Cairo Weather Guide
Egypt
Best Time to Visit
October, November, March, April
Avoid
June, July, August (extreme heat)
Climate
Hot desert — very hot dry summers, mild winters, virtually no rainfall
Annual Rainfall
1 inch (25 mm)
Overview
Cairo is one of the world's largest cities in one of the world's driest climates. Rain is essentially absent. Summers are brutally hot and dusty; winters are mild and perfect for sightseeing. The khamsin (hot desert wind) brings sandstorms in spring.
Seasonal Weather Breakdown
Winter (Best Season)
November–February
50–68°F
10–20°C
Cairo's prime season. Cool mornings, warm sunny afternoons, clear visibility for the pyramids. The Nile Valley is at its most comfortable.
- →Giza Pyramids and Sphinx at sunrise in winter is transformative
- →Pack a jacket — morning temperatures can be surprisingly cold
- →Nile dinner cruises are at their most pleasant
Spring
March–May
66–88°F
19–31°C
Rapidly heating. Khamsin season (March–May) brings periodic hot sandstorms that reduce visibility to zero. Otherwise sunny.
- →Monitor khamsin forecasts — sandstorms are disorienting and can close attractions
- →Sand from the Sahara coats everything during khamsin events
- →April–May is still manageable with morning sightseeing
Summer
June–September
86–102°F
30–39°C
Extremely hot. Indoor attractions (Egyptian Museum, Cairo Tower AC) are the focus. The pyramids at midday are for the hardy only.
- →Dawn visits to Giza only in summer
- →Ramadan (date varies) changes the city's rhythm dramatically
- →No humidity — dry heat is more bearable but still dangerous at 100°F+
Fall
October–November
68–86°F
20–30°C
Rapidly improving. October still hot; November ideal. Tourism starts picking up for the winter season.
- →October can be very hot until mid-month
- →Late October and November are excellent with reasonable crowds
- →Desert safari season begins
What to Pack for Cairo
- ✓Light loose-fitting clothes covering arms and legs
- ✓Sunscreen SPF 50+ and hat
- ✓Scarf for sandstorm protection
- ✓Layers for surprisingly cold winter mornings
Cairo Weather FAQ
What is the best time to visit Cairo?
November through March is ideal with highs of 64–70°F (18–21°C) and clear skies for the pyramids. December and January are the most comfortable months. Avoid June–August when temps hit 100°F+ (38°C+).
What is a khamsin sandstorm in Cairo?
Khamsin are hot, dry winds from the Sahara that blow March–May, carrying enormous amounts of fine sand that can reduce visibility to near zero within minutes. They last 1–3 days. The name means fifty in Arabic, referring to the approximately 50 days they can occur.
Neighborhoods in Cairo
Each neighborhood in Cairo has its own microclimate. Check real-time conditions below: