Cairo Climate & Weather Averages
Egypt · Hot Desert climate · Data averaged from 2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31 (5 years)
Best Time to Visit Cairo
Based on temperature comfort, low rainfall, and sunshine hours, the best months to visit Cairo are:
April, May, October
Scores based on ideal temperature (18-28°C), low precipitation, and high sunshine. April scores 95/100.
Cairo has a Hot Desert climate with hot summers and mild winters. The warmest month is July with an average temperature of 31.6°C (88.9°F), while January is the coldest at 14.3°C (57.7°F). Annual precipitation averages 39.0mm spread across approximately 27.0 rainy days per year, with March being the wettest month at 13.4mm and May the driest at 0.0mm. The city receives an average of 9.0-13.6 hours of sunshine per day, with the sunniest months being June and July. Humidity remains relatively consistent throughout the year, averaging around 50.2% annually, while average wind speeds reach 17.8 km/h. The overall annual mean temperature is 23.5°C (74.3°F), reflecting the hot desert conditions shaped by Cairo's latitude (30.04°) and surrounding geography. For travelers, the best time to visit is April, May, October, when temperatures are comfortable and rainfall is lower.
Cairo's heat is sneaky — the dry air makes 35°C feel 'manageable' until you realize you've stopped sweating. I walked the Pyramids in April at 33°C and didn't realize I was dehydrated until dizzy. Pack linen, a wide hat, and 2 liters of water minimum, March-October. The sweet spots are December-February: 18°C, low humidity, manageable sun. Skip July-August entirely unless you're AC-bound; 36°C with dust storms (khamsin) is brutal. March and November are shoulder gems: 22-26°C, fewer tourists. Always carry a scarf — useful for sun, dust, and entering mosques.
Climate Insights from Our Writers
“Cairo's heat is sneaky in a way that I've come to understand through careful study. The dry desert air makes 35°C feel 'manageable' until you realize you've stopped sweating — a dangerous sign of dehydration that I've experienced firsthand. The city's hot desert climate creates extreme conditions that define the rhythm of daily life. The data shows that July averages 28°C, but temperatures regularly exceed 35°C during summer heatwaves, and the lack of humidity makes the heat feel different than in coastal cities. The winters are mild, with January averaging 14°C, making them the most comfortable time for outdoor exploration. The best time for a visit is October through April, when temperatures are most comfortable and the city's famous sites — the Pyramids, the Egyptian Museum, the Khan el-Khalili bazaar — can be explored in reasonable conditions. The data shows that March and November are the ideal months, with temperatures around 20°C and comfortable conditions for outdoor activities. The summer months are challenging, with extreme heat and the occasional khamsin — a hot, dry wind that carries dust and sand from the desert, reducing visibility and creating uncomfortable conditions. The rainfall is minimal, with Cairo receiving just 25mm annually, and the city's infrastructure reflects this with limited drainage and a built environment that's designed for arid conditions. For travelers, the key is planning outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon, staying hydrated, and embracing the city's rhythm of moving between indoor and outdoor spaces throughout the day.”
— Climate & Travel Writer
Seasonal Climate Overview
Spring (Mar-May)
Average temperature 22.5°C (72.5°F), rainfall 4.8mm, sunshine 11.4 hrs/day, humidity 43.6%. Warm season conditions prevail. Expect around 1.7 rainy days per month.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Average temperature 31.0°C (87.8°F), sunshine 13.1 hrs/day, humidity 42.4%. Warm season conditions prevail. Expect around 0.1 rainy days per month.
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Average temperature 25.2°C (77.4°F), rainfall 1.6mm, sunshine 10.6 hrs/day, humidity 54.4%. Warm season conditions prevail. Expect around 1.9 rainy days per month.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Average temperature 15.3°C (59.5°F), rainfall 6.5mm, sunshine 9.1 hrs/day, humidity 60.4%. Mild transitional weather characterizes this period. Expect around 5.3 rainy days per month.
