Cairo, Egypt, is known for its distinctive weather patterns characterized by long, hot summers and cool, dry winters.
The temperature in Cairo typically ranges from 50°F to 96°F throughout the year, with extreme highs rarely surpassing 102°F. This desert climate ensures that rainfall is virtually nonexistent, averaging only around 0.7 inches annually.
The city enjoys clear skies for most of the year, making it an ideal destination for travelers preferring sunny weather.
Winter months, especially December, see limited rainfall, with around 0.24 inches over almost 3 days.
For those looking to visit landmarks like the pyramids in Giza or Alexandria’s coastal beauty, this typically dry climate provides excellent and predictable weather.
For visitors arriving at Cairo International Airport or Borg El Arab Airport, the weather remains consistent and favorable for travel plans.
The minimal rain, combined with clear skies and warm temperatures, creates an inviting environment for exploring all that Cairo and its surrounding regions have to offer.
More details on the climate in Cairo can provide further insights for those planning their trips.
Average Temperature in Cairo, Egypt
Cairo experiences hot and mostly clear summers, while winters are mild and dry.
Monthly Average Temperatures
January:
- Low Temperature: 50°F
- High Temperature: 67°F
February:
- Low Temperature: 52°F
- High Temperature: 70°F
March:
- Low Temperature: 55°F
- High Temperature: 75°F
April:
- Low Temperature: 61°F
- High Temperature: 84°F
May:
- Low Temperature: 66°F
- High Temperature: 91°F
June:
- Low Temperature: 71°F
- High Temperature: 96°F
July:
- Low Temperature: 74°F
- High Temperature: 97°F
August:
- Low Temperature: 74°F
- High Temperature: 96°F
September:
- Low Temperature: 71°F
- High Temperature: 93°F
October:
- Low Temperature: 65°F
- High Temperature: 85°F
November:
- Low Temperature: 57°F
- High Temperature: 76°F
December:
- Low Temperature: 51°F
- High Temperature: 68°F
The hottest month is typically July, where temperatures peak around 97°F. The coldest month is January, with low temperatures around 50°F. Annual weather patterns make Cairo warm and arid most of the year.
Weather by month varies but remains mostly within a comfortable range. For more detailed temperature insights, visit ChaseDay Temperature.
Key Points
- Hottest Month: July
- Coldest Month: January
- Warmest Months: June-August
- Mild Months: November-March
Cairo’s weather is predominantly warm with slight variation between months, making it suitable for travel year-round.
Average Precipitation in Cairo, Egypt
Cairo experiences very little precipitation throughout the year. The city’s climate is characterized by long, hot summers and mild winters with minimal rain.
Average Rainfall in Cairo, Egypt
Cairo has a very dry climate with little rain. The average annual rainfall is about 0.7 inches. Most of the rain falls during the winter months, particularly in December, which is the wettest month with about 0.24 inches.
| Month | Average Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|
| January | 0.1 |
| February | 0.1 |
| March | 0.1 |
| April | 0.0 |
| May | 0.0 |
| June | 0.0 |
| July | 0.0 |
| August | 0.0 |
| September | 0.0 |
| October | 0.0 |
| November | 0.1 |
| December | 0.24 |
Rainy days are rare, with the city experiencing only about 3-5 days of rain per year. The driest months are from May to September when almost no rain is observed.
Average Snow in Cairo, Egypt
Snow is extremely rare in Cairo due to its desert climate and consistently warm temperatures. There are no significant records of snowfall in the city. Even during the coldest months of December and January, temperatures tend to stay well above freezing, making snow almost impossible.
In the rare event of unusual weather patterns, Cairo might experience a light frost, but that’s the extent of any snow and ice in the region. The primary precipitation is rain, which itself is very minimal.
Average Sun in Cairo, Egypt
Cairo experiences a significant amount of sunshine throughout the year. The city generally enjoys more daylight and clear skies compared to many other places.
Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy in Cairo, Egypt
Cairo receives an impressive amount of solar energy on a daily basis. The average daily shortwave solar energy ranges from 4 kWh/m² in the winter to nearly 8 kWh/m² in the summer.
