Egypt · tool
Best time to visit Cairo
Month-by-month weather, crowds, prices, and festival calendar — so you know exactly when to book.
Best time to visit Cairo, Egypt
Month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, prices, and seasonal highlights.
| Month | Score | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10-20°C, sunny and dry | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Occasional dust storms can occur. | |
| February | 12-22°C, sunny and dry | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Sham El Nessim holiday can cause local travel surges. | |
| March | 15-25°C, sunny and dry | moderate | moderate |
| |
| April | 18-28°C, sunny and dry | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Can be windy with occasional Khamsin sandstorms. | |
| May | 20-32°C, sunny and dry | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Temperatures begin to climb significantly. | |
| June | 23-35°C, very sunny and dry | high | high |
⚠ Summer heat intensifies; outdoor sightseeing becomes challenging. | |
| July | 25-37°C, very sunny and dry | high | high |
⚠ Extreme heat wave conditions are common; indoor activities are recommended. | |
| August | 26-38°C, very sunny and dry | high | high |
⚠ Hottest month; intense heat makes daytime exploration difficult. | |
| September | 22-34°C, sunny and dry | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Still very warm, especially in the afternoons. | |
| October | 19-30°C, sunny and dry | moderate | moderate |
| |
| November | 15-25°C, sunny and dry | moderate | moderate |
| |
| December | 11-21°C, sunny and dry | high | high |
⚠ Peak tourist season begins, expect higher prices and more crowds. |
Annual events worth timing your trip around
Ancient spring festival celebrating the arrival of spring, with public gatherings and picnics.
The Islamic holy month of fasting. Many restaurants have limited hours during the day, but evenings come alive with Iftar feasts.
Major religious holiday for the Coptic Christian community, with church services and family gatherings.
Festival marking the end of Ramadan. Celebrations include special prayers, family visits, and festive meals.
The annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca. While not in Cairo, it can affect travel patterns and prices for some Muslim travelers.
A traditional festival celebrating the Nile River's bounty and fertility, though its modern observance is less prominent.
One of Egypt's largest religious festivals, a Sufi saint's birthday celebration with large gatherings, though the main event is in Tanta.
Celebrated by the Coptic Orthodox Church on January 7th, with special church services and family observances.
Insider timing tips
- •Summer (July-August) is intensely hot, making daytime sightseeing extremely uncomfortable and potentially dangerous; prioritize indoor activities or very early morning/late evening excursions.
- •Shoulder seasons (March-April and October-November) offer the best balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowds, avoiding the extreme heat and the peak winter rush.
- •While winter (December-February) has pleasant temperatures, it coincides with peak international tourist season, leading to higher prices and more crowded attractions.
- •The Khamsin wind, a hot, sandy wind, typically blows in spring (March-May) and can cause temporary disruptions and reduced visibility.
- •Ramadan's dates shift annually based on the lunar calendar; check the specific dates as it can impact dining options and local business hours during daylight fasting periods.
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