What to pack for Cairo in July

UV index hits 12.3, the highest level on the scale.

Glare off sand and pavement strains eyes in intense sun.

Mosquitoes breed in Cairo's irrigation channels year-round.

Check ankles and, if there's a dog, paws and ears every night.

Heat exhaustion and dehydration happen quickly at 102°F.

Tap water isn't safe here. A filter bottle beats buying plastic twice a day.

This country runs on Type C or F. Get one with USB-C so you're not fighting over the single outlet.

Set it up before you land. Signal drops for long stretches outside cities.

Overhead bins fill fast on routes to popular sites.

Day trips to the pyramids and museums require carrying water and sun gear.

Fits the overhead on every airline that matters. Skip the checked-bag line entirely.

Sand blows at 19 km/h and settles on skin and in eyes.

Anything heavier than linen is a mistake at 102°F.

Sweat dries fast in 44% humidity, but moisture-wicking prevents salt buildup.

UV hits 12.3 here. Long sleeves beat reapplying sunscreen every hour.

For temples, mosques, and churches that check at the door.

Desert terrain and zero rainfall mean dust and hard ground underfoot.

Thirteen hours of daylight expose the face and scalp constantly.

Sweating heavily in extreme heat depletes electrolytes fast.

Cold water at 3pm is worth the weight.

Treat the clothes once and it lasts weeks.

Tap water isn't safe, and diarrhea dehydrates you faster in heat.

Foodborne illness is common and antibiotics matter less than hydration.

One brick charges the laptop, phone, and camera.

Hotel and cafe wifi is shared with everyone else in the building. A VPN keeps your banking and email to yourself.

Crowded tourist areas in Cairo attract pickpockets.

Bags disappear in busy markets and transport hubs.

Dusty conditions soil clothes quickly, so sorting helps.

Sweat and dust stain clothes daily in this heat.

Airport noise and call-to-prayer broadcasts happen all day.

Heat peaks at 102°F with no rain to cool the day.

Lips crack and burn in dry heat and high UV.

Tap water contamination spreads germs before you eat.

Mosquito bites itch worse when sunburned skin is inflamed.

Phone and camera charge constantly in extreme heat.

A few phrases go a long way. Ten minutes a day before you leave is plenty.

International travel requires passport security in high-theft zones.

Luggage passes through multiple hands at Cairo airport.

Sunscreen, lip balm, and medications need organized access.

Dry heat and early sunrise at 4:40 a.m. disrupt sleep.