Last updated: January 18, 2025
North Sinai, Egypt, experiences a semi-arid climate characterized by the Köppen-Geiger classifications of BSh and BWh. This region showcases significant temperature variations throughout the year, with a minimum of 3°C (38°F) in January, rising to an average of 21°C (71°F). The summer months can be particularly harsh, reaching a maximum of 45°C (113°F) in May, highlighting the extreme thermal conditions that define this arid landscape. The interplay of these climate factors shapes the unique ecological and agricultural landscape of North Sinai.
In North Sinai, Egypt, temperature patterns exhibit distinct seasonal trends, reflecting the region's semi-arid climate. The year begins with January and February, where chilly nights bring minimum temperatures as low as 3°C (38°F), while daytime highs gradually rise from 28°C (83°F) in January to 30°C (86°F) by February. As spring unfolds, March marks a sharp increase, with maximum temperatures soaring to 38°C (101°F). The transition into summer is characterized by sweltering heat, peaking in May with maximums reaching an extreme 45°C (113°F). Although June and July maintain high averages, temperatures begin to stabilize slightly, with August cooling off to 40°C (104°F). In the fall months, particularly October and November, temperatures start to decline, featuring milder ranges, with maximums around 35°C (95°F) and lows in the 10°C (50°F) range. By December, the cycle completes, returning to cooler conditions, as temperatures once again drop, highlighting the pronounced seasonal variations of this unique desert climate.
In January, the minimum temperatures in North Sinai range from 3°C (38°F) in Rafah to 8°C (47°F) in Arish, while Ash Shaykh Zuwayd experiences a minimum of 6°C (43°F). As temperatures rise in May, Rafah records the highest maximum at 44°C (112°F), followed closely by Ash Shaykh Zuwayd at 41°C (105°F), and Arish at a maximum of 37°C (98°F). For detailed monthly temperatures, see the links for Arish here, Ash Shaykh Zuwayd here, and Rafah here.
Precipitation in North Sinai, Egypt, follows a highly variable pattern throughout the year, with the majority of rainfall occurring during the cooler months. January and February are the wettest months, receiving 29 mm (1.1 in) and 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain respectively, accompanied by several rainy days—5 days in January and 6 days in February. However, as the region transitions into spring and summer, rainfall diminishes sharply, with minimal totals of only 3 mm (0.1 in) in May and negligible amounts in June, July, and August, marking a pronounced dry season.
As fall approaches, minor revivals in precipitation can be observed. October experiences a slight uptick with 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain over just 1 day of rainfall, while November and December contribute 23 mm (0.9 in) and 18 mm (0.7 in) respectively, spread across 3 and 4 days. This seasonal precipitation pattern emphasizes North Sinai's arid climate, characterized by short, intense rainy periods followed by extended dry spells, thus playing a critical role in shaping the region's ecology and agricultural practices.
In North Sinai, Egypt, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, with a noticeable increase in hours of sunlight from winter through summer. January begins the year with 233 hours of sunshine, gradually rising to 282 hours in February. By March, the region experiences a substantial leap to 335 hours, paving the way for longer, sunnier days as April reaches 353 hours. The peak sunshine months occur in late spring and summer, with June and July registering impressive totals of 393 and 404 hours respectively, highlighting the almost uninterrupted sunny weather during these months.
As the summer wanes, sunshine hours begin to decline gradually, with August still enjoying 387 hours but a marked drop to 346 hours in September. The transition into autumn sees a consistent decrease, bringing 324 hours in October and tapering off further to 291 hours in November before concluding the year with 280 hours in December. This pattern underscores North Sinai's status as a sun-drenched region, making it an appealing destination for sun seekers, especially during the summer months when sunlight is at its most abundant.
The UV Index in North Sinai, Egypt, reveals significant seasonal variations, emphasizing the importance of sun protection throughout the year. In the early months, January presents a moderate UV Index of 4, allowing for a burn time of 30 minutes. This increases in February to a high UV Index of 6, where the risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure becomes more pronounced. By March, the UV Index escalates to 9, categorized as very high, reducing the safe exposure time to just 15 minutes. April continues this upward trend with an Index of 10, pushing the burn time further down to 15 minutes, indicating the onset of more intense sun conditions leading to potential skin damage.
