The Foundation of the Egyptian Climate
Egypt is defined by a hot desert climate (BWh), categorized by extreme aridity and reliable sunshine. The country essentially operates on a two-season cycle: a mild winter from November to April and a hot summer from May to October. While the Sahara Desert dominates the landscape, the Mediterranean and Red Seas provide crucial moderating influences along the coastlines.
Seasonal Trends and Transitions
Summer (May to October): The Season of Fire
Summers are characterized by intense, direct sunlight and nearly zero precipitation south of the coast.
- Upper Egypt (Luxor/Aswan): Temperatures frequently exceed 41°C (106°F) and can peak near 50°C (122°F). The heat here is extremely dry, often dropping to 10% humidity, which makes the sun feel piercing but prevents the "steamy" sensation of the tropics.
- Lower Egypt (Cairo/Delta): Highs average 34°C to 36°C (93°F–97°F). However, humidity from the Nile and Mediterranean can make the "felt" temperature significantly higher, especially in July and August.
- Coastal Areas: The Mediterranean coast (Alexandria) remains the most pleasant, with highs rarely exceeding 32°C (90°F) thanks to constant northerly sea breezes.
Winter (November to April): The Benevolent Season
Winters are the primary tourist season because the weather is generally mild and crisp.
- Daytime: Most of the country experiences pleasant highs between 18°C and 25°C (64°F–77°F).
- Nighttime: Because the desert sand does not retain heat, temperatures plummet after sunset. In the central and southern deserts, nights can drop to 5°C (41°F) or甚至 near freezing.
- Rainfall: Almost all of Egypt’s annual rain falls during these months, primarily along the Mediterranean strip. Cairo may see a few light drizzles, while the south remains almost entirely bone-dry.
Regional Microclimates
- The Mediterranean Coast: A true Mediterranean climate. It is humid and significantly cooler than the interior during summer. In winter, it can be unexpectedly windy and chilly.
- The Nile Valley: This narrow green strip acts as a humid corridor through the parched desert. Evaporation from the river adds localized humidity that isn't present in the open Sahara.
- The Red Sea Coast (Hurghada/Sharm El Sheikh): A maritime desert climate. The sea acts as a thermal buffer, keeping winters warmer (average 21°C/70°F) and summers slightly less punishing than the interior, though still very hot.
- The Sinai Mountains: This is the only region where snow is a regular winter occurrence, particularly near Mount Catherine, due to the high elevation.
Local Weather Phenomena: The Khamsin
From March to June, Egypt experiences the Khamsin, a hot, dry, sand-laden wind blowing from the south or southwest.
- Characteristics: The wind arrives suddenly, causing temperatures to soar by as much as 15°C to 20°C in a few hours.
- Impact: It creates a dense "yellow fog" of fine dust that can obscure the sun, drop visibility near zero, and reduce humidity to below 5%. Locals describe the air during a Khamsin as feeling "heavy" and "gritty."
Historical Context and Adaptation
Historically, the rise and fall of the Nile (the Inundation) was the primary "climate event" of the year. Modern Egyptians have adapted to the heat through architectural and lifestyle shifts:
- Passive Cooling: Ancient and traditional buildings use thick mud-brick walls and Malqaf (wind catchers)—tall shafts that scoop cool northern breezes and funnel them into the house.
- Daily Rhythm: In the summer, the country follows a bifurcated schedule. Activity peaks in the early morning and late night, with a quiet "siesta" period during the peak heat (1 PM to 5 PM).
- The "Etesian" Winds: The prevailing northerly winds are Egypt's savior. For millennia, they have allowed ships to sail upriver against the Nile's current and continue to provide the only natural relief from the heat in Cairo.
What the Weather "Feels Like"
In the desert regions of the south, the heat feels radiant; you feel the warmth coming off the stones and ground as much as from the sky. In the north and at the Red Sea, the heat can feel heavy due to the moisture. Regardless of the thermometer, the lack of cloud cover means the UV index is consistently high; the sun "bites" more intensely here than in temperate climates at similar temperatures.