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Climate in Egypt


Average weather, temperature, rainfall, sunshine

Flag - Egypt

Map - Egypt

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The climate of Egypt, a country in north-eastern Africa, is characterized by the scarcity of rainfall and the abundance of sunshine. In fact, in much of the country, occupied by the eastern part of the Sahara, the climate is desert. Only on the northern coast, overlooking the Mediterranean, there is a certain amount of rain in winter.
As for the temperatures, they are milder on the north coast, while they gradually get warmer as you go south.
Along the Red Sea coast, temperatures are higher than on the Mediterranean coast but lower than in inland areas. However, summer is very hot.
The only mountainous areas, where it can get cold in winter, are located in the east, on the Sinai peninsula.
The wind in Egypt is often absent or weak, in the form of breezes along the coasts, but sometimes, especially in spring (April to June), the Khamsin can blow for a few days: it is a hot, dry wind able to raise dust or cause sand storms and to make travel and communication difficult.

The climate in detail


  • The north Coast - Alexandria, Cairo
  • The inland areas - Luxor, Aswan
  • Red Sea coasts - Sharm el Sheikh, Hurghada
  • Sinai
  • When to go
  • What to pack
  • Climate data

The north coast


On the northern coast (see Alexandria, Marsa Matrouh, Port Said), the climate can be defined as Mediterranean, even though the winter is very mild, and the rains are very scarce.

Alexandria

Climate chart - Alexandria
In Alexandria, Egypt's second city, there is a spring-like winter: highs are around 18/20 °C (64/68 °F) and lows around 10 °C (50 °F), though this is the only period of the year when weak or moderate rains occur.
Summer is long, muggy and sunny, with highs around 30 °C (86 °F), but tempered by sea breezes. The humidity is high especially in the delta of the Nile River.
On the northern coast, rainfall follows the Mediterranean pattern, but it is scarce and concentrated in winter, since this is the only period when depressions can affect this area. In Alexandria, rainfall amounts to only 230 mm (9 inches) per year (but in other cities on the north coast, it barely reaches 100 millimeters or 4 inches).
The temperature of the Mediterranean Sea is warm from July to October, but all in all, it is warm enough for swimming also in June.

Alexandria

Cairo

Climate chart - Cairo
Cairo, the capital, is located about 180 kilometers (110 miles) away from the sea, but it's at the edge of the huge Nile River Delta, so its climate is halfway between the Mediterranean and the desert one. The winter is similar to that of the north coast: highs are around 19/21 °C (66/70 °F) between December and February, although cold and cloudy days may sometimes occur, when northern currents prevail.
The summer temperatures are lower than in the desert area but higher than on the coast: highs are around 35 °C (95 °F) in July and August, but moisture is quite high, so the heat can be stifling. Summer is long: the maximum temperatures exceed 30 °C (86 °F) from May to mid-October. Within the city, the unpleasant sensation of heat is increased by the so-called "urban heat island effect" which occurs in big cities, and also by pollution.
The rainfall in Cairo is poor, since it amounts to only 55 mm (2.1 in) per year, and it's absent in the long summer: as regards to the rainfall, we are already in the desert.
The sun frequently shines in all seasons, and it almost always shines in the long period that goes from spring to autumn.

Pyramids

Inland areas



In the interior, the climate is desert, with virtually no rain; the temperatures increase gradually as you head south.
The diurnal temperature range is remarkable because of both clear skies and low humidity. The Egyptian central-southern desert is one of the sunniest places on Earth: clear skies are a permanent feature in all seasons.

Luxor

Climate chart - Luxor
Winters are mild and sunny, but nights are cool to cold, ranging from 7/8 °C (45/46 °F) in the central area (see Luxor) to 10/11 °C in the southern area (see Aswan), though the temperature in the coldest nights can approach freezing (0 °C or 32 °F). The winter days are pleasantly mild or warm, about 23/24 °C (73/75 °F) on average.
In inland areas, summers are scorchingly hot, with highs ranging from 36/37 °C (97/99 °F) in the center-north to 41/42 °C (106/108 °F) in the south, and during this season, the sun hits hard. In the hottest days, the temperature in the south can reach as high as 48/50 °C (118/122 °F).

Valley of the Kings, Luxor

Red Sea coasts



To the east, in the Gulf of Suez (see El Tor), and on the coast of the Red Sea (see Hurghada, Marsa Alam), the climate is desert, albeit slightly tempered by the sea.
The rainfall is very scarce or totally absent as in the interior, but the temperature range is lower and the humidity is generally higher.
The days in summer are very hot, with maximum temperatures around 35 °C (95 °F) or more, with some days a little less hot but more sultry and others torrid, that is, very hot and with lower humidity.
During winter, the temperature on the coast is very mild: in the northern part, highs hover around 21/22 °C (70/72 °F) and lows remain around 10/12 °C (50/54 °F), while the southern part is slightly warmer.

