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Cairo Weather, Month by Month

Cairo has a hot desert climate: long, dry, intensely sunny summers and mild, still largely dry winters. Here's what to actually expect and pack.

Climate typeHot desert (BWh)
Winter highs~19–24°C (66–75°F)
Summer highs~34–37°C (93–99°F)
RainfallMinimal, mainly Dec–Feb

Winter (December–February)

Cairo's coolest and most popular season. Daytime highs typically sit around 19–24°C (66–75°F), with evenings noticeably cooler, sometimes dropping close to 10°C (50°F). It's comfortable for full days outdoors, though a light jacket for evenings is worth packing.

Spring (March–May)

Temperatures climb steadily through spring, from mild in March to properly warm by May. This period can also bring the khamsin — occasional hot, dusty winds blowing in from the desert, sometimes reducing visibility for a day or two. Otherwise a pleasant, increasingly warm stretch.

Summer (June–August)

Hot and dry, with daytime highs regularly in the mid-to-high 30s°C (mid-90s°F) and intense sun. Humidity stays relatively low compared to coastal Egyptian cities, which makes the heat more bearable than the numbers might suggest, but shade is still scarce at outdoor sites like Giza.

Autumn (September–November)

A gradual cooldown mirroring spring — hot in September, comfortably warm by November. Along with spring, this is a good shoulder-season option for travelers wanting decent weather without peak winter crowds.

What to pack

Light, breathable, modest clothing year-round (loose long sleeves and trousers work better against sun than shorts, especially at religious sites where modest dress is expected), a hat and sunscreen regardless of season, a light layer for winter evenings, and comfortable closed shoes for uneven ground at archaeological sites.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the coldest month in Cairo?

January is typically the coolest, with daytime highs around 19–20°C (66–68°F) and cooler evenings, though it rarely gets cold by northern-hemisphere winter standards.

What is the hottest month in Cairo?

July and August are typically the hottest, with daytime highs commonly in the mid-to-high 30s°C (mid-90s°F).

Does Cairo get humid?

Not especially — Cairo's inland desert climate keeps humidity relatively low year-round compared to Egypt's coastal cities like Alexandria.