With a small exception for the Mediterranean coast, all of Egypt has a dry desert climate. The weather is hot and dry year-round, with only two seasons. The summer brings intense heat between May and October. The winter is mild and warm, extending from November to April. Like the desert climate, Egypt becomes cool at night throughout the year, so visitors should make sure to bring something warmer in the evenings. Annual rainfall in Egypt is low, with most of it falling in the coastal region. It hardly rains during the summer months. A phenomenon of the Egyptian climate is the hot winds that blow throughout the country, internationally known as khamsin winds and known by Egyptians as khamaseen. These desert sandstorms usually occur in April, but sometimes happen in March and May. They can last for days and lead to a significant rise in temperatures and cause damage to crops and buildings.
The Mediterranean coast (including Alexandria, Marsa Matrouh, and Port Said) is characterized by a very mild winter similar to spring: maximum temperatures are around 18/20 degrees Celsius (64/68 degrees Fahrenheit) and minimum temperatures are around 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit), although this is the only time of year when light to moderate rainfall occurs. The summer is long, humid, and sunny with highs reaching around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), but is tempered by sea breezes. Humidity is particularly high in the Nile Delta.
The best time to travel to Egypt is mid-winter, between December and February, when temperatures are comfortable between 20-26 degrees Celsius. If travelers wish to visit during the summer, Alexandria is the best city to spend some time in as it has cooler summer temperatures than the rest of the country.
The best time to visit Egypt
Despite variations in weather patterns in different regions, Egypt generally enjoys a hot, dry, and sunny desert climate. As part of the northern hemisphere, Egypt’s seasons largely follow the same pattern as those in Europe and North America, with winter falling between November and January and the summer months between June and August.
Winter is generally mild, although temperatures can drop to below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius) at night. In the Western Desert, record-low levels have fallen below zero during the winter months. Rainfall is very low in most areas regardless of the season, although Cairo and the Nile Delta may experience some rainy days during the winter season.
Summer can be unbearably hot, especially in the desert and other inland areas. In Cairo, the average temperature regularly reaches 30 degrees Celsius in the summer, while the highest recorded number in Aswan, a famous tourist destination on the banks of the Nile, is 51 degrees Celsius. Temperatures remain high in the summer on the coast, but it makes it more bearable due to the regular cool breezes.
Summer in Egypt:
It’s no surprise that summer in Egypt means extreme heat and scorching sun. Average temperatures during the summer months reach 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), but can reach up to 50 degrees Celsius (122 Fahrenheit). Even coastal areas remain warm, which is good for beachgoers – the water is typically a moderate 28 degrees Celsius. The hottest period in the summer extends from July to September, so all visitors who suffer from harsh weather should stay away during this time.
Autumn in Egypt:
Autumn in Egypt brings a massive influx of tourists. No wonder, as the weather is almost ideal. By the end of September, temperatures have dropped significantly. On most days, the average temperature is around 29 degrees Celsius, but this may vary slightly depending on the location. This is a popular season, so expect hotel prices and other activities to be higher accordingly.
Winter in Egypt:
Winds tend to pick up in Egypt during the winter season, but there’s no need to worry: temperatures here rarely drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius). Early December is considered the best time to visit, as the sea is still somewhat warm, prices are low, and the worst winter winds may not have yet picked up. Tourists also flock to the country during the third and fourth weeks of December to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
