The climate of Qena
Settled in the heart of
Egypt,
Qena exemplifies the climate of the subtropical deserts, as categorized by the Köppen climate classification system as BWh. This geographical position that Qena is in bestows upon it, an immensely hot and dry environment throughout the year.
Distinct variations are noticed in the climate throughout the year in Qena. The highest registered temperatures in Qena reach a blistering 39.8°C (103.6°F) from
June to
August, whilst the lowest temperatures are observed in
January, at 5.4°C (41.7°F). The disparity in these temperatures is clear, illustrating the contrasts in climate the city possesses.
Moreover, the city experiences major oscillation in daylight, spanning from 10.5 hours in
December to 13.8 hours in June. Qena is known for its long days in summer and relatively shorter days in winter. Furthermore, the city carries a unique weather pattern, with no months experiencing any amount of rainfall consistently. In fact, the arid nature of Qena lends itself to no rainfall at all, a defining trait of this subtropical desert climate.
The best time to visit Qena
The cool and pleasant weather from
November to
March, wherein temperatures range from 7.3°C (45.1°F) to 16°C (60.8°F), is often considered the best time to visit
Qena. The city sees an average daylight of 10.7 to 12 hours, and the lack of rainfall renders this period ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
The worst time to visit Qena
The period from
May to
September is generally avoided by visitors due to extreme heat. During these months, temperatures rise from 33.6°C (92.5°F) to 39.8°C (103.6°F) and are accompanied by long days, with daylight spanning from 12.8 to 13.8 hours which can cause discomfort for travellers unaccustomed to such heat.
Spring weather in Qena
Spring, from
March to
May, in
Qena is marked by temperature escalation from 28.1°C (82.6°F) to 38.4°C (101.1°F). Despite the rapid warming trend, the period still offers moderately comfortable weather for the first part, with daylight lasting from 12 to 13.4 hours.
Summer weather in Qena
Summer in
Qena is incredibly hot and dry, with temperatures soaring to 39.8°C (103.6°F) from
June to
August. The long days, averaging between 13.6 and 13.8 hours of daylight, contribute to the heightened discomfort endured in this scorching summer season.
Autumn weather in Qena
Autumn, from
September to
November in
Qena sees temperatures gradually drop from 36.6°C (97.9°F) to 28.4°C (83.1°F). Daylight hours shorten slightly, ranging between 12.3 to 11.5 hours, marking the transition from the intense summer to a comparatively cooler winter.
Winter weather in Qena
Winter arrives in
Qena from
December to
February, with temperatures dipping between 5.4°C (41.7°F) to 16°C (60.8°F). Shortened days, with average daylight from 10.7 to about 10.5 hours, and the noticeably cooler temperatures bring about a change in Qena’s otherwise hot climate.
Weather in January
January is comparatively cooler than the later months in
Qena,
Egypt. A gentle shift from the winter's chill can be observed, with temperatures between 5.4°C (41.7°F) and 21.4°C (70.5°F). The cold wave dissolves into a more pleasant environment, paving the way for
February's slightly warmer weather.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February introduces a noticeable increase in the warmth from
January. The city witnesses a bright, radiant vibe with a slight rise in temperatures. As the mercury nudges higher from 5.4°C (41.7°F) to 6.7°C (44.1°F) at minimum, the atmosphere hints at the twilight transition into Spring.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March in
Qena,
Egypt signals a definitive transition towards springtime, relatively warmer than its predecessor,
February. The temperatures range from a comfortable 10.9°C (51.6°F) to a daytime average of 28.1°C (82.6°F). The weather retains its charm and gentleness, bolstering the city's compelling appeal.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings a surge in warmth, heralding the onset of the drier
May. While mild compared to the scorching summer months, temperatures continue their upward trend, soaring to a high of 33.6°C (92.5°F). The weather is remarkably consistent, appreciated by holidaymakers aiming to discover the city's captivating culture.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May distinguishes itself as the transition phase towards
Qena's intensely hot summer period. The climb in temperatures levels off at a peak of 38.4°C (101.1°F), marking the city's inevitable march towards its highest annual thermal statistics.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June sees the temperatures in
Qena skyrocket, introducing locals and visitors to the city's incredibly hot summer. The mercury scales the ladder to achieve a record high of 39.8°C (103.6°F). Expectantly, the inhabitants adapt, navigating the challenging climatic conditions with notable nonchalance.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July continues the trend established in
June, maintaining a high temperature of 39.8°C (103.6°F). Calendar-wise, it represents the peak of the summertime. In spite of the heat, life buzzes in the city, showcasing the locals' resilience amid the bestower conditions.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August yields some reprieve from the extreme weather conditions, tying with
June and
July for the highest average minimum temperature of 24.2°C (75.6°F). The scorching Egyptian summer gradually abates into more tolerable warmth, yet remains substantially hot.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September transcends the intense summer heat to a lesser-hot fall period. There's a dip in temperatures showing the apex at 36.6°C (97.9°F), implying a gradual but distinct fall transition. As a result of the lowered heat, outdoor activities regain attractiveness, making visits to
Qena's remnants of ancient civilization more enjoyable.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October is marked by progressively cooler daytimes and transition towards the year-end winter. This month bears witness to less intense sunlight as compared to the scorching summer. The overall climate, with highs close to 33.7°C (92.7°F), rekindles the city's vibrant exploration scene.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November brings a retreat from the heat, as
Qena enters the winter season. This month displays a noticeable drift towards the chill, with temperatures softening down to 12.4°C (54.3°F) at the lower end. This period's mild weather infuses a certain crispness in the air, appealing to wide-eyed explorers seeking comfort and tranquility.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December holds the title of the year's most refreshing month in
Qena, with weather conditions embodying the winter spirit. The mercury drops to its annual minimum of 7.3°C (45.1°F), marking a significant departure from the city's trademark hot climate.
Weather in December » [Resources]