There are different sides to Cairo, and your experiences will depend on how you go about it.
The big hotels, airport / Heliopolis or Giza / Pyramids area are pretty much like a western experience. Like western hotels they will charge eye-watering prices for everyday stuff like bottled water and wifi.
Often there is a supermarket near the hotel where the real people get supplies. provided you aren't wandering off the beaten track you will find Cairo safe and welcoming - too welcoming, as you are seen as a source of money and everyone will want to befriend you and take you round their shop.
You will also find the hotel staff, tour guides if you have them, everyone in fact, expects a tip.
Sunburn is a danger for pink people at all times of year - a very high factor suncream and a hat are equally very important. if you are flamboyant enough use an umbrella for portable shade.
After April up to about September is blisteringly hot and as others have said, in Cairo this means flying dust everywhere and lots of pollution - eye drops are useful, but defo the bottled water.