Cairo
Cairo
Egypt
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Cairo, the 'City of a Thousand Minarets,' is a sprawling metropolis where ancient history and modern energy collide. Located at the edge of the Sahara Desert, Cairo experiences a hot desert climate ch...
About Cairo
Cairo, the 'City of a Thousand Minarets,' is a sprawling metropolis where ancient history and modern energy collide. Located at the edge of the Sahara Desert, Cairo experiences a hot desert climate characterized by scorching summers and mild, pleasant winters. While the iconic Giza Pyramids and the bustling Khan el-Khalili bazaar are year-round draws, your experience will be significantly shaped by the seasons. The peak tourist season runs from October to April, offering the most comfortable weather for outdoor exploration. In contrast, the summer months (June to August) bring intense heat but offer significant discounts and fewer crowds for budget-conscious travelers.
Fly from Halifax, or anywhere in Atlantic Canada, and discover Cairo at its best. We'll show you when to go, what to see, and where to eat, so you can simply enjoy the journey.
December, January, February
Winter (December–February)
March, April, May
Spring (March–May)
June, July, August
Summer (June–August)
September, October, November
Autumn (September–November)
What's Included
Seasonal Guide
Complete 12-month breakdown with weather, crowds & pricing
Flights from Halifax
Routes: Halifax — Cairo, or via major hubs from Atlantic Canada
Neighborhoods
5 curated areas to stay, from budget to luxury
Budget Guide
Egyptian Pound (EGP) daily budgets: $35–$50/day to $250+/day
At a Glance: When to Visit Cairo
Best Overall
October–November and March–April
Cheapest
June–August
Busiest
December–January
Best Weather
November and March
For Events
November (Film Festival) and January (Coptic Christmas)
For Families
October–April
For Couples
October and February
Budget Travel
June–August
From Atlantic Canada
Halifax to Cairo.
Month by month.
Everything you need to know about travelling from Canada to Cairo — the best seasons, what to pack, and how to save.
Month-by-Month Guide to Cairo
January
9°C to 19°C (48°F–66°F). This is the coolest month. Brisk mornings and evenings with plenty of sunshine and minimal rain.
“Best for those who enjoy mild, sweater-weather sightseeing and don't mind peak season crowds.”
February
10°C to 21°C (50°F–70°F). Mild and pleasant. Rain is rare, and the sun is consistent but not overwhelming.
“Ideal for history buffs wanting to see the pyramids without the winter chill or summer heat.”
March
12°C to 24°C (54°F–75°F). Spring begins. Temperatures are climbing, but a dry wind called the Khamsin can occasionally bring dust.
“Great for urban exploration before the true heat sets in, though be mindful of dust storms.”
April
14°C to 28°C (57°F–82°F). Gorgeous spring weather. Warm but not hot, with long, sunny days.
“One of the best months for a balanced experience of weather and culture.”
May
18°C to 32°C (64°F–90°F). It starts to feel like summer. Expect hot afternoons but manageable mornings and evenings.
“A solid choice for travelers looking for lower prices while the heat is still tolerable.”
June
21°C to 34°C (70°F–93°F). The heat intensifies. Expect very dry air and high UV levels.
“Best for budget travelers who can plan their sightseeing around the midday sun.”
July
22°C to 35°C+ (72°F–95°F+). Peak heat. Humidity is low, making it feel like an oven during the day.
“Only recommended for heat-tolerant travelers or those purely focused on hotel luxury for less.”
August
22°C to 35°C (72°F–95°F). Similar to July but often slightly more humid due to Nile evaporation.
“Good for travelers who prefer a nocturnal city vibe, as Cairo stays awake late in summer.”
September
20°C to 33°C (68°F–91°F). The extreme heat begins to break, especially in the last week of the month.
“A transitional month that offers better weather than summer without the peak winter prices.”
October
18°C to 30°C (64°F–86°F). Near-perfect weather returns. Blue skies and comfortable walking temperatures.
“One of the absolute best months for sightseeing and enjoying the city's outdoor culture.”
November
14°C to 26°C (57°F–79°F). Ideal weather conditions. Crisp mornings and pleasantly warm afternoons.
“Highly recommended; this is Cairo at its most beautiful and culturally active.”
December
10°C to 21°C (50°F–70°F). Mild winters. Short days but clear skies, though the Nile breeze can be chilly.
“The peak of the tourist season; perfect weather for those who don't mind the holiday crowds.”
Festivals & Events in Cairo
Coptic Christmas
Celebrated on January 7th with grand masses and festivities in the Hanging Church and other Coptic Cairo sites.
