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"Step out into the sun and explore Pyramids of Giza & the Sphinx. February is an ideal time to visit Cairo. Adventure awaits around every corner."
We built this guide using recent climate data, hotel price trends, and our own trips, so you can pick the right month without guesswork.
Why Visit Cairo?
Cairo overwhelms the senses as the chaotic, sprawling gateway to ancient Egypt's greatest wonders, where the last surviving Ancient Wonder of the World—the Great Pyramid of Giza, originally about 146.6 meters tall and now around 138.5 meters after loss of its casing stones—rises from desert sands mere minutes from a relentless megacity of 20+ million souls navigating the Nile's muddy banks with honking traffic, street vendors, and energy that never sleeps. The Giza Plateau's three pyramids (Khufu, Khafre, Menkaure) built around 2560-2540 BC using 2.3 million limestone blocks still confound modern engineers with precision alignment, while the enigmatic Sphinx guards mysteries in its eroded limestone paws wearing Pharaoh Khafre's face—experience these monuments as close to opening time (around 07:00) as possible or book a specialist sunrise tour if available—tourist crowds thin and golden light illuminates Khufu's massive stone faces without harsh midday glare. The Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), which fully opened in November 2025 adjacent to the pyramids, holds over 100,000 artifacts in total with around 50,000 on display, including Tutankhamun's complete treasure collection (golden death mask, chariots, jewelry, throne) displayed in climate-controlled galleries with modern museology that eclipses the aging Egyptian Museum in Tahrir Square (though that dusty, overwhelming collection with mummies stacked in glass cases retains old-school archaeological romance for purists).
Islamic Cairo's medieval heart preserves the Citadel's Ottoman-style Muhammad Ali Mosque with massive dome and slender minarets commanding hilltop views across the sprawling city (entry around $12–$14 / E£563–E£675 for foreign adults), thousand-year-old Al-Azhar Mosque representing Islamic scholarship since 970 AD, and the absolutely labyrinthine Khan el-Khalili bazaar where aggressive spice vendors, gold souks, perfume sellers hawking "authentic Egyptian" oils, and tea shops with shisha pipes occupy medieval caravanserais in narrow lanes unchanged for centuries—bargain hard starting at 30-40% of asking price. Coptic Cairo reveals Christianity's deep Egyptian roots (predating Arab conquest) at the Hanging Church suspended above Roman Babylon Fortress gates, Ben Ezra Synagogue where legend claims baby Moses was found, and Coptic Museum (around $6.71 / E£321 for adults, around $3.42 / E£163 for students) preserving early Christian art. The Nile River bisects Greater Cairo's sprawl—traditional felucca sailboats with triangular sails offer peaceful sunset cruises (negotiate around $3.65–$7.3 / E£174–E£349 per boat for 1-2 hours), while touristy dinner cruises feature belly dancing shows, buffet meals, and arak cocktails (around $14–$29 / E£675–E£1,407 per person).
Cairo's legendary street food scene delivers massive value: koshari (Egypt's national dish mixing lentils, rice, pasta, chickpeas, and spicy tomato sauce served in bowls for $0.71–$1.41 / E£34–E£68 at institutions like Abou Tarek), ful medames (mashed fava beans, breakfast staple), ta'meya (Egyptian falafel), and fresh juice stands pressing mango, guava, and sugarcane for $0.59–$1.18 / E£28–E£56. Day trips by tour or hired driver reach Saqqara's Step Pyramid (world's oldest stone monument, 2650 BC), Memphis's fallen Ramses II colossus, and Dahshur's Bent Pyramid, while overnight trains or short flights reach Luxor's Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and Aswan's Nubian culture. Visit October-April for bearable 15-28°C (59-82°F) temperatures—summer (May-September) brings brutal 35-45°C (95-113°F) heat making pyramid exploration genuinely dangerous without early starts.
With visa on arrival (around $26 / E£1,238 at airport, cash only), extremely cheap costs ($47–$71 / E£2,252–E£3,377/day buys comfortable travel, street food $1.18–$3.53 / E£56–E£169, museums $5.89–$12 / E£281–E£563, though major archaeological sites charge foreigners several times the local rate, often 5–10×), mandatory haggling culture where nothing has fixed price, and organized chaos requiring significant mental energy navigating touts, traffic, and scams, Cairo delivers overwhelming pharaonic grandeur, thousand-year Islamic splendor, intense Egyptian urban chaos, and archaeological treasures justifying the hassle for history obsessives.
