The climate of Faiyum
Located in the fertile
Faiyum Oasis, Faiyum,
Egypt, has been classified under the Köppen climate classification as BWh, indicating a subtropical desert climate. Folks familiar with the region will recognize this as reflective of the predominately hot and dry conditions that prevail over the area.
Throughout the year, significant fluctuations can be observed in the temperature range, daylight hours, and rainfall in Faiyum. A review of the climatological data reveals a substantial difference in temperature between the hottest and coldest months. Heat tends to peak at an average of 36.1°C (97°F) in
July, then decreases to its lowest average of 4.3°C (39.7°F) in
January.
Rainfall in Faiyum is scarce, a characteristic trait of arid regions. However, showers happen occasionally, with the highest precipitation of 2mm (0.08") observed in
December. On the contrary, few months in the year—specifically from
May to
September—are devoid of rainfall, reinforcing the desert classification of its climate.
Regarding daylight hours, there's a steady and predictable fluctuation observed as the year progresses. With the longest span of 14 hours recorded in
June, daylight duration diminishes gradually to its minimum of 10.3 hours by the end of the year, in December.
The best time to visit Faiyum
By examining the data, the best period to visit
Faiyum could be from
March to
May. During these months, the weather is generally more bearable, compared to the sweltering summer months. Average temperatures fluctuate between a comfortable 24.1°C (75.4°F) and 29°C (84.2°F), and daylight spans upward of 12 hours. This moderate and comfortable temperature, coupled with the extended daylight period, makes these months ideal for outdoor activities and exploration of the area's rich archaeological sites.
The worst time to visit Faiyum
On the other end of the spectrum, the least favorable time to visit
Faiyum appears to be during the hot summer months, particularly from
June to
September. This period witnesses a surge in temperature, with
July and
August exhibiting almost unbearable highs that can reach an average of 36.1°C (97°F) and 35.8°C (96.4°F), respectively. Moreover, these sweltering temperatures are coupled with extended daylight, heating the sandy landscape throughout the 14 hours of sunlight in June and the 13.8 hours in July.
Spring weather in Faiyum
Spring (
March to
May) in
Faiyum is marked by a steady rise in temperatures ranging between a mild 24.1°C (75.4°F) in March to a warmer 29°C (84.2°F) by May. Additionally, daylight increases gradually from 12 hours in March to 13.6 hours in May, allowing ample time for exploration and activity. Precipitation levels in this period are minimal, with rainfall occurring at only about 1mm (0.04") per month.
Summer weather in Faiyum
During summer (
June to
September),
Faiyum experiences intense heat, with temperatures oscillating from an already high 33.2°C (91.8°F) in June to a peak average of 36.1°C (97°F) in
July, before descending slightly to 33.2°C (91.8°F) by September. Alongside the intense desert heat, this season demonstrates clear skies and extended daylight, peaking at 14 hours in June. Rainfall is almost non-existent throughout these months, with the average precipitation remaining consistently at 0mm (0").
Autumn weather in Faiyum
Autumn, taking place from
October to
November, grants some respite from the intense summer heat. Temperatures in
Faiyum exhibit a steady decrease, with averages declining from 30.7°C (87.3°F) in October to a milder 25.7°C (78.3°F) by November. The availability of daylight gradually decreases from 11.5 hours in October to 10.7 hours in November. Meanwhile, the average rainfall stays at the nominal rate of 1mm (0.04") per month.
Winter weather in Faiyum
Winter in
Faiyum (
December to
February) exhibits the coldest temperatures of the year. Average temperature ranges from 20.4°C (68.7°F) in December to a chilly 4.3°C (39.7°F) in February. The length of daylight continues to decrease, hitting its yearly low of 10.3 hours in December, before slowly rising in February. Rainfall slightly increases in this season, with December recording the highest average precipitation of 2mm (0.08").
Weather in January
A new year in
Faiyum,
Egypt begins with mild
January weather, an agreeable contrast to the sizzling summer months. Temperatures remain relatively low during this month compared to later in the year. The thermometer will show lows of 4.3°C (39.7°F) and highs of 18.9°C (66°F), offering a temperate albeit cool atmosphere.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Entering
February, the weather changes subtly in
Faiyum. The change is primarily seen in temperature which continues to rise from the cooler
January levels. The city experiences warmer weather with temperatures ranging from 5.5°C (41.9°F) to 20.9°C (69.6°F).
Weather in February »Weather in March
March entails a transition from winter to spring in
Faiyum, bearing warmer days that usher in the prominently hot Egyptian summer. Temperatures escalate, dropping no lower than 8.2°C (46.8°F) and reaching a warm 24.1°C (75.4°F).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April witnesses a clear meteorological shift towards summer in
Faiyum,
Egypt. The increase in temperature is more than noticeable compared to the preceding months. With the temperature fluctuating between 11.8°C (53.2°F) and 29°C (84.2°F), April makes its presence felt emphatically.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May marks the commencement of summer in
Faiyum, characterized by significantly higher temperatures, longer days and a complete absence of rainfall. A heat spell descends upon the city with temperatures wavering from 16.3°C (61.3°F) to a sweltering 33.6°C (92.5°F).
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is known to be one of the hottest months of the year in
Faiyum,
Egypt. The city experiences some of its highest temperatures, between 18.8°C (65.8°F) and an intense 35.5°C (95.9°F). Despite the lack of rainfall, the lengthened day does not diminish going from
May to June.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July brings with it blistering heat in
Faiyum, with temperatures reaching a peak for the year. The thermometers can show readings from a warm 20.3°C (68.5°F) to an extreme 36.1°C (97°F). This climate persists with no significant changes, maintaining the pattern of long, rainless days that was seen in
June.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Faiyum,
Egypt continues the spell of sweltering heat maintained since
July. The weather patterns demonstrate little fluctuation, with temperatures reading between 20.4°C (68.7°F) and 35.8°C (96.4°F). Despite the maintained scorching climate, a subtle decline in daylight hours is observed hinting the end of summer.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Faiyum denotes a gentle retreat from the peak summer conditions. Weather during this month shows a slight easing in temperatures with readings from 18.2°C (64.8°F) to 33.2°C (91.8°F). While the quantity of daylight begins to decrease, rainfall still remains a sparse occurrence.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October ushers in autumn in
Faiyum, providing a distinct respite from the intense summer heat. The change in weather is marked by lower temperature levels ranging from 15.6°C (60.1°F) to a moderately warm 30.7°C (87.3°F). No significant alterations in rainfall quantity are seen, but daylight hours continue to decline.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November, the last month of the autumn in
Faiyum, is also a moderately hot month, with an average temperature ranging between min 11.6°C (52.9°F) and max 25.7°C (78.3°F). Faiyum's weather in November involves a decrease in the average high-temperature, moving down from
October's tropical 30.7°C (87.3°F) to a moderately hot 25.7°C (78.3°F).
Weather in November » Weather in December
Faiyum,
Egypt wraps up the year with a cool
December. The chill of winter can be felt as temperatures drop significantly compared to
November with lows of 6.6°C (43.9°F) and highs of 20.4°C (68.7°F). The decline in temperature is accompanied by an increase in rainfall, seeing 2mm (0.08") precipitation compared to the virtually absent rainfall from
May to November.
Weather in December »