Cairo Weather By Month for the first time? You’re in the right place. Cairo’s climate is one of the most predictable in the world’s major capital cities — hot desert sun, almost no rainfall, low humidity outside the Nile corridor, and a clear winter–summer divide. Knowing the month-by-month patterns lets you choose the right travel window, pack with confidence, and plan an itinerary that actually matches the conditions on the ground.
This is the data-driven climate guide — temperatures, rainfall, humidity, wind, sun hours, and the weather phenomena unique to Cairo (the khamsin, dust, occasional flash flooding) — by month. For broader timing decisions and trip-planning trade-offs, see our Best Time to Visit Cairo Egypt guide.
Cairo’s Climate at a Glance — Cairo Weather By Month
Cairo Weather By Month: Quick Facts
- This guide is optimized for travelers researching cairo weather by month.
- Cairo Weather By Month is one of the most-searched topics for Cairo visitors in 2026.
- The cairo weather by month experience varies by season — read on for full timing detail.
- Most cairo weather by month questions are answered comprehensively below.
Cairo sits at 30°N latitude in the Sahara Desert at the apex of the Nile Delta. Its climate is classified as BWh — hot desert (Köppen): long, hot, dry summers and short, mild, dry winters. Annual rainfall averages just 25 mm (1 inch) — less than 14 rainy days per year, almost all in winter. Sun hours are abundant year-round (3,500+ hours annually), and humidity is generally low (30–55%) with summer peaks driven by the Nile.
Key climate facts:
- Annual mean temperature: 22°C / 72°F
- Hottest month: July, average high 36°C / 97°F
- Coldest month: January, average low 9°C / 48°F
- Wettest month: December, ~6 mm rainfall
- Driest months: May–October, near-zero rainfall
- Sun hours per year: ~3,500
- Snow: Cairo has not had measurable snow since 2013, an extreme rarity
Cairo Weather Month-by-Month
January Weather in Cairo
Average high: 19°C / 66°F · Average low: 9°C / 48°F · Rainfall: 5 mm · Rainy days: 3 · Sun hours/day: 7
January is Cairo’s coldest month. Days are crisp and clear with mid-60s daytime warmth, while nights can dip into the 40s — and rare cold snaps can drop nighttime lows to 4°C / 39°F. Most days are sunny; the rare rain shower rarely lasts more than an hour. Wind speeds are moderate.
What to know: Egyptian buildings rarely have central heating, so hotels and apartments can feel cold in the evenings. Pack a fleece, a light jacket, and layers. The Pyramids and outdoor sights are perfectly comfortable for daytime visits.
February Weather in Cairo
Average high: 21°C / 70°F · Average low: 10°C / 50°F · Rainfall: 4 mm · Rainy days: 3 · Sun hours/day: 8
February brings slightly warmer afternoons than January and the first hints of spring. Days are reliably clear and sun-filled. Evening temperatures still call for a jacket. Late-month sometimes sees the very first khamsin events.
What to know: A favorite “hidden gem” month for tourism — winter-quality weather, fewer crowds than December.
March Weather in Cairo
Average high: 24°C / 75°F · Average low: 12°C / 54°F · Rainfall: 4 mm · Rainy days: 2 · Sun hours/day: 9
March marks the start of spring with a substantial daytime warming trend. Late March is when khamsin sandstorm risk begins — hot, dust-laden winds from the Sahara that can blow through for 1–3 days at a time, lifting temperatures 10–20°F and reducing visibility.
What to know: Pack a scarf and sunglasses; build a flexible itinerary that can swap outdoor sightseeing for indoor museum days during a khamsin event.
April Weather in Cairo
Average high: 28°C / 82°F · Average low: 14°C / 57°F · Rainfall: 1 mm · Rainy days: 1 · Sun hours/day: 10
April is one of the most photogenic months — warm but not yet punishing, with golden afternoon light and the Nile at its prettiest. Khamsin risk remains until mid-May. Late April brings Sham el-Nessim, Egypt’s spring festival.
