Mausoleum of al-Rifa'i
Monument Grand Cairo mosque-mausoleum housing royal tombs
Set in Cairo Governorate, the Mausoleum of al-Rifa’i draws visitors for its funerary architecture and its place among Cairo’s notable tomb complexes.
How to Get to Mausoleum of al-Rifa'i #
The mosque-mausoleum complex is in historic Cairo, adjacent to the Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan. From the Cairo Citadel area and the historic core, it is a short taxi ride (10-15 minutes depending on traffic). Many visitors walk between Sultan Hassan and Al-Rifa’i as they form a linked pair of monumental sites.
Tips for Visiting Mausoleum of al-Rifa'i #
- Enter via the courtyard shared with Sultan Hassan Mosque to see the architectural dialogue between the two complexes.
- Visit late afternoon for the best light on the mosque's vast interior and the way the royal sarcophagi pick up the angle of the sun.
- Security can be strict near royal tombs; be prepared to show ID if asked and comply with photography restrictions in certain areas.
Best Time to Visit Mausoleum of al-Rifa'i #
Best in the cooler months (Oct-Mar) for comfortable visits and clearer light.
Weather & Climate near Mausoleum of al-Rifa'i #
Mausoleum of al-Rifa'i's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 8°C to 35°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. Almost no rain.
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February
February is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Almost no rain.
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March
March is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 10°C. Almost no rain.
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April
April is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain.
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May
May is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 28°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is warm, feeling like 28°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 13°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 9°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
