Cairo in May
In May, Cairo averages 32°C (90°F) during the day and 18°C (64°F) at night, with only about 0 rainy days.
ShoulderConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Skies are generally dry and clear.
May in Cairo is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How May compares to the rest of the year in Cairo
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Cairo (5th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (7th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 4°C above the annual average (28°C). May runs 4°C warmer than April (28°C) and warms a further 3°C into June (35°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Cairo
Times shown for Cairo local time (Africa/Cairo), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Cairo — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Cairo's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Cairo in May
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on May's tier (Shoulder) and Cairo's popularity.
May in Egypt — events that affect travel
Known cultural, religious, or national events that surge prices, fill hotels, or close businesses during this month. Plan around them, or build your itinerary around the ones you'd like to see.
Daylight fasting month. Many restaurants close until sunset, some attractions close midday, and Islamic countries change their pace dramatically. Eid (3 days after Ramadan ends) brings major travel surge.
Plan: Tourists can usually still find food, but dress modestly and avoid eating publicly during the day. Iftar (sunset meal) is a beautiful experience to plan for.
Crowds & pricing — May in Cairo
Cairo is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Why this tier: comfortable tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — May in Cairo
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Cairo in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19°C / 66°F | 9°C / 48°F | 5 mm | 1 | 0 |
| February | 21°C / 70°F | 10°C / 50°F | 5 mm | 1 | 0 |
| March | 24°C / 75°F | 12°C / 54°F | 5 mm | 1 | 0 |
| April | 28°C / 82°F | 15°C / 59°F | 1 mm | 0 | 0 |
| May | 32°C / 90°F | 18°C / 64°F | 1 mm | 0 | 0 |
| June | 35°C / 95°F | 21°C / 70°F | 0 mm | 0 | 0 |
| July | 35°C / 95°F | 22°C / 72°F | 0 mm | 0 | 0 |
| August | 35°C / 95°F | 22°C / 72°F | 0 mm | 0 | 0 |
| September | 33°C / 91°F | 21°C / 70°F | 0 mm | 0 | 0 |
| October | 30°C / 86°F | 18°C / 64°F | 1 mm | 0 | 0 |
| November | 25°C / 77°F | 14°C / 57°F | 5 mm | 1 | 0 |
| December | 21°C / 70°F | 11°C / 52°F | 5 mm | 1 | 0 |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Cairo in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Cairo in May?
In May, Cairo averages a high of 32°C (90°F) and a low of 18°C (64°F) — generally hot.
Does it rain a lot in Cairo in May?
May is generally dry in Cairo, with about 0 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Cairo?
May is hot and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with hot weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Cairo in May?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. See the full May packing list for Cairo for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.