Weather in Cairo

About Cairo

Cairo, Egypt's vast capital on the banks of the Nile, is the gateway to the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, just on the city's edge, as well as the treasures of the Egyptian Museum. Beyond the ancient sites, the city's bustling souks, Islamic-era mosques and Nile-side cafes offer a vivid taste of modern Egyptian life. A hot desert climate means scorching summers, with the cooler months from October to April being the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Country

Egypt

Best months to visit

February, March, April, October, November, December

Currency

Local

Language

Local

Things to do in Cairo

Pyramids of Giza visit Egyptian Museum tour Khan el-Khalili bazaar shopping Nile river cruise Islamic Cairo mosque tours Felucca sailing at sunset

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

19C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

February

21C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

March

25C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

April

30C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

May

34C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

June

37C

Very hot, and mostly sunny skies.

July

38C

Very hot, and mostly sunny skies.

August

38C

Very hot, and mostly sunny skies.

September

36C

Very hot, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

October

31C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

November

26C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

December

22C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

Cairo is a sensory overload in the best possible way — the Pyramids of Giza rise improbably at the edge of the urban sprawl, the Egyptian Museum holds one of the world's great collections of antiquities, and the medieval lanes of Khan el-Khalili bazaar buzz with spice traders and tea houses that have barely changed in centuries.

Best areas to stay in Cairo

Giza

Home to the Pyramids of Giza and the Great Sphinx, on the edge of the city.

Islamic Cairo

A historic district of mosques, madrasas and the Khan el-Khalili bazaar.

Downtown Cairo

The Egyptian Museum, grand early 20th-century architecture and busy central streets.

Zamalek

A leafy island neighbourhood in the Nile with a calmer atmosphere, cafes and galleries.

Getting to Cairo

✈

Flights

Cairo International Airport (CAI) is a major hub with frequent direct flights from Europe, the Middle East and beyond.

⏱

From London

~4.5-5 hours direct from London.

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Getting around

Uber and Careem are widely used and affordable; the metro is useful for avoiding traffic on certain routes.

Frequently asked questions

How close are the Pyramids to the city?

The Giza pyramid complex sits at the edge of greater Cairo, around 30-45 minutes from the city centre depending on traffic.

Is Cairo safe for tourists?

Tourist areas are generally well-policed and welcoming; use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps, dress modestly, and be prepared for persistent vendors near major sites.

What is Khan el-Khalili?

A centuries-old bazaar in Islamic Cairo, packed with shops selling spices, jewellery, textiles and souvenirs, alongside historic mosques and cafes.

How many days do I need in Cairo?

Three to four days allows time for the Pyramids and Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum, Islamic Cairo and a Nile felucca ride, with time to spare for the new Grand Egyptian Museum.

What should I wear in Cairo?

Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is recommended, particularly when visiting mosques or more conservative areas.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Seeing the Pyramids up close after years of photos was surreal — they're right on the edge of the city, which is a strange but unforgettable sight.

Will S. · November 2024

★★★★☆

Khan el-Khalili was chaotic but brilliant — haggling for spices and tea was half the fun. The Egyptian Museum needs a full morning at least.

Fatima Z. · February 2023

★★★★☆

Traffic in Cairo is intense, so factor in extra time getting around. The history more than makes up for it — Saqqara was quieter than Giza and equally fascinating.

Greg P. · October 2024