Cairo's Climate: Correcting the Rainfall & Temperature Record

The statement "average rainfall only one inch monthly, temperature 65–96°F" is inaccurate for Cairo, Egypt.

Actual Climate Data (WMO / Egyptian Meteorological Authority)

Rainfall

• Annual average: 1.85 inches (47 mm) — not monthly.
• Pattern: Hyper-arid; rain only Nov–Mar (sporadic showers); 6–8 months often zero rain.
• Wettest month: January (~0.4 in / 10 mm).

Temperature

• Monthly average range: 54°F (12°C) in Jan → 84°F (29°C) in Aug.
• Daily summer highs: Often 95–105°F (35–40°C); record 118°F (48°C).
• Winter lows: Can dip to 45°F (7°C) at night.

Climate Classification

Hot desert (BWh) — Köppen. Extremely low humidity (except near Nile/Delta), intense sun, large diurnal swing.

Why the Confusion?

• "1 inch monthly" might misread annual total.
• "65–96°F" resembles a daily range in shoulder seasons, not monthly averages.

Cairo is one of the world's driest major capitals—rain is an event, not a season.