Does It Snow in Egypt? | Full Guide to Egypt’s Weather

When you think of Egypt, images of sun-drenched landscapes, desert expanses, and ancient treasures come to mind more than snow-clad terrains. Yet, the question often arises: does it snow in Egypt? This intriguing question considers the special geographical and climatic profile of a country where arid desert and Mediterranean coastline straddle. In this article, we will discover if snow ever graces Egypt, uncover its very unique weather patterns, and walk you through the seasonal peculiarities of this historical nation.

How Hot Is Egypt?

Yes, Egypt’s a hot destination, but how hot it is depends on where and when you go. In the summer months, the mercury often climbs above 40°C (104°F) in the desert interiors such as  Luxor and Aswan. However, coastal areas lying on the Mediterranean and Red Seas such as Alexandria, and Hurghada, do not experience extremely high temperatures mainly because of the cooling effect of the sea breeze that reduces the temperature to average between 30°C and 35°C (86° to 95°F). But even during these hotter months, travelers might still ask, does it snow anywhere in Egypt?

It is also important to be properly hydrated, put on sunscreen, and wear lightweight clothing to get through Egypt’s scorching summer months between July and August. 

What’s the Hottest Place in Egypt?

The Western Desert often gets the title of the hottest place in Egypt. Some of the highest recorded temperatures in the country are reached in this vast expanse of sand and rock, especially in areas like the Great Sand Sea near the Libyan border. During the peak summer months temperatures here easily exceed 50°C (122°F) so it's a real test of endurance for anyone venturing out during the day. With such extreme heat, does it snow in Egypt anywhere nearby? Certainly not in this desert expanse.

The Western Desert offers wonderful opportunities both for adventure and research despite its difficult conditions, where its remote oases - like Siwa and Bahariya - contrast the surrounding desolation with cooler microclimates, natural springs, shade from date palms, and a unique cultural experience that makes it the respite from the relentless desert heat.  

Does Egypt Get a Winter?

Surprise! Egypt does have a winter, albeit a mild one by comparison to that of other countries. The winter lasts from December to February and is cooler, sometimes rainy, especially in northern places like Cairo and Alexandria. Here are the average temperatures in some of Egypt’s areas:

- Cairo Temperature

Cairo's average daytime temperatures in winter hover at 20°C (68°F) and can drop down to cold 10°C (50°F) at night.

- Coastal Areas Temperature

The influence of the Mediterranean causes the coast to tend to be even cooler with average daytime temperatures between 15°C (59°F) and 18°C (64°F). 

- South of Egypt Temperature

In the south, however - way down in Luxor, or down to Aswan - day temperatures are still comfortably warm, 25°C (77°F).  

But for those unfamiliar with Egypt’s climate, they often wonder, does it snow in Egypt during this season?

Actually, it snows rarely, but Egypt’s winter is a welcome reprieve from the searing heat of the summer and is the best time to visit if you’re aiming to see the country’s historical sites in more comfortable weather conditions. 

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Does It Snow in Egypt

If you think of Egypt as a place of endless deserts and scorching sun, you may still wonder, does it snow in Egypt? Actually, snow shows up rarely in this historically rich country. 

However, if you ask: does it snow in Egypt in December? The answer will be that it is most often seen in Saint Catherine, a high-altitude town in the Sinai Peninsula. From December until February, this region can become a winter wonderland, covered in snow on its rugged mountain peaks and around the famous Mount Sinai.

Can you imagine standing at the bottom of a snow-covered mountain in the land of ancient temples? I mean that is a sight you want to take a picture of, right?

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When and Where Does It Snow in Egypt?

Snow in Egypt is a rare but magical thing to see, and you will find it mostly in the Saint Catherine region of the Sinai Peninsula. Does it snow in Egypt elsewhere as reliably as it does here? Not quite.

Saint Catherine is a mountainous region, sitting over 1,500 meters above sea level, home to Mount Sinai and Saint Catherine’s Monastery, and its coldness reaching sub-zero temperatures in the winter, and even shrouded in a thin coat of white.

Extreme cold waves could also bring sleet or snow to other parts of Egypt, including Egypt's Mediterranean coast and northern Sinai. However, these occurrences are usually brief and confined to a few hours. 

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What Is the Coolest Month in Egypt?

The coolest month in Egypt is January where daytime temperatures in such cities as Cairo and Alexandria range approximately between 15°C and 20°C (59°F to 68°F), and nights fall to 8°C (46°F) or colder. 

But because of the Mediterranean breeze, coastal regions may be cooler while desert regions will have major drops in temperature at night. Also, January cooler temperatures are accompanied by occasional rainfall, especially in the north. Visitors often ask, does it snow in Egypt in January? Yes, but only in Saint Catherine, where the high-altitude landscape allows snow to accumulate during this time.

