Cairo in November
17 October 2026, 3 min read
November is a reliable month to visit Cairo. The daytime heat eases to a comfortable level and the summer crowds thin out, making it suitable for first-time visitors and repeat travellers alike.
Weather in November
November brings a high of 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) and a low of 12 degrees Celsius (54 degrees Fahrenheit) to Cairo. This matches the March temperature exactly, sitting well below the peak months of July and August when highs reach 38 degrees Celsius (100 degrees Fahrenheit) and well above the cooler January baseline of 18 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit) for the daily high.
Rainfall totals 17 millimetres for the month, which is modest. Humidity sits at 59 percent and daylight stretches to 10.5 hours. These conditions mean the air feels dry and comfortable rather than heavy, and the sun sets early enough that evenings cool noticeably.
Compared to the full calendar, November occupies a pleasant middle ground. It carries none of the oppressive heat of midsummer nor the occasional chill of January mornings. For outdoor sightseeing, this is genuinely comfortable weather.
How the City Feels This Month
The pace of the city slows in November in the sense that the summer heat no longer dictates every move. Narrow streets in Islamic Cairo feel less exhausting to walk during the day. Cafes along corniches and in districts like Dokki stay活跃 longer into the evening as temperatures allow.
Crowds at major sites are thinner than during the winter peak season from December through February. Time spent at the Egyptian Museum improves noticeably. That said, Cairo is a large capital and the flow of visitors to key landmarks remains steady rather than sparse.
No public holidays fall within November according to available records. This matters for planning because there are no unexpected closures or shortened operating hours to work around. The city operates on its standard schedule throughout the month.
What to See
The Egyptian Museum, opened in 1902, holds the most comprehensive collection of pharaonic antiquities in the world. November suits a long visit here because the building lacks modern climate control in many wings, and the cooler outside air makes the interior more tolerable than it would be in July.
Cairo Citadel, built in 1176, sits on a hill above the city. The panoramic views from its walls are easier to appreciate when the air is warm rather than scorching. The Muhammad Ali Mosque inside the citadel, opened in 1848, rewards a visit for its size and the calm of its courtyard.
El-Fustat, opened in 641, represents the earliest Islamic settlement in Egypt and the site of the original capital. This is an outdoor archaeological area, which makes November a good month to explore it without the stress of summer temperatures.
The Mosque of Ibn Tulun, opened in 879, ranks among the most historic mosques in Cairo. Its individual architecture and spacious courtyard set it apart from more crowded alternatives. Visiting in November means having room to move and sit without fighting crowds.
Al-Azhar Mosque, opened in 971, functions as a living religious institution. The surrounding university and market district make it a natural part of a walk through the area, and November temperatures make that walk far more pleasant than during the hotter months.
Planning Your Days
Structure the day around the temperature range. Mornings work well for outdoor sightseeing when 12 degrees Celsius still lingers. A light jacket serves well until mid-morning, then layers come off as the temperature climbs to 25 degrees.
Reserve the early afternoon for indoor sites. The Egyptian Museum and the mosques with shaded interiors provide relief from the midday warmth. This also covers the window when direct sunlight is strongest.
Evenings belong outdoors again. Once the sun sets, temperatures drop toward 12 degrees and the city takes on a different character. Walking along the streets near al-Azhar or through the area around Tahrir Square becomes genuinely pleasant. With only 10.5 hours of daylight, plan to start early and accept that evenings arrive by five or six in the afternoon. Rain is infrequent but a light layer with a hood handles the occasional shower without disrupting the schedule.
Practical Notes
The currency in Egypt is the Egyptian pound. Carrying small denominations helps with transactions in smaller shops and markets where card payment may not be available. The language spoken is Arabic.
Dress for the range between 12 and 25 degrees Celsius. Layering serves better than a single heavy item. A light jacket or sweater handles the mornings and evenings, while short sleeves or light layers work during the middle of the day.
Cotton and linen fabrics breathe well in the dry air. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, particularly for the uneven ground at outdoor sites like El-Fustat. A light rain layer covers both the occasional shower and the cool evenings.
What to pack
- Light jacket or warm layer for mornings and evenings at 12 degrees
- Short sleeves or light tops for daytime highs around 25 degrees
- Comfortable walking shoes for outdoor sites and uneven ground
- Rain layer with hood for the occasional brief shower
- Sun protection including a hat and sunscreen for daytime outings
Questions
What currency does Cairo use and how should I handle payments?
Egypt uses the Egyptian pound. Credit cards work at hotels and larger restaurants, but cash is needed for smaller shops and markets.
How much does it rain in Cairo during November?
November receives about 17 millimetres of rain for the entire month, making heavy rain unlikely during a typical visit.
What language is spoken in Cairo?
Arabic is the official language. English is common in tourist areas and at major sites, so communication is generally straightforward.
