Thinking about a trip to Cairo for the holidays? You’ll get to swap out icy winds for mild winter weather instead. Around Christmas, expect daytime highs close to 20°C (68°F) and nights that cool down to about 10°C (50°F). That mix of warm sunshine and crisp evenings makes sightseeing surprisingly comfortable, and you can skip the harsh heat of summer.
You won’t see any snow on the ground, but clear skies are the norm and rain is pretty rare. Since the days are shorter and the sun sets early, you’ll want to plan outings accordingly. Still, the weather’s perfect for wandering historic sites, browsing lively markets, or hopping on a Nile cruise without sweating buckets.
December in Cairo brings a different kind of holiday spirit. The Coptic community celebrates Christmas in January, but the city still feels festive here and there, blending local traditions with a seasonal vibe.
Overview of Cairo’s Climate in December
December brings mild winter weather to Cairo, with warm days and noticeably cooler nights. Rain barely shows up, but humidity and the occasional breeze can change how the air feels.
Desert Climate Characteristics
Cairo sits right in a desert climate, so you’ll notice big swings between day and night. You’ll skip the crazy summer heat in December, though the dry environment still shapes the city’s weather.
Most days, the air stays clear with plenty of sunshine and not much cloud cover. Outdoor activities feel a lot more inviting compared to the scorching months.
Once the sun drops, temperatures fall fast. Afternoons feel warm, but evenings can get chilly, especially if you’re outside for a while.
Cairo’s lack of big parks or lakes means there’s not much moisture in the air, so rainfall stays low and the sky stays bright.
Temperature Ranges and Variability
In December, Cairo’s afternoons usually hit 20–22°C (68–72°F). Nights cool off to 10–12°C (50–54°F), and sometimes it drops closer to 8°C (47°F).
Sightseeing during the day feels comfortable, but as soon as the sun goes down, you’ll probably want a light sweater or jacket.
Temperature swings are just part of life in the desert. Mornings can feel brisk, midday brings mild warmth, and evenings chill down again.
Wearing layers solves most problems. Short sleeves are great during the day, but you’ll be glad for something warmer at night.
Rainfall and Humidity Levels
December counts as one of Cairo’s wetter months, but honestly, rain barely makes a dent. The city averages just 2–3 rainy days and 3–6 mm of precipitation for the whole month. Showers are usually short and light, so they won’t mess up your plans.
Humidity sits around 55–65%, which can make evenings feel cooler. During the day, the sun and dry air balance things out, so it rarely feels muggy.
Winds typically blow at about 3 m/s, giving you a gentle breeze. That helps keep humidity from building up and makes being outside more pleasant.
Since rain’s so rare, you don’t need heavy gear. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light jacket are way more useful than an umbrella.
Typical Weather Conditions Around Christmas
Cairo delivers mild winter weather at Christmas. Days are cool compared to the summer, nights get colder, sunshine sticks around, and rain is rare but not totally impossible.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
Daytime temperatures around Christmas usually land between 18°C and 22°C (64°F–72°F). You’ll be fine in light clothes while walking or sightseeing.
After dark, the desert chill kicks in. Temperatures often drop to 9°C–12°C (48°F–54°F). A jacket or sweater comes in handy if you’re planning to be out in the evening.
The jump between day and night is pretty obvious. Cairo’s inland spot makes the change even bigger than in coastal cities. Packing layers really helps you keep up.
Sunny Weather and Daylight Hours
Late December brings Cairo plenty of sunshine. You’ll get 6 to 7 hours of sun per day, though total daylight is about 10 hours.
Sunrise usually happens around 6:30–7:00 a.m., and sunset comes close to 5:00 p.m. With that shorter window, it’s smart to schedule outdoor plans earlier.
Most days, skies are clear or partly cloudy, so you’re likely to enjoy lots of bright light. The sun sits lower in the sky, making the winter light softer and a bit easier on your eyes.
Even though the UV index drops in December, sunglasses and a bit of sun protection are still a good idea if you’re out for hours.
Rainfall Probability During Christmas Week
Rain doesn’t visit Cairo much, but December does have the highest odds. Still, the totals are tiny. The whole month only averages about 6 mm (0.24 inches).
If rain shows up, it’s usually just a quick shower, not a downpour. Only 2–3 days in December get measurable rain.
Most travelers won’t see any rain during Christmas week. Still, tossing a small umbrella or light rain jacket in your bag doesn’t hurt, just in case.
For the most part, you’ll get dry and stable weather that makes sightseeing easy.