Sharm el Sheikh

Climate chart - Sharm El Sheikh
On the coast to the east of Sinai (see Sharm el Sheikh), where the prevailing wind in summer comes from the desert, the heat is more intense but moisture is generally lower.
The temperature of the Red Sea is very high in summer, while from January to March, in the north-central part, it is a bit cool for swimming, but all in all, it's not impossible.
In the south-central part of the Red Sea coast (see Marsa Alam), the sea temperature is a bit higher in winter, since it doesn't go below 22.5 °C (72.5 °F) in February.

Hurghada

Sinai



In the highlands of Sinai, the climate is cooled by altitude, and temperatures are lower especially at night: during winter, there can be some frosts at night, and even some snowfalls. During summer, the heat is intense during the day, while nights remain cool.

In Nekhel (or El Nakhl), located at an altitude of 400 meters (1,300 ft) in central Sinai, in winter, the night temperature can drop slightly below freezing. In December 2005 it dropped to -8 °C (17.5 °F). From April to September, the temperature can reach 40/42 °C (104/108 °F) when the south wind blows.

The tallest mountain in Egypt is Mount Catherine (Gabal Katrîne), 2,629 meters (8,625 feet) high, located in the southern part of Sinai.

When to go



If you want to visit the archaeological sites of Egypt, such as the Great Pyramids of El Giza, the best time is winter (November to February), when the weather is normally mild and sunny. The temperature range can be high, especially in the south, so much so that it can be warm during the day but even cold at night.
The absolute best months are probably November in the north (Cairo, El Giza) and December in the center-south (Luxor, Aswan).

In spring, the temperatures are higher (in the south, the days in April are already scorching), but nights are cool; sometimes, however, the Khamsin blows.

In summer, on the northern coast and down to El Cairo and Giza, the heat is sweltering, while further south, the heat is intense but dry; a relentless sun reigns everywhere. During this period, it can be unpleasant to visit the archaeological sites for those who don't like the heat, though, on the positive side, in this period there's a lower number of tourists.

If you want to go on a beach holiday, it's necessary to distinguish between the coast of the Mediterranean and that of the Red Sea.
On the Mediterranean Coast, the long summer, from mid-May to mid-October, is fine, although, as previously mentioned, the sea in May is still cool.
On the Red Sea coast, summer is too hot, while winter is a bit cool, so the best periods are spring and autumn.
In Sharm el Sheikh, the best times are the month of April, and from mid-October to mid-November. As previously mentioned, because of the thermal inertia of the sea, the sea is warmer in the latter period. During winter, the sun often shines but the air temperature, though pleasant, is not always high enough for swimming and sunbathing, while in summer, the weather is often too hot.

What to pack



In winter: in Cairo, bring spring/autumn clothes, a jacket and a sweater, warm clothing for hotels and houses which could not be heated; in Alexandria and the Mediterranean coast, you can add a raincoat or umbrella.
In the desert, bring light clothing, but also a sweater and a warm jacket for the evening, and a scarf for the sand.
On the Red Sea Coast, bring light clothes for the day, a sweater and a light jacket for the evening. In Sinai, a warm jacket and hiking boots. For boat trips, a wind jacket.

In summer: on the Mediterranean Coast and in Cairo, bring summer clothes; add a light sweatshirt for the evening on the coast.
In the desert, bring loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, light and long shirts and pants of natural fibers (cotton, linen), a wide-brimmed hat, a light scarf, sunglasses (even graduated instead of contact lenses), comfortable and breathable shoes; a sweatshirt for the night, a sleeping bag to sleep outdoors; desert boots or sandals. It's best for women to avoid shorts and miniskirts in rural and non-tourist areas.
On the Red Sea Coast, bring lightweight clothes. When going to the reef, you can bring snorkeling equipment, including water shoes or rubber-soled shoes.

