Cairo, Egypt: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Cairo, Egypt? If you're planning to go to Cairo, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Cairo
- Important essentials for Cairo
- Activities for Cairo
- Cairo in January: weather and what to pack
- Cairo in February: weather and what to pack
- Cairo in March: weather and what to pack
- Cairo in April: weather and what to pack
- Cairo in May: weather and what to pack
- Cairo in June: weather and what to pack
- Cairo in July: weather and what to pack
- Cairo in August: weather and what to pack
- Cairo in September: weather and what to pack
- Cairo in October: weather and what to pack
- Cairo in November: weather and what to pack
- Cairo in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Cairo, Egypt
Based on the climate and weather in Cairo, the best time to go is November. See below for details.
Important essentials for Cairo, Egypt
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Cairo, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
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N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection you can have.
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(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
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Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
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A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may wear away. An unreadable vaccination card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
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Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
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Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
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Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly choice.
General health necessities
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Emergency water purifier
Some areas of this country may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's important to have an emergency water purifier like this one.
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Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb value.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
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Money/passport pouch
Pickpocketing is an issue here, so wear a money pouch.
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and F. This one should be appropriate for most locations, but you should check with your hotel.
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Emergency phone
For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Cairo may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.
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For families with young children
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Airplane or car necessities
What to wear/what to pack for Cairo, Egypt by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Cairo is cool. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
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Extra socks
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Dresses
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Standard footwear
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Pants or jeans
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Long sleeve shirts or blouses
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Light jacket or fleece
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Light and heavy skirts
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A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
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100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
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Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in heavy rain.
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Waterproof phone bag
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Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
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Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
February
February in Cairo is balmy and dry with little rain. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 50s F (single digits C). With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 40% to 50% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
March
If you go to Cairo in March, you will notice that it is balmy and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
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Sandals
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Long and short sleeve shirts
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Extra socks
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Light dresses
You can find some great options here
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Light skirts
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Short pants or heavy shorts
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Bug repellent
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Breathable footwear or sandals
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Sunscreen lotion
April
If you are traveling to Cairo in April, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
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Sunscreen lotion
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Breathable footwear or sandals
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Light dresses
You can find some great options here
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Bug repellent
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Long and short sleeve shirts
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Extra socks
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Sandals
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Light skirts
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Short pants or heavy shorts
May
If you vacation in Cairo during May, you will probably see that it is consistently hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C). Humidity is generally between 20 and 30% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
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Sunglasses
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Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
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Waterproof sandals
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Loose-fit shorts
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Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
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Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
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Bug repellent
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Skirts
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Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from skin damage:
June
June in Cairo is unbearably hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
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High-SPF sunscreen lotion
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Sun protecting pants
These will keep your legs protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
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Cooling tank or crop tops
These are developed to help you stay cool:
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Lightweight 'harem' pants
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Personal cooling fan
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Sunglasses
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Bug repellent
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Insulated water bottle
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Skirts
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Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are developed to cool you and can provide UV protection.
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Thin short sleeve shirts
Remember to pack additional, since these get wet or dirty.
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Waterproof sandals
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Light linen shorts
July
If you are traveling to Cairo in July, you will notice that it is unbearably hot and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (mid 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sun protecting pants/skirts
These will keep your legs safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
Don't forget bring additional, as these easily get wet or dirty.
-
Insulated water bottle
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are engineered for cooling:
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are developed to keep you cool and include UV protection.
-
Light linen shorts
August
If you vacation in Cairo during August, you are likely to notice that it is really hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 30 and 40% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against the sun:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
September
September for Cairo is constantly hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (low 30s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against UV rays:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
October
If you are traveling to Cairo in October, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
November
If you vacation in Cairo during November, you will probably see that it is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
December
If you vacation in Cairo during December, you might find that it is balmy and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (high 10s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Activities for Cairo, Egypt
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Cairo.
If you see the Egyptian Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
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Comfy walking shoes
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Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
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Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Castle hopping? For Abdeen Palace, take:
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Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you can carry your stuff.
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