Egypt Weather

Desert Climate with Regional Variations

Egypt has a hot desert climate (Köppen classification BWh/BSh) with extremely hot, dry summers and mild winters. The country receives abundant sunshine year-round with minimal rainfall. The Nile Valley and Delta experience slightly more moderate temperatures, coastal areas (Alexandria, Red Sea) have Mediterranean and maritime influences, while the desert interior faces extreme temperature variations between day and night.

Temperature Ranges

• Cairo Average Annual: 22°C (72°F)
• Hottest Months: June-August (Cairo: 28-38°C / 82-100°F; can reach 45°C/113°F)
• Coolest Months: December-February (Cairo: 9-19°C / 48-66°F)
• Upper Egypt (Luxor/Aswan): 5-10°C hotter than Cairo year-round
• Desert: Extreme variations - 45°C day, 5°C night possible
• Year-Round Sunshine: Over 3,400 hours annually (one of world's sunniest regions)

Rainfall & Humidity

• Annual Rainfall: Cairo 25mm (1 inch) - extremely low; Upper Egypt almost zero
• Rainy Season: November-March (sporadic light showers, rare in Upper Egypt)
• Driest Regions: Upper Egypt, Western Desert (virtually no rain)
• Humidity: Low inland (20-40%), moderate on coasts (40-70%)
• Khamsin Winds: Hot, dry sandstorms from Sahara (March-May, 50 days)
• Fog: Rare, occasionally on Mediterranean coast winter mornings

Khamsin Season: March - May (The Fifty Days)

The Khamsin (Arabic for "fifty") are hot, dry, dusty winds blowing from the Sahara Desert that affect Egypt primarily in spring. These winds can raise temperatures by 20°C in just hours, reduce visibility dramatically, and create challenging conditions. The phenomenon has occurred for thousands of years and was even mentioned in ancient Egyptian texts.

Khamsin Characteristics

• Season: March through May (approximately 50 days total, hence the name)
• Temperature Rise: Can increase 10-20°C (18-36°F) in hours
• Visibility: Can drop to under 100m in severe storms
• Duration: Each storm lasts 1-3 days typically
• Frequency: 5-10 significant events per season
• Most Affected: Cairo, Western Desert, less severe on Red Sea coast

Safety During Khamsin

• Stay Indoors: Hotels, museums closed and air-conditioned during severe storms
• Protect Eyes/Lungs: Wear sunglasses, scarf/mask if must go outside
• Keep Windows Closed: Fine dust penetrates everywhere
• Hydration: Drink extra water (very dry air causes dehydration)
• Sensitive Groups: Asthmatics and those with respiratory issues take precautions
• Transport: Flights may delay, driving visibility poor
• Photography: Unique orange skies but protect camera from sand

Impact on Travel

• Mild Khamsin: Hazy skies, warmer temps - sightseeing continues
• Moderate: Reduced visibility, stay near hotel, indoor activities
• Severe: Major disruptions - flights delayed, tours cancelled
• After Storm: Crystal clear skies, cooler temperatures return
• Planning: Build flexibility into spring itineraries

🌟 Peak Season (October - April) ⭐ BEST TIME

Why Best: Perfect weather for visiting pyramids, temples, and Nile cruises
Temperature: 15-30°C (59-86°F) in Cairo; 20-35°C in Luxor/Aswan
Humidity: 30-50% (comfortable and dry)
Pros: Ideal for all outdoor activities, comfortable temple touring, perfect Nile cruise weather
Cons: Higher hotel prices (peak demand), more tourists at major sites
Events: Best time for hot air balloon rides over Luxor, desert camping

💚 Shoulder Season (March-April & October)

Weather: Warm to hot, transitional periods
Temperature: 18-32°C (64-90°F) in Cairo
Humidity: 30-50%
Pros: Good hotel deals, fewer crowds, still pleasant for touring
Cons: Khamsin sandstorms possible in March-April
Best for: Budget travelers, avoiding peak season crowds

