Spring in Cairo feels like a steady shift from mild to warm days. For many, it’s one of the most comfortable times to get out and explore the city. Average high temperatures rise from about 22°C (72°F) in early March to around 34°C (93°F) by late May, while rainfall stays almost nonexistent.
Most days, you’ll see clear skies and enjoy longer daylight hours. The dry climate keeps humidity low for much of spring.
You’ll get a nice balance of pleasant daytime warmth and cooler nights. Lows climb from about 12°C (54°F) to 21°C (70°F) as spring moves along.
The desert climate keeps rain rare, and cloudy days become less frequent, so sunshine dominates. If you’re after reliable weather without the extremes of summer, spring really hits that sweet spot.
You’ll also notice the days get longer quickly, adding more than two extra hours of daylight from March to May. That shift shapes the local rhythm and gives you more time for outdoor adventures, whether you’re wandering historic streets or heading out on a day trip.
Overview of Cairo Spring Weather
Spring in Cairo means rising temperatures, barely any rainfall, and mostly dry air. Winds pick up later in the season, and you might notice a slight bump in humidity by late May.
Typical Temperature Range
Daytime highs climb steadily through spring. In early March, average highs sit around 72°F (22°C).
By late May those numbers reach about 93°F (34°C). Nighttime lows rise from about 54°F (12°C) in March to near 70°F (21°C) by the end of the season.
Extreme temperatures don’t happen often, but sometimes highs can push past 100°F (38°C) in late spring. Evenings generally stay cooler, which helps balance out the heat.
Cairo’s desert climate leads to big swings between day and night temperatures. If you’re out from morning to evening, packing light layers is a smart move.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| March | 72°F / 22°C | 54°F / 12°C |
| April | 82°F / 28°C | 61°F / 16°C |
| May | 93°F / 34°C | 70°F / 21°C |
Rainfall Patterns
Rain barely shows up in spring. The city averages only about 0.1 inches (3 mm) of rain per month, and most days pass with no measurable precipitation.
By late May, the chance of rain drops to almost zero. When it does rain, it’s brief and light.
You probably won’t need an umbrella. Cairo’s spot in a desert climate zone means spring is one of the driest times of year.
Dust and sand carried by seasonal winds can be more of an issue than rain, especially in April.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Humidity stays low for most of spring, ranging from dry to just slightly comfortable. Muggy conditions almost never happen in March and only creep up a bit by May, showing up on about 4% of days.
Wind speeds go up gradually as spring moves on. Average winds range from 9 mph (14 km/h) in early spring to about 10 mph (16 km/h) by late May.
Winds usually blow in from the north, which helps the air stay dry. Sometimes, stronger gusts carry dust, especially during the khamsin wind events in April.
These winds don’t last long but can cut visibility and make the air feel warmer. Most days, though, you’ll get steady, moderate breezes that take the edge off the rising heat.
Monthly Breakdown of Spring Weather
Spring in Cairo means rising temperatures, longer days, and almost no rain. Conditions shift fast from mild and comfy to hot and dry, with clear skies becoming more common as the weeks roll by.
March Weather Details
March kicks off the warmer days in Cairo. Average high temperatures climb into the low 70s °F (around 22–24 °C).
Nights stay cooler, often dipping into the low 50s °F (11–13 °C). Rain barely makes an appearance, with only about 0.1 inches on average.
Cloud cover sits a bit higher early in the month, but skies are still mostly clear. You’ll get about 11.5 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 6:20 AM and sunset near 5:55 PM.
Winds tend to be moderate, averaging close to 9 mph, and usually come from the north. Humidity stays low, so the air feels dry and comfortable.
March really stands out as one of the best months for outdoor activities before the heat ramps up.
April Weather Details
April brings a sharper jump in warmth. Daytime highs usually hit the low to mid-80s °F (28–29 °C), while nights stay mild, averaging around 60–65 °F (16–18 °C).
Rain is almost nonexistent, and the chance of cloudy skies drops even more compared to March. Daylight stretches out fast, adding over 30 minutes by the end of the month.
Expect sunrise as early as 5:20 AM and sunset close to 6:30 PM. Wind speeds tick up a bit, averaging about 9–10 mph, still mainly from the north.
Humidity remains very low, keeping the air dry. By late April, midday can feel hot, so lighter clothing and sun protection are a must.
May Weather Details
By May, Cairo feels a lot like summer. Highs often reach the upper 80s to low 90s °F (31–34 °C), and some afternoons can push into the mid-90s °F.
Nights warm up too, averaging near 70 °F (21 °C). Rain is almost unheard of, and skies are clear about 89% of the time by the end of the month.
Daylight peaks at nearly 14 hours, with sunset around 7:50 PM. Winds hold steady, averaging 10 mph, and keep blowing mostly from the north.
Humidity rises a little but still stays low enough that the air doesn’t feel muggy. May is definitely hotter than March and April, so plan for stronger sun and longer days if you’re spending time outside.
Desert Climate Influences
Cairo’s desert climate really shapes its spring weather, limiting rainfall and creating big swings in daily temperatures. The built-up city makes things even warmer than the surrounding countryside.
Impact on Temperature and Precipitation
Spring in Cairo means rising temperatures as the desert climate pushes daily highs from the low 70s °F (around 22 °C) in early March to the low 90s °F (around 34 °C) by late May. Nights stay cooler, but day-to-night differences can be big, often more than 20 °F (about 11 °C).
Rainfall barely registers. On average, spring sees less than 0.1 inches (2–3 mm) of precipitation per month, and some weeks bring no measurable rain at all.
