The climate of Giza is characterised by arid desert conditions. The average annual temperature is 22.1 °C (71.7 °F) and the annual rainfall is only 18 mm.
According to Köppen-Geiger, this region is classified as ‘BWh’ and receives almost no rain all year round. In summer, daytime temperatures reach up to 40 °C, while nighttime temperatures are usually around 20 °C. In winter, daytime highs are 16-18 °C and nighttime lows are 7 °C.
The driest period here is May. Almost no rain falls in Giza in this month. The maximum rainfall is in January, with an average of 5 mm.
Sphinx Airport Weather
The meteorological data of Sphinx International Airport, which serves Giza, basically coincides with the climate of Cairo. The average annual temperature in Cairo is 22.1 °C and the annual rainfall is 18 mm. Sphinx Airport has the same hot desert climate.
Giza Weather Overview
Giza is a city known for its hot desert climate. It has extremely dry and hot summers and mild, relatively cool winters. The average annual temperature is 22.1 °C, while the total annual rainfall is as little as 18 mm.
This is why there are almost no green areas in this city. At the end of spring and the beginning of the summer period (end of June-end of September) temperatures reach their highest values of the year.
In March and April, dusty winds from the Sahara are frequent. Visibility is noticeably reduced during these periods. Air quality may deteriorate. During the summer months there is no wind and humidity is extremely low.
Average maximum temperatures in Giza
January: 19.2 °C
February: 21.1 °C
March: 24.9 °C
April: 29,0 °C
May: 33.1 °C
June: 35.8 °C
July: 36.8 °C
August: 36.6 °C
September: 34.5 °C
October: 30.4 °C
November: 25.5 °C
December: 20.8 °C
Average relative humidity in Giza
January: 54 %
February: 47 %
March: 42 %
April: 37 %
May: 36 %
June: 40 %
July: 45 %
August: 47 %
September: 48 %
October: 52 %
November: 54 %
December: 55 %
Average rainfall in Giza
January: 5 mm
February: 4 mm
March: 3 mm
April: 1 mm
May: 0 mm
June: 0 mm
July: 0 mm
August: 0 mm
September: 0 mm
October: 1 mm
November: 2 mm
December: 2 mm
Average daily sunshine
Monthly Average Daily Sunshine Duration
January: 7 hours 0 minutes
February: 6 hours 5 minutes
March: 9 hours 3 minutes
April: 11 hours 5 minutes
May: 12 hours 1 minute
June: 12 hours 2 minutes
July: 12 hours 2 minutes
August: 12 hours 3 minutes
September: 11 hours 1 minute
October: 8 hours 5 minutes
November: 7 hours 1 minute
December: 6 hours 5 minutes
Summer Weather on the Giza
Giza’s summer period is from late June to late September. Daytime temperatures during these months are usually in the range of 38-40 °C. The highest average maximum temperature is 36.9 °C in July.
Night temperatures are a little cooler. The average temperature at night is around 20 °C.
There is almost no rain in Giza during the summer. The summer is completely dry. Contrary to expectations, the relative humidity never drops to single digit levels. In June-August there is an average humidity of 45-60%. This makes the dry air very muggy.
Sunbathing time is up to 12 hours a day in the summer months. Windless and clear sky conditions, combined with low humidity and high temperatures during the day, make thermal comfort more difficult.
It is therefore better to plan for outdoor activities in the early morning and late afternoon. All in all, Giza’s summer has all the characteristics of a desert climate.
What to pack for a summer on the Giza?
Lightweight and breathable cotton or linen T-shirts
Wide-brimmed sun hat and good quality sunglasses
High-factor (SPF 30+) sunscreen cream
Thin, long-sleeved shirt or shawl (for sun protection)
Comfortable, open shoes (slippers or sandals)
Water bottle and moisture-wicking wipes
A thin cardigan or shawl for the evening chill Winter Weather on the Giza
Winter Weather on the Giza
The winter season at Giza lasts from December to March. This period marks the transition from the lingering warmth of autumn to the mild, dry cold typical of the desert climate. Daily maximum temperatures are usually between 16 °C and 18 °C (61-64 °F). In January, the coldest month, the average daytime temperature is about 18 °C. On overcast days, the temperature rarely drops below 16 °C. After sunset in the evening, temperatures range between 7 °C and 13 °C.
Giza receives only about 18 mm of rainfall per year. Most of this rainfall occurs in winter. Large-scale sandstorms are rare in winter. However, occasional strong winds carry desert sand and cause reduced visibility.
Relative humidity is between 55% and 65%. It is quite humid here in winter. Sunlight is still abundant. The daily average of 6 hours of sunshine in December increases to more than 8 hours by March. So you can visit the pyramids without the scorching summer heat, enjoying clear and bright days. In general, winter in Giza has the mildest and most pleasant conditions for outdoor excursions.
What do I pack for a winter on the Giza?
