Climate and monthly weather forecastCairo, Egypt

The climate of Cairo

Situated in the region identified by the Köppen climate classification as BWh, or Subtropical Desert zone, Cairo, Egypt is characterized by a distinctive weather pattern. Average temperature oscillations, humidity levels, rainfall volumes, daylight hours, sunshine duration, and UV Index — each of these metrics give us a portrait of this city's climate.

Throughout the year, Cairo can experience temperatures in the range from 9°C (48.2°F) to as high as 34.7°C (94.5°F), establishing its reputation for warm weather. The mercury peaks in July with an average high of 34.7°C (94.5°F), then gradually descends, reaching its nadir in January with low temperatures averaging 9°C (48.2°F).

Humidity levels stay relatively stable in Cairo, varying from 46% to 61% over the year. Rainfall in Cairo, as is typical for desert climates, is extremely scarce. There is virtually no precipitation between May and September. The most rainfall occurs in December, presenting an average volume of 6mm (0.24"), a small amount in comparison to many other global locales.

Daylight duration fluctuates from 10.2 to 14.1 hours over the course of the year, correlating directly with the tilt of the Earth's axis. Sunshine duration ranges from 6.4 hours per day in December to 11.9 hours in June. Correspondingly, UV Index varies from 3 units in December to a peak of 12 units in June and July.

The best time to visit Cairo

Cairo’s highly agreeable weather in the months from November to April makes this period particularly attractive to tourists. During this time, temperatures consistently lie in the span of 9°C (48.2°F) to 28.3°C (82.9°F), with lower humidity levels and significantly fewer daylight hours compared with the rest of the year. Moreover, the UV Index also remains relatively low, reducing the risk of sunburn.

The worst time to visit Cairo

May through September in Cairo is marked by hot temperatures, ranging from 17.7°C (63.9°F) to 34.7°C (94.5°F). The potent blend of high humidity levels and a strong UV Index can make this period uncomfortable for many visitors, particularly those unaccustomed to such conditions. Furthermore, the lack of rainfall implies that the environment remains dry, exacerbating these challenging conditions.

Spring weather in Cairo

In Cairo, the spring season from mid-March to mid-June is characterized by rapidly ascending temperatures. Beginning with average lows of 11.6°C (52.9°F) and highs of 23.5°C (74.3°F) in March, they steadily rise to a high of 33.9°C (93°F) in June. Humidity stays medium to high, and rainfall is meagre, virtually disappearing by June. Correspondingly, daylight and sunshine hours also increase noticeably during this season.

Summer weather in Cairo

Cairo's summer stretches from mid-June to mid-September. This period is characterized by high temperatures, often surpassing 30°C (86°F). Humidity varies from 49% to 61%, presenting a considerable combo of heat and moisture. The complete absence of rainfall during these months is another distinctive feature. Both daylight and sunshine hours peak in June, then gradually decrease. Similarly, the UV Index reaches its maximum level in June and July, necessitating protective measures against extreme sun exposure.

Autumn weather in Cairo

Autumn, extending from mid-September to mid-December in Cairo, witnesses a steady decline in temperatures from a high of 32.6°C (90.7°F) in September to a mild 20.3°C (68.5°F) in December. Humidity levels are consistently high while the rainfall, though still minimal, makes a comeback in October. The daylight hours and sunshine duration gradually decrease, and the UV Index also significantly drops during this period.

Winter weather in Cairo

Winter in Cairo, lasting from mid-December to mid-March, is notably mild. Average temperatures oscillate between 9°C (48.2°F) and 20.4°C (68.7°F). With a relative humidity hovering around 59% to 61%, the weather remains comfortably dry. During this period, rainfall volume is at its zenith, albeit still less than 6mm (0.24"). Daylight hours and sunshine duration continue to decrease, reaching a low in December. Subsequently, the UV Index remains at its lowest point.

Weather in January

The year begins with mild temperatures in Cairo. Daylight hours show a gradual increment from the shorter winter days of the previous month. Despite January being in the middle of winter, high temperatures average at 18.9°C (66°F) in the daytime. Weather in January »

Weather in February

February, the last month of the winter in Cairo, is a pleasant month, with an average temperature varying between 20.4°C (68.7°F) and 9.7°C (49.5°F). Cairo, Egypt, in February witnesses an average high-temperature of an agreeable 20.4°C (68.7°F), indicating a slight variation from January's 18.9°C (66°F). Weather in February »

Weather in March

The first month of the spring, March, is a moderately hot month in Cairo, Egypt, with temperature in the range of an average high of 23.5°C (74.3°F) and an average low of 11.6°C (52.9°F). Cairo's March weather indicates a minor ascent in high-temperatures, adjusting from an agreeable 20.4°C (68.7°F) in February to a moderately hot 23.5°C (74.3°F). Weather in March »

Weather in April

April is a bridge between the mildness of early spring and the imminent heat of May. Patterns of rainfall noticeably change in April, with levels plunging to 1mm (0.04"), indicating the approaching dry season. Daylight hours get noticeably longer, swapping chilly mornings for warmer hours. Weather in April »

Weather in May

The weather in May in Cairo prepares the residents for the forthcoming hot summer months. May witnesses minimal patterns of rainfall with average rainfall totaling only 1mm (0.04"). The trend of rising temperatures continues while nights remain enjoyable. Weather in May »

Weather in June

Cairo in June is sun-drenched and hot, marking the commencement of the harshest period weather-wise. It's the driest month in Cairo with negligible rainfall, resulting in fewer clouds and an average 11.9 hours of daily sunshine. The high temperatures, touching an average of 33.9°C (93°F), cause the air to feel arid. Weather in June »

Weather in July

Surpassing June, July stands as the warmest month in Cairo. Thermal contrast between the cooler beginning of the year and July is most striking, as July records a scorching mean high temperature of 34.7°C (94.5°F). Despite the relentless heat, the city doesn't entirely enter a period of drought. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August in Cairo maintains July's hot weather with a slight reduction in the average high temperatures. Humidity peaks in August, making the heat feel a bit sultrier. Even though rainfall stays at a year-round low, the hot desert winds produce sporadic sandstorms, rather than the rainfall seen in other parts of the world. Weather in August »

Weather in September

The weather in September straddles between the relentless Egyptian summer and the more bearable autumn. After the furnace-like heat of the summer months, September brings welcome relief even though the average high hovers around 32.6°C (90.7°F). Weather in September »

Weather in October

In October, Cairo steps firmly into the fall season. A more noticeable temperature decline ushers in comfortable weather, enhanced by the moderate drop in relative humidity. Rainfall starts to increase slightly, reaching 1mm (0.04"). Weather in October »

Weather in November

November's mid-autumn weather in Cairo is significantly cooler, but the temperature decline remains gentle. Relative humidity levels creep up, but the real changes are seen in rainfall patterns. The average monthly rainfall increases to 4mm (0.16"), matching the amount seen in February. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December's weather embraces winter's arrival in Cairo. The plummeting temperatures, especially at night, signal a fully-fledged winter, albeit milder than many larger cities globally. The rainfall pattern in December seems to come full circle with the yearly highest average rainfall being 6mm (0.24"). Weather in December »