Port Said Climate & Monthly Temperature Overview – Egypt

Climate:

Port Said enjoys a temperate climate characterized by mild winters and warm, dry summers. Temperatures range from an average of 13°C (55°F) in January to 27°C (81°F) in July and August. The city receives minimal rainfall throughout the year, with an annual precipitation of approximately 100 millimeters (4 inches). Humidity levels are generally high, especially during the summer months, but the constant Mediterranean breeze provides relief.

Seasons:

Spring (March-May): Temperatures steadily rise from the cool winter months, reaching a comfortable 22°C (72°F) in May. Rainfall is scarce, and the skies are mostly clear, making it an ideal time to explore the city’s attractions.

Summer (June-August): The summer months are hot and dry, with average temperatures hovering around 27°C (81°F). The humidity can be stifling at times, but the sea breeze offers respite from the heat. Days are long and sunny, and swimming or relaxing on the beach provides a welcome escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

Autumn (September-November): Temperatures gradually decrease as autumn approaches, creating pleasant weather for outdoor activities. Rainfall increases slightly, but the overall climate remains mild and enjoyable.

Winter (December-February): Winter temperatures average 13°C (55°F), with occasional dips below 10°C (50°F) at night. Rainfall is minimal, and skies are often cloudy. The annual precipitation falls mostly during the winter months.

Summer Temperatures in Port Said, Egypt

Port Said, a coastal city in northern Egypt, experiences scorching hot summers. The average temperature during this period ranges from a comfortable 24°C (75°F) in the morning to a peak of around 34°C (93°F) in the afternoon. The humidity levels are also relatively high, making the weather feel even hotter. However, the city enjoys a refreshing breeze from the Mediterranean Sea, which provides some relief from the intense heat.

Evenings in Port Said during summer are generally warm, with temperatures hovering around 28°C (82°F). This allows for pleasant outdoor activities and evening strolls along the city’s charming seaside promenade. While the summer months in Port Said can be challenging for those unaccustomed to the heat, the city offers various ways to cool off, such as swimming in the sea, visiting air-conditioned malls, or enjoying cold drinks at local cafes.

Cloud Types and Formation

Port Said, Egypt, located on the Mediterranean coast, experiences a variety of cloud types due to its unique geographical location and climate. The most common cloud formation observed in Port Said is the cirrus cloud. These high-altitude clouds, made up of ice crystals, appear as thin, wispy streaks or tufts in the sky. They are composed of water vapor that has frozen at high altitudes, typically between 5,000 and 10,000 meters. Cirrus clouds are usually associated with fair weather and stable atmospheric conditions.

Another common cloud type in Port Said is the cumulus cloud. These clouds are characterized by their puffy, cotton-like appearance and are formed when warm, moist air rises from the surface. As the air rises, it cools and condenses, forming the cumulus clouds. Cumulus clouds can range in size from small, isolated clouds to larger, towering formations known as cumulonimbus clouds. Cumulonimbus clouds are associated with thunderstorms and can produce heavy rain, hail, and lightning.

Annual Precipitation Patterns

Port Said, Egypt, experiences a desert climate characterized by extremely low annual precipitation. On average, the city receives just 7.9 milliliters (0.31 inches) of rainfall per year, making it one of the driest places on Earth. Precipitation occurs infrequently and is often sporadic, with long periods of no rainfall followed by occasional showers or thunderstorms. The driest months are typically from May to September, with virtually no measurable precipitation.

Seasonal Variations and Extreme Events

The majority of precipitation in Port Said occurs during the winter months, from November to April. However, even during these months, rainfall is generally light and infrequent. Occasionally, the city may experience heavy rainfall events associated with Mediterranean depressions, which can lead to localized flooding. However, such events are rare and unpredictable. Port Said has a long history of consecutive dry days, often lasting several months or even years.

Precipitation Patterns

Rainfall in Port Said, Egypt is characterized by its extreme scarcity. The city lies within a desert region, where annual precipitation typically ranges from 20 to 50 millimeters (0.8 to 2 inches). Most precipitation occurs during the winter months, with occasional rainfall in the spring. Summer months are typically dry, with no recorded rainfall in some years. The sporadic and unpredictable nature of rainfall poses significant challenges for the local population and agriculture.

Impact on Water Resources

The scarcity of rainfall in Port Said has a profound impact on the city’s water resources. The city heavily relies on desalinated water, obtained through reverse osmosis processes, to meet its water needs. Desalination is an energy-intensive process that can strain local resources and infrastructure. The lack of rainfall also affects the groundwater supply, which is often saline and unsuitable for consumption. As a result, the city has implemented strict water conservation measures to ensure a reliable supply for its growing population.

