Destination
When should you visit Cairo?
Cairo is a desert city, so the season is decided by heat. From October to April the days are warm to mild and good for the pyramids and the old city. May to September is hot, with highs around 35°C in summer, but the sites are quieter and cheaper. Rain is rare in any month. Here is how all twelve months compare for weather, crowds, prices and events.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
My recommendation
October–November
October and November have warm, dry days that are comfortable for the pyramids and the old city, before the busy December holidays.
Coolest weather
December–February
Mild days, but the busiest season.
Best value
June–August
Low prices, with intense heat.
Least crowded
June–September
Quiet sites, very hot days.
Good shoulder month
March
Warm days; watch for dusty winds.
October scores
Plan around
What to know before you book
- Summer heat
- Highs around 35°C. Visit sites at opening and rest in the afternoon.
- Khamsin winds
- Hot, dusty winds from the desert can blow in spring and cut visibility.
- Ramadan
- Ramadan comes about 11 days earlier each year. Some opening hours change, and evenings are lively after sunset.
June–August
Spring
Moves each year
Cairo travel tip
Go to the Giza pyramids right at opening, before the heat and the tour buses, and pair them with the nearby Grand Egyptian Museum. Save Islamic Cairo and Khan el-Khalili for the late afternoon, when it cools down.
Month by month
All twelve months, at a glance
Tap any month for full scores, temperatures and planning notes.
- Temperature
- 10–19°C
- Mild days and cool nights.
- Crowds
- High
- High season.
- Prices
- $$$
- High-season rates.
Bring a warm layer for early mornings at Giza.
- Pyramids
- Museums
- Temperature
- 11–20°C
- Mild and sunny.
- Crowds
- Moderate–High
- Busy.
- Prices
- $$$
- High-season rates.
Book a guide for Saqqara and Dahshur on the same day.
- Pyramids
- Old Cairo
- Temperature
- 13–24°C
- Warm and sunny.
- Crowds
- Moderate–High
- Busy.
- Prices
- $$$
- Mid-to-high rates.
Check the forecast for sand and dust before a Giza day.
- Pyramids
- Museums
- Temperature
- 16–28°C
- Hot and dry, with dusty winds.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Prices
- $$
- Fair rates.
Plan outdoor sites for early morning.
- Museums
- Food
- Temperature
- 19–32°C
- Hot and dry.
- Crowds
- Low–Moderate
- Quieter.
- Prices
- $$
- Good value.
Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum in the heat of the day.
- Museums
- Value
- Temperature
- 22–35°C
- Very hot and dry.
- Crowds
- Low
- Quiet.
- Prices
- $
- Low rates.
Be at the pyramids when they open.
- Value
- Museums
- Temperature
- 24–35°C
- Very hot and dry.
- Crowds
- Low
- Quiet.
- Prices
- $
- Low rates.
Rest in the afternoon and go out after sunset.
- Value
- Museums
- Temperature
- 24–35°C
- Very hot and dry.
- Crowds
- Low
- Quiet.
- Prices
- $
- Low rates.
Take a Nile felucca ride at sunset.
- Value
- Food
- Temperature
- 23–33°C
- Hot and dry, easing late in the month.
- Crowds
- Low
- Quiet.
- Prices
- $
- Low rates.
Late September is noticeably better than early September.
- Value
- Museums
- Temperature
- 20–30°C
- Warm and dry.
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Prices
- $$
- Fair rates.
Explore Khan el-Khalili in the late afternoon.
- Pyramids
- Old Cairo
- Temperature
- 16–25°C
- Warm days and cool nights.
- Crowds
- Moderate–High
- Busy.
- Prices
- $$$
- Mid-to-high rates.
Book a sunset view of the pyramids from the Giza plateau.
- Pyramids
- Museums
- Temperature
- 12–21°C
- Mild days and cool nights.
- Crowds
- Very High
- Very busy over the holidays.
- Prices
- $$$$
- Peak rates.
Book guides and hotels early for late December.
- Pyramids
- Holidays
Climate
Cairo weather by month
| Month | High | Low |
|---|---|---|
| January | 19°C / 66°F | 10°C / 50°F |
| February | 20°C / 68°F | 11°C / 52°F |
| March | 24°C / 75°F | 13°C / 55°F |
| April | 28°C / 82°F | 16°C / 61°F |
| May | 32°C / 90°F | 19°C / 66°F |
| June | 35°C / 95°F | 22°C / 72°F |
| July | 35°C / 95°F | 24°C / 75°F |
| August | 35°C / 95°F | 24°C / 75°F |
| September | 33°C / 91°F | 23°C / 73°F |
| October | 30°C / 86°F | 20°C / 68°F |
| November | 25°C / 77°F | 16°C / 61°F |
| December | 21°C / 70°F | 12°C / 54°F |
Climate data: Infoclimat (Cairo International Airport, 1991–2020). Temperatures are averages of daily highs and lows.
Ready to book October–November in Cairo?
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FAQ
Planning a trip to Cairo
What is the best month to visit Cairo?
October and November have warm, dry weather that is comfortable for sightseeing, with fewer crowds than the December holidays.
How hot is Cairo in summer?
Average highs are around 35°C from June to August.