Last updated: January 18, 2025
Cairo, Egypt, is characterized by a hot desert climate (Köppen-Geiger classification BWh), marked by its extreme temperature variations throughout the year. The city experiences a minimum average temperature of 3°C (38°F) in January, escalating to an average of 23°C (73°F). The peak of the summer heat is particularly striking, with temperatures soaring to a maximum of 45°C (113°F) in May. This pronounced climate reveals not only the resilience of its inhabitants but also plays a crucial role in shaping the city’s unique cultural and architectural landscape.
Cairo experiences distinct seasonal temperature patterns, characterized by mild winters and scorching summers. In January, the city sees its coldest temperatures, with minimums around 3°C (38°F) and an average of 13°C (56°F). As winter progresses into February and March, temperatures gradually rise, reaching average highs of 31°C (88°F) in February and peaking at 37°C (100°F) in March. The transition into spring is marked by further warming in April, averaging 22°C (71°F), and culminating in the heat of May, where maximum temperatures can soar to 45°C (113°F). The scorching summer months, particularly June through August, consistently showcase daily highs around 40°C (104°F) or more, with July and August averaging 30°C (87°F). As autumn approaches, temperate conditions return, with average highs decreasing to 25°C (77°F) in October, and finally settling into cooler evenings by November and December, where temperatures are more moderate and comfortable.
New Cairo experiences a minimum temperature of 4°C (40°F) in January, rising to a maximum of 44°C (111°F) in May, while Cairo has similar temperature ranges with a minimum of 4°C (39°F) in January and a peak of 45°C (113°F) in May. For more detailed temperature information, visit monthly temperatures in New Cairo and monthly temperatures in Cairo.
Cairo’s precipitation patterns highlight its arid desert climate, with the majority of the year experiencing minimal rainfall. January and March are the wettest months, receiving 3 mm (0.1 in) and 15 mm (0.6 in), respectively, though both only witness a single day of rain. February sees a slight increase with 10 mm (0.4 in) of precipitation, while the Spring and Summer months are starkly dry, recording no measurable rainfall from May through September, producing arid conditions typical of a desert environment.
As autumn approaches, precipitation rises marginally again, but totals remain low. In October, November, and December, Cairo receives amounts similar to those in January, with 3 mm (0.1 in), 2 mm (0.1 in), and 3 mm (0.1 in) respectively. Despite the occasional rain, these months still reflect Cairo's overarching trend of very limited precipitation, underlining the city's classification as a hot desert climate where prolonged dry spells dominate the landscape.
Cairo basks in abundant sunshine, with a clear seasonal pattern evident throughout the year. The city starts the year with 237 hours of sunshine in January, which gradually increases as winter transitions to spring. February sees an uptick to 278 hours, followed by a significant leap in March to 337 hours. As April arrives, sunshine hours rise further to 351, and by May, Cairo enjoys 388 hours of golden rays. This steady increase sets the stage for the peak sunshine months of late spring and summer, where June, July, and August boast 391, 403, and 385 hours, respectively, highlighting an impressive consistent brightness that defines the hot desert climate.
As summer winds down into autumn, there is a gradual decrease in sunshine hours, but the totals remain robust compared to the winter months. September showcases 344 hours, while October enjoys 328 hours of sunlight. The decline continues into November with 295 hours and December, which closes the year out with 284 hours of sunshine. Overall, the seasonal trends illustrate Cairo's status as a sun-drenched city, with maximal sunlight from late spring through summer, providing a vibrant backdrop that influences both the environment and lifestyle of its residents.
Cairo's UV Index exhibits a pronounced seasonal variation, with moderate levels in the winter months transitioning to extreme intensity during the summer. In January, the UV Index stands at 5, indicating a moderate exposure risk and a burn time of approximately 30 minutes. February sees a rise to a 7, reflecting a high exposure category, while March reaches a notable 9, classifying it as very high, with a significantly reduced burn time of 15 minutes. This trend accelerates into April, where the UV Index hits 10, maintaining that very high rating, and by May, it peaks at an extreme level of 12, demanding careful sun protection as burn time shrinks to just 10 minutes.
As summer progresses, June and July also register a UV Index of 12, indicating dangerously high exposure risks, before slightly decreasing to 11 in August. The intensity then begins to decline as September and October present a UV Index of 10 and 9, respectively, signaling a return to very high levels. By November and December, UV levels drop back to 6 and 5, categorized as high and moderate respectively, indicating a gradual relief from the summer's extremes. This fluctuation underscores the importance of sun safety practices, especially during the peak months of May through July when exposure can lead to rapid sunburn.
UV Risk Categories
Cairo experiences a notable variation in daylight duration throughout the year, reflecting the seasonal changes that characterize the city's climate. In the winter months of January and December, residents enjoy about 10 hours of daylight each day, which gradually increases to 11 hours in both February and March. As spring unfolds, April brings longer days with 12 hours, and by May, sunlight extends to 13 hours, heralding the approach of summer.
The height of summer occurs in June, providing the longest daylight of the year at 14 hours. Following June, daylight begins to taper slightly, with July and August maintaining approximately 13 hours each day. As fall approaches, daylight duration decreases again, reaching 12 hours in September and reverting to 11 hours in October. By the time November rolls around, the city returns to 10 hours, completing a cycle of gradual light and darkness that influences both daily life and outdoor activities throughout the year.
Cairo experiences a hot desert climate, with significant temperature variations throughout the year. The coldest months are January and December, with average temperatures around 14°C (57°F) and 16°C (62°F), while the peak heat occurs in July and August, with averages around 30°C (87°F). Rainfall is minimal, with most months receiving less than 10 mm, and the city enjoys abundant sunshine, peaking in July with 403 hours. For more detailed information, visit Cairo climate.
Halwan, Egypt experiences a hot desert climate with significant temperature variations throughout the year. January temperatures range from a chilly 3°C (38°F) at night to a warm 28°C (82°F) during the day, while May sees scorching highs reaching up to 45°C (113°F). Rainfall is minimal, with most months receiving little to no precipitation, and total annual rainfall rarely exceeding 30 mm. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in the summer months, with July averaging 403 hours of sunshine. For detailed information, visit Halwan climate.
New Cairo, Egypt experiences a desert climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from a cool 13°C (56°F) in January to a scorching 30°C (86°F) in the summer months of July and August, with maximum temperatures occasionally reaching 44°C (111°F) in May. Precipitation is quite low throughout the year, with most months recording minimal rainfall, particularly from June to September, when it averages none. Sunshine is abundant, peaking in July with around 404 hours, making it a bright and warm destination year-round. For more information, visit New Cairo climate.
In conclusion, Cairo's climatic patterns exhibit a unique interplay of temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours, all of which significantly influence the city's environment and lifestyle. The hot desert climate, characterized by extreme summer heat and minimal rainfall, contrasts with mild winters, showcasing a distinct seasonal rhythm that unfolds throughout the year. With an abundance of sunshine, especially during the summer months, residents must be cognizant of elevated UV Index levels to protect themselves from harmful exposure. As daylight duration varies from 10 hours in winter to a peak of 14 hours in summer, it shapes daily activities and cultural practices. Understanding these climatic elements is crucial for both inhabitants and visitors, allowing for safe and enjoyable experiences in this vibrant city.