What to know: The transition month — start in long sleeves and lightweight layers, end in short sleeves and sunscreen vigilance.
May Weather in Cairo
Average high: 33°C / 91°F · Average low: 18°C / 64°F · Rainfall: 1 mm · Rainy days: 1 · Sun hours/day: 11
May is when the heat starts to bite. Daytime regularly hits the low 90s, evenings remain comfortable. The last khamsin events typically come and go by mid-month. Tourist crowds thin and hotel rates begin to drop.
What to know: Plan early-morning sightseeing (8 AM at the Pyramids) and afternoon air-conditioned activities. Hydrate aggressively.
June Weather in Cairo
Average high: 35°C / 96°F · Average low: 21°C / 70°F · Rainfall: 0 mm · Rainy days: 0 · Sun hours/day: 12
True summer arrives. Mornings (until 10 AM) and evenings (after 6 PM) are still pleasant; midday is brutal at the Pyramids and any outdoor site. Rain risk is essentially zero. Humidity creeps up slightly thanks to the Nile.
What to know: This is when the Cairo locals start escaping to the North Coast. Hotel deals are real.
July Weather in Cairo
Average high: 36°C / 97°F · Average low: 23°C / 73°F · Rainfall: 0 mm · Rainy days: 0 · Sun hours/day: 12
Cairo’s hottest month. Daytime temperatures regularly cross 38°C / 100°F and can reach 43°C / 110°F during heat waves. The desert sun is intense, dust haze occasional, and shade scarce in open ruins. Tourism volume drops noticeably.
What to know: Travel in July is doable only with discipline — sunrise sightseeing, midday air-conditioned indoors, evening exploration. Carry 2L+ water, electrolytes, and a wide-brim hat.
August Weather in Cairo
Average high: 36°C / 96°F · Average low: 23°C / 74°F · Rainfall: 0 mm · Rainy days: 0 · Sun hours/day: 12
August matches July’s heat with subtly higher overnight temperatures and a touch more humidity. Cairo locals continue their North Coast exodus, leaving the city less crowded but with thinner restaurant scenes and the occasional shop closed for vacation.
What to know: The cheapest month. Best for ultra-budget travelers who don’t mind heat extremes.
September Weather in Cairo
Average high: 33°C / 92°F · Average low: 21°C / 70°F · Rainfall: 0 mm · Rainy days: 0 · Sun hours/day: 11
September is the start of the autumn cooling. Daytime drops back into the low 90s; evenings cool meaningfully by mid-month. Tourist volume stays low but quality of experience improves rapidly.
What to know: An underrated travel window — heat is manageable, prices haven’t spiked, sights are quiet.
October Weather in Cairo
Average high: 30°C / 86°F · Average low: 18°C / 65°F · Rainfall: 1 mm · Rainy days: 1 · Sun hours/day: 10
October is the autumn shoulder peak. Daytime is warm but not punishing, evenings are perfect for outdoor dining, and rain risk remains negligible. Tourism volume increases steadily.
What to know: Excellent for first-time visitors who want comfortable conditions and value pricing.
November Weather in Cairo
Average high: 25°C / 77°F · Average low: 14°C / 58°F · Rainfall: 3 mm · Rainy days: 2 · Sun hours/day: 9
November is widely regarded as Cairo’s best weather month. The heat has fully broken, khamsin season is gone, daytime is ideal for walking, evenings are crisp. Tourism builds steadily through the month toward December peaks.
What to know: Pack mostly summer clothes with a light layer for evenings. Photographers love November’s clear skies and lower atmospheric haze.
December Weather in Cairo
Average high: 21°C / 69°F · Average low: 11°C / 52°F · Rainfall: 6 mm · Rainy days: 3 · Sun hours/day: 7
December brings winter conditions and the start of peak tourism, especially around Christmas and New Year holidays. Cool, sunny days; cooler evenings; the year’s highest rain risk (still very low). Hotel rates climb.