🔥 Summer (May - September) - HOT BUT CHEAP

Weather: Very hot to extremely hot, especially Upper Egypt
Temperature: Cairo 25-40°C (77-104°F); Luxor/Aswan 30-45°C (86-113°F)
Humidity: Cairo 30-50%, Red Sea 50-70%
Pros: Massive hotel discounts (50-70% off), fewer tourists, Red Sea perfect for diving
Cons: Dangerously hot for temple touring, uncomfortable for outdoor sightseeing
Best for: Red Sea beach resorts, early morning Nile cruises, budget travelers, heat-tolerant visitors
Warning: Luxor and Aswan can reach 45°C (113°F) - heat exhaustion risk

🎯 Recommended Visit Periods

Best Overall: November-February (perfect temperatures everywhere)
Good Value: March or October (still pleasant, better prices)
Avoid: June-August for temple touring (too hot); Perfect for Red Sea diving
Special Note: Nile cruises most comfortable October-April

January ⭐ (Peak Season)

Temp: 9-19°C (48-66°F) | Rain: 5mm | Humidity: 40-55%
Conditions: Coolest month, sunny days, chilly evenings
What to Pack: Jacket for evenings, layers
Note: Can be surprisingly cool - bring warm layer

February ⭐ (Peak Season)

Temp: 10-21°C (50-70°F) | Rain: 4mm | Humidity: 40-55%
Conditions: Similar to January, starting to warm
Perfect for: All sightseeing, comfortable walking
Note: Ideal pyramid visiting weather

March ⭐ (Great Weather)

Temp: 12-24°C (54-75°F) | Rain: 4mm | Humidity: 35-50%
Conditions: Warming up, very pleasant
Caution: Khamsin sandstorms can start
Good for: Temple touring, Nile cruises, all activities

April (Getting Warmer)

Temp: 15-29°C (59-84°F) | Rain: 1mm | Humidity: 30-45%
Conditions: Hot days, warm evenings
Khamsin: Peak month for sandstorms
Tip: Last comfortable month before extreme heat

May (Summer Begins)

Temp: 19-34°C (66-93°F) | Rain: 0mm | Humidity: 30-45%
Conditions: Hot, getting uncomfortable for outdoor touring
Note: Upper Egypt (Luxor/Aswan) already very hot (38-42°C)
Tip: Hotel discounts begin, consider Red Sea resorts

June - August 🔥 (EXTREME HEAT)

Temp: 22-38°C (72-100°F) Cairo; 28-45°C (82-113°F) Luxor/Aswan
Rain: 0mm | Humidity: 30-50% Cairo, 50-70% Red Sea
Conditions: VERY HOT - dangerous in Upper Egypt
Upper Egypt: Often 40-45°C - unsafe for midday touring
Best for: Red Sea diving/beaches, Cairo museums (air-conditioned)
Warning: Avoid Luxor/Aswan temple touring - heat stroke risk high

September (Still Hot)

Temp: 21-35°C (70-95°F) | Rain: 0mm | Humidity: 35-50%
Conditions: Hot, but starting to cool slightly
Note: Still very hot in south
Tip: Consider if heat-tolerant and want deals

October (Cooling Down)

Temp: 17-30°C (63-86°F) | Rain: 1mm | Humidity: 35-50%
Conditions: Pleasant and improving daily
Note: Excellent shoulder season month
Events: Nile cruise season begins

November ⭐ (Excellent)

Temp: 13-26°C (55-79°F) | Rain: 3mm | Humidity: 40-55%
Conditions: Beautiful! Perfect for all Egypt activities
Note: Peak season begins - book accommodations
Ideal for: Pyramids, temples, Nile cruises, desert

December ⭐ (Peak Season)

Temp: 10-21°C (50-70°F) | Rain: 6mm | Humidity: 40-55%
Conditions: Cool and pleasant, occasional light rain
Events: Christmas, New Year (tourist influx)
Note: Premium pricing late Dec; book very early

