Cairo weather at a glance
Cairo has hot summers and mild winters, and almost no rain from May to October. The figures below are climate averages for the years 1981 to 2010. They show the typical pattern for each month. They are not a forecast for your travel date, so check the weather report a few days before you go.
For a trip built around Khan el-Khalili, the heat matters most. The bazaar and the old streets are walked, not driven, and monuments such as the Saladin Citadel are open air in large part. If you would rather have a guide handle the planning, look at the Cairo tours to Khan el-Khalili and Islamic Cairo.
Cairo weather by month
Average daily high and low in °C and average monthly rain in mm, climate period 1981 to 2010.
| Month | High | Low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19.0 °C | 9.7 °C | 4.8 mm |
| February | 20.3 °C | 10.3 °C | 4.1 mm |
| March | 23.4 °C | 12.3 °C | 5.7 mm |
| April | 28.2 °C | 15.4 °C | 1.1 mm |
| May | 31.9 °C | 18.4 °C | 0.4 mm |
| June | 34.6 °C | 21.4 °C | 0.0 mm |
| July | 34.8 °C | 22.9 °C | 0.0 mm |
| August | 34.5 °C | 23.3 °C | 0.0 mm |
| September | 33.1 °C | 21.7 °C | 0.1 mm |
| October | 29.7 °C | 19.0 °C | 0.4 mm |
| November | 24.7 °C | 14.6 °C | 3.7 mm |
| December | 20.4 °C | 11.0 °C | 4.5 mm |
The table shows a clear split. From June to September highs stay above 33 °C and nights stay above 21 °C. From December to February highs are around 19 to 20 °C and the nights are cool. Rain is small in every month, and the wettest months, March and January, still average under 6 mm.
Our pick: an evening tour in the hot months
From June to August the daily highs are around 35 °C, so an evening start is the easier time for the old quarter.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Cairo tours and evening walks
Guided walks through the bazaar and Islamic Cairo, evening tours and day trips, with live prices and availability.
Best time to visit Cairo
Based on the monthly averages above.
November to March: easiest for walking
Highs between 19 and 25 °C make long days on foot in the old city comfortable. This is also the time of the little rain Cairo gets, with 3.7 to 5.7 mm in a month, so a light layer for the evenings is enough.
October and April: warm but workable
Highs reach 29.7 °C in October and 28.2 °C in April. Plan the big outdoor stops, like the Citadel, for the morning and keep the bazaar for the late afternoon and evening.
May to September: plan around the heat
Highs run from 31.9 to 34.8 °C, with warm nights. Start early, rest in the middle of the day and use indoor stops, such as a museum, for the hottest hours.
Weather and the bazaar
Khan el-Khalili has no single set of opening times, and the market district is mostly visited in the late afternoon and evening. That suits the hot months, when the early evening is the best time to be outside. In winter the same hours are cooler, so bring a light jacket.
Monuments follow set hours that change with the season. Most are open from 09:00 to 17:00. The Citadel opens at 08:00 or 09:00 depending on the season, with last entry at 16:00, and in Ramadan the last entry moves to 15:30. Check the hours for your date before you go. For the monuments you also need clothes that cover shoulders and legs, which matters in summer: choose light, loose fabric.
Packing for the season
A short list that follows the table.
Summer
Light, loose clothing with long sleeves and long legs for mosques, a hat, sunscreen and a water bottle. Bring a scarf to carry for religious sites.
Winter
A light jacket or a warm layer for evenings, since lows fall to about 10 °C in January and February. Closed shoes are practical in the lanes.
All year
Comfortable shoes, because you will walk a lot on old streets. A day bag that closes well is useful in the busy lanes of the bazaar.
Thinking about Giza as well? The season advice is the same, and there is a separate guide with the best time to visit Giza.
Plan the rest of your trip
Next steps once you know the season.
Cairo weather: frequently asked questions
What is the hottest month in Cairo?
July, with an average high of 34.8 °C. August is almost the same at 34.5 °C, and the nights stay warm at about 23 °C.
Does it rain in Cairo?
Only a little. The monthly averages are 0.0 mm in June, July and August and never above 5.7 mm in any month. A rain-free trip is likely, but the table cannot promise it.
When is the best time to visit Cairo?
The cooler months from November to March suit long days of walking best. October and April also work if you start early and keep the afternoon free.
Are these figures a forecast?
No. They are averages for the years 1981 to 2010 and describe the usual pattern. Check a forecast for your dates.
What should I pack for Cairo?
Light, loose clothing that covers shoulders and legs for mosques, a hat and comfortable shoes. Add a light jacket for winter evenings.