Experiencing Christmas in Egypt
Christmas in Egypt feels different than in the West. In Cairo, you’ll notice a blend of religious practices, cultural events, and a quieter festive vibe that mixes local and international influences.
Christmas Celebrations and Dates
Egypt doesn’t celebrate Christmas on December 25 like many Western countries. The Coptic Orthodox Church, which is Egypt’s largest Christian group, celebrates Christmas on January 7. That’s because they follow the Julian calendar, just like a lot of Eastern Orthodox churches.
January 7 is a national holiday. People close their businesses, schools, and government offices. Churches across Cairo fill up for late-night liturgies on January 6, leading into the main celebration at midnight.
If you’re in Cairo then, you’ll see families dressed up for church. Many end a long fast with traditional meals afterward. The focus stays on religious observance and family, not shopping or commercial buzz.
Festive Atmosphere in Cairo
In the weeks before Christmas, Cairo takes on a subtle festive look. Shops, hotels, and some streets show off decorations like lights, Christmas trees, and Santa figures. You’ll spot these more in neighborhoods with bigger Christian communities or places popular with tourists.
Markets and bazaars sometimes run seasonal events, and you can pick up gifts, crafts, or local treats. Big hotels often host special dinners or concerts, especially for international guests.
You won’t find the same level of holiday hype as in Europe or North America, but there are still pockets of celebration. Modern malls and certain areas like Zamalek and Maadi usually have decorated storefronts and small community gatherings.
Western and Coptic Traditions
Western traditions pop up in Cairo, but Coptic customs take the lead. Some Protestant and Catholic churches hold services on December 24 or 25, mostly for expats and travelers. Those services are usually in English or other foreign languages.
Coptic Christians focus on January 7. Many observe a 43-day fast before Christmas, skipping animal products. On Christmas Eve, families break the fast with dishes like fatta (rice, bread, and meat with garlic sauce).
Santa Claus, or Baba Noel, pops up in shops and homes but is more connected to New Year’s than Christmas itself. This blend of influences gives Cairo a one-of-a-kind holiday feel, mixing local faith with global symbols.
Outdoor Activities and Sightseeing in December
With mild days and lots of sun, you can spend more time outside without worrying about summer’s heat. Famous monuments and city landmarks are easier to explore, and cooler evenings make walking tours and outdoor visits a lot more comfortable.
Visiting the Pyramids
December makes the Pyramids of Giza much more pleasant to visit, with highs near 20°C (68°F). You avoid the brutal summer heat. Go in the morning for fewer crowds, and the lower sun gives you better lighting for photos.
Wear comfy shoes since the ground is uneven and sandy. Bring a light jacket if you’ll be out late, as temperatures drop quickly.
Guided tours usually stop at the Pyramid of Khufu, the Pyramid of Khafre, and the smaller Pyramid of Menkaure. Each spot offers different views and access points. Lots of visitors also try a camel ride or take a short walk across the plateau to see how the pyramids line up.
Exploring the Great Sphinx
The Great Sphinx sits just east of the pyramids, so it’s easy to visit both on the same trip. December’s weather lets you linger longer in the open—no scorching sun or sticky humidity. The site draws steady crowds, but cooler air makes waiting a lot more tolerable.
You can check out the Sphinx from different angles, but the front gives you the best look at its face and lion body. Early afternoons usually have the best light for photos.
Rules for security and preservation keep you from getting too close, but you’ll still get a good sense of its scale. Tour guides share stories about erosion, restoration, and the Sphinx’s role in ancient Egypt.
City Landmarks and Attractions
Cairo’s got plenty to see beyond Giza, and December’s weather makes it easier. The Egyptian Museum showcases treasures from the pyramids, including artifacts from Tutankhamun’s tomb. Cooler weather means you can mix indoor museum time with outdoor walks.
Old Cairo offers historic mosques and churches, like the Mosque of Muhammad Ali and the Hanging Church. Modest dress is required at these sites, so a light sweater or jacket helps.
Markets such as Khan el-Khalili buzz with life in December, and longer daylight gives you more time to wander. You can browse for spices, textiles, and handmade goods while soaking in the growing festive mood.
Travel Tips for Visiting Cairo During Christmas
Cairo’s December weather feels mild during the day but cools off at night. The city gets lively with both locals and tourists, so a little planning around clothes, budget, and comfort goes a long way.
What to Pack for December Weather
Daytime temperatures hover between 15°C–20°C (59°F–68°F), and nights drop close to 10°C (50°F). Pack clothes that work for both warm afternoons and chilly evenings.
