Weather in Cairo in October and November: Guide

Weather in Cairo in October and November moves from late-summer heat to comfortable autumn sunshine, with almost no rain. This guide tracks Cairo weather October November across the two months so you can pick the best dates for sightseeing.

Weather in Cairo in October and November is the transition from summer heat to the most comfortable sightseeing conditions of the year. At the start of October the afternoon sun still feels like summer. By the end of November the air is cool, the evenings need a jacket, and the pyramids are pleasant at any hour. Because the change is so large, the date you choose matters more than the month. This guide tracks the descent checkpoint by checkpoint and explains what the averages hide.

cairo weather october november

Weather in Cairo in October and November: How the City Cools From Hot to Comfortable

Most travelers treat October and November as one block of “good weather”. That is true on average, but it misses a drop of nearly ten degrees between the first and last days of the period. The right date can mean the difference between a morning sweat and a perfect walk, so the sections below break it down.

The Short Version

October: Highs fall from about 32°C at the start to about 28°C by the end, with essentially no rain
November: Highs fall from about 30°C to about 24°C, with a little rain possible late in the month
Nights: Warm in early October, about 14°C to 17°C by November
Humidity: Moderate, around 60%
Sunshine: Plenty, usually 9 to 11 hours a day
Best balance: Late October to mid November

The Short Version

The Descent: From October 1 to November 30

Early October: Still Hot

The first week of October feels like the tail of summer. Afternoon highs reach the low 30s, and the midday sun is strong. Mornings are comfortable, though, and sightseeing before 11 am works well. If you travel now, treat the afternoon as a time for museums, lunch and rest.

Late October: The Turn

The second half of the month is when the change becomes noticeable. Highs settle near 28°C, evenings cool down, and the clocks go back at the end of the month, which pulls sunset closer to 5 pm. This is the first stretch when a full outdoor day feels easy rather than something to endure.

Early November: The Sweet Spot

For many visitors this is the best window of the whole year. Highs sit in the high 20s, the sun is warm but not harsh, and nights are cool without being cold. Long walks at the pyramids and in the old districts are comfortable from morning to late afternoon. For more detail, read Cairo Egypt weather in november and Cairo in november.

Late November: Cool Evenings Return

By the final week, highs are in the mid 20s or lower and the evenings are properly cool. This is the first point in the year when you will want a jacket after sunset. It is also when the first light rain can appear. If you are weighing the colder months that follow, see Cairo weather december january.

The Descent: From October 1 to November 30

October and November Side by Side

Daytime highs: Warmer in October, comfortably mild in November
Evenings: Warm in October, cool in November
Rain: Almost none in October, a little possible in November
Crowds: Moderate in October, building through November
Prices: Rising from October into November as high season begins
Best for: October suits travelers who like warmth, and November suits those who want long outdoor days without heat

If you are comparing the two months for a broader trip, see Egypt holidays in October and Egypt November holidays, and read is november a good time to visit Egypt.

October and November Side by Side

Beyond the Numbers

Humidity

Humidity stays moderate, around 60% on average, and rises slightly into November. It rarely feels oppressive, but it can make the warm days of early October feel a little heavier than the thermometer suggests.

Wind and Dust

A light to moderate breeze is common, and on open sites like the Giza plateau it makes the afternoon feel more comfortable. Strong dusty winds are more typical of spring than autumn, so they are rarely an issue in these months.

Haze

In some years, autumn brings a hazy layer over the city as the air cools and settles. It reduces visibility from viewpoints such as the Cairo Tower. Clear days are still the norm, but if you want skyline photographs, aim for mornings after a breezy night.

First Rain

Rain is essentially absent in October and still rare in November, usually a millimeter or two across the month. When it does fall, Cairo streets can flood quickly, so keep a museum visit in reserve. See the The Egyptian Museum in Cairo and the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC).

Daylight and the Clock Change

Egypt turns the clocks back at the end of October, so sunset moves earlier by about an hour. After that, plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning and early afternoon, and keep evenings for indoor stops.

Beyond the Numbers

A Sightseeing Calendar for Cairo Weather in October and November

Use the weather to decide what goes where.

