Egypt Climate

Climate of Egypt

Egypt lies in a dry tropical climate zone. The exception is a narrow strip of the northern coast, which has a Mediterranean variety. The country is characterized by low rainfall, high summer temperatures and low humidity.

Considering the weather, we can distinguish three seasons: winter and two summer seasons. Winter occurs from mid-November to March, is cold and rainy in some regions. From April to June lasts the "first" summer, blowing dry and hot winds (chamsin) bring an increase in temperatures and a lot of dust in the air. In July comes the driest and hottest period of the year: "second" summer, which lasts until mid-November.

The climate is heavily influenced by the numerous desert areas, the blowing winds and the waters of the Mediterranean Sea in the north and the Red Sea in the east. These factors mean that the weather can develop differently in different regions. We can distinguish several areas with slightly different meteorological conditions.

The Red Sea coast (including Hurghada, Safaga) boasts sunny weather all year round. Winters are mild and warm, and summers are very hot. In the coldest months, the daytime temperature is around 24°C, and in the summer months it oscillates around 30°C. In winter, a cold wind blows from the sea causing large daily temperature amplitudes, the days are warm and the nights are cooler. The water temperature is high all year round, ranging from 21°C to 28°C. Rainfall is very rare.

The Sinai Peninsula has a desert climate. In winter, the daytime temperature ranges from 20°C to 25°C, while at night it drops to about 12°C - 15°C on the coast, and inland and in the mountains even to 0°C. In mountainous areas, rains can occur, usually in the form of short-lived but intense downpours, and snow sometimes appears on mountain peaks. On the coast, rains occur only exceptionally. Summers are hot and dry. Daytime temperatures reach 30°C - 38°C on the coast and over 40°C in desert areas. Red Sea temperatures remain in the 21°C - 28°C range throughout the year. Rains generally do not occur during this period.

The Nile Valley (from Cairo to Lake Nasera) is characterized by a hot desert climate. In winter, daytime temperatures fluctuate between 15°C - 22°C, often dropping to 5°C - 10°C at night. Transient rains can occur, but they are not frequent. The further south you go, the less frequent the rainfall. In summer, daytime temperatures can rise above 40°C, while at night they drop to around 20°C.

The Nile Delta (Cairo, Mediterranean coast) has a tropical climate of the Mediterranean variety. Temperatures in summer reach about 30°C, while in winter they drop to 10°C - 15°C. Precipitation levels range from 100 mm - 200 mm per year, with the greatest intensity in the winter months. The Nile Delta area can experience cold winds with gentle frosts and even snowfall during the coldest months.

The Western and Eastern Deserts are among the hottest areas in Egypt. Temperatures here reach as high as 50°C during the hottest months. Very large diurnal amplitudes are common, and temperatures can drop below 10°C at night. Winters are warm (about 20°C), but frosts occur at night. Precipitation is generally absent.