Bring light layers like cotton shirts or blouses for the day, plus a medium-weight jacket or sweater for after sunset. A scarf is handy for warmth and for modesty at religious sites.
Rain’s unlikely but not impossible, so a compact umbrella or light rain jacket might come in handy, especially if you’ll be out exploring markets or walking by the Nile. Comfortable walking shoes are a must since Cairo’s streets and historic sites can be uneven.
If you plan to attend Christmas services or visit churches, go for modest outfits. Long pants or skirts and covered shoulders will help you fit in just fine.
Dealing with Crowds and Costs
December falls right in Cairo’s high tourist season, so you’ll probably bump into more visitors at big spots like the Pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum, and Khan el-Khalili market. Lines get long, and crowds can feel a bit overwhelming.
Try to book tickets and tours ahead of time. If you go early in the morning, you’ll usually find fewer people and the weather’s cooler. Guided tours with transportation help you skip the hassle of haggling with taxis during busy hours.
Hotel and flight prices climb around Christmas. To dodge last-minute stress, lock in your accommodations a few months in advance. If you’re after quieter moments, check out less-visited spots like the mosques in Islamic Cairo or the Coptic Quarter, where things tend to be calmer.
Carrying some cash in Egyptian pounds helps, since smaller shops and local restaurants often don’t take cards. ATMs are easy to find, but sometimes they just run out of money during the holiday rush.
Safety and Comfort Recommendations
Cairo usually feels safe for tourists, but it’s wise to take normal precautions. Keep your valuables tucked away, use the hotel safe if you can, and don’t flash expensive stuff in crowded places.
Traffic is wild, honestly. Stick with official taxis, ride-hailing apps, or arrange a transfer instead of hopping into random cars. When you cross busy streets, watch out—drivers don’t always stop for pedestrians.
Even in the cooler months, Cairo’s dry air can sneak up on you, so keep drinking water. You’ll find bottled water everywhere. It’s smart to carry hand sanitizer and tissues too, because public restrooms might not have what you need.
Dress modestly to respect local customs, especially at mosques or in traditional neighborhoods. People will appreciate it, and you’ll probably have a smoother time.
Thinking about joining Christmas services at a Coptic church? Arrive early. Seating fills up fast and there are usually security checks, so give yourself time to get settled.
Comparing Cairo’s December Weather to Other Egyptian Regions
Cairo’s winter days feel mild and mostly sunny, but things change as you move north to the coast, south to the desert, or east toward the Red Sea. Temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine hours all shift, so your plans and packing list should too.
Alexandria and the Mediterranean Coast
If you’re heading to Alexandria or other Mediterranean cities, get ready for cooler, wetter weather than Cairo. Daytime temperatures usually hover around 11–19°C (52–66°F), and you’re more likely to see some light rain. December actually brings the most rain here, though it’s still nothing compared to Europe or North America.
Humidity climbs along the coast, and it’s often cloudier. Drizzle happens, but storms rarely hit. The cooler air isn’t great for the beach, but it makes sightseeing more comfortable and the crowds thinner.
Bring a light rain jacket or an umbrella, plus layers for chilly evenings. You’ll still get bursts of sunshine between showers, so it’s not all gray skies.
Luxor and Southern Egypt
If you go south to Luxor, Aswan, or Abu Simbel, you’ll notice it’s warmer and super dry. Daytime highs often reach 22–26°C (72–79°F), and nights can drop to about 10°C (50°F). Rain? Pretty much nonexistent. The sky stays clear.
This weather is perfect for wandering around temples and tombs. The dry air and sunshine let you spend hours outside without sweating through your shirt.
Pack light clothes for daytime, but don’t forget a jacket or sweater for the evenings—the desert cools off fast after sunset. That big difference between warm afternoons and chilly nights really defines December in southern Egypt.
Red Sea Resorts and Activities
When you visit Red Sea spots like Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada in December, you’ll notice the weather feels more like spring than winter. Daytime highs usually hit 20–24°C (68–75°F), and honestly, it hardly ever rains.
The sea stays warm, so you can swim, dive, or snorkel without much hesitation. Most days are sunny, and the calm water makes boat trips and water sports a breeze.
Holiday crowds fill up the resorts, especially around Christmas, so if you want a quiet beach, you might need to plan ahead.
Pack beachwear, sunscreen, and light layers for your days outside. Still, toss a sweater in your bag for those cooler evenings.
With its dry air, steady sunshine, and warm sea, this area stands out as one of Egypt’s best bets for winter sun.