Monthly Average Solar Energy (in kWh/m²):
| Month | Average Solar Energy |
|---|---|
| January | 4.3 |
| February | 4.9 |
| March | 5.9 |
| April | 6.8 |
| May | 7.6 |
| June | 7.9 |
| July | 7.7 |
| August | 7.4 |
| September | 6.7 |
| October | 5.8 |
| November | 4.9 |
| December | 4.3 |
The highest solar energy is typically observed in June, with an average of 7.9 kWh/m². Even in the cooler months, Cairo sees a significant amount of solar energy by day, contributing to its warm and sunny climate.
Average Humidity in Cairo, Egypt
Cairo, Egypt, experiences varying levels of humidity throughout the year. Humidity plays a crucial role in determining the comfort level for residents and visitors alike.
Relative humidity in Cairo is usually low due to the city’s arid climate.
During the summer months, June to August, the relative humidity ranges between 40% and 50%. This makes it feel hot and dry.
In the winter months, particularly December to February, the relative humidity rises to about 50% to 60%. This results in cooler, yet slightly more humid conditions compared to the summer.
Here’s a quick look at the average monthly humidity:
| Month | Average Relative Humidity |
|---|---|
| January | 55% |
| February | 53% |
| March | 50% |
| April | 45% |
| May | 40% |
| June | 38% |
| July | 40% |
| August | 42% |
| September | 45% |
| October | 50% |
| November | 52% |
| December | 54% |
The dew point also varies. In the peak of summer, the dew point can be around 50-60°F, contributing to the dry heat.
In the cooler months, the dew point is typically around 40-50°F, which is still relatively low.
While Cairo rarely feels muggy, December sometimes brings brief periods of increased humidity.
Average Wind in Cairo, Egypt
The wind patterns in Cairo show distinct trends throughout the year.
Wind Speed:
- The average wind speed in Cairo is about 12 kph (8 mph).
- During the spring months, winds tend to be stronger.
Wind by Month:
| Month | Average Wind Speed |
|---|---|
| January | 8 mph |
| February | 8 mph |
| March | 9 mph |
| April | 9 mph |
| May | 8 mph |
| June | 7 mph |
| July | 7 mph |
| August | 7 mph |
| September | 7 mph |
| October | 8 mph |
| November | 8 mph |
| December | 8 mph |
Windiest Month:
- The windiest month in Cairo is typically March, with speeds reaching 9 mph.
Cairo’s wind speeds are relatively mild but can be more noticeable during specific months.
The wind conditions are generally calm throughout most of the year, with variations mostly seen in the spring.
Average Air Quality in Cairo, Egypt
Cairo’s air quality can vary throughout the year. Understanding this data helps in planning outdoor activities.
Monthly Air Quality Data
| Month | Air Quality Index (AQI) | PM2.5 Concentration |
|---|---|---|
| January | 63 (Moderate) | 20 µg/m³ |
| May | <10 (Good) | 8 µg/m³ |
| June | <10 (Good) | 7 µg/m³ |
| September | 37 (Moderate) | 15 µg/m³ |
| November | 46 (Moderate) | 18 µg/m³ |
Pressure and Wind
Cairo’s barometric pressure is generally stable. However, mild changes may occur.
- Average Pressure: 29.92 inches of Mercury
- Average Wind Speed: 12 kph (8 mph)
Daily and Hourly Data
Daily observations show fluctuations.
Hourly data is crucial for detailed daily monitoring.
- Morning: Air quality slightly better; less traffic.
- Afternoon: Quality declines due to increased activity.
- Evening: Tends to improve as winds disperse pollutants.
Historical Data Insights
In 2019, Cairo experienced “Moderate” air quality, with a notable improvement during some months.
According to IQAir, PM2.5 levels were well below the WHO’s recommended limits in May and June.
Planning and Health
Residents and visitors are advised to monitor air quality using real-time data from sources like AccuWeather to make informed decisions, especially those with respiratory issues.
Topography of Cairo, Egypt
Cairo, the capital of Egypt, lies in northern Egypt near the Nile River.
It has a subtropical desert climate (BWh), characterized by very hot summers and mild winters.
The city’s geographic coordinates are approximately 30° N latitude and 31° E longitude.
The elevation of Cairo is around 75 feet above sea level. This relatively low elevation contributes to the city’s warm climate.
Cairo is situated on the Nile Delta, a fertile region formed by the annual flooding of the Nile River.
