When you picture winter in Egypt, maybe you expect intense heat to stick around all year. Alexandria, though, tells a different story with a season that’s mild, breezy, and a lot cooler than the desert regions inland.
Daytime highs usually sit around 18–20°C (65–68°F), and nights drop to about 9–11°C (48–52°F). That’s a pretty refreshing break from the city’s scorching summers.
Alexandria’s winter is actually the wettest time of year. Showers happen more often, especially in December and January, but they’re usually quick.
Clouds and sunshine take turns, so some days feel crisp and bright, while others are damp and breezy.
You’ll notice the seasonal shift in daily life too. Beaches get quieter, and cafés fill up with folks dodging the rain. If you want to explore Alexandria’s history or stroll the Mediterranean coast without the crowds, winter’s cooler air and coastal charm make it a good time to visit.
Overview of Winter Weather in Alexandria
Winter in Alexandria, Egypt brings mild temperatures, more rain than any other season, and shorter days.
You’ll get cooler evenings, occasional wet spells, and a real contrast to the city’s hot, dry summers.
Typical Winter Climate Characteristics
From December to February, daytime highs usually land between 65°F (18°C) and 68°F (20°C). Nights cool off to 48°F (9°C) to 51°F (11°C), which feels chilly but not harsh.
Rain falls most often in winter. January stands out with about 53 mm (2 inches), while February gets a bit less. Rain comes in bursts, not long storms, and snow basically never happens.
Humidity stays pretty moderate, usually 65–71%, so the air can feel damp. December has the shortest days with just over 10 hours of daylight, but that slowly increases as spring gets closer.
You’ll see about 6 hours of sunshine daily, so expect a mix of clear and cloudy skies.
The sea cools down to 18–19°C (64–66°F). It’s colder than summer, but if you’re up for a brisk swim, it’s doable.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Winter in Alexandria feels totally different from the long, dry summer. In summer, highs soar above 86°F (30°C), rain is nearly nonexistent, and the sun beats down for up to 14 hours.
Winter gives you cooler air, shorter days, and the most rain of the year.
Spring and autumn bridge the gap. Spring warms up with hardly any rain. Autumn starts hot and cools off, with light showers by November.
If you compare winter to the other seasons, it’s the only time rain really matters. Cooler weather makes sightseeing way more comfortable than in the peak heat, but you’ll want a light jacket after dark.
Average Winter Temperatures
Alexandria’s winter stays mild compared to much of the Northern Hemisphere. It’s cool, not freezing, and there’s a big difference between day and night.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
During the day, average highs run from 66°F to 71°F (19°C to 22°C). It’s rare for temperatures to go above 75°F (24°C), so you don’t get real heat in winter.
At night, lows drop between 51°F and 56°F (10°C to 13°C). Temperatures almost never fall below 44°F (7°C).
You’ll want a light jacket at night, but heavy winter coats aren’t necessary.
The coldest stretch usually hits in late January and early February, with highs near 64°F (18°C) and lows around 50°F (10°C). Even then, it’s comfortable compared to a lot of other places.
Monthly Temperature Breakdown
Winter covers December through February, and every month brings small shifts.
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December: Highs average 70°F (21°C), lows about 55°F (13°C). Early winter feels a bit autumn-like, especially in the afternoons.
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January: Coldest month. Highs hit 66°F (19°C), lows dip to 52°F (11°C). Nights are at their coolest.
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February: Temperatures start climbing. Highs reach about 68°F (20°C), lows stay close to 52°F (11°C). By month’s end, days feel a little warmer and longer.
| Month | Avg High °F (°C) | Avg Low °F (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 70 (21) | 55 (13) |
| January | 66 (19) | 52 (11) |
| February | 68 (20) | 52 (11) |
This slow cooling and warming makes Alexandria’s winter feel stable—no wild swings in temperature.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Winter is when Alexandria gets most of its annual rain. Precipitation is modest compared to other coastal spots, but it’s packed into just a few months.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
January sees the most rain, with about 28 mm on average. December and February also get a decent amount, usually between 20–25 mm. By March, the numbers start dropping off, and April’s almost dry.
The annual average sits around 116 mm, which is pretty low if you compare it to Mediterranean cities like Lisbon or Athens. Most of that rain falls from December to February. Summers are nearly bone dry.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| December | ~24 mm |
| January | ~28 mm |
| February | ~22 mm |
| March | ~10 mm |
| April | ~3 mm |
| June–Sept | ~0 mm |
Alexandria’s spot on the Mediterranean means winter storms can bring short, sometimes heavy showers.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Even in the wet months, rain doesn’t fall that often. January usually has about 9 days with measurable rain. December and February get about 6–8 rainy days.
By March, it’s down to 3–4 days, and April’s almost dry. Between May and September, rain is basically absent—sometimes not a single rainy day.
