Cairo, the bustling capital of Egypt, offers a unique blend of rich history, cultural landmarks, and vibrant street life. If you’re planning to visit this incredible city, knowing what to wear is crucial to make the most of your trip.
Having visited Cairo myself, I quickly realized that the weather varies significantly throughout the year, and dressing accordingly is key to enjoying everything the city has to offer, from exploring the pyramids to enjoying local markets. This guide will walk you through what to wear in Cairo month by month, with specific recommendations for both men and women, ensuring comfort and style no matter when you visit.
| Month | Men’s Outfit | Women’s Outfit |
|---|---|---|
| January | Light jacket, jeans, T-shirt | Layered outfit, light jacket |
| February | Sweater, jeans, long-sleeve shirt | Layered outfits, dresses |
| March | Light shirts, comfortable pants | Dresses, light jackets |
| April | Light shirts, shorts | Dresses, sleeveless tops, sandals |
| May | Light shirts, shorts or trousers | Loose dresses, sandals |
| June | Short-sleeve shirts, shorts | Light cotton dresses, sandals |
| July | Short-sleeve shirts, shorts | Loose clothing, sandals |
| August | Moisture-wicking fabrics, shorts | Cotton dresses, sandals |
| September | Short-sleeve shirts, trousers | Loose dresses, sandals |
| October | Light sweaters, jeans | Dresses, cardigans, comfortable shoes |
| November | Light sweaters, trousers | Layered outfits, comfortable shoes |
| December | Light jacket, jeans | Layered outfits, scarves, dresses |
January – Cool and Comfortable
In January, Cairo experiences cool and mild weather, making it one of the best times to visit. Daytime temperatures are comfortable, but evenings can get chilly, especially in open areas.
For Men:
- Light jacket or sweater for the evenings
- Comfortable pants (jeans or chinos)
- T-shirt or long-sleeve shirt during the day
- Comfortable walking shoes for exploring
For Women:
- Layered outfits with a light jacket or cardigan
- Scarves to add warmth and style
- Jeans or comfortable trousers
- Comfortable flat shoes for walking
February – Mild Days and Cool Nights
February remains cool, but there’s a slight increase in warmth during the day. Nights can be chilly, so layering is still important.
For Men:
- Light sweater or jacket for evenings
- T-shirt or long-sleeve shirt for the day
- Jeans or comfortable pants
- Comfortable walking shoes for exploring Cairo’s streets
For Women:
- Layered outfits, including a light jacket or cardigan
- Dresses or trousers paired with a jacket for the evening
- Comfortable, stylish flat shoes
March – Pleasant Weather
By March, Cairo starts warming up, but the weather is still mild and comfortable. It’s a great month for outdoor activities.
For Men:
- Light shirts or T-shirts
- Casual trousers or shorts
- Comfortable shoes for walking
For Women:
- Light, breathable dresses or tops
- Light jacket or shawl for cooler evenings
- Comfortable sandals or flats
April – Warming Up
April is the beginning of Cairo’s hot season, but it remains relatively pleasant. However, temperatures can fluctuate, so it’s important to stay prepared for the heat.
For Men:
- Light, breathable shirts (short-sleeve)
- Comfortable shorts or light trousers
- Hat or sunglasses for sun protection
For Women:
- Light, loose-fitting dresses or skirts
- Sleeveless tops or tunics
- Comfortable sandals and sunglasses
May – Hot Days, Cool Nights
May is when Cairo starts to get really hot during the day, so it’s essential to dress in light, breathable fabrics.
For Men:
- Lightweight shirts (short-sleeve)
- Loose-fitting trousers or shorts
- Sunscreen and sunglasses for protection
For Women:
- Loose, airy dresses or tunics
- Comfortable sandals
- A light shawl or jacket for cooler evenings
June – Hot Summer Days
By June, Cairo’s heat reaches its peak, with temperatures often soaring above 35°C (95°F). Staying cool is essential.
For Men:
- Light, short-sleeve shirts or polos
- Loose-fitting shorts or lightweight trousers
- A wide-brimmed hat for sun protection
For Women:
- Light cotton dresses or skirts
- Short-sleeve blouses
- Sunglasses and sun protection
July – Scorching Heat
The heat continues in July, and Cairo can become extremely hot, especially in the afternoons.
For Men:
- Lightweight, breathable shirts
- Shorts or light trousers
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
For Women:
- Loose, lightweight clothing
- Sleeveless tops or dresses
- Comfortable sandals for walking
August – Peak Summer
August in Cairo remains just as hot as July, with high temperatures continuing to make light clothing a must.
For Men:
- Light, moisture-wicking fabrics
- Shorts or linen trousers
- Hat or cap for extra sun protection
For Women:
- Light cotton dresses or loose pants
- Short-sleeve tops and sandals
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
September – Slight Cooldown
September brings a slight decrease in temperature, but Cairo can still be quite hot during the day.
For Men:
- Short-sleeve shirts or light long sleeves
- Casual trousers or shorts
- Sunglasses for sun protection
For Women:
- Loose, cool dresses
- Lightweight blouses or tunics
- Comfortable sandals
October – Pleasant Weather
October marks a great time to visit Cairo, as temperatures are much more comfortable for outdoor activities.
For Men:
- Light sweaters or long-sleeve shirts
- Comfortable trousers or jeans
- A light jacket for the evening
For Women:
- Light jackets or cardigans for evening outings
- Dresses or skirts
- Comfortable footwear for sightseeing
November – Mild and Comfortable
November in Cairo offers mild temperatures, perfect for exploring the city comfortably.
For Men:
- Light sweaters or shirts
- Comfortable trousers or jeans
- Layered outfits for the evenings
For Women:
- Layered outfits including sweaters or cardigans
- Dresses or skirts
- Comfortable shoes for walking
December – Cooler Days
By December, Cairo experiences cooler weather, especially at night. Daytime temperatures are still mild, but evenings can get chilly.
For Men:
- Light jacket or sweater for the evenings
- T-shirt or long-sleeve shirt for the day
- Jeans or comfortable trousers
For Women:
- Layered outfits with light jackets or scarves
- Dresses with tights or trousers
- Comfortable flat shoes for walking
