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The climate of Egypt
Egypt has a desert climate with very little rainfall, hot summers and
very mild winters. Large differences in temperature occur all year
round within 24 hours. The difference between the minimum temperature
and the maximum temperature within 24 hours is usually 20 degrees
Celsius. In the capital of Cairo and in the seaside resorts along the
Red Sea these differences are smaller. Within 24 hours the difference
in temperature is usually between 11 and 15 degrees Celsius (on
average)
Climate information of places and areas in Egypt
The climate information on this page is only brief. Specific
information about weather and climate can be found on the climate
pages per area or town. As for Egypt the following climate
information is available:
Precipitation
The only form of precipitation that falls in Egypt is rain. Almost all
of the country gets little to hardly any rain. The only region that
gets some rain during the winter months is the northern part of the
country that lies on the Mediterranean Sea. The
Alexandria area gets
about 200 millimeters of rain per year. The capital of
Cairo is
located a little more to the south. Cairo gets about 10 millimeters of
rain per year. This is as much as we get on a rainy day. Still further
to the south rain is very scarce.
Heat
Whoever doesn’t like heat had better avoid Egypt from April till
October. During this period temperatures are around 30 degrees Celsius
(and much higher) in the entire country. During the summer months
temperatures of 40 degrees Celsius in the shade are not uncommon.
During the winter months temperatures are between 20 and 30 degrees
Celsius. In the northern part of the country temperatures are even a
little below 20 degrees Celsius.
Cooling
During the night temperatures may drop in the desert. Be prepared for
this and bring a sweater or a cardigan.
Seawater
The Red Sea which is situated off the eastern part of Egypt is one of
the most popular diving and snorkeling destinations in the world. This
is not only because of the beautiful marine life, but also because of
the pleasantly warm seawater. During the first three months of the
year the temperature of the seawater is ‘only’ 21-22 degrees Celsius.
After this the temperature of the seawater rises to 28 and sometimes
even 29 degrees Celsius in August and September. Not only pleasant for
divers and snorkelers, but also for swimmers and other water sport
enthusiasts.
Winter sun
Winters in Egypt are very pleasant. Along the coast of the Red Sea
sunshine is guaranteed. From November till March Egypt is a perfect
winter sun destination with temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees
Celsius. This is the reason why many Egypt-fans choose this period for
their holiday.
Hot wind: the khamsin
In Europe this phenomenon is known as the sirocco: a very warm wind
from the desert often goes together with desert sand in the air. This
phenomenon happens in Egypt every year around April and causes a lot
of discomfort with people that have sensitive bronchial tubes or
contact lenses. Because the wind can blow freely over the desert these
storms may reach speeds of up to 140 kilometers an hour. Temperatures
may rise up to 20 degrees Celsius within two hours!
Climate figures
The figures below are based on registered long-term meteorological
information and can, as far as possible, be considered
an average for Egypt. The largest
deviations are: more precipitation in northern areas of Egypt; more
sun in the south, higher temperatures in central Egypt.
More climate information
Climate figures are very useful but don’t present a general impression
of the climate and the eventual weather circumstances within a certain
period. The figures don’t always reflect the chance of wintry weather,
extreme heat or hurricanes. That is why we monthly offer useful extra
climate information.
Disclaimer
The information at this site was carefully composed from climate data collected by meteorological services, meteorological offices, climate experts and other sources. “More climate info” is based on statistics, climate data and personal experience. No rights can be derived from this site. Weather has no memory and gives no guaranties. Nothing is as changeable and unpredictable as the weather. The authors of this site feel in no way responsible for any damages caused by misinterpretation or other circumstances that may influence your holiday or trip to a certain destination. We provide information, it’s up to the reader to use it to it’s benefit.
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= 0-5 mm ●
= 6-30 mm ●
= 31-60 mm ●
= 61-100 mm ●
= 101-200 mm ●
=
over 200 mm