In the ancient Egyptian year, “Tobi” is the month that is equivalent to January, and according to an Egyptian proverb, the coldness of the month of “Tobi” makes even a young woman more like an old woman shivering from the cold.

What Is the Coldest It Gets in Egypt?

Saint Catherine records the coldest temperatures in Egypt, where temperatures here can drop to -5°C (23°F) or lower in the depths of winter. It also gets very cold at night elsewhere in Egypt, even in the interior deserts, which can drop to as cold as 0°C (32°F) because there is little moisture in the air to retain heat. 

Other parts of Egypt can have a cold winter where nights can dip to 6°C with the coastal winds and occasional rain being much colder.  

Travelers often wonder, does it snow in Egypt when temperatures are this low elsewhere? The answer is usually no, as the coldest parts of the rest of Egypt, such as Cairo or the northern deserts, experience frosts or freezing rain but not snow.

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Weather in December in Egypt

Egypt’s winter season starts in December with mild and pleasant weather across the country with daytime temperatures in Cairo ranging from 19-23°c (66 -73°f), which drops to around 8-12°c (46 – 54°f) as the night begins, so visitors are advised to pack light jackets or sweaters for cooler nights.

For travelers curious about this season, a common question arises: does it snow in Egypt during December? The answer lies in Saint Catherine, where December often sees snow on mountain peaks.

The peak tourist season also begins in December, with many people traveling to Egypt to enjoy its pleasant weather and festive atmosphere, so make sure you book accommodation and tours earlier before such prices get up.

When Did It Last Snow in Egypt?

The last time snow fell widely reported in Egypt was in December 2013, a surprise to residents and even to meteorologists. This rare occurrence answered the question, “Does it snow in Egypt” in an extraordinary way. At the time, unusually cold waves passed through the Eastern Mediterranean, with freezing temperatures and snowy conditions sweeping over the capital and into the rest of northern Egypt and Sinai. 

What made the snowfall in Cairo so important was that the capital city had not seen snow like this for more than a century. The images of snow-dusted pyramids, sphinx, and rooftops flew around social media, drawing the rest of the world's attention and feeding their curiosity about Egypt's rare winter conditions.

But as mentioned earlier, snowfall in Saint Catherine is more commonplace, falling almost every winter thanks to the high altitude in the region. 

Does It Ever Snow in Alexandria, Egypt?

When asked, does it snows in Egypt, particularly in Alexandria, the answer is almost always no. Alexandria has a Mediterranean climate, which rarely gets snow but it’s not impossible. In winter months, especially January and February, the city is more likely to be under cold rain, sleet, or hail. 

During most of the winter, temperatures during the day usually range from 15°C to 18°C (59°F to 64°F) and fall at night to 8°C (46°F). Snow may not be an expected sight, but Alexandria's winter magic consists of its misty mornings, its rain-washed streets, and its warm cozy cafés, which is a pleasant experience to have.

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What Is the Cheapest Time to Go to Egypt?

The shoulder seasons of spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are by far the cheapest times of the year to visit Egypt. Tourist crowds are thinner during these months and accommodations and flights are much cheaper.  

August is another affordable time to travel when temperatures are their highest, but be prepared for extreme heat, especially in the desert. Traveling in January after the New Year's holiday rush also offers excellent deals on hotels and tours for those looking for even greater savings, especially in coastal and southern corners of the country.  

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Is Egypt Hot at Christmas?

Egypt is a great place at Christmas because of its warm weather which offers a delightful escape from colder regions. December brings freezing temperatures and snowfall to most of the world, but Egypt is the opposite - mild, and warm. Cities like Cairo have daytime temperatures of between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F) around Christmas time. However, temperatures decrease to the 8°C (46°F) range overnight, especially in the northern areas.

With temperatures higher than the north, southern Egypt including tourist hotspots such as Aswan and Abu Simbel, is a favorite for tourists who wish to visit ancient temples and cruise the river Nile during the holiday. Pleasant temperatures are to be found in coastal cities like Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh to enjoy beach activities, diving, and relaxation.

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Conclusion

Egypt’s geography and weather are very diverse, so if you are asking:  Does it snow in Egypt? The answer will be that you’ll have heat-scorched summers and then surprisingly cool winters, however, snow is rare - it’s found, when it happens, in high-altitude areas like Saint Catherine - but the country’s milder winter months can be excellent times for exploration.  

Egypt’s climate has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for sunny beaches, ancient history, or the special opportunity to experience snow in a desert. If you understand the weather patterns and when to go, you will have the most enjoyable Egyptian adventure.  

FAQs

1- When it will be cold in Egypt?

Egypt’s coldest months are December to February, with mild daytime temperatures and cooler nights, especially in northern regions like Cairo and coastal areas near the Mediterranean.

2- Is Egypt cold in December?

December in Egypt is mildly cold, not freezing. Daytime temperatures range from 19°C to 23°C (66°F to 73°F), while nights drop to 8°C to 12°C (46°F to 54°F).