Best Time To Visit Giza Pyramids & Cairo In Egypt. With monthly climate data showing average temperatures.

The Giza pyramids are the biggest attraction most people want to visit on their first visit to Egypt. They are arguably the oldest man-made tourist attraction in the world and they represent a critical moment in human civilisation.

Built more than 4500 years ago to house the remains of the Egyptian Pharaohs (Kings), the Giza pyramid complex (also called Giza necropolis ) comprises 3 main pyramids, the Great Spynix and many smaller monuments.

Millions of people visit Egypt each year to visit the pyramids and learn about their very long history as well as be in the presence of something from an unimaginable past for us as modern-day humans.

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giza pyramids wide

In this article, we'll take a look at when you should plan your trip to Cairo and the Giza Pyramids. As Egypt is a desert country visiting in the months when the temperatures are too high could potentially limit how much you will enjoy your trip.

The Giza Necropolis is located west of the Nile just 13 kilometres (8 miles) southwest of Cairo's city centre. Therefore the climate conditions in Cairo are similar to the nearby Giza complex. 

Best Time To Visit Cairo & The Giza Pyramids

The best months for visiting Cairo and the Giza Pyramids is between the months of October and March. This is when the average temperatures are comfortable and you can easily move around and explore the various places.

The difference between the minimum and maximum daily temperature can be more than 10 degrees Celcius (50 F) and the hottest months can have days reaching 40 degrees Celcius (104 F). Going in the slightly cooler months is the best way for you to enjoy the outdoors in comfort.

Related article: Best time to visit Egypt

Cairo Weather Today

Here is a simple embedded weather forecast for Cairo over the next 7 days. Regardless of when you see it, you can see the temperature differences each day. This means that going in a hot period will subject you to uncomfortable heat.

CAIRO WEATHER

General Climate In Cairo, Egypt

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Egyptian Museum in Cairo

Cairo, like much of Egypt, is a desert and generally receives very little rain. The biggest climate factor in Cairo is the temperature.

Here is a simple climate chart for Cairo and the neighbouring Giza pyramids.

MONTHS MIN. TEMP C / (F) MAX. TEMP C / (F) AVERAGE RAIN
Jan 10.5o C / (51o F) 19.4o C / (67o F) 0.1 inches
Feb 11.1o C / (52o F) 20.5o C / (69o F) 0.1 inches
Mar 13.3o C / (56o F) 23.8o C / (75o F) 0.2 inches
Apr 16.1o C / (61o F) 28.3o C / (83o F) 0.1 inches
May 19.4o C / (67o F) 32.2o C / (90o F) 0.0 inches
Jun 22.2o C / (72o F)

35o C / (95o F)

0.0 inches
Jul 23.8o C / (75o F)

35o C / (95o F)

0.0 inches
Aug 23.8o C / (75o F) 35o C / (95o F) 0.0 inches
Sep 22.7o C / (73o F) 33.8o C / (93o F) 0.0 inches
Oct 19.4o C / (67o F) 30o C / (86o F) 0.1 inches
Nov 15.5o C / (60o F) 25o C / (77o F) 0.2 inches
Dec 11.6o C / (53o F) 20.5o C / (69o F) 0.2 inches

As you can see, the best months are when will be able to comfortably be outdoors, which is between mid-October and March.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you visit the pyramids without a tour guide?

Yes, it is possible to go on a visit to the pyramids without a tour guide. If you want to learn more about the pyramids and the stories behind them, a tour guide is advised since he/she will be more knowledgeable about the pyramids than you as a visitor.

2. What is the recommended dress code for the pyramids?

Most Egyptians are Muslims with a modest dress code, and we advise dressing modestly out of respect. While most people in tourist places will not have big expectations for you to dress in a certain way, covering up from the neck to the knees is a very respectful thing to do.

Should your trip to Egypt happen during the Ramadan fasting season, you should observe the dress code even more strictly - for respect reasons.

3. What time is the Light Show at the pyramids?

The Sound and Light Show happens every day for 1 hour in the evening. In a hotter season (summer) the shows start a bit later, at 7:30 p.m. while they often start at 6:30 p.m. in winter.

Even if you would have visited the pyramids during the day, the light and sound show is a great performance to take you on an experience of thousands of years ago.

4. Can you walk on the pyramids?

Some years back, people would have been able to climb the pyramids freely but it is now illegal. Offenders can be prosecuted and might face up to 3 years in jail and be banned from ever visiting Egypt.

Beyond the law prohibiting it, the pyramids are a symbol of history and heritage for Egyptians, and therefore we think it is inappropriate and disrespectful for them. If we don't uphold and adjust to new cultures and people's ways, we could easily miss the best thing about travel - and life.

Final Thoughts

Even if you don't already live in a country where average temperatures are higher than 25oC (77oF) degrees, Cairo's hot months might take the fun out of exploring the pyramids and nearby sites.

In Summary, Cairo's rainfall is nothing to worry about since it is mostly non-existent but the temperature is a big consideration.

Planning your trip in the appropriate months will make sure that you don't spend your days in Cairo hiding inside the hotel but rather exploring the outside, from the pyramids and museums to the markets and restaurants.

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