Question 1

What was the hottest day in Cairo in 2024?

Accepted Answer

The hottest day in Cairo in 2024 was June 14, when temperatures soared to an extreme 47.0°C (116.6°F). This scorching day came during an intense early summer heatwave that gripped the Egyptian capital.

June 2024 proved to be Cairo's hottest month of the year, with average daily highs reaching 42.1°C (107.9°F). The heatwave in early to mid-June produced four consecutive days with temperatures above 45°C (113°F), including June 15 at 46.7°C (116.1°F), June 7 at 45.8°C (114.4°F), and June 6 at 45.4°C (113.7°F).

Throughout 2024, Cairo experienced 88 days with maximum temperatures at or above 40°C (104°F), concentrated primarily from May through September. The summer months from June to August saw average daily highs of 41.3°C (106.4°F), making outdoor activities extremely challenging during midday hours.

On the record-breaking June 14, humidity dropped to just 31%, which is typical for Cairo's dry desert climate during extreme heat events. Visitors and residents alike should plan indoor activities during the hottest afternoon hours in summer, typically between 12 PM and 4 PM. Staying hydrated and wearing sun protection is essential when temperatures in Cairo reach these extreme levels.

Question 2

What is the sunniest time of year in Cairo?

Accepted Answer

Cairo enjoys its sunniest conditions during the summer months, with June being the peak sunshine month. In 2024, June recorded 400.5 hours of sunshine—an average of 13.3 hours of sun per day.

The summer season from June to August is Cairo's brightest period, delivering a total of 1,174.3 hours of sunshine across 92 days. This translates to approximately 12.8 hours of daily sunshine on average. July follows closely behind June with 394.4 hours of total sunshine (12.7 hours per day), while August contributed 379.4 hours to the summer total.

During Cairo's sunniest months, temperatures are also at their highest. June 2024 averaged 31.4°C (88.5°F), while July reached 31.7°C (89.0°F). For those seeking bright skies with slightly cooler temperatures, May offers an excellent alternative with 387.8 hours of sunshine and average temperatures of 26.4°C (79.6°F).

Cairo's year-round sunshine is remarkable, with the city receiving 3,833.2 total hours of sun in 2024. Even the least sunny month—February—still recorded 228.7 hours. For visitors and residents planning outdoor activities, the period from May through September provides the most reliable sunny conditions in Cairo, though the intense summer heat should be taken into account when scheduling extended outdoor time.

Question 3

How much total rainfall did Cairo receive in 2024?

Accepted Answer

Cairo received just 23.4 mm (0.92 inches) of total rainfall throughout 2024, making it one of the driest major cities in the world. This extremely low annual precipitation reflects the city's arid desert climate.

The rainfall distribution in Cairo during 2024 was highly seasonal. January was the wettest month, recording 12.5 mm of precipitation, followed by March with 5.2 mm and February with 3.3 mm. The single rainiest day occurred on January 25, 2024, when Cairo received 5.5 mm of rainfall.

Five consecutive months—May through September—were completely dry with zero measurable precipitation. This extended dry period spans the late spring through early autumn, when Cairo experiences its hottest temperatures and virtually no rainfall. Summer 2024 (June to August) recorded absolutely no precipitation.

Cairo experienced measurable rainfall on only 25 days throughout the entire year. The winter months (January, February, and December) accounted for 16.4 mm of the annual total, representing about 70% of all precipitation for the year. This concentration of rainfall in the cooler months is typical for Cairo's Mediterranean-influenced desert climate.

Visitors planning outdoor activities in Cairo should note that rain is extremely rare, especially from May to September. However, the occasional winter showers, while infrequent, can briefly disrupt outdoor plans during the cooler months.

Question 4

What is the annual temperature range in Cairo?

Accepted Answer

Cairo experiences a dramatic annual temperature range of 41.8°C (75.2°F), reflecting the city's hot desert climate with distinct seasonal contrasts. In 2024, temperatures varied from a low of 5.2°C (41.4°F) in late March to a scorching high of 47.0°C (116.6°F) in mid-June.

During the summer months from June to August, Cairo's average temperature reached 31.2°C (88.1°F). Daily highs during this period averaged 41.3°C (106.4°F), while nighttime temperatures remained warm at around 19.9°C (67.9°F). The hottest day of 2024 occurred on June 14th, when temperatures peaked at 47.0°C (116.6°F).

Winter in Cairo (January, February, and December 2024) brought considerably milder conditions with an average temperature of 15.9°C (60.7°F). Daily highs during winter averaged 22.8°C (73.0°F), while morning lows dropped to around 9.7°C (49.5°F). The coldest temperature of 2024 was recorded on March 23rd at 5.2°C (41.4°F).

This 15.3°C (27.5°F) difference between summer and winter average temperatures makes Cairo's climate highly seasonal. Visitors should plan accordingly: lightweight, breathable clothing is essential during summer, while a light jacket may be needed for winter evenings when temperatures can feel cool, especially in the early morning hours.

Kafr Fârouqî

Cairo

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FAQ

What was the hottest day in Cairo in 2024?

What is the sunniest time of year in Cairo?

How much total rainfall did Cairo receive in 2024?

What is the annual temperature range in Cairo?