A “rainy day” here usually means a quick shower, not a washout. Winter feels cooler and fresher, but rain rarely ruins your plans for long.
When you’re planning a trip, just remember that winter rain is occasional but concentrated, thanks to those Mediterranean weather systems.
Humidity and Wind Conditions in Winter
In winter, Alexandria greets you with cool air, a bit of moisture, and steady breezes from the sea. Humidity feels higher than in inland Egypt, and winds really shape the coastal vibe.
Average Humidity Levels
Winter brings moderate to high humidity, usually 65% to 75%. The Mediterranean keeps things moist, so even cool days can feel damp.
Mornings and evenings often feel the most humid, with a slight chill. Daytime humidity drops a little as it warms up, but not by much.
Unlike Cairo or Luxor, Alexandria almost never feels dry in winter. The extra moisture can make the cold feel colder. It’s smart to pack light layers that handle dampness well.
Humidity sometimes brings mist or haze near the coast in the mornings, but it usually clears up by midday. The air often carries that salty, sea-wet smell.
Typical Wind Speeds and Directions
Winds in winter are steady and noticeable, averaging 15–25 km/h (9–15 mph). Gusts pick up when weather systems pass through, especially with rain.
Most of the time, winds come from the northwest and north, blowing cool, moist air in from the sea. These breezes help keep the climate milder than inland, but they can make it feel colder when humidity’s high.
Sometimes, you’ll run into stronger coastal winds, especially along the Corniche or open beaches. If you’re walking by the water, expect a brisk breeze that stings a bit more than the thermometer suggests.
Wind helps clear out clouds after rain and keeps the air fresh, but it also makes evenings feel chillier.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine Hours
Winter in Alexandria brings more cloud cover than summer, and you don’t get as much direct sunlight. Skies bounce between partly and mostly cloudy, and days are shorter.
Seasonal Cloud Cover Trends
Clouds show up a lot more in winter. In December and January, over 50% of the sky can be covered. That’s a big change from summer, when clouds are rare and cover less than 25% of the sky.
The Mediterranean’s to blame for this. Moist air moves in and brings more overcast periods. Heavy storms aren’t common, but nimbostratus and sometimes cumulonimbus clouds can deliver rain and wind.
The weather can flip quickly. Some mornings start gray and clear up by afternoon, while other days stay gloomy. Alexandria’s coastal spot makes these swings more dramatic than in places further inland.
Average Daily Sunshine Duration
With more clouds, winter sunshine drops. In January, the darkest month, you get about 6 hours of sunlight a day. That’s a lot less than the 10+ hours you’ll see in June or July.
Shorter days add to it. In winter, sunrise is around 7:00 am and sunset’s close to 5:00 pm, so there’s about 10 hours of daylight. Less than two-thirds of that is bright sunshine because of the clouds.
This lower light level changes how you plan outings. If you want to see landmarks or hit the coast, aim for midday when skies are likelier to clear. Some people actually like the softer winter light for photos and walks.
How Winter Weather Affects Life in Alexandria
Winter in Alexandria means mild days, cool nights, and the most rain you’ll see all year. These conditions shape outdoor time and how locals tweak daily routines to stay comfortable.
Outdoor Activities and Tourism
You can still do plenty outside in Alexandria during winter. Daytime highs between 18°C (65°F) and 20°C (68°F) make walks along the Corniche or visits to spots like the Catacombs or Bibliotheca Alexandrina pleasant—no sweltering sun to worry about.
Rain is more common in December and January, averaging about 50 mm per month, so expect a few wet days. Downpours are rare, but quick showers might cut short a beach trip or delay a boat ride.
Fewer tourists show up in winter, so you can explore landmarks and markets without the crowds. The Mediterranean is cooler, about 18°C (64°F), so most people skip swimming, but seaside cafés still buzz with life.
If you’re heading to Alexandria, bring a light jacket, waterproof shoes, and maybe an umbrella. Those little things make it easy to enjoy the city’s coastal vibe, rain or shine.
Local Adaptations to Winter Climate
People here handle winter by changing up what they wear, tweaking their routines, and even rethinking how they build things. Since most homes and businesses don’t depend much on heating, folks just throw on extra layers inside and out to keep warm when the evenings dip to 9–10°C (48–50°F).
When it rains, some streets flood for a bit, so locals check weather forecasts before heading out. You’ll probably spot traffic crawling on wet days, and outdoor markets usually toss up covers to keep the rain off their goods.
Colder weather also changes what people eat. Warm soups, fresh citrus, and hot drinks pop up more often at home and in restaurants.
If you’re visiting, picking up on these habits can really help you settle in. Shops and cafés usually stay open, but everything just slows down a bit when it’s rainy.