Totally Cairo
Best Time to Visit Cairo
Cairo is a year-round destination, but when you go changes the trip more than most people expect — mainly because of heat, not rain.
The short answer
October through April is Cairo's most comfortable stretch, with daytime highs generally in the low-to-mid 20s°C (roughly 70s°F) and cool evenings — good weather for full days outdoors at Giza, Saqqara and walking around Islamic Cairo.
Why winter works best
December through February brings Cairo's mildest daytime temperatures, though evenings can be genuinely cool, especially desert-adjacent sites like Giza after sunset — worth packing a layer. Rainfall is minimal even in winter; Cairo is a desert city, and rain rarely factors into trip planning at any time of year.
Visiting in summer
June through August is hot — daytime highs regularly above 35°C (95°F), with little shade at outdoor sites like Giza and Saqqara. It's entirely possible to visit in summer if you build your days around it: sightsee at the Pyramids at opening time, retreat indoors (museums, the Egyptian Museum, GEM) through the hottest midday hours, and save outdoor walking for the early morning or evening. Summer also means lower hotel prices and thinner crowds at major sights.
Shoulder season
March–April and September–November offer a middle ground: warm but manageable daytime temperatures, and generally lighter crowds than the December–February peak. These months are a good compromise for travelers who want comfortable weather without the busiest, most expensive period.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Cairo?
November, February and March are often cited as the sweet spot — comfortably warm rather than hot, with lighter crowds than the December–January peak season.
Is Cairo too hot to visit in summer?
It's hot, but manageable if you plan around it — visit outdoor sites like Giza early or late in the day and use midday for museums and indoor activities. Summer also brings the lowest hotel prices of the year.
Does it rain in Cairo?
Rarely. Cairo has a desert climate, and rainfall is minimal even in the wetter winter months, so weather planning is almost entirely about heat and layering for cool evenings, not rain.