What to know: Pack layers — long pants, fleece, a light jacket. Indoor heating is rare; cool evenings are felt indoors.
Cairo Weather Quick-Reference Table
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rain (mm) | Rain Days | Sun Hours | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19°C / 66°F | 9°C / 48°F | 5 | 3 | 7 | 57% |
| February | 21°C / 70°F | 10°C / 50°F | 4 | 3 | 8 | 52% |
| March | 24°C / 75°F | 12°C / 54°F | 4 | 2 | 9 | 47% |
| April | 28°C / 82°F | 14°C / 57°F | 1 | 1 | 10 | 40% |
| May | 33°C / 91°F | 18°C / 64°F | 1 | 1 | 11 | 36% |
| June | 35°C / 96°F | 21°C / 70°F | 0 | 0 | 12 | 40% |
| July | 36°C / 97°F | 23°C / 73°F | 0 | 0 | 12 | 47% |
| August | 36°C / 96°F | 23°C / 74°F | 0 | 0 | 12 | 52% |
| September | 33°C / 92°F | 21°C / 70°F | 0 | 0 | 11 | 54% |
| October | 30°C / 86°F | 18°C / 65°F | 1 | 1 | 10 | 54% |
| November | 25°C / 77°F | 14°C / 58°F | 3 | 2 | 9 | 56% |
| December | 21°C / 69°F | 11°C / 52°F | 6 | 3 | 7 | 59% |
Cairo Weather Phenomena You Should Know
The Khamsin Wind
The signature spring weather event. Hot, dust-laden winds from the Sahara that blow into Cairo for 1–3 days at a time, mostly between mid-March and mid-May. Khamsin episodes can:
- Spike daytime temperatures by 10–20°F
- Reduce visibility to a few hundred meters
- Blanket the city in fine dust
- Trigger flight delays at Cairo International
- Aggravate respiratory conditions and skin/eye irritation
Forecasts pick up khamsin events 24–48 hours ahead. Pack a scarf, sunglasses, and saline eye drops; close hotel windows; consider an N95 mask if you have respiratory sensitivity.
Heat Waves
Cairo experiences periodic heat waves in July and August where temperatures cross 43°C / 110°F for several days. Heat is a serious health concern — heatstroke risk is real for outdoor sightseeing in mid-afternoon. Plan strict heat protocols (early start, midday indoors, full sun protection).
Flash Flooding
Rare but real. The few rainy days of December–January occasionally produce sudden downpours that overwhelm Cairo’s limited stormwater drainage. Streets in older neighborhoods can flood ankle-deep for hours; traffic seizes. Wait it out indoors.
Fog
Winter mornings (December–February) sometimes see a low ground fog along the Nile that burns off by mid-morning. Pretty but rarely a travel disruption.
Air Quality and PM2.5
Cairo has some of the world’s most polluted urban air. Particulate matter (PM2.5) levels are highest in late autumn and winter, when farmers burn rice straw in the Delta and weather inversions trap pollution over the city. Travelers with asthma or COPD should pack an inhaler and consider an N95 mask for long outdoor days. Check IQAir or AccuWeather for daily readings.
UV Index
Cairo’s UV index is “very high” or “extreme” from April through October. Sunburn happens fast at the Pyramids — pack SPF 30+ sunscreen, reapply every 90 minutes, wear a wide-brim hat, and use UV-rated sunglasses.
Cairo Weather and Climate Change
Egypt is one of the more climate-sensitive countries in the Middle East and North Africa. Multi-decade trends show:
- Average temperatures rising by roughly 0.3°C per decade since the 1960s
- More frequent heat waves in July and August, with peak temperatures pushing higher
- Increased dust storm intensity tied to broader Saharan-Mediterranean climate shifts
- Reduced winter rainfall across northern Egypt
For tourists, the practical impact is that summer travel windows are tightening — what worked as a cool-morning Pyramids visit a decade ago now requires earlier starts. The October–April travel sweet spot is becoming more concentrated.
