When you picture summer in Cairo, you probably imagine long, dry days with endless sunshine. Expect average daytime highs around 34°C (94°F), with barely a drop of rain for months. Nights cool off a bit, but the warmth usually sticks around, keeping things toasty even after dark.
Humidity creeps up, especially in July and August, so the air can feel a bit heavy. Still, the desert climate keeps the skies mostly clear. The sun really rules the season, and daylight stretches close to its longest of the year.
If you’re thinking of visiting Cairo during summer, it helps to know what you’re in for. The strong UV index and those breezy evenings both play a part in how you’ll experience the city.
Overview of Cairo’s Summer Climate
Cairo sits in the Sahara Desert, so its summers are hot and dry. High temperatures and long sunny days define the season, while humidity and wind shift a bit as summer goes on.
Desert Climate Characteristics
You’ll notice that summer days in Cairo stay reliably hot, with average highs around 94–96°F (34–36°C). Nights don’t get too cool either, often hovering between 70–76°F (21–24°C).
Rain almost never happens in summer. On average, Cairo gets less than 1 inch (25 mm) of rain per year, and the summer months are basically bone dry. Skies stay clear, and by late June, clouds are pretty much gone.
Daylight lasts a long time, from about 14 hours in June to just under 13 hours in August. That makes the heat feel even more intense. Sunshine is almost constant, so finding shade and drinking water matters a lot.
Humidity picks up as the summer goes on. Early summer feels dry, but by August, things can get muggy—especially in the evenings.
Köppen-Geiger Classification
Cairo sits in the BWh classification on the Köppen-Geiger chart. That’s a hot desert climate, basically meaning high temps and barely any rainfall.
You won’t see the rainy seasons that Mediterranean or tropical places get. Instead, the climate stays steady, with long dry spells and just a few light showers in winter.
This classification also highlights the big difference between day and night. Daytime can soar over 100°F (38°C), but nights do cool off—though rarely below 66°F (19°C) in summer.
You’ll find this climate across North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, where deserts rule the weather. Cairo’s dense buildings and paved streets can make it feel even warmer than the open desert.
Comparison With Other Regions
If you compare Cairo to other places, you’ll spot similarities with cities like Robstown, Texas.
Typical Summer Temperatures in Cairo
Cairo’s summer weather brings hot days and mild nights, following a pretty steady pattern through June, July, and August. You won’t see much change in clouds or rain, so temperature really shapes how summer feels.
Average Daytime Highs
Daytime highs in Cairo stay hot all summer. You’ll usually see temps around 94°F (34°C), with a few days pushing up to 96°F (36°C) in early August. Sometimes, highs creep just above 100°F (38°C), but that’s not the norm.
The dry desert air makes the heat feel even stronger, though humidity does rise later. The sun is intense, so you’ll want shade and plenty of water if you’re outside.
Unlike coastal areas in Egypt, Cairo misses out on cooling sea breezes. The heat feels more intense, especially in the city where there’s not much greenery. If you’re visiting, afternoons are best spent indoors or in the shade, while mornings and evenings are far more pleasant.
Nighttime Lows
At night, Cairo finally cools off a bit. Average lows range from 70°F (21°C) in June to about 75°F (24°C) in August. The warmest nights hit in mid-August, sometimes sticking near 76°F (25°C).
Humidity climbs later in summer, making nights feel a bit warmer than they actually are. In July and August, you might notice muggy air, especially near the Nile.
Even with the warmth, nights are usually comfortable for outdoor dinners or evening strolls. Air conditioning is common in hotels and homes, but plenty of visitors find evenings outside pretty enjoyable. With almost no rain or clouds, you’ll usually get clear skies after sunset.
Monthly Temperature Variations
Cairo’s summer temps shift only slightly as the months roll by.
- June: Highs near 93°F (34°C), lows about 70°F (21°C).
- July: Highs tick up to 95°F (35°C), lows average 73°F (23°C).
- August: The hottest month, with highs around 96°F (36°C), lows about 75°F (24°C).
The hottest stretch usually lands in early August. Still, the month-to-month difference is small compared to other places.
What really stands out is just how steady it all is. You’ll get long runs of hot, dry days with barely any change. If you’re planning a trip, that predictability makes packing easy—bring light clothes, sunblock, and keep water handy all season.
Humidity and Comfort Levels
Cairo’s summer combines high temps with moderate humidity, which changes how the heat feels on your skin. The mix of air moisture and how your body reacts to it affects how comfortable you’ll feel.
Dew Point Trends
The dew point gives a better sense of humidity than just the percentage. In Cairo’s summer, dew points usually run from the mid-50s°F (13°C) up to the low 60s°F (16–17°C). That’s humid enough to notice, but not as sticky as you’d get by the coast.
You’ll feel the air is drier in June, since dew points are lower. By August, dew points rise, so the air feels heavier—especially at night when temps dip but moisture hangs around.
Quick guide:
- Below 55°F (13°C): Dry, comfy
- 55–60°F (13–16°C): Slightly humid
- Above 60°F (16°C+): Humid, maybe sticky
Cairo’s summer dew points usually sit in the middle, so you might feel a little sticky, but nothing like tropical cities.
Perceived Heat and Discomfort
Humidity changes how hot it feels. In Cairo, daytime highs often top 95°F (35°C). With moderate humidity, the heat index can feel several degrees higher than what the thermometer says.
For example, a 96°F (36°C) day with 55% humidity might feel more like 105°F (40°C). That makes outdoor activities less comfortable, especially around midday.
