Egypt's Weather and Average Temperatures

What's The Weather Like in Egypt?

Although different regions experience different weather patterns, Egypt has an arid desert climate and is generally both hot and sunny. As part of the northern hemisphere, seasons in Egypt follow much the same pattern as in Europe and North America, with winter falling between November and January, and the peak summer months falling between June and August. 

Winters are generally mild, although temperatures can fall below 50°F/ 10°C at night.

In the Western Desert, record lows have dipped below freezing during the winter months. Most regions have very little precipitation regardless of the season, although Cairo and areas of the Nile Delta may experience a few rainy days during winter. 

Summers can be unbearably hot, especially in the desert and other areas of the country's interior. In Cairo, average summer temperatures regularly exceed 86°F/ 30°C, while the record high for Aswan, a popular tourist destination on the banks of the River Nile, is 123.8°F/ 51°C. Summer temperatures remain high at the coast, but are made more tolerable by regular cool breezes. 

Cairo

The Egyptian capital has a hot desert climate; however, instead of being dry, its proximity to the Nile Delta and the coast can make the city exceptionally humid. June, July and August are the hottest months with average temperatures of around 86 - 95°F/ 30 - 35°C. Light, loose cotton clothing is highly recommended for those that choose to visit the city at this time; while sunscreen and copious amounts of water are essential.

Cairo Average Temperatures

Nile Delta

If you're planning a cruise down the River Nile, the weather forecast for Aswan or Luxor gives the best indication of what to expect. From June through August, temperatures regularly exceed 104°F/ 40°C. As a result, it's generally advisable to avoid these peak summer months, especially as there is little shade to be found near the area's ancient monuments, tombs and pyramids. Humidity is low, and an average of over 3,800 hours of sunshine a year make Aswan one of the sunniest places on Earth. 

Aswan Average Temperatures

The Red Sea

The coastal city of Hurghada gives a general idea of the weather at Egypt's Red Sea resorts. Compared to other destinations in Egypt, winters on the coast are generally milder; while the summer months are slightly cooler. With average summer temperatures of around 86°F/ 30°C, Hurghada and other Red Sea destinations offer a respite from the sweltering heat of the interior.

Sea temperatures are ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving, with a mean August temperature of 82°F/ 28°C. 

Hurghada Average Temperatures

Western Desert

If you're planning a trip to Siwa Oasis or anywhere else in Egypt's Western Desert region, a good time to visit is during early spring and late fall. At these times, you will avoid the searing temperatures of summer and the frigid nighttime temperatures of winter.

The record high for Siwa is 118.8°F/ 48.2°C, while temperatures can drop as low as 28°F/ -2.2°C in winter. From mid-March to April, the Western Desert is prone to sandstorms caused by the khamsin wind. 

Siwa Oasis Average Temperatures

NB: temperature averages are based on World Meteorological Organization data for 1971 - 2000.