Cairo — Climate Guide
Monthly temperatures, rainfall, humidity and best time to visit Cairo.
Cairo climate at a glance
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 18°C | 9°C | 5mm | 57% |
| Feb | 20°C | 10°C | 4mm | 52% |
| Mar | 24°C | 14°C | 3mm | 47% |
| Apr | 29°C | 18°C | 1mm | 40% |
| May | 34°C | 22°C | 0mm | 35% |
| Jun | 36°C | 24°C | 0mm | 33% |
| Jul | 36°C | 25°C | 0mm | 37% |
| Aug | 35°C | 25°C | 0mm | 43% |
| Sep | 32°C | 23°C | 0mm | 50% |
| Oct | 29°C | 19°C | 1mm | 57% |
| Nov | 24°C | 14°C | 3mm | 62% |
| Dec | 20°C | 10°C | 5mm | 63% |
Climate overview
Cairo sits on the Nile just south of the delta, surrounded by desert to the east and west. It receives only about 25 mm of rain a year — some years almost none — and enjoys sunshine on the great majority of days. The Nile and the Mediterranean, around 160 km to the north, moderate the climate slightly compared with Egypt's deep south.
Cairo is classed as BWh, a hot desert climate. Summers are long and hot, with highs around 35–36°C from June to August, while winters are mild and sunny, with highs of 18–20°C. The months in between are when the city is at its most pleasant for walking, river cruises and visiting the pyramids at Giza.
Köppen classification: BWh — hot desert
Cairo through the seasons
Winter
December – FebruaryHighs of 18–20°C and lows near 9–10°C make winter mild by day and cool at night. Humidity rises to around 55–63%, and this is when most of Cairo's scant rain falls, usually as a few light showers. Morning haze and smog can be noticeable on still days.
Spring
March – MaySpring warms rapidly from 24°C in March to 34°C in May. This is khamsin season: hot, dry, dust-laden winds blow in from the Sahara, sometimes for a day or two at a time, sending temperatures soaring and filling the air with fine sand.
Summer
June – SeptemberSummer is hot and dry, averaging 35–36°C, with lows around 24–25°C. Humidity climbs slightly in August and September as Mediterranean air drifts inland. Sightseeing at Giza and Saqqara is best done right at opening time.
Autumn
October – NovemberOctober still averages 29°C, but the heat becomes more manageable, and by November highs fall to around 24°C. Clear skies and warm days make autumn an ideal time for outdoor sightseeing and Nile cruises.
What makes Cairo's weather distinctive
Two weather patterns matter most in Cairo. The khamsin winds of spring can raise temperatures by 10°C or more in a few hours and carry thick dust; they are worth watching for in March to May forecasts. Air quality is the other: the city's size, traffic and still winter air can trap pollution, especially in autumn.
Because the desert loses heat quickly at night, the gap between day and night is wide, especially in winter and spring. Evenings on the Nile can feel surprisingly cool even after a warm afternoon.
Best time to visit Cairo
The best time to visit Cairo is October to April, when daytime temperatures range from 18°C to 29°C. November, February and March are particularly good for sightseeing: warm enough for comfort, cool enough for long days at the pyramids and in the old city. Avoid planning heavy outdoor itineraries in June to August.
What to pack
- Lightweight, loose clothing that covers shoulders and knees
- A sweater or jacket for winter evenings and early desert mornings
- Sun hat, sunglasses and strong sunscreen
- Comfortable closed shoes for sand and uneven streets
- A scarf to shield your face during dusty khamsin days
Frequently asked questions
Does it rain in Cairo?
Very little. Cairo averages around 25 mm of rain per year, mostly from December to February, and many months record no rain at all.
What is the khamsin?
The khamsin is a hot, dry and dusty southerly wind that blows from the Sahara in spring, mainly March to May. It can raise temperatures sharply and reduce visibility for a day or two.
Is Cairo too hot in summer?
June to August average 35–36°C with strong sun. It is manageable with early starts and indoor afternoon breaks, but many visitors find spring and autumn far more comfortable.
Related reading
About this data: Monthly figures are rounded long-term averages consistent with published climate normals from national weather services and the World Meteorological Organization. Individual years can differ noticeably, and recent summers in many cities have run warmer than these averages. For current conditions and the next few days, use the live dashboard (data from WeatherAPI.com). Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.
Check Cairo Live Weather
Track Cairo alongside up to 5 other cities simultaneously — free.
Open Weather Dashboard →