High interest in Old Cairo; expect some road closures near major churches.Cairo International Book Fair
One of the largest book fairs in the world, held at the Egypt International Exhibition Center.
Heavier traffic near the exhibition grounds; hotels in Heliopolis may see higher demand.Ramadan
A holy month of fasting from dawn to sunset, culminating in vibrant nightly 'Iftar' feasts and street decorations.
Reduced business hours during the day; lively, festive atmosphere at night.Eid al-Fitr
The festival of breaking the fast; a 3-day public holiday with massive celebrations, family gatherings, and sweets.
Public transport is crowded; many locals travel, so book inter-city transport early.Sham El-Nessim
An ancient Egyptian festival marking the start of spring. Families head to parks and the Nile for picnics with salted fish.
Parks like Al-Azhar are extremely crowded; the city has a festive, relaxed vibe.Cairo Jazz Festival
An international event featuring local and global jazz artists at various venues across the city.
Cultural venues are busy; attracts an international arts crowd.Cairo International Film Festival
The oldest and only 'Category A' film festival in the Arab world and Africa.
High-end hotels in Zamalek and Garden City often host celebrities and sell out early.Pyramids Half Marathon
A unique race where participants run through the Giza Pyramid complex.
The Giza plateau may have restricted access for non-participants during the morning hours.Budget Guide: How Much Does It Cost to Visit Cairo?
Egyptian Pound (EGP)
Daily Budget
Peak
$150–$400+ (5-star Nile view)
Off-Peak
$70–$150 (5-star Nile view)
Cairo is highly seasonal. Expect to pay double for accommodation during the Christmas and New Year period (Dec 20–Jan 5). In contrast, summer travelers can find incredible deals at luxury properties that would otherwise be out of reach.
Where to Stay in Cairo by Season
Zamalek
$$$ (Moderate to Luxury)Spring & Autumn
An upscale island neighborhood known for its leafy streets, art galleries, and top-tier dining. Ideal for pleasant walks.
Downtown Cairo
$ to $$ (Budget to Moderate)Winter
The historic heart of the city. Perfect for winter as you are steps away from the Egyptian Museum and Tahrir Square.
Giza
$$ to $$$ (Wide range of options)Summer (for the views)
Staying right across from the pyramids. Great in summer because many hotels have pools with pyramid views.
Garden City
$$$$ (Luxury)Autumn
A quiet, affluent district with many embassies and the city's finest luxury hotels overlooking the Nile.
Maadi
$$ (Moderate)Spring
A green, suburban expat favorite with many villas and outdoor cafes. Beautiful when the spring trees are in bloom.
What to Pack for Cairo
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Pro tip: Indoor heating is rare in older Cairo buildings, so bring warm pajamas for chilly nights.
Spring (Mar–May)
Pro tip: Always carry a light shawl or jacket for the cooler evening breeze near the Nile.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Pro tip: Avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester; they trap heat. Stick to natural fibers like cotton and linen.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Pro tip: September is still quite hot, so pack as you would for summer, but add a layer for late-night rooftop dinners.
FAQs: Visiting Cairo
What is the best month to visit Cairo?
November is widely considered the best month. It offers a perfect balance of pleasant daytime temperatures (20-26°C), clear skies, and a vibrant cultural calendar including the Cairo International Film Festival.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Cairo?
The summer months of June, July, and August are typically the cheapest for flights and hotels due to the extreme heat.
What is the weather like in Cairo in December?
December is mild and sunny during the day with highs around 21°C (70°F), but it can get quite chilly at night, dropping to 10°C (50°F).
Is Cairo worth visiting in winter?
Yes, winter is the peak tourist season because the weather is ideal for visiting outdoor archaeological sites without heat exhaustion.
Does it rain in Cairo?
Rain is very rare in Cairo. If it does rain, it usually occurs between December and February and typically lasts for a very short duration.
Should I visit Cairo during Ramadan?
Visiting during Ramadan offers a unique cultural perspective. While days are quiet and some restaurants may close, the city comes alive with festive lights and massive communal meals at sunset (Iftar).
How many days do I need in Cairo?
Most travelers find that 3 to 4 days are sufficient to see the Giza Pyramids, the Egyptian Museum, the Citadel, and the major Islamic and Coptic historic sites.
Is the heat in Cairo manageable in July?
It can be challenging for those not used to dry heat. It is best to schedule all sightseeing for very early morning or late evening and stay indoors during the peak afternoon sun.
Also Consider: Other Destinations in Egypt
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