Cairo’s weather really shapes every part of your trip. It affects how long you’ll want to wander the pyramids or whether you’ll actually enjoy strolling through Khan El Khalili market.
If you want comfortable weather, you’ll find the best time to visit Cairo is spring (March–April) and fall (October–November). Daytime temperatures stay warm but not overwhelming. These months give you a nice balance of pleasant conditions and manageable crowds, so sightseeing feels a lot more enjoyable.
If you like cooler days, winter brings mild temperatures from December to February, though you’ll probably notice popular sites get crowded. Summer’s a different story—temperatures often push past 90°F. That kind of heat limits outdoor activities, but you’ll see lower travel costs and fewer people.
Understanding how Cairo’s seasons affect both the climate and the crowd flow helps you plan a trip that actually matches your comfort level, budget, and interests. Maybe you want to explore ancient sites in cool air, avoid long lines, or just save money during the hottest months. Either way, knowing the city’s weather patterns means you can make the most of your time there.
Best Time to Visit Cairo for Ideal Weather
Spring and fall really shine in Cairo. Daytime temperatures stay warm but not extreme, which is perfect for walking tours, exploring historic sites, and enjoying evenings outside without harsh heat or chilly nights.
March to April: Mild Spring Temperatures
Spring brings daytime highs around 70–80°F (21–27°C). It’s one of the best times to visit Cairo if you’re hoping to sightsee comfortably. The air is dry, humidity stays low, and you can spend long hours outdoors without feeling sticky or exhausted.
Crowds are moderate, but you’ll find the Pyramids of Giza and the Egyptian Museum much easier to enjoy than in winter’s peak season. Day trips into the Western Desert or along the Nile River are also pleasant, since you avoid extreme heat.
Evenings cool off, often dropping into the 50s°F (10–15°C), so packing a light jacket is just smart. Sometimes sandstorms, or khamsin winds, blow through in late March. They’re usually short, but it helps to keep your plans flexible.
Hotels and flights might cost a bit more than in the summer, but you’re paying for ideal weather. If you’re trying to balance cost with comfort, early March sometimes brings slightly lower prices before tourism really picks up.
October to November: Comfortable Fall Conditions
Fall is another great time to visit. Daytime temperatures average 70–80°F (21–27°C), and nights get cooler. The summer heat fades, and the weather settles into a comfortable groove, perfect for walking tours or open-air markets.
Tourism picks up again in these months. Expect more people at Khan El Khalili Bazaar, Islamic Cairo, and other cultural stops. Still, it’s not as packed as winter, so it’s a good middle ground between comfort and accessibility.
Outdoor activities like Nile cruises, desert excursions, and exploring Coptic Cairo feel especially nice in the fall. Air quality improves compared to summer, and you can spend more time outside without overheating.
Hotels and flights are moderately priced compared to peak winter. Booking ahead is a good idea, but you’ll often find more availability than in December or January. If you want to enjoy Cairo’s landmarks without sweating or shivering, October and November are solid picks.
Seasonal Weather Overview in Cairo
Cairo sits in a desert climate with hot summers, mild winters, and quick transitional seasons. Daytime temperatures change a lot, but humidity stays low year-round. The weather is predictable, but sometimes it’s just plain extreme.
Winter: December to February
Winter brings the coolest weather. Daytime highs usually land between 17°C to 20°C (63°F to 68°F), with nights dipping to around 9°C (48°F). Rain is rare, but evenings can feel pretty chilly, especially if you’re outside the city center.
Visitors love these cooler months because walking tours and outdoor sites like the Giza Plateau feel comfortable. You can spend hours outside without worrying about heat.
This is the peak tourist season. Hotels and flights jump in price, and attractions get busy. If you’re planning to visit during winter, book early.
Pack light layers for daytime and a warmer jacket for the evenings. Shorter daylight hours mean you’ll want to plan sightseeing earlier.
Spring: March to May
Spring warms things up steadily. Daytime highs climb from 22°C (72°F) in March to around 29°C (84°F) in May. Nights stay cool, averaging 12°C to 17°C (54°F–63°F).
People often call this one of the best times to visit Cairo because the weather feels warm but not too hot. Outdoor activities like visiting the Citadel, Old Cairo, or the Khan el-Khalili market just feel better.
Watch out for the khamsin winds in March and April. These hot, dusty gusts sometimes blow in from the desert and can lower visibility for a day or two. If you have allergies or breathing issues, bring a scarf or mask.