This dryness is just part of Cairo weather, where the desert climate dominates and clouds fade as spring goes on. Because there’s so little moisture, the air feels dry and skies stay mostly clear.
You’ll get long hours of sunshine, with daylight increasing by more than two hours between early March and late May. These conditions make outdoor activities possible, but you’ll want sun protection and to stay hydrated.
Urban Heat Island Effect
Cairo’s dense cityscape intensifies the natural heat of its desert climate. Concrete, asphalt, and packed buildings soak up sunlight during the day and release it slowly at night.
That means nighttime lows in the city center often sit several degrees warmer than in open areas nearby. This effect really stands out in late spring when average highs approach the mid-90s °F (35 °C).
The heat stored in the city cuts down on the cooling you might expect after sunset. Travelers often find that shaded courtyards, parks, and spots near the Nile feel cooler than busy streets.
Planning your outings around shaded areas and early mornings can help you avoid the worst of the urban heat.
Travel Considerations for Spring in Cairo
Spring in Cairo means warm days, cooler nights, and almost no rainfall. Sightseeing feels pleasant, but you’ll want to be ready for sudden hot winds and the occasional dust in the air.
Best Times to Visit
March through May brings mild to hot weather, with daytime highs rising from about 23°C (73°F) in March to 32°C (90°F) in May. Nights stay cooler, often between 13–19°C (55–66°F), which helps balance out the heat.
Early spring is your best bet if you like cooler temps and fewer crowds. March and early April offer comfortable weather for visiting the Pyramids, the Egyptian Museum, or just strolling along the Nile.
By late April and May, the Khamsin winds can suddenly spike temperatures, sometimes above 38–40°C (100–104°F). Dust and sand might reduce visibility, so outdoor plans could need adjusting.
Flight and hotel prices usually drop below peak winter rates. Cairo International Airport gets plenty of arrivals, so planning a trip is pretty straightforward.
If you want to skip the hottest months, spring is a better pick than summer but warmer than fall in Cairo.
Packing Recommendations
Pack light clothing that keeps you cool during the day but still covers your skin from the sun. Cotton shirts, breathable trousers, and a wide-brimmed hat are all great for dealing with both heat and dust.
Bring a light jacket or sweater for evenings, especially in March when nights can still feel cool. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring historic sites and uneven ground.
A travel umbrella? Not really needed, since rain is so rare, but sunglasses and sunscreen are essentials. Carry a reusable water bottle, because the dry climate makes you thirsty fast.
If you’re heading outside Cairo for a day trip, pack a scarf or light face covering. Locals use these to deal with sand on windy days, and it really helps.
Spring Weather at Cairo International Airport
Spring at Cairo International Airport means rising temperatures, clearer skies, and barely any rainfall. Expect longer daylight, dry air, and a gradual uptick in wind as the season moves along.
Temperature and Conditions at the Airport
Daily highs climb from about 71°F (22°C) in early spring to around 92°F (33°C) by late May. Lows rise from 54°F (12°C) to about 69°F (21°C), so evenings stay mild.
It rarely drops below 48°F (9°C) or tops 100°F (38°C) during spring. Rain almost never happens, with less than 0.1 inches (2.5 mm) on average each month.
Cloud cover drops from 21% to about 10%, so most days are clear or mostly sunny. Winds average 9 mph (14 km/h), mainly from the north, and pick up a bit by late spring.
Daylight stretches fast, growing from about 11.5 hours in early March to nearly 14 hours by late May. This mix of warm days, dry air, and steady sunshine creates predictable conditions for travelers and local activity around the airport.
Comparing Spring Weather Across Key Locations
Cairo’s spring climate shifts fast, with rising temperatures, longer days, and almost no rain. Conditions can vary a bit depending on where you are, and changes become more noticeable as summer approaches.
Cairo vs. Borg El Arab Airport
Cairo and Borg El Arab Airport, near Alexandria about 110 miles northwest, share a desert climate but have some small differences in spring weather. Cairo usually runs hotter and drier, while Borg El Arab feels a bit cooler thanks to its coastal influence.
In spring, Cairo’s average highs climb from about 72°F to 93°F, while Borg El Arab stays a few degrees lower. Nights are milder near the coast, with lows often sticking to the upper 50s and 60s, compared to Cairo’s 50s rising into the 70s.
Humidity makes a difference too. Borg El Arab gets more moisture in the air, especially in late spring, while Cairo stays drier.
Rain is rare in both places, but coastal areas can see brief showers that Cairo almost never gets this time of year. Wind patterns aren’t quite the same either.
Cairo’s winds blow mainly from the north, while Borg El Arab gets stronger Mediterranean breezes. That coastal climate makes midday heat feel a bit less harsh.
Transition to Fall in Cairo
As spring wraps up, you start to notice the days stretching out and the afternoons heating up. By late May, Cairo almost feels like it’s jumped straight into summer, with temperatures often climbing close to 95°F and the air staying bone dry.
This shift sets up the move into fall, but you’ll see that cooling off happens much more slowly than the quick warmup in spring.
In fall, daytime highs slowly slide from the upper 90s into the 80s. Nights finally offer some relief, dropping into the 60s.
Rain barely makes an appearance, though humidity can creep up a bit, especially around October and November.
You can’t help but notice the days getting shorter. Between early September and late November, sunlight drops by more than two hours.
This change really shifts the daily routine. Cooler evenings and less daylight somehow make outdoor activities feel a lot more doable than during the brutal heat of late spring and summer.
Fall in Cairo doesn’t bring much rain. Still, the mild drop in temperature and gentler winds stand out against the dry, relentless warming of spring.
If you spend any time outside, you’ll definitely pick up on these changes. The city’s seasonal rhythm just feels different.