Historical Snowfall Events

Snowfall in Port Said, Egypt, is an extremely rare occurrence. The city, located on the Mediterranean coast, typically experiences a warm and dry climate. However, on a few isolated occasions, snowfall has been recorded. One such event occurred in 1904, when snow fell briefly in the city. Another snowfall event was reported in 1949, with snow accumulating to a depth of several inches in some areas. These rare snowfalls have garnered significant attention and have become part of the city’s historical folklore.

Causes of Snowfall

Snowfall in Port Said is caused by a combination of factors including cold air temperatures, moisture, and atmospheric conditions. During the winter months, cold air from the north and east can potentially reach Egypt’s Mediterranean coast. If the air temperature drops below freezing and there is sufficient moisture in the atmosphere, snow may form. Additionally, the presence of a strong upper-level atmospheric disturbance, such as a cold front or a low-pressure system, can help to channel cold air and moisture towards the region, increasing the likelihood of snowfall.

Sunrise and Sunset Times in Port Said, Egypt

Port Said, Egypt is located at the northern tip of the Suez Canal and is known for its vibrant maritime culture. The city experiences year-round sunshine, with clear skies for the majority of the year. Sunrise in Port Said typically occurs between 5:30 and 6:15 AM local time, depending on the time of year. Sunset, on the other hand, takes place between 5:00 and 6:30 PM, offering ample daylight hours for exploration and outdoor activities.

Climate and Weather Patterns in Port Said, Egypt

Port Said’s climate is classified as subtropical arid, with long, dry summers and mild winters. Temperatures remain relatively consistent throughout the year, with average highs ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F) during the summer months and average lows between 10°C and 15°C (50°F to 59°F) during the winter months. The city receives minimal rainfall throughout the year, with the majority occurring during the winter months. Port Said’s proximity to the Mediterranean Sea provides a cooling breeze during the summer months, making the heat more bearable.

Moon Phases and Visibility

In Port Said, Egypt, the moon’s phases and visibility undergo cyclical changes throughout the lunar month. The new moon, when the moon is invisible from Earth, marks the start of the lunar cycle. As the moon progresses through its phases, it becomes increasingly visible as a waxing crescent. Around the middle of the month, the full moon, when the entire moon’s face is illuminated, reaches its peak visibility. After the full moon, the moon gradually wanes through its phases, transitioning from a waning gibbous to a waning crescent until it becomes invisible again at the next new moon.

Cultural and Religious Significance

The moon holds significant cultural and religious importance in Port Said and Egypt as a whole. The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, with months beginning on the day after the new moon is sighted. The start of the holy month of Ramadan, a time of fasting and spiritual reflection, is determined by the sighting of the new moon. The moon’s phases also influence traditional practices, such as fishing and agriculture, where its cyclical patterns are believed to affect the success of these activities. In addition, the moon provides a sense of time and orientation, as its position in the sky helps people navigate and plan their daily routines.

Humidity in Port Said, Egypt: Overview

Port Said, a coastal city in Egypt, experiences a warm desert climate. Humidity plays a significant role in shaping the city’s weather conditions. During the summer months (June to September), humidity levels soar, often exceeding 80%. This high humidity, combined with average temperatures in the high 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit, can result in uncomfortable and oppressive conditions. The moisture in the air makes it harder for the body to cool down through sweating, leading to feelings of heat exhaustion and discomfort.

Seasonal Variations in Humidity

The humidity levels in Port Said vary throughout the year. During the winter months (December to February), humidity drops significantly, with relative humidity levels typically ranging from 50% to 60%. This lower humidity makes for more comfortable weather conditions, as the body can cool down more effectively through sweating. In the shoulder months (March to May and October to November), humidity gradually transitions from the drier winter conditions to the more humid summer months. During these transitional periods, humidity levels can vary between 60% to 70%.

Seasonal Variations

Port Said’s wind patterns are characterized by pronounced seasonal variations. During the summer months (June to September), the prevailing wind direction is northwesterly, bringing with it warm and humid air from the Mediterranean Sea. These winds often bring relief from the scorching summer heat and humidity.

In the winter months (December to March), the wind direction shifts to the northeasterly, known as the “Shamal” wind. The Shamal is a strong and cold wind that originates in the deserts of North Africa and can bring significant drops in temperature, dust, and sandstorms. During the shoulder months (October to November and April to May), the wind patterns are more variable, with transitions between the summer and winter regimes.

