The climate of Cairo
Cairo,
Illinois experiences a humid subtropical climate, with the Köppen climate classification of Cfa. This signifies the region has no dry season and exhibits significant rainfall throughout the year. Situated at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, the city obtains somewhat moderate weather conditions with periods of higher temperatures or increased rainfall.
Commencing with temperature, Cairo experiences a wide range in temperature; an average minimum of 28.4°F (-2°C) in
January to an average maximum of 88.2°F (31.2°C) in
July. This variation in temperature illustrates both the chill of the winter months and the heat of the summer season. Humidity remains relatively consistent all year, varying slighty from 69% in
October to 78% in
February,
March,
May, and
December. In relation to rainfall, the city receives most precipitation in
April with an average of 4.21in, whilst
September is the driest month, receiving only 1.42in of rainfall. In terms of wind, Cairo sees speeds ranging from 5.7mph (9.2km/h) in July and
August to 9.1mph (14.6km/h) in January, February, and March, thus illustrating a gentle breeze throughout a majority of the year.
Snowfall is limited in Cairo, with most snow received in February (1.5in) and least in several months (0in from May till September). With sunshine hours differing from 4.9h in December to 10.7h in
June, the sunlight in Cairo depends greatly on the time of year. Additionally, the cloud cover varies from 26% in June to 49% in February. One distinctive pattern that emerges is the lack of a dry season as the city experiences rainfall all year round, though some months have less than others.
The best time to visit Cairo
Cairo's climate suggests that the best time to visit is typically between
April and
October. During these months, temperatures range from 67.6°F (19.8°C) to 86.4°F (30.2°C), providing ample warmth for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Meanwhile, rainfall is less than other months, varying from 1.42in in
September to 4.21in in April, ensuring that visitors are not overly inconvenienced by rain. Sunshine hours also increase during these months, peaking in
June at 10.7h per day. With lower cloud cover, especially in June (26%), visitors can enjoy clearer skies and more daylight hours.
The worst time to visit Cairo
The winter season (
December through
February) is deemed less desirable for visiting
Cairo. With temperatures dropping to a low average of 28.4°F (-2°C) in
January, the cold can be uncomfortable for outdoor tourism. These months also experience increased cloud cover (up to 49% in February) and shorter daylight hours, peaking at only 10h in December. Furthermore, February sees the highest occurrence of snowfall (1.5in), which can disrupt plans for travel and outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Cairo
In
Cairo, the spring months of
March,
April, and
May present a climate that is gradually warming. Temperatures rise from an average low of 40.6°F (4.8°C) in March to a comfortable 59.5°F (15.3°C) by May. This period sees an increase in rainfall, culminating in April's peak average of 4.21in. Similarly, the levels of sunshine duration enhance, starting at 6.3h in March and reaching 9.3h by May. Despite the increased rainfall, the overall warmer temperatures and extended sunshine make spring a favorable time in Cairo.
Summer weather in Cairo
During summer (
June through
August),
Cairo experiences its hottest period with temperatures peaking at an average of 88.2°F (31.2°C) in
July. Accompanied by lower wind speeds (6.4mph (10.3km/h) in June to 5.7mph (9.2km/h) in August) and a reduced cloud cover, this results in a hot, humid climate. Despite rainfall reaching its lowest point in August (2.72in), this season remains humid with an average relative humidity of 75% in June and 76% in July and August. With sunshine hours at their highest and daylight duration exceeding 14h, summers in Cairo are typically hot and sunny.
Autumn weather in Cairo
Autumn offers a fairly moderate climate in
Cairo from
September to
November. Average temperatures decrease from 81.5°F (27.5°C) in September to a more comfortable 55.4°F (13°C) by November. Although rainfall remains minimal in September (1.42in), levels increase come November (3.11in). Similar to fall, the duration of sunshine and daylight decreases as winter approaches, dropping from 9.6h in September to 5.6h by November. Despite the cooling temperatures and shorter days, autumn can be a pleasant time to visit Cairo as extreme weather conditions are less likely.
Winter weather in Cairo
Winter in
Cairo begins in
December and lasts till
February. This period exhibits average temperatures beginning from 45.5°F (7.5°C) in December, hitting the coldest in
January with 28.4°F (-2°C), and slightly increasing in February to 31.8°F (-0.1°C). Snowfall is most likely during these months, with February seeing the most at an average of 1.5in. Daylight hours are notably fewer, with a minimum of 9.7h in December and slowly increasing throughout the season. The city's climate during winter is generally cold and less favorable for outdoor activities.
Weather in January
In
January,
Cairo,
Illinois, experiences mid-winter weather conditions typical to the temperate region. Temperatures plunge from
December's figures, with the lowest temperatures of the year being recorded during this month. Snowfall, though minimal, is not uncommon, with 1.14" (29mm) of snow measured.
Weather in January »Weather in February
In
February, a marginal improvement is noticeable in weather conditions in
Cairo as compared to
January, with temperatures inching upwards. As the last month of winter, February maintains the season's hallmark traits, such as snowfall.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March's weather marks the beginning of spring in
Cairo. Temperatures continue their upward trend from
February, albeit at a faster pace. The spring equinox creates a balance between daylight and nightfall duration, enhancing outdoor activities.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Come
April, the evidence of winter in
Cairo fades as the weather warms up further. Temperatures spike compared to the previous three months, promoting more vigorous blooming in the local flora. One significant change is the disappearance of snowfall, a clear sign that winter's cold grasp has been completely left behind.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May brings a cautious initiation of the early summer season in
Cairo. As temperatures climb higher, daylight duration extends, providing a delightful bouquet of sunlight, warmth, and burgeoning nature. Showers are still common, especially in the afternoons, providing a welcome respite from the ascending heat.
Weather in May » Weather in June
In
June, summer truly settles in
Cairo, bringing with it characteristic traits like sizzling temperatures, longer days, and reduced rainfall. Cairo basks under 14.7 hours of daylight, the longest throughout the year. The city's urban landscapes and natural parks become vibrant oasis of fun, attracting residents and tourists alike to partake in various outdoor activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the peak of the summer season in
Cairo, with the highest temperatures of the year. UV Index levels hit a maximum of 6, necessitating taking precautions while stepping outdoors during daylight hours. With the dry weather, vegetation glistens under the bright sunshine, making Cairo aesthetically pleasing.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August weather in
Cairo upholds the summer spell, comparable to
July in terms of temperature and daylight duration. As summer's influence begins to wear off, there is a slight dip in daylight hours, hinting at an approaching change of season.
Weather in August » Weather in September
In
September,
Cairo experiences a gradual transition from summer to fall, giving rise to mildly warm weather. The change of seasons is noticeable with diminishing daylight hours and decreasing temperatures compared to
August's highs.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October heralds in an agreeable autumn spell in
Cairo,
Illinois. While temperatures significantly drop in comparison to
September, they remain comfortably warm during the day. This month's weather, therefore, offers a pleasant balance between clear, sunny skies and cooler temperatures.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November signifies a substantial shift in
Cairo's weather patterns, with winter's preliminary brushstrokes becoming apparent. Compared to
October, temperatures take a nosedive, bringing with it fresher and noticeably cooler air.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Winter takes a firmer grip on
Cairo,
Illinois, in
December. Daylight hours shorten, temperatures continue to decline, and the first substantial snowfall is recorded. A distinct decrease in sunlight duration results in crisp, shorter days and cooler nights.
Weather in December »