$1,298+ Cheap flights to Cairo

Cairo climate

Cairo’s climate is desert, but, due to the city’s proximity to the Nile, humidity is often a factor. The range of temperatures during winter months is 13-19 degrees. Summer temps range between 20 and 40 degrees. Wind storms occur in March and April.

Getting around Cairo

It’s not advisable to drive in Cairo. Lots of the city is walkable and taxis are cheap and plentiful. Ensure that you choose the taxi, don’t let it choose you. Don’t select one of the taxis parked outside expensive hotels or restaurants. It’s like having “tourist” written on your forehead and you’ll pay more than you need to.

The metro train system is efficient, punctual and clean. The flat fare is just one Egyptian Pound (about 20 cents) a ride. There are women-only carriages. You’ll see the “Women” signs above the platforms; the train carriage for women will be beside the signs.

Locals use microbuses to get around. This is a option best left to those who speak Arabic and those with a good knowledge of Cairo.

What is good to know if travelling to Cairo?

• Official Egypt takes a long lunch break – 1pm to 4pm. Lunch is the main meal of the day. 
• There is gold everywhere in the Egyptian Museum. King Tutankhamen’s gold death mask is the star exhibit and you’ll also see just about every thing that was buried with him – a statue of Isis, the goddess, protecting Tutankhamun’s shrine, gold bangles, an alabaster perfume vase, a magnificent pectoral, detailed corselet and gold rings. The museum is in Midan Tahrir, 9am-6.45pm. 
• The Birqash Camel Market is an easy day trip from Cairo. Get there early and choose a good spot to see the action. 
• Coptic Cairo (Masr al-Qadima) has been inhabited for more than 2,000 years. It’s the centre of the Coptic Christian community. There are lots of ancient and beautiful churches, including Saint Mary Church (Haret Elroum), Saint Mercurius Church and the The Hanging Church.