As temperatures rise towards summer, from May through August, the UV Index reaches its peak at 11, classified as extreme, which necessitates immediate protective measures, allowing for a burn time of only 10 minutes. After August, the Index begins to decline, though September still shows a very high UV Index of 10 with a burn time of 15 minutes. The fall months see a reduction in intensity, with October at 8 and a return to more moderate levels in November (5) and December (4), where burn times increase to 30 minutes. These data highlight the critical need for vigilant sun safety practices, particularly during the high to extreme UV months from March to August.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in North Sinai, Egypt, demonstrates a clear seasonal pattern, with hours of sunlight gradually increasing from winter to summer. In January, the region experiences about 10 hours of daylight, which remains consistent through November and December. However, February marks the beginning of a gradual increase, adding an extra hour of daylight. By March and April, daylight extends to 11 and 12 hours, respectively, leading into May, where the length of daylight reaches 13 hours. This build-up culminates in June, with the longest daylight duration of 14 hours—a clear indicator of the summer solstice.
As summer transitions into fall, daylight hours begin to taper off, with July, August, and September maintaining approximately 13 to 12 hours of sunlight. In October, daylight decreases to 11 hours, before reverting back to 10 hours in November and December. This cyclical pattern not only underscores the consistency of North Sinai’s daylight throughout the year but also highlights the impact of seasonal shifts on local activities and ecology, facilitating varied agricultural practices and lifestyle adaptations in response to these changes.
Arish, Egypt experiences a hot desert climate characterized by high temperatures and low precipitation. The hottest months are July and August, with average temperatures reaching up to 28°C (82°F) and max temperatures hitting 35°C (95°F). Winters are mild, with January and February seeing average temperatures around 15°C (59°F) to 16°C (62°F) and occasional rain, peaking in January at 39 mm (1.5 in). Sunshine is abundant, with June and July offering over 400 hours of sun, making it a bright destination year-round. For more detailed information, visit Arish climate.
The climate in Ash Shaykh Zuwayd, Egypt, exhibits a significant temperature range throughout the year, with average highs peaking at 41°C (105°F) in May and lows dipping to 6°C (43°F) in January. Annual precipitation is minimal, with the wettest months being January and February, receiving around 38-39 mm (1.5 in). Sunshine is abundant, particularly from May to July, where monthly hours exceed 390, ideal for enjoying the warm weather. For more detailed information on the climate, visit Ash Shaykh Zuwayd climate.
Bi'r al Abd, Egypt experiences a hot desert climate characterized by extreme temperature variations between seasons. From January to March, temperatures gradually rise, with January averaging 14°C (57°F) and hitting a high of 27°C (81°F). The summer months of May to August witness scorching heat, with June peaking at an average of 26°C (79°F) and max temperatures reaching 45°C (113°F). Rainfall is minimal throughout the year, with the wettest months being February and March, receiving only 19 mm (0.7 in) and 17 mm (0.7 in) respectively. For more details on the local climate, visit [Bi'r alAbd climate](/climate/egypt/north-sinai/bi-r-al--abd.html).
Rafah, Egypt experiences a hot desert climate with significant temperature variations throughout the year. January sees temperatures ranging from a chilly 3°C (38°F) to a warm 28°C (83°F), while summer months, especially May through August, often peak above 39°C (102°F). Rainfall is scarce, with July and August being particularly dry, averaging less than 1 mm of precipitation. Sunshine is abundant, especially in the summer months, with July receiving over 400 hours of sunshine. For more detailed climate information, visit Rafah climate.
In conclusion, the climate of North Sinai, Egypt, is characterized by distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. With its semi-arid climate, the region experiences significant temperature fluctuations, from cool winter months to scorching summer heat. Precipitation remains minimal, further emphasizing the area's aridity and the importance of adapting agricultural practices to these conditions. Long hours of sunshine and high UV Index values during the summer necessitate careful sun protection, especially in peak months. The rhythmic pattern of daylight hours reflects the shifting seasons, contributing to the region's unique ecological and agricultural landscape. Collectively, these climatic elements not only shape the environment but also influence the lifestyle and practices of the local population, underscoring the importance of understanding and adapting to North Sinai's climatic conditions.