From the lazy banks of the Nile to the ancient sites to the rich history that spans over 5,000 years, Cairo is an intoxicating city to visit at any time of the year! But in the summer months (mid-June through mid-September), it can be a bit… sweaty.
During the summer months, Cairo’s average temperature ranges between 34-36°C (mid-90s °F), and can reach above 40°C (104°F) during a heat wave! With varying levels of humidity (from marginally humid to very humid), the heat index can be detrimental to any visitors wanting to experience all that Cairo has to offer. In my experience, cool evenings were sometimes present, but not guaranteed.
However, it’s possible to still enjoy Cairo, even when the summer sizzles.
First of all, here are some practical tips for beating the heat:
- Be sure to stay hydrated! Your body will need it, as it will shed water to help it to stay cool (otherwise known as sweat). Water is best, and be wary of too many cold Cola Zeros which can actually dehydrate you more!
- Wear loose and light clothing. Black absorbs heat, and jeans are just thick. Look for breathable fabrics; Linen and cotton are your friends here. For women, dresses (knee-length or below) are also savior. It does cool down in the evening, so feel free to bring a light jacket or scarf in case the wind gets to you. I didn’t need them, but that’s me.
- Wear sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat. Protect yourself from that strong Egyptian sun, particularly if you are looking to enjoy some camel rides.
- Visit outdoor tourist sites early, in the cooler hours of the morning. Try to avoid these sites in the hottest part of the day. This is highly recommended for the Pyramids of Giza, but applies for any outdoor sites.
Even though the afternoon sun can be oppressive, there are still some fabulous ways to enjoy yourself in the heat, while getting to know what makes Cairo unique.
1. Enjoy some fresh mango or watermelon
Summer is peak mango and watermelon season in Egypt. On almost every street corner, you will find a fruit and juice shop. You can get fresh cut mango or watermelon from the fridge to munch on your walk, or you can ask for them for all kinds of fresh juices – also just as tantalizing! They can also mix any fresh fruit together to make a juice cocktail. One morning I had mango and orange mixed, which really hit the spot. It’s also incredibly cheap, running at around 30-40 Egyptian pounds (less than $1 USD).
2. Visit the Grand Egyptian Museum
Under construction since 2002, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) opened in late 2024 (12 years late!). It’s located in Giza, about 1.2km from the Pyramids (and with an amazing view of them). It holds over 100,000 artifacts from ancient Egyptian civilization. It also has air conditioning!
Spend a few hours here learning about ancient Egyptians from the prehistoric times through the Greco-Roman empires. I was particularly impressed with how meticulously the artifacts were restored. It’s amazing.
As of writing, parts of it are still being finished, including the full King Tutankhamun collection. But visitors can see the main gallery, children’s museum and wander through the grounds, which will soon host events, conferences and will connect to a wider Giza plateau project known as Giza 2030.
Alternatively, you can visit other museums, but be aware – not all may have air conditioning, particularly older buildings (the Egyptian Museum at Tahrir Square does NOT have AC. I learned the hard way…).
3. Enjoy a Felucca ride on the Nile (followed by a sundowner)
The Nile is not one of the most important rivers in the world for just commerce! It also provides access to a lovely breeze, particularly in the sunset hours. One of the best ways to experience the Nile is to commandeer (or at least let someone else commandeer) a felucca, a traditional wooden sail boat with an open deck. Some boats continue to be sailed by human power, while other boats traverse the Nile up and down with motorized power. There’s even a Ferrari car boat (if that’s your fancy)!
Most Nile river cruise tours are around 1 hour long, and can be arranged in advance through a tour group (or your hotel), or alternatively you can wander to the river banks in Garden City or in Maadi and negotiate with a sailor in person.
Costs can run anywhere from 900 Egyptian pounds (~$18 USD) and upwards for the whole boat, depending on how fancy of a boat you prefer. The cheaper ones likely won’t provide any amenities (e.g. water, food, alcohol), but you can bring it with you. If you would prefer to bring alcohol, be sure to ask the felucca Captain before, as it could be considered haram (unacceptable).
Alternatively, there are several Nile dinner cruises available, such as Nile Maxim or Cafelucca, should you be inclined to combine a cruise on the Nile with some sustenance.
Either way, you should make sure to end your cruise on the Nile with a riverside and/or rooftop refreshment afterwards. Some of the most highly recommended include:
- Carlo’s Le Pacha 1901
- Crimson Bar and Grill
- Almost any hotel situated along the Nile (I’m particular to Rooftop Zamalek on the Nile Zamalek Hotel for its “dive bar with a view” vibes, but Estro in the Royal Maadi Hotel or Bar Promenade in the Sofitel Gezirah Zamalek are also great options).
4. Sit yourself by a hotel pool
As with any summer location, often the best place to be is by the water. In Egypt, you have the option of being by the Nile (as noted above), but it’s not the only choice.
Being by/in a pool is also a great option, particularly to pass by the warmest hours of the afternoon (under an umbrella, of course). If you are fortunate enough to be staying in a hotel with a pool, consider yourself lucky and just dive in and enjoy!
Alternatively, for those without pools, the good news is that there are many options to purchase a day pass to a pool, including some with a view over the Nile!
I gave myself a treat to the Intercontinental Seramis Hotel while in Cairo, where the day pass cost 1,900 EGP (or about $38 USD), and was accompanied with a cabana, fresh towels, music and even a belly dancer! Drinks and food were, of course, at additional cost. It was definitely a lovely way to beat the heat!
My research also found other options at varying price ranges, including:
- Kempinski Nile Hotel
- Sofitel Gezireh
- Steigenberger Pyramids Cairo Hotel (amazing pyramid views by the pool!)
- Renaissance Cairo Mirage City Hotel
- Villa Belle Epoque Maadi
Your best bet would be to call the hotel to confirm the price, which can change depending on if its a weekend or weekday, and can also change depending on when it is in the summer.
Yalla, get your splash in!
5. Get out of town! (to Alexandria!)
If the heat really just gets to you, then the best option is probably just to get away! Even if just for a night! If this is the case, I could not recommend Alexandria enough. Located on the northern Mediterranean coast of Egypt, its a 3 hour journey (by train or by car) that brings you from heat and humidity to the cooler sea breeze of the Mediterranean. Egyptians from Cairo also call this their perfect summer escape.
With it comes fresh seafood, beachside restaurants, and gorgeous sunsets. There are a number of hotels (Sheraton, Hilton, and Four Seasons, among others) along the corniche, some with their own public beaches, and pools of course.
Alexandria has plenty of historical sites to see as well, but if the heat is what you are trying to run away from, I could not recommend the northern Mediterranean coast more.
Some people think that the Middle East is not the best to travel to in the summer. While it’s true that it is indeed HOT, there’s still plenty to whet your pleasure.
Yalla! Let’s go!
Angela was born and raised in the United States, but has spent the last 15 years of her life travelling around the globe as a humanitarian, responding to some of the world worst crises. She spent the last 11 years of her life travelling around the Middle East, supporting the humanitarian crisis in Syria. All of this work only spurred on her love of travel. Angela has now been to almost 50 countries, 8 of which are in the Middle East region. Yalla Habibti was born out of a deep love for the Middle East, and a desire to bring the beauty, history and culture of this region to encourage more women to visit! Angela still works full time as a humanitarian as well as providing advice and recommendations here on Yalla Habibti.
