Weather in Cairo: Climate, Seasons, and Average Monthly Temperature

Many people probably think of hot, humid days when they think about a visit to Cairo and in general, the city offers hot, steamy days and pleasantly cool evenings. Spring is a particularly ideal time to visit with warm days and little chance of rain. In the month of April, temperatures can average around 70 degrees F (21 degrees C), the perfect spring weather conditions.

Usually, Cairo does not experience significant seasonal differences in the amount of rain that falls, however, the humidity levels can vary extremely throughout the various seasons. The muggier period of time lasts for almost four months from June through October, with the most humid day typically occurring in August, when humidity levels can reach higher than 60 percent.

Winter is the high season for traveling to Cairo, yet temperatures continue to be quite pleasant yet just a touch cooler than the spring months, with an average temperature in the mid-60s Fahrenheit. Due to its location sitting on the edge of the Nile River Delta, the climate in Cairo is a mix between that of the cool Mediterranean and a typical desert climate. No matter what time of year you visit Cairo, it’s an excellent time to explore the dynamic and historic city. Here’s what you need to know while planning your trip to Cairo.

Fast Climate Facts

• Hottest Month: August (96 F / 36 C)
• Coldest Month: January (67 F / 19 C)
• Wettest Month: January (0.02 inches)
• Windiest Month: June (10 mph)

Urban Heat Island Effect

Cairo is considered an urban heat island which means that the city has higher temperatures than the surrounding areas. Cairo and other urban heat islands have replaced a significant amount of natural land cover with impenetrable concentrations of pavement, buildings, and other solid surfaces that absorb and retain heat. The result is not only higher heat indexes but also an increase in air pollution and heat-related illness. Because of this, travelers to Cairo in summer will need to be extra mindful of the weather and be prepared for very high temperatures.

Summer in Cairo

Summer in Cairo is from June through August. During this time, it can be extremely hot and humid, yet with clear skies as well as temperatures peaking in the upper 90s Fahrenheit during the daytime. The hottest day of the year is typical around Aug. 2, bringing with it sweltering heat and muggy conditions. There is also little to almost no rain in the summer months well. Due to high levels of moisture during the summer months, the heat can be a bit stifling for some so it’s a good time to enjoy as many indoor activities as possible. It is best to do any outdoor activities either in the early am hours or in the evenings after sunset.

What to Pack: Plenty of sunscreen for time spent outdoors and a baseball cap to shield yourself from the sun.

Fall in Cairo

During the fall months from September through November, the weather is very pleasant, with average temperatures in the 80s Fahrenheit. Tourists can enjoy sunny warm days and cool nights for enjoying tourist attractions. The fall months are low season for tourists, making it an affordable time to visit since hotel rates are lower. Fall is also a great time to enjoy outdoor activities such a cruise on the Nile River.

What to Pack: A lightweight jacket for the cooler evenings and sun glasses for sunny days.

Winter in Cairo

Winter lasts from December through February ad is the high season for tourists. Average temperatures hover around 68 F (20 C), making it an extremely pleasant time to enjoy a host of attractions. Lows can drop to 50 F in the evenings due to northern currents which can also bring windy conditions.

The coldest day of the year is typically around Jan. 20, bringing about an average low of 50 F (10 C) and an average high of 67 F (19 C). It can also be quite cloudy with fewer hours of sunshine in the day during the winter months as well adding to the cooler temperature effect. The cloudiest day of the year is Dec. 11, when the sky can be overcast and cloudy almost 30 percent of the time.

What to Pack: Bring a warm jacket and layers such as a sweater and scarfs to remove or put on as needed.

Spring in Cairo

Spring in Cairo lasts from March through May and is one of the best times to visit due to the enjoyably warm days averaging a high in the mid-80s Fahrenheit, with a small chance of rain. In the spring the skies are mostly clear and bright with beautiful, long sunny days. However, it can be somewhat windy during this time, with average wind speeds reaching over 9 miles per hour.

What to Pack: A lightweight jacket, sunglasses, and floppy hat to shield from the long sunny days.

Average Monthly Temperature, Rainfall, and Daylight Hours