🔥 Dealing with Egyptian Heat

• Hydration is Life-Saving: Drink 3-5 liters bottled water daily in summer (dehydration happens FAST)
• Temple Timing: Visit 8-10 AM before heat peaks (temples open early)
• Midday Break: 12-4 PM rest at hotel (like locals do)
• Evening Touring: Many sites open until sunset - cooler and beautiful light
• Shade Crucial: Many temples have little shade - bring umbrella or take frequent breaks
• Heat Stroke Signs: Dizziness, nausea, confusion - get to shade, drink water, seek help immediately
• Acclimatize: First 2-3 days take it easy, let body adjust
• Dress Smart: Light-colored, loose cotton clothes reflect sun better

🌊 Staying Cool

• Air-Conditioned Havens: Museums, malls, hotels - escape heat regularly
• Swimming: Hotel pools great for cooling off midday
• Wet Towel: Keep neck/face cool with damp cloth
• Ice Water: Ask for it at restaurants
• Nile Breeze: River side always cooler - evening Corniche walks pleasant
• Night Activities: Many Egyptians come alive after sunset when cooler

☀️ Sun Protection

• Sunscreen: SPF 50+ minimum, reapply every 2 hours
• Hat: Wide-brim essential (temple touring = hours in sun)
• Sunglasses: 100% UV protection (desert sun intense)
• Cover Up: Light long sleeves actually cooler than tank tops (prevents burning)
• Lips: SPF lip balm (lips burn easily in desert)
• Even Winter: UV high year-round - sun protection always needed

💧 Hydration Strategy

• Drink before you feel thirsty (thirst = already dehydrated)
• Carry bottled water everywhere (buy in bulk from supermarkets)
• Avoid alcohol in heat (increases dehydration)
• Eat salty snacks (replace electrolytes lost in sweat)
• Karkadeh tea is hydrating and cooling
• Fresh juices good but ensure no added water

🏥 Health Precautions

• Heat Exhaustion: Common in summer - rest in shade, drink water
• Sunburn: Happens fast - liberally apply sunscreen
• Dehydration: #1 tourist health issue - prevent with constant water
• Dust Allergies: Bring antihistamines if sensitive
• Air Pollution: Cairo has smog - those with respiratory issues bring inhaler
• Eye Irritation: Dust and sun - bring eye drops

🎯 Activity Planning by Temperature

• Below 25°C (77°F): Perfect for all outdoor activities
• 25-30°C (77-86°F): Good, take water and sun protection
• 30-35°C (86-95°F): Hot - early morning/late afternoon only
• 35-40°C (95-104°F): Very hot - limit outdoor time, frequent breaks
• Above 40°C (104°F): Dangerous - indoor activities only, minimal outdoor
• Luxor/Aswan Summer: Often 40-45°C - seriously consider skipping or flying in winter instead

Khamsin Winds (خماسين)

The famous "Fifty Days" of hot, dusty winds from the Sahara Desert, occurring primarily in spring. These winds have been recorded since ancient times and significantly affected pharaonic and agricultural cycles. Modern Egyptians still mark the Khamsin season with preparation and adjustments to daily life.

Desert Temperature Extremes

Egypt's deserts (Western Desert, Sinai) experience some of Earth's most extreme temperature swings - from 45°C (113°F) at midday to near-freezing at night. This 30-40°C daily range requires careful packing for desert camping with both sun protection and warm sleeping gear.

Rare Rainfall Events

When Cairo receives significant rain (once every few years), the city can experience flooding due to inadequate drainage infrastructure designed for a virtually rainless climate. These rare events make international news and can briefly disrupt travel.

Red Sea Weather Patterns

The Red Sea coast has the most stable weather in Egypt - warm year-round with minimal temperature variation. The sea moderates coastal temperatures, making resorts comfortable even in summer (though still hot). Wind patterns are crucial for diving and sailing, with calmer conditions October-May.