How to Use Cairo Weather Forecasts
Reliable Cairo weather sources:
- AccuWeather — best 14-day forecasts
- BBC Weather — clean interface, accurate
- Weather.com — good for hourly forecasts
- Egyptian Meteorological Authority (EMA) — official Egyptian source
- Windy.com — best for visualizing dust storms and khamsin events
- IQAir / AirVisual — air quality and PM2.5
For trip planning, check the 10-day forecast 1–2 weeks before departure to fine-tune packing. Once on the ground, the morning weather check is most useful — Cairo weather is highly stable in summer and reasonably predictable in winter.
Cairo Weather by Day Pattern
Within any given day in Cairo, expect:
- Sunrise to 9 AM: Coolest, most pleasant outdoor window — ideal for the Pyramids
- 9 AM to noon: Comfortable in winter, getting hot in summer
- Noon to 4 PM: Peak heat — indoor activities only in summer
- 4 PM to sunset: Cooling — second-best outdoor window
- Sunset to midnight: Pleasant year-round; coolest in winter
What to Pack by Cairo Month
December–February (winter)
Long pants, layers, fleece, light jacket, scarf, closed-toe walking shoes. Sunscreen still required.
March–April (spring)
Lightweight long pants, long-sleeve tops, scarf for sandstorm protection, light jacket for evenings. SPF 30+, sunglasses, hat.
May–September (summer)
Loose, breathable, light-colored linen and cotton — long sleeves and pants protect from sun better than shorts. Wide-brim hat, SPF 50+, electrolyte tablets, insulated water bottle. A light scarf for over-air-conditioned interiors.
October–November (autumn)
Mix: short to long sleeves, lightweight layer for evenings, comfortable shoes, sunscreen.
For our complete season-by-season packing list, see Cairo Travel Checklist.
Cairo Weather FAQ
What is the average temperature in Cairo?
Annual average: 22°C / 72°F. Summer (June–August) average: 30°C / 86°F. Winter (December–February) average: 14°C / 58°F.
Does it snow in Cairo?
Almost never. Measurable snow last fell in December 2013 — an extreme rarity occurring perhaps once a century.
What’s the rainiest month in Cairo?
December, with about 6 mm of rainfall and three rain days on average.
What’s the hottest month?
July, with average highs of 36°C / 97°F. Peak heat-wave temperatures can reach 43°C / 110°F.
What’s the coldest month?
January, with average lows of 9°C / 48°F. Rare cold snaps push lows to 4°C / 39°F.
Is Cairo humid?
Generally low humidity (30–55%), with summer peaks driven by the Nile. It can feel hotter than the temperature suggests due to direct sun rather than humidity.
How much rain does Cairo get per year?
About 25 mm / 1 inch annually — among the lowest of any major capital city in the world.
What is the khamsin?
A hot, dust-laden wind from the Sahara that hits Cairo periodically between mid-March and mid-May, lasting 1–3 days per event.
Is Cairo’s air quality bad?
It can be — Cairo regularly ranks among the world’s most polluted urban areas, especially in late autumn and winter. Travelers with respiratory sensitivities should plan accordingly.
When are sandstorms most likely?
Mid-March through mid-May, with occasional events outside that window.
What’s the UV index in Cairo?
Very high to extreme from April through October. Pack serious sun protection.
Final Word: Choosing Your Cairo Month
Cairo’s climate gives you clear choices: October through April for comfortable sightseeing, with November and March as the prizes; May through September for budget travel and tolerance of heat; and the khamsin spring window as the wild card to plan around. Read the data, pack for the conditions, and Cairo’s weather becomes a feature of your trip rather than a problem.
For trip-pacing decisions tied to weather, see How Many Days in Cairo. For the broader timing analysis, Best Time to Visit Cairo. For packing specifics, the Cairo Travel Checklist.
Leave a Reply