Winter in Giza shows a side of Egypt that most people don’t expect. You get mild days, cool nights, and barely any rain, making it a great time to explore the city and its ancient sites.
Unlike the blistering summer heat, winter brings moderate weather. You can spend long hours outside without feeling drained or uncomfortable.
Daytime temperatures usually sit in the upper 60s to low 70s °F (around 19–22°C). Nights drop into the upper 40s to low 50s °F (about 10–12°C).
Humidity goes up a bit compared to summer, but the air still feels dry and pleasant. Sunshine is plentiful, and skies are mostly clear, so you get bright days without the harshness of the desert climate.
If you visit, you’ll notice daylight hours are pretty generous, so there’s plenty of time to see the pyramids, museums, and markets. Cooler air, steady sunshine, and calm weather make winter a nice balance between comfort and that classic desert vibe.
Overview of Winter Weather in Giza
Winter in Giza brings cooler temperatures, milder extremes, and a touch more humidity than the rest of the year.
Rain barely shows up, but the shorter days and softer conditions make winter much easier to handle than the fierce, dry summers.
Typical Winter Climate Patterns
Giza sits in a desert, so winters stay mild and dry. Daytime highs usually land between 18°C and 21°C (65°F to 70°F), and nighttime lows fall to 9°C to 12°C (49°F to 54°F).
Those chillier evenings can surprise you, especially if you’ve only seen Giza in summer. Rainfall amounts to less than 5 mm (0.2 in) for the whole season.
Most days are sunny, and the sky stays clear. Humidity creeps up in winter, averaging 55–57%, which takes the edge off the dryness without making things damp.
Daylight lasts about 10 to 11 hours—not as long as in summer, but still enough for sightseeing. Winds tend to be light or moderate, averaging 12–15 km/h (7–9 mph), and they add a little chill to the evenings.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Winter feels nothing like summer in Giza. July and August can hit 36–37°C (97–99°F), but winter highs hover near 20°C (68°F).
Outdoor activities suddenly become doable, even if you want to wander the pyramids or stroll by the Nile. Spring heats up fast, with highs over 25°C (77°F) by March.
Autumn cools off gradually, with November highs close to 25°C (77°F) before dipping into winter territory. Humidity reaches its highest in winter, but never gets uncomfortable.
Rain might show up in winter, but only as quick, light showers. Summer, on the other hand, is bone dry.
Weather in Giza During December, January, and February
December kicks off the coolest stretch with highs near 19°C (66°F) and lows around 10°C (50°F). Humidity sits at about 57%, and daylight lasts just over 10 hours.
January stands out as the coldest month. Highs average 18–19°C (65°F), and lows dip to 9–10°C (49°F). Evenings feel crisp, but you still get sunny days.
February starts to warm up. Highs reach 20–21°C (68–70°F), and lows settle around 11–12°C (52–54°F). Days get longer, and the chance of light rain is highest, though it stays minimal.
Air Temperature Trends in Winter
Winter in Giza brings cooler weather than the rest of the year. Air temperatures stay mild during the day and turn noticeably cooler at night.
The season feels steady, not erratic, so you can count on comfortable conditions.
Average Day and Night Temperatures
During winter, Giza’s daytime air temperatures usually fall between 18°C and 21°C (65°F to 70°F). These mild afternoons make it easy to explore outdoors without worrying about the heat.
The sun still shines most days, so things feel brighter than you’d expect with those numbers. At night, temperatures drop more sharply.
You’ll see lows between 9°C and 12°C (49°F to 54°F), which can feel pretty cool, especially in open desert spots. A light jacket or sweater comes in handy for evenings or early mornings.
The gap between day and night often reaches 8–10°C (14–18°F). That’s classic desert weather—clear skies let the warmth escape fast after sunset.
Even then, the air stays dry, so the chill feels crisp, not clammy.
Monthly Temperature Variations
From December to February, air temperatures change slowly. December starts with highs near 20°C (68°F) and lows around 11°C (52°F), setting the mood for the season.