Thin woollen or cotton long-sleeved sweaters
Thin jacket or coat
Comfortable jeans or trousers
Closed shoes or boots
Thin scarf and beanie (especially for the evening)
Rainfall is rare, but again pack a thin raincoat and a foldable umbrella.
Sunglasses and cream to prevent sun poisoning during the day
Giza Dust Storms
Dust storms in and around Giza are caused by strong winds lifting fine dust particles carried from the Sahara Desert into the air, especially in spring and with the effect of the Khamaseen winds.
These storms seriously reduce visibility. During this period, transport is disrupted and agricultural yields are adversely affected.
Due to particulate matter exposure, people with respiratory diseases are seriously affected in these dust storms. N95 masks and air purifiers with HEPA filters are recommended for protection.
The most intense dust storms in the Giza region occur in March-April with strong Khamaseen winds blowing from the north of Africa.
These storms usually occur between 15 March and 30 April. During these periods, the number of sunny days increases and humidity drops below 10%.
Wind speeds are between 60-90 km/hour in places. Khamaseen storms do not only carry dust.
They also cause temperature fluctuations by preventing the sun’s rays from reaching the earth.
When you should visit Giza?
December-February is when the average daytime maximum in Giza is between 18-20 °C. At night, the air temperature drops to 10 °C. This period is the most suitable period for trip planning.
This is the period when most of the annual rainfall occurs. y However, even in January, daily rainfall rarely exceeds 1 mm.
The tourist intensity during this period is low except for the first week of December and the New Year period. In this way, you can capture calmer environments for photography and guided tours.
The climate of Giza is desert climate. It is extremely hot in summer and mild in winter. In general, daytime temperatures between October and April are between 18-30 °C. This air temperature is ideal for outdoor excursions. Temperatures are more reasonable during this period. I recommend you to visit Giza during this period. You can avoid both the extreme heat of summer and the tourist intensity to a great extent.
Winter (December-February)
December-February is a cool but comfortable season in Giza, with average daytime maxima between 18-20 °C and nighttime lows down to 10 °C.
Rainfall during this period increases slightly in January to make up the bulk of the annual total. However, even daily rainfall rarely exceeds 1 mm. Tourist intensity is low except for the first week of December and the Christmas period.
Spring (March-May)
In March-May, daytime temperatures rise to 22-30 °C. However, the air temperature is not extremely muggy.
‘Khamaseen’ dust storms occur from time to time in late March and early April. During this period, you should plan your trip in the morning and evening. This way you can avoid the dust and wind in the middle of the day. Towards the end of May, temperatures can reach up to 35 °C.
Summer (June-August)
June to August is the hottest period in Giza, with average daytime temperatures between 35-40 °C. Although humidity is low, the weather is dangerously hot for outdoor activities due to high UV and solar radiation. In July-August, the tourist intensity is not high due to the heat.
If you are going to visit Giza during these months, I recommend you to make your sightseeing plans in the early morning and afternoon.
Autumn (September-November)
September-November is a comfortable season for sightseeing, with temperatures in the 30-25 °C range. October and early November are favourable for sightseeing, both in terms of temperatures and sunshine time.
Also in November, the ‘Forever is Now’ contemporary art exhibition is organised around the Pyramids. These cultural events add a different colour to your visit.
Best Time of the Day My Personal Experience
Early morning (06:00-09:00): This is the best time for photography and walks as the sun is not yet at its peak
Avoid the midday heat: Between 11:00-15:00 the sun is at its steepest angle. During these hours you can relax in the shade or visit museums.
Visit on weekdays: Most places are less crowded than on the weekend, especially on Mondays and Thursdays.
Early booking: Hotel and tour prices increase between October and April. Therefore, you can get a price advantage by booking early.
I recommend visiting Giza between October and April. During this period, you will have the most balanced experience in terms of both weather conditions and touristic intensity.
When I got up early in the morning and walked towards the plateau of the pyramids, the stone blocks covered with hieroglyphics seemed to be painted golden yellow while the sun was not yet at the top.
The angle of refraction of the light made the texture of the pyramid walls look incredibly deep. The weather was great. It was around 25-28 °C during the day, neither too hot nor too cold.
After walking around the plateau for a while and heading towards the Great Sphinx, we took a small break in the shade of the cave I was in just as the sun was rising overhead. Then my guide and I visited the Papyrus Workshop, where I watched papyrus being made from real reed cane.
In the evening, in order to feel some desert wind, we took a camel and organised a slow tour around the pyramids. I highly recommend this trip. It will take you to the era of the Pharaohs.
At night, the city of Giza was completely different. While watching the starry sky from the roof of the hotel where I stayed, the calm flow of the Nile River in the distance gave me peace. The slight blur of the city lights, the silhouettes of the pyramids blending into the night… At that moment, I said ‘I am glad I came here’.
The weather in April was far beyond my expectations: There was neither scorching heat nor a cold breeze. It was ideal for travelling, exploring and taking photos.