What to Do
Ancient Wonders
Pyramids of Giza & the Sphinx
The Great Pyramid of Khufu, Pyramid of Khafre, and Pyramid of Menkaure are the only surviving Ancient Wonder of the World. General entry to the Giza Plateau is currently around $15 / E£715 for foreign adults (check egymonuments.com for latest fees). Going inside the Great Pyramid costs extra, around $32 / E£1,520. Arrive at the 07:00 opening (08:00 during Ramadan periods) to avoid peak heat and crowds. Camel rides around the site typically cost around $4.24–$8.54 / E£203–E£408—agree on price before mounting and expect aggressive touts. The Sphinx sits near Khafre's pyramid and is included in general admission. Hire an official guide at the entrance (around $6.48–$11 / E£310–E£507) to get context and avoid scammers. Allow 3–4 hours minimum.
Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)
The museum near the pyramids fully opened in November 2025, showcasing over 100,000 artifacts including the complete Tutankhamun collection with his golden death mask, chariots, and tomb treasures. Standard adult tickets for foreign visitors are around $31 / E£1,464 (check the official GEM site for up-to-date options and any special gallery tickets). It's the world's largest archaeological museum—plan 4–5 hours minimum. Book timed-entry tickets online through the official website. Combine with a Giza Plateau visit in one day since they're adjacent. Premium packages with additional galleries cost more.
Egyptian Museum (Tahrir Square)
The original museum still houses incredible collections despite Tutankhamun's treasures moving to GEM. Entry is currently around $12 / E£563 for foreign adults, with some optional add-ons extra. Check the official site or latest fee list for details. The museum's old-school, dusty layout can be overwhelming but has archaeological charm. Go in the morning (opens 09:00) for fewer crowds. Note: Royal Mummies were moved to the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC). Highlights include animal mummies and extensive Pharaonic statues and artifacts. Allow 2–3 hours. Combine with nearby Khan el-Khalili bazaar.
Islamic & Coptic Cairo
Citadel & Muhammad Ali Mosque
The medieval Citadel sits on a hill with commanding views over Cairo. The Muhammad Ali Mosque's Ottoman-style domes and minarets dominate the skyline. Entry to the Citadel complex is currently around $12 / E£563 for foreign adults (check the official egymonuments site for updates) and includes several museums and mosques. The mosque interior is stunning with massive chandeliers and alabaster walls—shoes off, modest dress required. Go in the morning (opens 08:00) to avoid midday heat. The citadel also has a police museum and panoramic viewpoints. Allow 2–3 hours.
Khan el-Khalili Bazaar
Cairo's most famous market, dating from the 14th century, is a labyrinth of shops selling spices, perfumes, jewelry, papyrus, textiles, and souvenirs. Free to wander, though vendors can be aggressive—expect to bargain hard (start at 30–40% of asking price). The bazaar is liveliest in the evening (18:00–22:00) when it's cooler. Sip mint tea at El-Fishawi cafe (historic late-18th-century establishment) or Naguib Mahfouz Café. Watch for pickpockets and keep your money secure. Nearby Al-Azhar Mosque (free entry outside prayer times, modest dress) is worth visiting. Allow 2–3 hours for the bazaar.
Coptic Cairo
Old Cairo's Christian quarter preserves churches dating back to the Roman era. The Hanging Church (suspended above a Roman gatehouse) has beautiful wooden screens and icon paintings. Entry is free but donations appreciated. Ben Ezra Synagogue (where baby Moses was allegedly found) and the Coptic Museum (around $5.89 / E£281 adults, $2.95 / E£141 students) showcase Egypt's Christian heritage. The area is much calmer than the rest of Cairo—visit in the morning or late afternoon. Allow 2 hours for the main sites.
Cairo Life & Nile
Nile Felucca Rides
Traditional wooden sailboats offer peaceful sunset cruises on the Nile. Rent a private felucca for 1–2 hours at around $3.18–$6.42 / E£152–E£307 total—bargain at the docks near the Nile Corniche or ask your hotel to arrange. Best time is late afternoon for golden hour views of the city. Bring water and perhaps some snacks. Alternatively, take a Nile dinner cruise (around $13–$26 / E£619–E£1,238 per person) with belly dancing, buffet dinner, and live music—touristy but fun. Book through hotels or reputable operators.
Cairo Street Food
Cairo's street food is legendary and incredibly cheap. Try koshari (mixed lentils, rice, pasta, chickpeas, and spicy tomato sauce) for around $0.65–$1.3 / E£31–E£62 at famous spots like Abou Tarek. Ful medames (mashed fava beans) is the breakfast staple. Fresh juice stands serve mango, guava, and sugarcane juice. Grab ta'meya (Egyptian falafel) from carts. For safety, choose busy stalls with high turnover and avoid tap water. Street food is safe if you follow the crowds—eat where locals eat.