January cools down a bit more, with highs close to 19°C (66°F) and lows dropping to about 10°C (50°F). This is when Giza feels most like winter, especially at night, though days stay comfortable.
By February, things warm up slightly. Highs hit about 21°C (70°F), and lows hover near 11°C (52°F). You can feel spring coming, but evenings still call for a warmer layer.
Here’s a quick look at the numbers:
| Month | Avg High °C (°F) | Avg Low °C (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 20°C (68°F) | 11°C (52°F) |
| January | 19°C (66°F) | 10°C (50°F) |
| February | 21°C (70°F) | 11°C (52°F) |
These monthly averages show how Giza’s winter keeps things steady, with just small shifts in temperature.
Humidity Levels and Comfort
Humidity in Giza during winter stays moderate compared to the rest of the year. This shapes how comfortable it feels outside, especially when the air is cooler.
Average Humidity in Winter
Winter humidity in Giza usually ranges from 50% to 55%, with December often being the most humid. That’s still moderate compared to August, when humidity can climb over 60%.
Because the air is cooler, the humidity feels a bit more noticeable, even if it’s not high. Nights, in particular, can feel a little damp compared to the dry afternoons.
Since Giza sits in the desert, rainfall barely happens. The humidity you feel mostly comes from seasonal changes in temperature and wind, not from rain.
You’ll find mornings feel a bit more humid, while midday dries out. This daily swing makes Giza’s climate easier to handle than places with year-round high moisture.
Impact on Outdoor Activities
Moderate winter humidity makes sightseeing around Giza’s monuments so much easier than in summer. You won’t feel sticky or overheated, which is a relief when you’re walking or climbing near the pyramids.
Cooler air and 50–55% humidity also lower your risk of dehydration compared to the hot, dry months. Still, it’s smart to carry water, since desert air can dry you out even when it feels mild.
Clothing is simple—light layers work during the day, and you’ll want a sweater for evenings when humidity and cooler air meet up. Unlike summer, you don’t have to worry about sweat not evaporating or feeling muggy.
Precipitation and Rainfall Patterns
Giza’s winter weather really shows off its desert side, bringing very little precipitation. Rain is rare, brief, and usually light, but it can still nudge your outdoor plans a bit.
Rainfall Frequency and Amounts
Rainfall in Giza during winter barely registers, with just a few millimeters for the whole season. February stands out as the wettest winter month, averaging 5 mm.
December and January usually see even less, closer to 2–3 mm. You’ll never face steady or soaking rain—showers are quick and scattered.
Even when it rains, skies clear up fast, and sunshine hours stay high. Here’s a quick glance:
| Month | Avg. Precipitation (mm) |
|---|---|
| December | ~3 mm |
| January | ~3 mm |
| February | ~5 mm |
These tiny amounts really show how dry the region is, with annual totals only about 20–25 mm.
Chance of Rainy Days
The odds of hitting a rainy day in Giza during winter are super low. On average, you might see 1–2 days per month with measurable rain.
Even then, the rain is so light it barely affects your plans. Most of the time, you’ll enjoy long stretches of dry weather.
February has the highest chance of rain, but it still averages fewer than 2 rainy days. For travelers, this means you almost never have to worry about wet weather.
Outdoor sites, including the Giza Plateau, stay open and easy to visit. Most days offer clear skies and dry air, so winter feels comfortable and reliable.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
In the winter months, Giza sees less sunshine and daylight than summer, but you still get plenty of clear days.
Both direct sun and total daylight hours drop, but not by much.
Average Sunshine Hours
December brings about 6.6 hours of sunshine per day, the lowest of the year. January bumps that up to around 7 to 8 hours, and February gets you close to 9 hours.
So, even in winter, Giza’s days are pretty bright compared to a lot of places. The sky is usually clear, and rain rarely interrupts the sun.