Nights can be tricky too. Even when temps drop, higher humidity in late summer can slow down your body’s cooling. That’s why July and August evenings may still feel warm and a bit muggy, even if the numbers say otherwise.
Drinking water and planning outings for mornings or evenings helps you deal with the extra heat.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Cairo has an extremely dry climate, with almost no rain all year. Most months pass without any measurable precipitation, and when rain does show up, it’s light, brief, and usually happens in the cooler months.
Rainfall Frequency
You’ll find rainfall in Cairo is rare and unpredictable. On average, the city gets less than 30 mm (about 1 inch) of rain per year, making it one of the world’s driest capitals.
In summer, rain is practically nonexistent. June, July, and August usually see 0.0 to 0.1 mm of precipitation, which is so little it never really affects daily life. The wettest time usually arrives in December through February, but even then, totals are tiny.
Rain comes as quick showers, not long storms. These bursts can be intense for a minute or two, but they pass fast, and dry weather returns. So you’ll rarely see more than 1–2 rainy days per month even in winter.
Most travelers notice umbrellas and raincoats aren’t needed in Cairo. Locals just wait out the rare shower indoors.
Dry Season Overview
The dry season isn’t just a few months—it’s really the defining feature of Cairo’s climate. From late spring through early autumn, you’ll get months without any measurable rain. June through September are especially dry, with clear skies and no real precipitation.
This long dry stretch comes from Cairo’s desert climate (Köppen BWh). The Sahara blocks moisture, and Cairo’s inland spot keeps Mediterranean weather away.
With almost no rain, the Nile River remains the main water source for the city. Unlike coastal spots, Cairo doesn’t get sea breezes that bring humidity or showers.
For visitors, this means your outdoor plans won’t get rained out. You can count on dry weather, though the lack of rain brings dust, haze, and very low humidity during the summer.
Sunshine, Daylight, and Cloud Cover
Cairo’s summer brings long days, strong sun, and barely any clouds. You’ll get hours of direct sunlight, with only small changes in daylight as summer moves along. Cloud cover stays minimal, so skies are clear most of the time.
Hours of Sunshine
During summer, Cairo gets some of its brightest days. In June, the average is about 11 hours and 54 minutes of sunshine per day, and July and August are close, with 11 to 11.5 hours daily.
That’s nearly 85–87% of daylight hours spent in sunshine, leaving little time in the shade. By contrast, winter months average less than 7 hours of sun, so summer really stands out.
If you’re visiting, expect long stretches of direct sun. Outdoor sightseeing, walking, and desert trips mostly happen under clear skies, so hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are a must. The long sunshine hours also give you more flexibility for daytime plans.
Day Length Changes
Cairo’s spot near the Tropic of Cancer means daylight shifts only a little through summer. In late June, the longest day lasts about 14 hours. By late August, days shorten to around 13 hours.
That’s about one hour of daylight lost from start to finish. Not a dramatic change, but you’ll notice sunsets come a bit earlier by the end of summer.
The high sun angle matters too. At the June solstice, midday sun climbs to about 83° above the horizon, nearly overhead. By September, it drops to about 60°, still strong but not as intense as peak summer.
Cloud Cover Trends
Cairo’s summer skies are some of the clearest anywhere. In June, July, and August, cloud cover drops to almost 0–15%, depending on the month. Most days, you’ll see a completely clear sky from sunrise to sunset.
This lack of clouds means rain almost never happens, and visibility stays high. The occasional hazy day usually comes from desert dust or pollution, not actual clouds.
You can count on steady sunshine during your stay. For photos, sightseeing, or outdoor tours, the clear skies give you consistent light and very little chance of weather getting in the way.
Travel Tips for Experiencing Cairo’s Summer Weather
Cairo’s summer heat definitely affects how you plan your days and when you want to get out and explore. Knowing the coolest parts of the day and understanding how the weather impacts airport arrivals can help you stay comfortable and avoid headaches.
Best Times to Visit
Summer in Cairo kicks off around mid-May and stretches through mid-September. Temperatures usually hit daily highs of 34–36 °C (93–97 °F).
July and August bring the worst of the heat, and honestly, the city’s humidity and traffic just make it feel even hotter.
If you want to see the sights without melting, try heading out early in the morning or later in the evening. Those midday hours, especially from 12 pm to 4 pm, can really wear you down.
A lot of travelers head to the pyramids or Old Cairo before 9 am to avoid the worst of it.
Late June and early July might surprise you with fewer crowds, even though the heat sticks around.
If you’re looking for a decent compromise between weather and crowds, September usually feels a bit cooler at night and isn’t as busy.
You’ll want to pack light, breathable clothes. Don’t forget a wide-brim hat and sunscreen.
Always carry bottled water—walking under that sun can dehydrate you fast.
Airport Arrivals and Weather Considerations
Cairo International Airport stands out as the main entry point. Borg El Arab Airport in Alexandria also handles some international flights.
You’ll notice both airports get pretty warm in summer, especially in the afternoon. Air-conditioned spaces definitely help, but expect to feel the heat when you’re heading between terminals or catching a taxi or bus.
Try to arrive in the evening or overnight if you can. Temperatures drop to around 22–25 °C (72–77 °F), which feels much more comfortable.
Traffic jams around Cairo International Airport usually get worse in the afternoon heat, so give yourself extra time. If you land during the day, grab your sunglasses and wear light clothes for that quick blast of hot air outside.
If you’ve got a longer layover, you’ll find the indoor seating areas cool enough. The outdoor waiting zones, though, can get pretty uncomfortable.
Arriving or leaving outside the hottest hours just makes everything a bit easier and might help you start your Cairo trip on a better note.