Impact on Daily Life

The wind in Port Said has a significant impact on the city’s daily life and economy. The strong Shamal winds during the winter can lead to disruptions in shipping and transportation, as well as causing discomfort and respiratory problems for residents. The port of Port Said, a major shipping hub, is particularly affected by the wind conditions, with operations sometimes being suspended due to high winds and rough seas.

Additionally, the wind influences the clothing choices of locals, with lighter materials being preferred during the summer months and warmer layers during the winter months. The wind also plays a role in shaping the city’s architecture, with buildings often designed with wind resistance in mind.

Summer (June to August)

Summer in Port Said is undeniably hot and humid, with temperatures soaring to an average high of 32°C (90°F). The high humidity levels can make the heat feel even more oppressive, particularly during the day. While the summer months offer plenty of sunshine for beach lovers, the intense heat can be uncomfortable for many travelers. It’s important to stay hydrated and seek shade during the hottest hours of the day, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.

Spring and Autumn (March to May and September to November)

The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn offer a more pleasant climate for visiting Port Said. Temperatures range from a comfortable 20-25°C (68-77°F), providing ideal conditions for exploring the city’s attractions and enjoying outdoor activities. The humidity levels are also lower during these months, making the heat more manageable. Whether you prefer the blooming flowers of spring or the vibrant foliage of autumn, these seasons offer a delightful time to experience Port Said without the extreme heat or crowds of summer.

Potential and Development

Port Said enjoys ample sunlight due to its strategic location on the Mediterranean coast. This has made solar energy a promising renewable energy source for the city. The government has recognized this potential and initiated several initiatives to promote solar development. These include the establishment of a 50-megawatt solar power plant in 2018 and the launch of a national strategy to increase the share of solar in Egypt’s energy mix.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite its potential, solar energy development in Port Said faces some challenges. These include the high cost of solar panels and the lack of skilled labor in the renewable energy sector. Additionally, the city’s coastal location makes it vulnerable to storms and saltwater corrosion. To overcome these challenges, government incentives, such as feed-in tariffs and tax breaks, are being implemented to make solar projects more financially viable. Training programs are also being introduced to build local capacity in solar technology installation and maintenance.

Coastal Topography

Port Said is a coastal city located at the northern tip of the Suez Canal. The city’s topography is heavily influenced by its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding desert. The terrain is generally flat, with a slight elevation towards the north. The coastline is characterized by several sandy beaches and rocky outcrops. The port area, located at the eastern end of the city, is a major hub for shipping and trade.

Desert Environs

Beyond the coastal zone, Port Said is surrounded by arid desert. The desert terrain is composed of vast stretches of sand dunes, rocky outcrops, and occasional oases. The lack of significant vegetation and water bodies creates a harsh and unforgiving environment. However, the desert also provides opportunities for recreational activities such as sandboarding and desert safaris. The proximity of the city to the desert has also led to the development of eco-tourism initiatives, which aim to protect the fragile desert ecosystem while providing visitors with an authentic experience of the region’s natural beauty.

El Nouzha Airport (EGNO)

El Nouzha Airport (EGNO) is the nearest airport to Port Said, Egypt, situated approximately 5.6 kilometers (3.5 miles) northwest of the city center. It is a small domestic airport primarily serving the local community and neighboring areas. EGNO operates limited scheduled flights, with no international connections. The airport has a single runway, measuring 1,400 meters (4,593 feet) in length, and is suitable for small aircraft and business jets.

Other Airports in the Region

Although EGNO is the nearest airport to Port Said, several other airports are located within a reasonable driving distance. Approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) to the southeast lies Cairo International Airport (CAI), the main international gateway to Egypt. CAI offers a wide range of domestic and international flights, connecting Port Said to cities worldwide. Additionally, Alexandria Borg El Arab Airport (HBE), situated 170 kilometers (106 miles) to the west, provides alternative domestic and regional flight options.

History and Significance

Port Said is a major Egyptian city situated on the northern coast at the entrance to the Suez Canal. Founded in 1859, it played a pivotal role in the construction and operation of the canal, which has transformed the city into a strategic maritime hub and a gateway to the Arabian Peninsula and beyond. Port Said has witnessed significant historical events, including the 1956 Suez Crisis and the Egyptian Revolution of 2011.

Culture and Tourism

Port Said boasts a rich cultural heritage shaped by its cosmopolitan past. The city is home to diverse communities, including Arabs, Greeks, Armenians, and Europeans. Its architectural landmarks reflect this diverse influence, with buildings ranging from colonial-era mansions to modern skyscrapers. Port Said is known for its vibrant nightlife, bustling markets, and scenic waterfront promenade along the Mediterranean Sea. The city also offers a variety of museums, historical sites, and cultural attractions that showcase its rich heritage and maritime history.