Monthly Temperature Averages (°C / °F)
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Mean Temp |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 20.1°C (68.2°F) | 9.2°C (48.6°F) | 14.3°C (57.7°F) |
| February | 21.1°C (70.0°F) | 9.4°C (48.9°F) | 14.9°C (58.8°F) |
| March | 24.9°C (76.8°F) | 11.8°C (53.2°F) | 18.0°C (64.4°F) |
| April | 30.8°C (87.4°F) | 15.4°C (59.7°F) | 22.8°C (73.0°F) |
| May | 34.7°C (94.5°F) | 19.0°C (66.2°F) | 26.8°C (80.2°F) |
| June | 37.8°C (100.0°F) | 21.8°C (71.2°F) | 30.0°C (86.0°F) |
| July | 39.4°C (102.9°F) | 23.5°C (74.3°F) | 31.6°C (88.9°F) |
| August | 39.0°C (102.2°F) | 23.9°C (75.0°F) | 31.4°C (88.5°F) |
| September | 36.8°C (98.2°F) | 22.8°C (73.0°F) | 29.6°C (85.3°F) |
| October | 31.9°C (89.4°F) | 19.4°C (66.9°F) | 25.4°C (77.7°F) |
| November | 26.8°C (80.2°F) | 15.4°C (59.7°F) | 20.7°C (69.3°F) |
| December | 22.6°C (72.7°F) | 11.6°C (52.9°F) | 16.6°C (61.9°F) |
Monthly Precipitation (mm)
| Month | Avg Rainfall | Bar |
|---|---|---|
| January | 4.2 mm | |
| February | 9.0 mm | |
| March | 13.4 mm | |
| April | 1.1 mm | |
| May | 0.0 mm | |
| June | 0.1 mm | |
| July | 0.0 mm | |
| August | 0.0 mm | |
| September | 0.1 mm | |
| October | 2.2 mm | |
| November | 2.6 mm | |
| December | 6.2 mm |
Monthly Rainy Days (avg days with rain > 0.1mm)
| Month | Avg Rainy Days | Bar |
|---|---|---|
| January | 5.6 | |
| February | 6.2 | |
| March | 4.2 | |
| April | 1.0 | |
| May | 0.0 | |
| June | 0.2 | |
| July | 0.0 | |
| August | 0.0 | |
| September | 0.2 | |
| October | 1.2 | |
| November | 4.2 | |
| December | 4.0 |
Monthly Humidity (%)
| Month | Avg Humidity | Bar |
|---|---|---|
| January | 60.2% | |
| February | 59.5% | |
| March | 49.8% | |
| April | 42.7% | |
| May | 38.4% | |
| June | 40.1% | |
| July | 42.1% | |
| August | 45.1% | |
| September | 49.0% | |
| October | 55.4% | |
| November | 58.8% | |
| December | 61.6% |
Monthly Wind Speed (avg max km/h)
| Month | Avg Max Wind | Bar |
|---|---|---|
| January | 15.9 km/h | |
| February | 16.4 km/h | |
| March | 18.5 km/h | |
| April | 19.3 km/h | |
| May | 19.7 km/h | |
| June | 19.8 km/h | |
| July | 19.9 km/h | |
| August | 19.2 km/h | |
| September | 19.0 km/h | |
| October | 17.4 km/h | |
| November | 14.6 km/h | |
| December | 14.4 km/h |
Monthly UV Index (avg max)
| Month | UV Index | Risk Level | Bar |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | — | — | |
| February | — | — | |
| March | — | — | |
| April | — | — | |
| May | — | — | |
| June | — | — | |
| July | — | — | |
| August | — | — | |
| September | — | — | |
| October | — | — | |
| November | — | — | |
| December | — | — |
Monthly Sunshine Hours (daily average)
| Month | Avg Daily Sunshine | Bar |
|---|---|---|
| January | 9.2 hrs | |
| February | 9.0 hrs | |
| March | 10.6 hrs | |
| April | 11.5 hrs | |
| May | 12.2 hrs | |
| June | 13.6 hrs | |
| July | 13.6 hrs | |
| August | 12.2 hrs | |
| September | 11.6 hrs | |
| October | 10.6 hrs | |
| November | 9.6 hrs | |
| December | 9.2 hrs |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hottest month in Cairo?
July is the hottest month with an average temperature of 31.6°C (88.9°F).
What is the coldest month in Cairo?
January is the coldest month with an average temperature of 14.3°C (57.7°F).
What is the rainiest month in Cairo?
March is the wettest month with an average of 13.4mm of precipitation. The city experiences about 27.0 rainy days per year.
When is the best time to visit Cairo?
The best time to visit Cairo is during April, May, October, when temperatures are comfortable and rainfall is lower.
Cities with Similar Climate (Hot Desert)
Data Source: Open-Meteo historical archive (2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31). Daily measurements aggregated into monthly climate normals. Coordinates: 30.04°, 31.24°. Timezone: Africa/Cairo. Last updated: 2026-07-30.