What is the weather in Alexandria, and why does a 31°C August day here feel nothing like Cairo’s? Egypt’s Mediterranean city stays mild and breezy for most of the year, with real winter rain and a sticky humidity that surprises summer visitors.
Alexandria Weather at a Glance: Every Month in One Table
Alexandria has a Mediterranean climate: warm, humid summers (June–September, highs around 29–31°C), mild winters (December–February, highs around 18–20°C) and some of the heaviest rainfall in Egypt, mostly between November and February. Spring and autumn are the easy months in between. These are the 1991–2020 climate averages:
| Month | Avg high / low (°C) | Sea (°C) | Rain | What it feels like |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18 / 10 | 18 | 61 mm | Cool, wettest month, stormy spells |
| February | 19 / 10 | 17 | 35 mm | Cool and breezy, showers fading |
| March | 21 / 12 | 17 | 13 mm | Fresh and bright, first warm days |
| April | 24 / 14 | 18 | 3 mm | The sightseeing sweet spot |
| May | 27 / 18 | 20 | 1 mm | Warm and dry, sea still fresh |
| June | 29 / 22 | 23 | 0 mm | Beach season begins |
| July | 31 / 24 | 25 | 0 mm | Hot, humid, busy Corniche |
| August | 31 / 24 | 26 | 0 mm | Peak heat and stickiness |
| September | 30 / 23 | 26 | 1 mm | Warmest sea, easing crowds |
| October | 28 / 19 | 25 | 8 mm | Golden light, still swimmable |
| November | 24 / 15 | 22 | 37 mm | Mild, rain returns |
| December | 20 / 11 | 20 | 53 mm | Cool, showery, moody sea |
Field tip: read the low, not just the high. A 24°C night in July is why the Corniche stays packed until after midnight.
Ready to see the Corniche for yourself? Explore our curated Alexandria day trip from Cairo and let the sea breeze do the rest.
Why Does 30°C Feel Hotter in Alexandria Than in Cairo?
Humidity. Alexandria’s air sits around 70% relative humidity in July and August, and the sea stays near 26°C, so evenings barely cool. Cairo is hotter on paper (around 35°C in August) but drier, which many travelers find easier to bear.
- Muggiest stretch: mid-June to mid-October, with August the stickiest month.
- Sea breeze: the prevailing north wind keeps the seafront several degrees kinder than the streets behind it.
- Smart timing: sightsee in the morning, rest at midday, return to the waterfront at sunset.
Is Alexandria Cooler Than Luxor and Aswan in Summer?
Yes, by a wide margin. August highs average about 31°C here, while Luxor and Aswan routinely pass 40°C. If your route runs south, compare our guides to the weather in Luxor and the best time to visit Aswan before you lock in dates.
When the Bride of the Mediterranean Wears a Raincoat
Winter is rain season. Showers arrive from late November to February, with December (about 53 mm) and January (about 61 mm and 8 rainy days) the wettest months. Alexandrians call the strongest storms nawwat: gusty, wet and wonderfully dramatic on the seafront.
- Temperatures: highs of 18–20°C, lows of 9–11°C, sea at 17–20°C. Too cold for swimming.
- Rain pattern: short, intense spells. A full-day washout is rare.
- Extremes: sleet or hail can appear in storms, but frost is almost unknown. The record low is 0°C (January 1994).
Field tip: during a nawwa, swap the waterfront stroll for the Bibliotheca Alexandrina or the Alexandria National Museum, then watch the surf break at Qaitbay from the dry side of the wall. Our things to do in Alexandria guide lists more indoor options.
What Is the Khamsin, and Will It Ruin a Spring Trip?
The khamsin is a hot, dry, dusty desert wind that can blow between March and May. It often lasts a day or two before the sea breeze returns. Alexandria’s all-time high of 45°C came on 30 May 1961, yet a typical spring day sits at 21–27°C with almost no rain, which makes April and May prime sightseeing weather.
What to Pack for Alexandria Weather, Season by Season
Pack layers all year, a rain shell from November to March, and breathable cotton from June to September.
- Summer (Jun–Sep): light cotton, sunhat, sunscreen, sandals and a refillable water bottle.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov): a light jacket for evenings and a compact umbrella for the first showers.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): a windproof layer, waterproof shoes and a warm scarf for the seafront.
- Spring (Mar–May): layers, sunglasses and a scarf for the odd dusty day.
Not sure what to see between showers? Travelers rate the sights in Tripadvisor’s list of top Alexandria attractions, a handy rainy-day shortlist.
Which Month Suits Which Kind of Trip?
April–May and October suit most sightseeing, July–September suits swimming, and December–February suits quiet, dramatic days.
- Sightseeing: April, May, October and early November, when it is mild and mostly dry.
- Beach days: late June to early October, when the sea runs 23–26°C.
- Storm-watching and museums: December to February, with fewer crowds.
- Combining cities: pair Alexandria with the pyramids on our Cairo sightseeing tours.
Planning to follow the sun south? See our Luxor tours or sail the river of the gods on a Luxor to Aswan Dahabiya cruise.
Alexandria Weather FAQs
What is the weather in Alexandria in January?
Cool and the wettest month of the year. Highs reach about 18°C, lows about 10°C, with roughly 8 rainy days and sea water near 18°C. Bring a jacket and a light rain shell.
Is Alexandria humid in summer?
Yes. July and August bring about 70% humidity, 31°C afternoons and 24°C nights. The sea breeze helps, but shade and a midday break help more.
Can you still swim in Alexandria in October?
Usually, yes. The sea is still around 25°C, almost as warm as August, and only about 8 mm of rain falls on average in the whole month.
Has it ever snowed in Alexandria?
Snow does not settle here. Winter storms occasionally bring sleet or hail, and the coldest temperature on record is 0°C, measured in January 1994.
Alexandria is Egypt’s mild-mannered coast: breezy summers, rainy winters and two easy seasons in between. Choose April–May or October for effortless sightseeing, summer for swimming, and winter for waves and quiet museums. Ready to feel that Mediterranean breeze? Book your Alexandria day trip with El Sultan Travel.