Crowds are moderate, and hotels usually charge less than in winter. Breathable clothes for daytime and a light jacket for evenings work best.
Summer: June to August
Summer in Cairo? It’s hot. Daytime highs often hit 34°C to 36°C (93°F–97°F), and nights rarely drop below 22°C (72°F). The sun feels relentless, and finding shade in open areas like the pyramids isn’t easy.
You’ll see the fewest crowds during summer, since most travelers avoid the heat. If you do visit now, you’ll get cheaper hotel and flight rates. Museums, mosques, and other indoor spots are appealing since they’re cooler.
Plan outdoor sightseeing for early mornings or late evenings. Bring water, wear light clothes, and use sun protection. If you don’t handle heat well, summer’s probably not for you.
Autumn: September to November
Autumn is just comfortable. September can still feel hot, with highs around 32°C (90°F), but by November, days drop to 25°C (77°F) and evenings cool to about 15°C (59°F).
This season is another ideal time to visit Cairo. The weather is pleasant, and crowds are smaller than in winter. You can spend hours outside without the discomfort of summer.
Rain is still rare, and humidity stays low. Autumn is great for Nile cruises, desert trips, and exploring Cairo’s historic neighborhoods.
Hotel and tour prices are moderate, and you can often snag good deals. Pack light clothes for daytime and a sweater or jacket for the evenings.
Monthly Breakdown of Cairo’s Weather
Cairo’s desert climate means long, hot summers and mild winters. Rain hardly falls, but big temperature swings between seasons make a difference in when you’ll find it most comfortable to visit.
Temperature Trends and Rainfall Patterns
Winter, from December to February, brings daytime highs around 18–22°C (64–72°F) and cool nights near 10°C (50°F). This is the best stretch for walking tours and outdoor sightseeing.
In March and April, temperatures climb into the mid-20s °C (70s °F). The khamsin winds sometimes blow dust and sandstorms through the city.
May through September marks the peak of summer. Expect daily highs between 32–38°C (90–100°F), with the occasional spike even higher. Nights stay warm, usually above 22°C (72°F). Rain? Pretty much nonexistent.
By October and November, things cool off to 24–29°C (75–85°F). It’s pleasant again for exploring historic sites. Annual rainfall is minimal, less than 25 mm, and usually shows up as short bursts in winter.
| Month | Avg High °C (°F) | Avg Low °C (°F) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 19 (66) | 9 (48) | 5 |
| Apr | 27 (81) | 14 (57) | 2 |
| Jul | 35 (95) | 23 (73) | 0 |
| Oct | 29 (84) | 18 (64) | 1 |
Humidity and Sunshine Hours
Humidity usually stays low in Cairo thanks to the desert. In summer, it averages 40–50%, but the heat can make it feel more intense. Winter humidity is higher, often 55–65%, but the cool air keeps things comfortable.
Sunshine is pretty much a given all year. Expect 9–11 hours of daylight most days. June has the longest days, but even December brings about 7 hours of bright sun.
Clouds are rare, so UV levels stay high. If you’re coming in summer, use sunscreen and wear light clothing to handle the sun and heat.
Wind can make a difference too. Spring winds sometimes kick up dust and lower visibility, but the rest of the year is usually calm with only light breezes.
How Weather Impacts Sightseeing and Attractions
Cairo’s climate really shapes how you’ll experience its landmarks. Outdoor sites get tough in extreme heat, while indoor attractions stay comfortable if you plan your timing right.
Pyramids of Giza: Optimal Visiting Months
The Pyramids of Giza sit out on an open plateau with barely any shade. In summer, daytime highs often shoot past 95°F (35°C), making long walks across the sand rough. The heat raises your risk of dehydration, so if you visit in summer, you’ll need to prep for it.
October–April are the most comfortable months to visit. Daytime temperatures usually stay between 65–80°F (18–27°C). You can take your time exploring the pyramids, the Sphinx, and nearby tombs without rushing to escape the sun.
Mornings and late afternoons work best. The light is softer, temperatures are lower, and crowds thin out compared to midday. If you’re there in winter, bring a light jacket—desert evenings can get chilly.
Khan el Khalili Market: Best Times for Exploring
Khan el Khalili is a covered bazaar, but the narrow lanes and crowds make the heat more noticeable. May–September often brings temperatures above 90°F (32°C), and the market gets stuffy during peak hours. That makes browsing and bargaining less fun, honestly.
From November–March, cooler air balances out the crowds. Daytime highs around 65–75°F (18–24°C) let you walk around comfortably and spend more time checking out the stalls.