Al-Azhar Park
A rare green oasis in Cairo's chaos, this beautifully landscaped park on a reclaimed landfill offers stunning views of the old city's minarets and domes. Entry is around $0.88 / E£42 for foreigners. The park has gardens, fountains, playgrounds, and upscale restaurants with terraces. Go in the late afternoon for cooler temperatures and sunset views. It's a 10-minute walk uphill from the Islamic Cairo sights—a peaceful escape after bazaar and mosque visits.
Gallery
Travel Information
Getting There
- Airports: CAI
- From :
Best Time to Visit
October, November, December, January, February, March
Climate: Warm
Entry Requirements
Entry rules vary by passport
Check requirements| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21°C | 10°C | 1 | Excellent ((best)) |
| February | 21°C | 10°C | 1 | Excellent ((best)) |
| March | 25°C | 13°C | 1 | Excellent ((best)) |
| April | 30°C | 16°C | 0 | Good |
| May | 33°C | 20°C | 0 | Good |
| June | 36°C | 22°C | 0 | Good |
| July | 37°C | 24°C | 0 | Good |
| August | 37°C | 25°C | 0 | Good |
| September | 35°C | 24°C | 0 | Good |
| October | 31°C | 20°C | 0 | Excellent ((best)) |
| November | 27°C | 16°C | 0 | Excellent ((best)) |
| December | 23°C | 12°C | 1 | Excellent ((best)) |
Weather data: Open-Meteo Archive (2020-2025) • Historical avg. 2020–2025
Travel Costs
Per person per day, based on double occupancy. 'Budget' reflects hostels or shared accommodation in high-cost cities.
💡 🌍 Traveler Tip (February 2026): February 2026 is perfect for visiting Cairo!
Practical Information
Getting There
Cairo International Airport (CAI) is about 20km northeast (traffic-dependent). Uber to downtown $3.53–$5.89 / E£169–E£281 (45-60 min). Airport buses exist around $0.71 / E£34 but crowded. Avoid unmarked taxis. Trains arrive at Ramses Station from Alexandria (2h), Luxor/Aswan (overnight sleepers). Buses connect regional cities.
Getting Around
Cairo Metro (3 lines) is cheap—tickets cost around $0.19–$0.47 / E£9.01–E£23 depending on distance (number of stations). The metro is efficient and AC-cooled escape from traffic. Uber essential for safety and reasonable fares ($0.71–$1.88 / E£34–E£90 short trips). Avoid metered taxis (scams common). Walking possible in tourist areas but traffic is chaotic. River buses operate on Nile. No rental cars recommended—traffic is nightmarish.
Money & Payments
Egyptian Pound (EGP, E£). Exchange rate: $1 ≈ E£48. Cards at hotels, chains, and tourist sites. Cash essential for markets, street food, and small vendors. ATMs widespread. Bring small bills—change is scarce. Tipping (baksheesh) expected everywhere: around $0.47–$1.18 / E£23–E£56 for guides, restroom attendants, etc.
Language
Arabic is official. English spoken in hotels, tourist sites, and by guides. Less common among vendors and in neighborhoods. Learning Arabic basics (Shukran = thanks, Marhaba = hello, Bkam = how much) helps. Pointing works at markets.
Cultural Tips
Dress modestly—shoulders/knees covered, especially women. Remove shoes at mosques. Friday is holy day—mosques closed to tourists during prayers. Bargain at bazaars (start at 30-50% asking price). Don't photograph people or military without permission. Pyramids: persistent camel/horse touts—agree on price before riding. Tipping culture strong—carry small bills. Ramadan affects hours. Book guides through hotels to avoid scams.
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Perfect 3-Day Cairo Itinerary
Pyramids & Sphinx
Museums & Islamic Cairo
Coptic & Local
Where to Stay
Giza (Pyramids Area)
Best for: Pyramids, Sphinx, Sound & Light show, pyramid views from hotel
Zamalek
Best for: Island retreat, embassies, cafes, upscale dining, expat scene
Downtown Cairo (Wust El-Balad)
Best for: Egyptian Museum, Tahrir Square, colonial architecture, local life
Garden City
Best for: Nile views, embassies, Four Seasons, upscale but central
Islamic Cairo / Khan el-Khalili
Best for: Historic mosques, bazaar shopping, medieval atmosphere, authentic Cairo
New Cairo / Heliopolis
Best for: Airport proximity, modern malls, business travelers, quieter stay
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Cairo
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- Official tourism boards and visitor guides
- GetYourGuide and Viator activity data
- Booking.com and Numbeo pricing data
- Google Maps reviews and ratings
This guide combines personal travel experience with comprehensive data analysis to provide accurate recommendations.
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