Early October: Do open-air sites before 11 am, and move to indoor places at midday
Late October: A full day at the pyramids is now comfortable
Early November: Add long walking days in the old districts
Late November: Keep a layer for evenings, and watch for a rare shower

For the open-air heavyweights, see the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and Giza Necropolis. Add Sakkara, Dahshur Pyramids and Memphis City for a quieter second day. The The Grand Egyptian Museum - GEM is now fully open and is a good midday option in early October.

In the city, The Citadel of Saladin, Mosque of Muhammad Ali (The Alabaster Mosque), Al-Muizz Street and Al-Azhar Mosque work well in the cooler weeks. Coptic Cairo is comfortable all period, and Khan el-Khalili Bazaar comes alive in the evenings. Al-Azhar Park is at its best on a clear afternoon. For something different, a Felucca Ride on the Nile near sunset suits these months, and the Pyramids Sound and Light Show is pleasant outdoors, with a light layer.

Which Month Should You Pick?

Warmth lovers: Choose October, especially the last two weeks
Long-walk travelers: Choose early November
Photographers: Choose early to mid November, when the light is soft and the air is usually clear
Families: Choose late October to mid November, when the heat is gone and school-holiday crowds are not yet at their peak
Budget travelers: Choose early to mid October, before high-season rates take hold
Culture seekers: Choose November, when festivals and events are more likely

For tailored planning, see Cairo Tours and Excursions and Egypt Day Tours.

Which Month Should You Pick?

Events and Dates

October 6: Armed Forces Day, a public holiday with some closures and traffic
Late October to early November: The Cairo Jazz Festival has traditionally been held around this time
Mid to late November: The Cairo International Film Festival usually takes place in this window

Event dates can change from year to year, so confirm them before you plan around them. Public holidays can affect opening hours, so check attractions in advance.

Events and Dates

Beyond Cairo

Cairo is milder than the south in these months, and the other regions follow their own patterns. If you plan to travel on, compare Luxor weather in november, Aswan weather in november, Hurghada Egypt weather in november, Marsa Alam weather in november and weather in Alexandria Egypt in november. For the coast, diving in Egypt in november is a good starting point, and for more destinations see places to visit in Egypt in november.

Many travelers pair Cairo with a river journey. See Nile cruise and Pyramids, luxury Nile cruise and Cairo and Luxor and Cairo Alexandria and Nile cruise.

Beyond Cairo

What to Pack

October: Light cotton, a hat, sunglasses and strong sunscreen
November: The same, plus a light jacket or sweater for evenings
Late November: A fleece or windproof layer for after dark
Footwear: Comfortable closed shoes for uneven ground at ancient sites
Respectful dress: Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for mosque visits
Extras: A compact umbrella or light waterproof for the rare rainy day

Crowds and Prices

Crowds and prices rise across the period as Egypt moves into high season. Early October is quieter and cheaper, while late November approaches the busy winter peak. Book hotels and private guides early for November, particularly around the pyramids. If you want to compare the shoulder months before it, see Egypt September holidays, and for what follows, see holidays to Egypt in December.

Crowds and Prices

Name Your Temperature, We Will Name Your Date

Every traveler has a preferred number. If you want to feel the sun on your shoulders, aim for late October, when afternoons sit near 28°C. If you want a day-long walk without a drop of sweat, aim for the second week of November, when it hovers in the mid 20s. If you want the crispest air and the softest light, go in the last days of November with a jacket in your bag. Tell us your number, your travel window and who is coming, and we will match them on WhatsApp. If you would rather design every day yourself, use Plan Tailor-Made Egypt Trip, or browse Egypt Tour Packages first. Bastet Travel will do the rest. What is your number?

Name Your Temperature, We Will Name Your Date

FAQs: Weather in Cairo in October and November

What is the weather in Cairo in October and November?

It is warm to mild, with highs falling from about 32°C in early October to about 24°C by late November. Rain is rare, and sunshine is plentiful.

Is Cairo too hot in October?

Early October can be hot in the afternoon, with highs around 32°C. By late October the weather is comfortable, so visit later in the month if you prefer milder days.

Is November better than October for Cairo weather?

For most travelers, yes. November is cooler and better for long outdoor days, while October suits people who prefer warmth.

Does it rain in Cairo in October and November?

Very little. October is essentially dry and November averages only a millimeter or two, so a shower is possible but unlikely.

What should I wear for Cairo weather October November?

Wear light clothing for the day and carry a light jacket for the evening, especially from late October onward. Add sunscreen and comfortable closed shoes.