When to Go to Cairo

When to Go to Cairo

Summers can be oppressive in Cairo. The best time to visit is the cooler season, from November through March.

Egypt's climate is characterized by hot and dry summers, which last from the end of April until the beginning of October. Spring is very short, if not nonexistent. Winter is mild, but nights do get cool. Generally speaking, it doesn't rain in Egypt.

The most important time of year to keep in mind is the 50 days of the khamseen, between the end of March and mid-May, when dust storms whip up occasionally and blot out the sky.

Holidays

Egypt's national holidays include Sinai Liberation Day (Apr. 25), Labor Day (May 1), Evacuation Day (June 18), and Revolution Day (July 23).

The Muslim lunar calendar is normally 10 to 11 days earlier than the Gregorian year. The month of Ramadan lasts from 28 to 30 days and entails fasting—no food, water, or smoking—from dawn to sunset. It's followed by Eid al-Fitr, known as the "small feast" in English. The "big feast" is Eid al-Adha, which occurs at the end of the Pilgrimage Period. The other two main Muslim holidays are the Muslim New Year (in late March or early April), and the Prophet Muhammad's birthday (falling anywhere between late May and late June). Coptic holidays are observed by Coptic citizens only. They are Christmas (Jan. 7), Baptism (Jan. 20), Palm Sunday (the Sunday before Easter), and Easter.

Unless you're a night owl by nature, you probably won't want to schedule your trip to Egypt during Ramadan. Everything slows down dramatically and even minor errands are difficult to accomplish. Museums and other tourist destinations, as well as government offices, usually have shortened working hours; eating out during the day is limited to five-star hotels; and getting anywhere between noon and sunset is impossible, as everyone rushes home to shop and prepare the meal to break the fast. At night it's a different story, as the streets come alive with people socializing and celebrating until the dawn meal.