For the best experience, go in the morning when vendors are just setting up, or in the evening when things cool off. Midday gets both hotter and busier, making the narrow alleys harder to navigate.
Egyptian Museum: Weather Considerations
The Egyptian Museum sits indoors, so weather doesn’t matter as much. Still, summer heat can make things uncomfortable, especially in older parts where air conditioning isn’t great. During the hottest months, more people flock inside to cool off, so you’ll notice bigger crowds.
Cooler months, December–February, bring a calmer vibe. Fewer tourists pick indoor attractions when the weather’s nice, so you get more space to enjoy artifacts like Tutankhamun’s treasures.
No matter the season, plan for at least 2–3 hours inside. If you’re visiting in summer, schedule the museum for the hottest part of the day to avoid being outside when the sun’s at its peak.
Tourist Seasons and Crowd Levels
When you plan your Cairo trip, the time of year changes not just the weather, but also how many tourists you’ll bump into and what you’ll pay. Cooler months always draw bigger crowds, while the hotter season gives you more space and lower prices.
Peak Season: Pros and Cons
Peak season in Cairo usually lands between late fall and early spring. Daytime temperatures stay mild and comfortable, which is honestly a relief if you’re not a fan of heat.
During these months, you’ll see averages around 70–80°F. That makes it so much easier to wander the Pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum, or the lively Khan El Khalili market.
But there’s a catch—crowds. Popular attractions get busy fast, and tour buses fill up early. You’ll probably find long lines at major sites.
Hotels and flights jump in price, too, since everyone seems to want to visit at the same time. If you want a room near the Nile or in central Cairo, you really have to book early.
Still, a lot of travelers pick this season anyway. The pleasant weather lets you spend hours outside, and there are more cultural events and festivals happening.
If you care more about comfort than about crowds, this is honestly the safest bet for your trip.
Low and Shoulder Seasons: Benefits for Visitors
The low season runs from May through September. Daytime highs often shoot past 90°F, which scares off plenty of visitors.
You’ll see fewer people at places like Saqqara or Islamic Cairo. That means you can slow down, get better photos, and actually chat with local vendors without feeling rushed.
Hotels, flights, and car rentals drop in price during the low season. Lots of properties offer discounts, and you’ll have more freedom to pick where you stay.
If you can handle the heat—think light clothes, sunscreen, and lots of water—you can save money and still enjoy the city.
Shoulder seasons, especially March to April and October to November, hit a sweet spot. You get mild weather and only moderate crowds.
These months often feel like the most practical time to visit Cairo. You skip the peak season chaos but still enjoy comfortable conditions for walking tours, Nile cruises, or quick trips out to the desert.
Budget Considerations and Cheapest Times to Visit
When you plan your Cairo trip, the time of year really shapes both the weather and your budget. Hot months bring lower prices. Cooler seasons mean more visitors and higher costs.
Travel Costs by Season
From May through September, Cairo gets seriously hot—daytime temps often soar above 90°F (32°C). Not many tourists show up, so you’ll spot the lowest hotel rates and cheaper flights. Car rentals and tours usually cost less, too.
But from October through April, you’re in peak travel season. The weather feels great, but demand goes up, so flights, hotels, and guided tours get pricier. If you want to see the Pyramids or museums during these months, you’ll need to pay more and book early.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Season | Weather | Prices | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|
| May–Sept | Very hot | Low | Few |
| Oct–Nov | Warm | High | Busy |
| Dec–Feb | Mild | High | Busy |
| Mar–Apr | Warm | High | Moderate |
If you’re focused on saving money, summer is your best bet—even if you have to put up with the heat.
Tips for Saving Money During Hot Months
Traveling in the hot season? Yeah, it definitely takes a bit of planning. Always pick a hotel with air conditioning—and double-check the reviews to see if it actually works.
Don’t forget to stay hydrated. I’d recommend budgeting for bottled water every day, since it adds up fast.
Try to do your sightseeing early in the morning or after sunset. Temperatures drop a bit then, so you won’t feel like you’re melting.
Museums and indoor spots with climate control can be a lifesaver around midday. I mean, who wants to wander around outside when the sun’s at its worst?
You might want to save a little extra by:
- Picking local restaurants instead of those big international chains
- Using ride-hailing apps or taxis, which usually cost less than private drivers
- Booking flights and hotels early, even if it’s the off-season, since deals tend to disappear quickly
Handle the heat with some care, and you’ll find Cairo can actually be pretty affordable.