Alexandria Climate Guide: Weather by Season & Local Life

Alexandria is Egypt’s atmospheric outlier. Unlike the arid, sun-baked landscape of the interior, this coastal metropolis is governed by a classic Mediterranean climate. Here, the weather is more than a backdrop; it is a rhythmic presence that dictates the pace of life from the breezy Corniche to the historic cafes of the Greek Quarter.

Seasonal Trends and Atmosphere

Winter (December – February) Winter is when Alexandria shows its true character. Known by Egyptians as the "Rainiest City," it receives more precipitation than the rest of the country combined. Temperatures typically range from 50°F (10°C) to 65°F (18°C). While days are often sunny, the season is defined by frequent, short-lived Mediterranean storms that transform the city’s mood. When a storm hits, the Mediterranean Sea can become violent, with waves crashing against the sea walls and salt spray reaching the coastal road.

Spring (March – May) Spring is a season of rapid transition. Temperatures climb into the 68°F (20°C) to 77°F (25°C) range. The air is crisp and clear, though this season is also the time of the Khamsin (see Specialty Phenomena below). By late April, the sea begins to lose its winter chill, and the city’s parks, especially the Montaza Gardens, come into full bloom.

Summer (June – August) Summer attracts millions of Egyptians escaping the sweltering heat of Cairo and Luxor. While daytime highs reach 85°F (30°C) to 90°F (32°C), the heat is significantly moderated by a consistent northerly sea breeze. However, humidity is at its peak during these months, making the air feel "heavier" and more muggy, especially in August. Evenings are the cultural highlight, as the city stays awake late into the night to enjoy the cooling maritime winds.

Autumn (September – November) Many locals consider autumn the "golden season." The humidity of summer dissipates, and temperatures settle into a comfortable 65°F (18°C) to 80°F (27°C). The Mediterranean remains warm enough for swimming until late October, and the sky takes on a deep, clear blue as the summer haze lifts.

The Daily Rhythm

Alexandria’s weather follows a strict diurnal cycle influenced by the sea.

• The Morning Mist: In the early morning hours, particularly in spring and autumn, a light maritime fog often rolls in from the sea, blanketing the coastline before burning off by 10:00 AM.
• The Sea Breeze (Al-Nasseem): Around midday, a thermal wind kicks in. As the land heats up faster than the water, cool air is pulled in from the Mediterranean, preventing the city from reaching the extreme temperatures found just a few miles inland.
• Nighttime Cooling: Because of the water’s moderating effect, night temperatures rarely drop as precipitously as they do in the desert. Expect a stable, mild evening atmosphere year-round.

Unique Weather Phenomena

• The Nuwa (Winter Storms): Unlike generic rain, Alexandria experiences specific, named storms known as Nuwa. These are cyclonic weather events that locals track by a traditional nautical calendar. Each Nuwa (like the Nuwat al-Karam or "The Generous Storm") has its own expected duration and intensity, often bringing heavy rain and high winds.
• The Khamsin: Primarily occurring in the spring, this hot, dust-laden wind blows from the Sahara Desert. For a few days, it can push temperatures up by 20°F in just a few hours and cast a yellow hue over the city.
• The Mediterranean Microclimate: There is a distinct climatic divide in the city. Along the Corniche, it can feel up to 5°F cooler due to the direct impact of the sea breeze. Move two miles inland toward the Smouha or Amreya districts, and the humidity increases as the wind loses its cooling force.

Local Experience and Adaptation

Locals have a deep-seated respect for the sea's temper. In winter, the city adapts by shifting social life indoors to cozy, high-ceilinged cafes like Trianon or Brazilian Coffee Stores. In summer, the coastal road (The Corniche) essentially becomes the city's living room; thousands of residents park chairs along the sidewalk to "breathe the air," a ritual known as shamm el-hawa. The weather is a constant topic of conversation, specifically the timing of the next Nuwa, which dictates when fishermen stay in harbor and when the city prepares for potential street flooding.