Climate data - Egypt


Temperatures: °C, Precipitation: mm
Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel, location on the map
Abu Simbel, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.91215202326262726221712
Max temp.232631353941424240363025
Precip.000000000000
Prec. days000000000000

Alexandria
Alexandria, location on the map
Alexandria, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.91012141821242422191511
Max temp.181921242729313130282420
Precip.703520000000153555
Prec. days963110000247
Humidity70%67%65%63%64%67%69%69%65%65%68%70%
Day length104111120130138141139132123114106102
Sun hours68891012121110986
Sea temp181717182023262727252220

Aswan
Aswan, location on the map
Aswan, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.101115202527282826221611
Max temp.232630354042424240363024
Precip.000500000000
Prec. days000000000000
Humidity39%30%23%18%16%16%18%20%22%27%35%40%
Day length108114120127133136134129123116110107
Sun hours10101011111212121010109

Asyut (225 meters)
Asyut, location on the map
Asyut, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.671115202223232118128
Max temp.202226313537383835322622
Precip.000000000000
Prec. days000000000000
Humidity54%45%38%31%29%31%33%35%40%45%52%56%
Day length107113120128135138136130123115108105

Bahariya
Bahariya, location on the map
Bahariya, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.671114182122232117128
Max temp.212327313538393936322722
Precip.000000000000
Prec. days000000000000

Cairo
Cairo, location on the map
Cairo, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.101113161922242423201511
Max temp.192124283235353533302521
Precip.551000000051010
Prec. days321310000112
Humidity59%55%52%46%44%48%55%57%56%58%60%61%
Day length105112120129137141138132123114106102
Sun hours789101012121110986

Dakhla
Dakhla, location on the map
Dakhla, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.67816212223252318128
Max temp.222526363939424240352924
Precip.000000000000
Prec. days000000000000
Sun hours10101010121212121111109

El Arish
El Arish, location on the map
El Arish, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.781012161921222017139
Max temp.192022262931333332292521
Precip.251515550000101015
Prec. days421310000113
Humidity69%68%66%64%65%67%69%70%68%69%69%68%
Day length104111120130138141139132123114106102
Sea temp181717182023262727252220

El Tor
El Tor, location on the map
El Tor, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.101215182224252625211612
Max temp.212225283233353532302623
Precip.000500005000
Prec. days000000000000
Humidity52%50%50%51%54%57%59%60%62%61%55%52%
Day length106112120129136139137131123115107104
Sea temp212121222426272827262523

Hurghada
Hurghada, location on the map
Hurghada, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.111215192326282826221813
Max temp.222426303436373835322824
Precip.005050005505
Prec. days000000000000
Humidity48%44%42%36%33%32%34%36%40%47%50%50%
Day length106113120128135138137131123115108105
Sun hours9109101012111010998
Sea temp222121222426272827262523

Luxor
Luxor, location on the map
Luxor, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.791317222526252319138
Max temp.232530353941414139352924
Precip.000000000000
Prec. days000000000001
Humidity53%44%36%29%26%27%30%31%35%40%49%54%
Day length107113120128134137135130123115109106
Sun hours789101012121110986

Marsa Alam
Marsa Alam, location on the map
Marsa Alam, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.131416202325262625221815
Max temp.232427303235353534322725
Precip.000000000050
Prec. days000000000000
Day length108113120128134137135130123115109106
Sun hours9101011121313121110109
Sea temp232323242527282929282625

Marsa Matruh
Marsa Matruh, location on the map
Marsa Matruh, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.91011131620222321181511
Max temp.181921232628303130272420
Precip.3020101050000102040
Prec. days731510000136
Humidity68%65%65%64%67%70%72%72%67%65%66%67%
Day length104111120130138142139132123114105101
Sun hours68891012121110976
Sea temp181717182023262727252320

Minya
Minya, location on the map
Minya, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.671013182122222117127
Max temp.202226313537373735312621
Precip.000000000000
Prec. days000000000000

Nekhel (400 meters)
Nekhel, location on the map
Nekhel, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.2361013161819171483
Max temp.182024283234363633292419
Precip.5105500000055

Port Said
Port Said, location on the map
Port Said, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.121314172023252625221914
Max temp.181921232628313130272420
Precip.20101055000510515
Prec. days210200000112
Humidity73%71%70%70%72%72%74%73%70%70%70%72%
Day length104111120130138142139132123114106102
Sun hours7791011121212111097
Sea temp181717182124262827262320

Sharm El Sheikh
Sharm El Sheikh, location on the map
Sharm El Sheikh, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.141518212527292927242016
Max temp.222427303537383836322824
Precip.000000000050
Prec. days001000000000
Humidity43%41%38%33%30%29%33%35%40%44%44%43%
Day length106112120129136139137131123115108104
Sun hours89101011131312111098
Sea temp222121232426272828272524

Siwa
Siwa, location on the map
Siwa, location on the map
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Min temp.781114182222232017117
Max temp.192226303236373835302419
Precip.000000000000
Prec. days000000000000
Sun hours799101011111211998



See also the temperatures month by month

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 See also (cities or regions):
 Alexandria
 Aswan
 Asyut
 Cairo
 El Arish
 El Tor
 Hurghada
 Luxor
 Others (expand)
 Marsa Alam
 Marsa Matruh
 Port Said
 Sharm el Sheikh

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