Here’s a quick look:
| Month | Avg. Sunshine Hours per Day |
|---|---|
| December | ~6.6 hours |
| January | ~7–8 hours |
| February | ~9 hours |
It’s a good idea to plan outdoor activities around midday, when the sun is at its strongest. Mornings and evenings cool off fast.
Length of Daylight in Winter
Daylight in Giza during winter runs from about 10 hours in December to nearly 11 hours by February. The shortest days fall near the winter solstice, and February brings a little more light.
Not all daylight is sunshine, but most days are clear enough for sightseeing. Unlike places farther north, Giza doesn’t have super short days in winter.
That consistency makes travel easier. You can start your tours in the morning and still have time to explore until late afternoon.
Wind and Weather Variability
Winter in Giza brings cooler air and calmer weather compared to the blazing summer. Rain rarely interrupts your plans, but wind adds a steady touch to how the season feels.
Average Wind Speed
In Giza during winter, you’ll usually see average wind speeds around 3 to 4 meters per second (about 7 to 9 mph). That’s not exactly hurricane weather—more like a gentle breeze you might not even think about most days.
Winds tend to blow in from the north and northwest, bringing in dry desert air. Because of that, evenings can feel a bit cooler, even if the afternoons stay pretty mild.
Giza doesn’t get wild shifts in wind strength like coastal cities do. Summer and winter wind speeds barely change, so the weather stays pretty steady all year.
If you’re planning to spend time outside, this consistency means you probably won’t have to worry about being blown away. A light jacket or sweater usually does the trick, especially with those mild winter temps.
Windy Days in Winter
You’ll notice there aren’t many days with strong winds in Giza’s winter. Most days feel calm, with only the occasional gusty afternoon.
Every now and then, a passing weather system will kick up stronger winds across northern Egypt. These gusty spells don’t last long and rarely define the season.
Blowing dust? It’s not really a thing in winter, especially compared to the khamsin winds that show up in spring. So, winter feels a lot more comfortable for sightseeing and wandering around outdoors.
Most days bring clear skies, mild air, and breezes that don’t get in your way. Honestly, that’s a big part of why so many visitors find Giza’s winter weather easy to handle.
Winter Weather Tips for Visitors
Giza’s winter feels mild during the day, turns cooler at night, and almost never brings rain. You’ll get plenty of clear skies, good walking weather, and way fewer crowds at the main sites than in the scorching months.
What to Pack for a Winter Trip
Daytime highs usually land between 66–72°F (19–22°C), while nights can drop to about 50°F (10°C). You won’t need a heavy coat, but layering is important.
Bring light sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, and a medium jacket for those chillier evenings. A scarf or shawl comes in handy for early mornings or when you’re visiting religious sites that ask for modest dress. Comfortable shoes are a must—you’ll probably spend hours walking around pyramids, temples, and markets.
It rarely rains, but tossing a compact umbrella or a light rain jacket in your bag isn’t a bad idea just in case. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are still important, since that desert sun doesn’t really take a break, even in winter.
Don’t forget a reusable water bottle. The dry air sneaks up on you, and it’s surprisingly easy to get thirsty, even when it’s cool out.
Best Activities During Winter
Winter feels like one of the most comfortable times to explore Giza’s outdoor landmarks. You can tour the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx without sweating through the extreme heat of summer.
Walking across the plateau gets a lot easier with those mild temperatures. Honestly, it’s just more enjoyable.
You might want to take a day trip to nearby Cairo too. Museums and markets aren’t as crowded this time of year.
Cooler weather makes climbing inside pyramid passages a lot more pleasant. Hanging out in open-air bazaars feels better when the sun isn’t blazing down.
Evenings offer their own charm. The Sound and Light Show at the Pyramids is way more comfortable when the air cools off.
Nile dinner cruises and desert excursions just feel nicer on mild nights, don’t they?
Winter days last about 10–11.5 hours, so you’ve got plenty of time to see the sights before sunset.