Key Features:
- Location: Northern Egypt
- Climate: Subtropical desert
- Coordinates: 30° N latitude, 31° E longitude
- Elevation: 75 feet above sea level
- Region: Nile Delta
The city is mostly surrounded by sand and arid landscapes.
Despite this, the Nile River provides a significant source of water and life, creating green areas and some shade along its banks.
Monthly Climate Summary
| Month | Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) | Rainfall (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 66 | 50 | 0.2 |
| February | 69 | 51 | 0.1 |
| March | 77 | 57 | 0.1 |
| April | 86 | 65 | 0.0 |
| May | 95 | 70 | 0.0 |
| June | 98 | 75 | 0.0 |
| July | 98 | 75 | 0.0 |
| August | 95 | 75 | 0.0 |
| September | 90 | 72 | 0.0 |
| October | 86 | 66 | 0.0 |
| November | 77 | 57 | 0.1 |
| December | 68 | 52 | 0.2 |
Cairo’s latitude and longitude play a key role in its warm climate.
The low elevation aids in maintaining consistently warm temperatures throughout the year.
Extreme Weather Events that Occur in Cairo, Egypt
Cairo is generally known for its hot and dry climate, but it does experience some extreme weather events, albeit infrequently.
Heatwaves are a common extreme weather event in Cairo, especially during the summer months.
Temperatures can soar above 100°F (37.8°C), creating hazardous conditions for residents and visitors.
In winter, the city can experience unusual cold snaps.
While typical winter daytime temperatures hover around 60°F (15.7°C), nighttime temperatures can drop to as low as 44°F (6.5°C).
Dust storms are another notable event. These storms reduce visibility and can affect respiratory health.
They occur more frequently during the spring and early summer.
While Cairo is generally dry, rare heavy rainfalls can cause significant problems.
| Month | Rainfall Days | Rainfall Amount (in) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 2.8 days | 0.24 |
| January | 3 days | 0.28 |
Such rainfalls can lead to flash floods due to the city’s infrastructure.
Wind is also a notable factor, with average speeds of 8 mph (12 kph).
Windier days can make both dust storms and heatwaves more intense.
Best Time of the Year to Visit Cairo, Egypt
The climate in Cairo changes significantly throughout the year. Understanding these changes can help you plan the best time for your visit, depending on your preferences for weather, crowds, and activities.
What is Cairo, Egypt Like in Spring
Spring in Cairo, from March to April, offers pleasant weather.
Temperatures range from 60°F to 77°F, which is comfortable for walking around and sightseeing.
This is a popular time for tourists as the weather contributes to an enjoyable experience without the extreme heat of summer.
The crowds are moderate, making it easier to visit popular sites like the Pyramids of Giza.
Spring is ideal for exploring outdoor markets, taking boat rides on the Nile, and enjoying outdoor cafes.
Hotel and flight prices remain reasonable, but booking in advance is recommended.
What is Cairo, Egypt Like in Summer
Summer in Cairo, from June to August, is characterized by high temperatures and intense heat.
Daily highs can reach up to 104°F. This period sees fewer tourists due to the heat, meaning shorter lines at major attractions.
While the weather can be challenging, some tourists visit during this period to take advantage of lower accommodation prices.
It’s essential to stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late evenings.
Indoor activities like visiting museums are recommended to avoid the midday heat.
What is Cairo, Egypt Like in Fall
Fall, from October to November, is one of the best times to visit Cairo.
Temperatures drop to a more comfortable range, between 64°F and 82°F. This season sees fewer crowds compared to spring, making it easier to explore the city’s landmarks.
Autumn offers a great opportunity for tourists to enjoy outdoor activities without dealing with extreme temperatures.
Visits to historical sites, desert safaris, and taking walks along the Nile are common.
Accommodation and travel costs are affordable, and the weather is generally pleasant for any activity.
What is Cairo, Egypt Like in Winter
Winter in Cairo, from December to February, brings cooler temperatures, ranging from 48°F to 66°F.
The city sees fewer tourists, making it a good time for those who prefer less-crowded environments.
Though it is cooler, the weather remains mild compared to winter in many other regions.
Winter is a great time to explore Cairo’s indoor attractions like museums and galleries.
Outdoor activities are also possible, but wearing layers is advisable for the cooler evenings.
Prices for flights and hotels tend to be lower, presenting an excellent opportunity for a more budget-friendly visit.