The best time to visit Cairo

When you first think of Egypt, you most likely conjure an image of ancient pyramids set in a vast desert under blinding sun.

Countless others see the same picture in their mind's eye and come to Cairo to witness the reality at Giza, the Egyptian Museum and other top attractions. The city is famously hot and busy, so certain months are better than others if you want to experience it to its fullest on your visit.

Plan the perfect time for your trip to Cairo with this seasonal guide.

October to December is best to avoid the infamous heat

Weather in Cairo in fall: Average daytime temperatures are the coolest they will be all year in the months of October, November and December, and the evenings usher in refreshing breezes. However, it’s also prime tourist season in Cairo, as visitors flock here to go sightseeing while the temperatures are cooler. As a result, there’s a surge in flight and hotel prices, particularly around the Christmas and New Year holidays.

While visiting at this time of year is tempting because of the weather, keep in mind that the main attractions will be busy, and you'll need to book flights and hotels at least 2 months in advance to ensure decent prices and availability.

Sandstorms are a possibility in March

Weather in Cairo in late winter: Early March is a less busy time to visit Cairo, and the weather is pleasant, but it’s also when sandstorms are most likely to occur. Wind blows from the desert in the south, circulating hot air and dust – it is very unpleasant, particularly for anyone with asthma. Sightseeing can be disrupted, and it's difficult to get around. In extreme cases, flights and river cruises are canceled.

If you visit Cairo during sandstorm season, pack sunglasses to help keep sand and dirt out of your eyes, and always carry a face mask and a bottle of water.

April and May are great months for visiting Cairo

Weather in Cairo in spring: Spring in Cairo is magical. The winter crowds lessen, and the weather is gorgeous, with average temperatures at 25–32°C (77–90°F), hotter than it is from October to December but not as hot as in the summer. Flight and hotel prices are reasonable at this time.

Celebrate Sham An Nessim on Easter Monday

Sham An Nessim is an Egyptian national festival, dating back to at least 2700 BCE and now held annually on Easter Monday to mark the beginning of spring. Ancient Egyptians believed that the festival marked the beginning of world creation, when Ra, the Sun God, sailed with his boat through the skies and landed on the top of the Great Pyramid.

To celebrate, people paint, decorate and write wishes on eggs before hanging them in baskets. Festivities mainly take place in people's homes, but visitors may notice seasonal changes to menus at this time. The dishes most closely associated with Sham An Nessim are feseekh (salted fish eaten with spring onions) and ringa (smoked herring with lemon and onion).

The summer months of June to September are the hottest time to visit

Weather in Cairo in summer: The summer season in Egypt typically spans from June to September, and it can be sweltering, with temperatures at 30–40°C (86–104°F), occasionally even reaching 50°C (122°F). It’s the hottest time of the year, with many tourists and locals going to the Red Sea and not as many visitors in Cairo.

If you do come to Cairo at this time, all is not lost. Certain sights, such as the historic Pyramids of Giza, are best visited early in the morning before the heat takes its toll. Almost all the museums, restaurants, hotels and shops have air-conditioning, helping make the heat manageable. Pack sunglasses and sunscreen, and carry a bottle of water with you so you can remain hydrated at all times.

Can I visit Egypt during Ramadan?

Egypt is a predominantly Islamic country, and Ramadan is one of the most significant events on the calendar. Held over a month, Ramadan involves fasting from sunrise to sunset. During this period, restaurants, cafes, shops and markets reduce their opening hours, which may not make it the most convenient time to visit. Even schools close early.

Non-Muslims aren’t expected to observe the fast, but out of respect, visitors during Ramadan should avoid drinking and snacking in the street. The exact dates change every year, since it depends on the lunar cycle, so check when Ramadan is expected before making your travel plans.