Pyramid Compass › Culture & Climate
Khamsin storms blow 12–15 days each spring, mostly affecting Upper Egypt and Sinai. The tool returns the probability per week for your travel dates and an indoor backup plan if a storm hits.
Run the picker to see the verdict.
Generic weather guides say "Egypt is sunny". True for 11 months, but March through May brings a specific wind storm:
The tool returns the probability of at least one storm affecting your chosen dates and governorate. It also returns the per-week forecast for a finer-grained view of when to schedule outdoor vs indoor activities.
Probability model. Across Egypt, the 12–15 storms each season are concentrated in March (Kinh loti = 30%, April (peak, 35%), May (25%), with smaller probabilities in February and June. The tool uses 10-year averages.
Indoor backup plan. When khamsin strikes, the tool suggests museums and indoor sites that stay open. Cairo: Egyptian Museum, GEM, Coptic Cairo, Khan el-Khalili (covered alleys). Aswan: Nubian Museum. Luxor: Luxor Museum, Mummification Museum.
Usually yes, but visibility at Cairo airport drops below 500m during heavy storms. Some flights are diverted to Hurghada or delayed 2–6 hours. Domestic Cairo-Luxor-Aswan is more likely to cancel than international.
Yes. Felucca captains are required to stay ashore during khamsin warnings. Aswan and Luxor both stop felucca trips. The cruise companies continue but stay moored.
The plateau stays open but visibility of the monuments is reduced. Photo trips are disappointing. Most guides recommend deferring outdoor sites to the next day.
Egyptian Meteorological Authority issues 24–48h warnings via news. Most hotels pass these to guests the morning-of. Wind picks up around midday; dust drops visibility in 1–2 hours.
Page last updated: October 2026.
What it is. A small JavaScript probability calculator that returns the khamsin sandstorm risk for your chosen dates and governorate.
Who it's for. Independent travellers booking a March, April, or May trip to Egypt.
What it isn't. Not a substitute for current Egyptian Meteorological Authority warnings. Not a substitute for checking your travel insurance.
Limitations. Probabilities are 10-year averages. Real storms vary. The tool cannot predict individual storm timing.
What this site collects. Pyramid Compass does not collect, store, or process personal data. There is no login, no account, no email capture, no analytics beyond what Google AdSense requires, and no first-party tracking. You can use this calculator without entering any personal information.
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Last updated: October 2026.
Not professional advice. The information on Pyramid Compass is for general informational purposes only. It is not professional travel, legal, financial, medical, or safety advice.
Accuracy. We do our best to keep prices, ticket tiers, opening hours, EGP rates, and rules current. Conditions in Egypt change quickly — always cross-check with your hotel concierge, your embassy, and the official site.
Personal responsibility. Travel in Egypt carries real risks. You are responsible for your own safety, insurance, visa, and choices.
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No warranty. The tools are provided "as is", without warranty of any kind.
Last updated: October 2026.