What December feels like in Cairo
December is early winter in Cairo, although winter here means mild days rather than cold ones. The middle of the day is pleasantly mild. After sunset it cools off noticeably — nights are cool. The air is fairly humid, though at these temperatures it rarely feels oppressive.
Rain in Cairo in December
Rain is rare in December — most weeks pass without a wet day. Rainfall per wet day is small, about 3 mm (0.1 in), so showers tend to pass quickly. That is lighter than the city's yearly norm of about 4.4 mm per rainy day.
Daylight and sunshine in December
On 15 December the sun rises at about 6:43 am and sets around 4:57 pm local time, giving 10 h 14 min of daylight. Compared with mid-November, the day has lost 26 min. Measured sunshine covers about 91% of the daylight — skies are mostly clear.
How December compares to the rest of the year
December is the 3rd coolest month of the year in Cairo. Compared with November, afternoons are 4.6°C (8.3°F) cooler, with 1 mm more rain. The cooling trend carries on into January. The next month's average high: 19.7°C (67.5°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: a good fit — comfortable enough to explore on foot all day.
- Parks & outdoor: a good fit — good conditions for sitting outside.
Tips for visiting Cairo in December
Versatile Layers
Pack pieces you can take off by noon and put back on at dusk.
Sunglasses
Frequent sunshine — sunglasses and a light hat.
Quick questions
How warm is Cairo in December?
Expect around 21.5°C (70.7°F) in the afternoon and 10.8°C (51.4°F) at night, which most visitors would call mild.
Does it rain a lot in Cairo in December?
Hardly — only about 1 rainy days and 3 mm for the whole month.
What should I wear in Cairo in December?
The numbers point to versatile layers and sunglasses. Bring something extra for the cooler evenings.
Is December or January better for visiting Cairo?
January, narrowly: it ranks #4 of 12 among Cairo's months, against #5 for the other. January is cooler.
