Egypt Weather by Month: A Comprehensive Guide for UK Travellers

January: Winter's Gentle Embrace

January in Egypt feels remarkably similar to a pleasant British spring day, with daytime temperatures hovering around 20-22°C—perfect t-shirt weather by UK standards. However, don't let the warm days fool you; Egyptian nights can plummet to 8-10°C, creating temperature drops that would make a Scottish Highland evening seem mild.

Rainfall remains virtually non-existent, with Cairo receiving less than 5mm for the entire month—roughly equivalent to what Manchester gets in a single hour during a typical downpour. The Mediterranean coast around Alexandria experiences slightly more precipitation, but still nothing compared to Britain's winter deluge.

Travel Tip: Pack layers! That lightweight jumper you'd wear for a British summer evening becomes essential for Egyptian winter nights.

February: The Sweet Spot

February represents Egypt's most UK-friendly month, with temperatures ranging from 12°C at night to 23°C during the day—remarkably similar to a glorious British summer's day. The humidity remains blissfully low, making these temperatures feel even more comfortable than they would in Britain's muggy climate.

This month sees Egypt's closest approximation to British weather patterns, with occasional light showers in coastal areas. However, 'occasional' in Egyptian terms means perhaps three days of light drizzle—barely enough to dampen the pavement.

Cultural Note: February coincides with Egypt's peak tourist season, so expect crowds at major attractions, though the weather makes every moment outdoors absolutely delightful.

March: Spring's Arrival

March marks the beginning of Egypt's transition towards its legendary heat. Daytime temperatures climb to 25-27°C—warmer than most British summer days—while nights remain pleasantly cool at 14-16°C.

The Khamsin winds occasionally make their first appearance, bringing dust storms that transform the sky into an otherworldly orange haze. These phenomena, completely foreign to British weather patterns, can reduce visibility dramatically and coat everything in fine desert sand.

Health Precaution: The dry air and occasional dust storms can irritate respiratory systems unaccustomed to such conditions. Consider bringing a light scarf to cover your nose and mouth during dusty periods.

April: Heat's Gentle Introduction

April temperatures reach 28-30°C during the day—equivalent to Britain's most sweltering heatwave conditions, yet this represents merely 'warm' weather by Egyptian standards. Night temperatures settle around 17-19°C, still requiring light layers for evening activities.

Rainfall becomes even scarcer, with most regions receiving zero precipitation. The concept of April showers, so familiar to British weather patterns, simply doesn't exist in Egypt's desert climate.

Packing Advice: Sunscreen becomes absolutely essential. The UV intensity far exceeds anything experienced in the UK, even during our brightest summer days.

May: Summer's Preview

May delivers temperatures of 32-35°C—hotter than Britain's record-breaking heatwaves—yet locals still consider this 'pleasant' weather. Night temperatures hover around 20-22°C, warmer than many British summer days.

The humidity begins its gradual climb, particularly along the coast, though it remains far more bearable than Britain's sticky summer evenings. Inland areas maintain their desert dryness, creating a heat that feels clean and intense rather than oppressive.

Activity Recommendation: Early morning and late afternoon become the optimal times for sightseeing, mirroring the local lifestyle that adapts to the intensifying heat.

June: Summer's Arrival

June marks Egypt's entry into serious summer territory, with temperatures soaring to 35-38°C—conditions that would trigger emergency heatwave protocols in the UK. Night-time offers little respite, with temperatures rarely dropping below 23-25°C.

Coastal areas like Alexandria benefit from Mediterranean breezes, but inland destinations like Luxor and Aswan begin their transformation into furnaces that challenge human endurance.

Essential Tip: Hydration becomes critical. The dry air causes perspiration to evaporate so quickly that dehydration can occur without obvious warning signs.

July: The Furnace Ignites

July temperatures reach 38-42°C in most areas—hotter than the highest temperature ever recorded in the UK. The relentless sun beats down with an intensity that transforms simple activities like walking between air-conditioned buildings into endurance challenges.

Upper Egypt (Luxor, Aswan) experiences even more extreme conditions, with temperatures occasionally exceeding 45°C—hot enough to cause serious heat-related illness in unprepared visitors.

Critical Advice: Limit outdoor activities to early morning (before 9 AM) and evening (after 6 PM). The midday sun poses genuine health risks to those unaccustomed to such extreme conditions.

