Cairo weather in December
“Mild and bright — an underrated time to visit.”
Roughly 1 rainy days across the month, on average.
December is one of Cairo's best months weather-wise. Daytime temperatures hover around 21.7°C (71°F), while nights cool to 11.2°C (52°F). Rain is virtually non-existent with just 4.8mm across 1.3 rainy days, and you'll enjoy abundant sunshine with 9.1 hours daily. This crisp, dry climate makes exploring Egypt's ancient monuments comfortable and enjoyable without the extreme heat of summer.
December brings a festive atmosphere to Cairo as winter holidays approach. Tourist crowds begin building mid-month, but it's still manageable compared to peak season. The city's cultural calendar features various exhibitions and events, and locals enjoy outdoor cafes and evening strolls along the Nile. The weather encourages wandering through Khan El-Khalili bazaar and visiting open-air archaeological sites without exhaustion.
For 2026 travelers, December offers excellent value before Christmas premium pricing kicks in. Book accommodation early if visiting after December 20th. The mild temperatures mean you can pack light layers and explore from dawn to dusk. This is genuinely one of Cairo's most visitor-friendly months.
Zamalek and Maadi are expat bubbles; real Cairo food is at Abou Tarek koshari, Zooba modern Egyptian, or the ful stalls at Fishawi Alley in Khan el-Khalili at 6am. The Cairo metro women-only carriage is at the front; sit there if solo. Never accept a papyrus scroll from a Giza tout, and camel prices are always 10 percent of the opening ask. Uber works better than any white taxi haggle.
What to pack for Cairo in December
Pack layers for Cairo's December climate. Mornings and evenings require a light jacket, but midday sun is warm. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring archaeological sites and bustling markets. Sunscreen and sunglasses protect against strong UV rays despite cooler temperatures.
- Lightweight linen shirt
- Cotton cardigan or light sweater
- Comfortable walking shoes (leather or canvas)
- Wide-brimmed sun hat
- Sunglasses with UV protection
What to pack for Cairo in December
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Where to stay in Cairo
We don't review individual hotels — plenty of people do that well. What we do is send you to compare rooms in Cairo across trusted platforms.
Compare hotels on Booking.com→Estimated December trip to Cairo
Peak season prices — book early or shift by 2–3 weeks to save. Rule-based estimates from a couple based in London — actual prices vary.
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Delayed flight to Cairo?
Flights to Cairo in December can be delayed by storms. Claim up to €600 if yours is 3+ hours late. EU regulations cover flights departing from or arriving in the EU/UK.
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Things worth doing
Explore the Egyptian Museum and Giza Pyramids, wander Khan El-Khalili bazaar, cruise the Nile at sunset, visit the Citadel of Saladin.
December vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in Cairo. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit Cairo
While December has its own character in Cairo, the data-backed best months to visit Cairo are February, March, April, November. These months combine the most favourable temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine across an 11-year climate record (2015–2025).
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for CairoOther places with a similar climate right now
Cairo in December — FAQ
Q01Is December a good month for Cairo?
Is December a good month for Cairo?
Yes — this is one of the best months of the year to visit. In December, Cairo averages a high of 22°C (71°F) and a low of 11°C (52°F), with 5mm of rainfall across roughly 1 rainy days. Late October when Khamaseen dust winds end, Nile felucca sails fill again, and Giza plateau temperatures let you actually enter the Great Pyramid without collapsing.
Q02How warm does Cairo get in December?
How warm does Cairo get in December?
The average high temperature in Cairo during December is 22°C (71°F), with an average low of 11°C (52°F). These figures are averaged from 11 complete years of daily records (2015–2025, Open-Meteo Archive). January mornings in Old Cairo hit 8C with no indoor heating; koshari joints steam up and Coptic Christmas January 7 fills Abbasseya cathedral.
Q03Does it rain a lot in Cairo in December?
Does it rain a lot in Cairo in December?
Cairo averages approximately 1 rainy days in December, with a total monthly rainfall of about 5mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What clothes should I bring to Cairo in December?
What clothes should I bring to Cairo in December?
For Cairo in December, pack layered clothing for changing temperatures, sunscreen and sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on 11 complete years of weather averages for this specific month. A cotton scarf for the pyramid interiors and mosques; bat guano dust inside the Bent Pyramid coats your lungs otherwise.
Q05Are there many tourists in Cairo in December?
Are there many tourists in Cairo in December?
Tourist crowds in Cairo during December are typically moderate — winter is high season for tropical destinations. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely. Zamalek and Maadi are expat bubbles; real Cairo food is at Abou Tarek koshari, Zooba modern Egyptian, or the ful stalls at Fishawi Alley in Khan el-Khalili at 6am. The Cairo metro women-only carriage is at the front; sit there if solo. Never accept a papyrus scroll from a Giza tout, and camel prices are always 10 percent of the opening ask. Uber works better than any white taxi haggle.