Ultra-lightweight, loose-fitting long pants, Breathable long-sleeve shirts for sun protection, Moisture-wicking fabrics
Footwear
Breathable walking shoes or sandals with good arch support
Accessories
Cooling towel, Portable fan, Extra sunscreen
Layering Tip
Forget layers—focus on single pieces that protect from sun while keeping you as cool as possible in 35°C heat.

Autumn (Sep-Nov)

Clothing
Light long pants or flowing skirts, Cotton t-shirts and blouses, Light jacket for November evenings
Footwear
Comfortable walking shoes suitable for all-day wear
Accessories
Lighter-weight scarf, Sunglasses
Layering Tip
September still feels like summer, but by November you'll appreciate having a light layer for cooler mornings and evenings.

Winter (Dec-Feb)

Clothing
Long pants or jeans, Long-sleeve shirts, Medium-weight jacket or fleece, Light sweater
Footwear
Closed-toe walking shoes with socks for cooler mornings
Accessories
Light scarf for chilly evenings, Sunglasses still essential
Layering Tip
Actual layering becomes useful—mornings and evenings can be genuinely cool at 10°C, but midday warms up nicely.
Plug Type
Type C and Type F (European-style two round pins)
Voltage
220V, 50Hz
Adapter Note
Most travelers from outside Europe will need an adapter; North American devices also require voltage converters unless dual-voltage.

Skip These Items

Heavy winter coat (even winter months are mild by most standards) Umbrella or rain gear (rainfall is negligible year-round) Excessive toiletries (Cairo has plenty of pharmacies and stores) Beach towels (hotels provide them, and they take up valuable luggage space) Too many shoes (one comfortable pair for walking and one for evenings is plenty)

Month-by-Month Guide

January

This is peak tourist season for good reason—days are mild and pleasant around 19°C (66°F), though evenings can actually get cool enough for a light jacket. Expect crowds at major sites but also the most comfortable sightseeing conditions of the year. Rain is essentially non-existent, so you can plan outdoor activities with confidence.

19°C (66°F) High
10°C (50°F) Low
5mm (0.2in) Rainfall
High Crowds
View Details →

February

Nearly identical to January with temperatures hovering around 20°C (68°F) during the day. Still firmly in high season, so attractions will be busy but the weather remains ideal for all-day exploration. The occasional cool evening means you'll want layers for dinner outings.

20°C (68°F) High
11°C (51°F) Low
3mm (0.1in) Rainfall
High Crowds
View Details →

March

Spring starts warming things up to around 23°C (74°F), which is still lovely for sightseeing without the peak winter crowds. You might encounter the occasional khamsin—those hot desert winds that can bring dust storms—but they're typically brief. This is actually one of the sweet spots for visiting if you want good weather with slightly fewer tourists.

23°C (74°F) High
13°C (55°F) Low
5mm (0.2in) Rainfall
Medium Crowds
View Details →

April

Temperatures jump noticeably to 28°C (82°F), marking the transition toward summer heat. It's still quite manageable for most activities, and crowds start thinning out as peak season ends. Mornings and evenings are particularly pleasant, making this a solid choice for balancing weather and tourist density.

28°C (82°F) High
16°C (60°F) Low
3mm (0.1in) Rainfall
Medium Crowds
View Details →

May

Summer arrives in earnest with highs around 32°C (89°F), and you'll definitely feel the shift in intensity. Most tourists have cleared out by now, which means better prices and emptier sites, but you'll need to adjust your schedule—early mornings and late afternoons become the prime exploration windows. The heat is dry rather than oppressive, which helps.

32°C (89°F) High
19°C (66°F) Low
0mm (0.0in) Rainfall
Low Crowds
View Details →

June

Proper summer heat settles in with temperatures reaching 34°C (94°F). This is low season for international tourists, though you'll still find plenty of local activity. Air-conditioned museums and indoor attractions become more appealing during midday hours. The complete absence of rain means predictable, if hot, conditions.

34°C (94°F) High
22°C (71°F) Low
0mm (0.0in) Rainfall
Low Crowds
View Details →

July

Peak summer heat arrives at 35°C (95°F), and this is genuinely hot—the kind of weather where you'll want to plan your day around air conditioning breaks. Tourist numbers stay low, which means great deals and empty sites if you can handle the temperature. Early morning visits to outdoor attractions are essential rather than optional.

35°C (95°F) High
23°C (74°F) Low
0mm (0.0in) Rainfall
Low Crowds
View Details →

August

Similar to July with temperatures around 34°C (94°F), though the nights stay warm at 24°C (75°F). This is the quietest month for tourism, which has its advantages if you're heat-tolerant. The Nile breeze becomes your best friend, and you'll understand why locals time everything around avoiding midday sun.

34°C (94°F) High
24°C (75°F) Low
0mm (0.0in) Rainfall
Low Crowds
View Details →

September

Heat persists at 33°C (92°F) but there's a subtle shift—evenings start feeling slightly more bearable. Still firmly in off-season territory with low tourist numbers. If you're visiting this month, you've likely prioritized empty attractions and low prices over comfortable sightseeing temperatures.

33°C (92°F) High
22°C (72°F) Low
0mm (0.0in) Rainfall
Low Crowds
View Details →

October

This is where things get interesting—temperatures drop to a much more manageable 30°C (86°F), and it starts feeling pleasant for outdoor exploration again. Crowds remain relatively light as tourists haven't fully returned yet. Many consider this one of the best months to visit for the balance of good weather and fewer people.

30°C (86°F) High
20°C (68°F) Low
0mm (0.0in) Rainfall
Medium Crowds
View Details →

November

Lovely autumn weather settles in around 24°C (76°F), and tourist season begins ramping up again. Days are warm enough for comfort but cool enough for all-day sightseeing without exhaustion. This marks the beginning of Cairo's prime visiting window that extends through spring.

24°C (76°F) High
16°C (60°F) Low
5mm (0.2in) Rainfall
Medium Crowds
View Details →

December

Winter arrives with comfortable 20°C (68°F) days and genuinely cool evenings around 12°C (53°F). Tourist numbers climb as people escape colder climates, and you'll see why—this is textbook perfect sightseeing weather. Pack a jacket for evenings, but days are sunny and mild.

20°C (68°F) High
12°C (53°F) Low
3mm (0.1in) Rainfall
High Crowds
View Details →

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