August: Peak Intensity

August represents Egypt's thermal peak, with temperatures maintaining their 40-42°C range while humidity reaches its annual maximum. The combination creates conditions that feel oppressive even to heat-adapted locals.

Coastal humidity can make temperatures feel even hotter, similar to how British weather feels more uncomfortable when humid, but amplified dramatically. Inland areas, while technically drier, offer little comfort when the thermometer refuses to drop below furnace-like levels.

Health Warning: Heat exhaustion and heatstroke become serious concerns. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, and confusion—seek immediate medical attention if these occur.

September: The First Relief

September brings the first hints of relief, with temperatures dropping to a 'mere' 35-38°C—still hotter than Britain's most extreme heatwaves, but feeling almost cool after August's intensity. Night temperatures begin their gradual descent to 25-27°C.

Humidity starts its seasonal decline, making the heat more bearable. This month often marks the return of European tourists who fled during the peak summer months.

Travel Note: September represents excellent value for money, with lower accommodation prices but still requiring serious heat precautions.

October: Autumn's Gentle Touch

October delivers what many consider Egypt's second-best weather month, with daytime temperatures settling at 30-33°C—equivalent to Britain's hottest summer days but feeling wonderfully moderate after the summer's extremes. Night temperatures drop to a comfortable 20-23°C.

Rainfall remains virtually absent, but the Khamsin winds may return, bringing their characteristic dust storms. These create spectacular sunsets but can disrupt outdoor activities.

Perfect Timing: October offers ideal conditions for exploring archaeological sites and engaging in outdoor activities that would be dangerous during summer months.

November: Comfortable Returns

November temperatures range from 25-28°C during the day to 15-18°C at night—remarkably similar to a perfect British summer's day. The heat becomes genuinely pleasant rather than challenging, allowing for comfortable all-day outdoor exploration.

Humidity drops to its most comfortable levels, creating conditions that feel almost perfect to British sensibilities. The intense UV radiation continues, however, requiring ongoing sun protection measures.

Cultural Insight: November marks the beginning of Egypt's second tourist season, with pleasant weather drawing visitors back to outdoor attractions.

December: Winter's Return

December completes the annual cycle with temperatures returning to 22-25°C during the day and 10-13°C at night. These conditions feel remarkably similar to British spring weather, though with guaranteed sunshine and minimal rainfall.

Occasional showers may occur, particularly along the Mediterranean coast, but these brief episodes feel almost nostalgic to rain-starved British visitors. The total monthly rainfall rarely exceeds what London receives in a single day.

Year-End Reflection: December weather perfectly encapsulates why Egypt attracts British winter sun-seekers—offering warmth and sunshine when the UK endures its darkest, dampest months.

Seasonal Patterns and UK Comparisons

Egypt's weather operates on completely different principles from Britain's maritime climate. Where the UK experiences gradual seasonal transitions influenced by ocean currents and Atlantic weather systems, Egypt's continental desert climate creates sharp contrasts and extreme conditions.

British heatwaves, typically lasting a few days and reaching 30-35°C, represent normal spring and autumn weather in Egypt. Conversely, Egypt's 'winter' temperatures would constitute pleasant summer weather in many parts of Scotland.

Daylight hours vary less dramatically than in the UK, with Egypt maintaining roughly 10-14 hours of daylight year-round compared to Britain's extreme range of 7-17 hours. This consistency, combined with minimal cloud cover, creates an intensity of sunshine unknown in the British Isles.

Essential Travel Recommendations for UK Tourists

Packing Strategy: Layer-capable clothing proves essential, particularly during winter months when temperature variations exceed those experienced in British weather. Lightweight, long-sleeved garments protect against both sun exposure and evening coolness.

Health Precautions: The dry air and intense UV radiation require adaptations foreign to British weather experience. Sunscreen, lip balm, and moisturiser become daily necessities rather than occasional requirements.

Timing Considerations: October through April offers the most comfortable conditions for British visitors, with February and March providing weather most similar to ideal British summer conditions.

Cultural Adaptation: Egyptian daily rhythms adapt to weather patterns—early morning and evening activities, midday rest periods during summer months. Embracing these patterns enhances both comfort and cultural understanding.