When to go — Cairo and Giza

The Cairo climate is temperate desert, with four distinct seasons and significant annual variations that strongly affect visit comfort.

November to March is the ideal season to explore Cairo and Giza. Daytime temperatures are perfect for extended visits (18-23 °C average, up to 27 °C on good days), evenings are cool (8-15 °C in January — bring a fleece for night walks), and the golden morning and evening light is exceptional for photographing the pyramids. Rainfall is almost non-existent (less than 25 mm per year in total). The only constraints: Christmas and New Year holidays send hotel prices soaring (multiplied by 2-3), and Coptic Easter week (variable, March-April) draws many local visitors to Christian sites.

October and April are the shoulder months, still very pleasant. Temperatures of 24-30 °C during the day, crowds dropping after European school holidays, and intermediate rates. In April, beware of the khamsin — a southwesterly sandstorm wind that can occur for 2 to 10 days and significantly reduce visibility (impossible to photograph the pyramids at full resolution). October is generally the most stable and recommended month for those wanting to combine Cairo with a Nile cruise without enduring high season.

May to September marks the hot season to avoid for visits to archaeological sites. Temperatures regularly reach 35-42 °C during the day, the Giza plateau becomes a furnace between 11am and 4pm, and pollution increases due to the absence of wind. If you must travel in summer, organise your visits only at dawn (6-10am) and end of day (5-7pm), and spend midday in air-conditioned museums (GEM, Museum of Islamic Art).

July and August are the worst months — extreme heat and maximum pollution. Avoid except by exception. The only advantage: hotel rates at their lowest, up to -50% compared to high season.