The best time to Visit Luxor

Ancient Egypt Luxor .Luxor is named the City of Hundred Gates or the City of the Sun. It was previously called Thebes. It was the capital of Egypt in the Pharaonic period. It is situated on the banks of the Nile River, which divides it into two parts: the eastern main and the western main. It is the capital of Luxor Governorate in southern Egypt.

It is situated between latitudes 25-26 north. 32-33 east, and it is about 670 km from the Egyptian capital, Cairo, about 220 km from the north of the city of Aswan, about 56 km south of the city of Qena, and about 280 km from the southwest of the city of Hurghada. It is bordered to the north by the center of Qus and Qena Governorate, and to the south. Edfu Center and Aswan Governorate, to the east is the Red Sea Governorate, and to the west is the Armant Center and New Valley Governorate. The closest sea ports to the city are Safaga Port, and the closest airports to it are Luxor International Airport.

 The best time to visit Luxor is between October and April when daytime temperatures are relaxing and nights are cool, but you’re still secured in the sun. The conditions are ideal for exploring messy Cairo or venturing into the desert.

As a mostly dry country, Egypt is blessed with much sunshine and very little rain.  June through August are the hottest months, and the coolest is January. Rainfall is almost non-existent, except on the shore  and when it does happen it’s between December and March. Highs can reach 40°C during summer, which can be perfectly demanding in crowded streets and souqs, but great for snorkeling off the coasts of Sinai.

Along with the weather, there’s a few other objects to consider when designing an Egyptian adventure. Ultimately, the best time to visit Luxor depends on the experience you want, so we’ve put together this guide to help you to know the best time to visit Luxor attractions.

Luxor Egypt Tourist Attractions 

 

It is said that Luxor contains approximately a third of the world’s antiquities, and it also includes many ancient Pharaonic monuments divided on the eastern and western sides of the city. The eastern side includes the Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, the Road of Rams linking the two temples, and the Luxor Museum. As for the western bank, it includes the Valley of the Kings, Deir el-Bahari Temple, Valley of the Queens, Deir el-Medina, the Ramesseum Temple, and the Colossus of Memnon.

The city of Luxor is full of spatial and temporal evidence indicating the existence of the Pharaonic civilization throughout the ages. Visitors to these places can also enjoy many activities in Luxor’s various landmarks, most notably:

• Talk to tour guides at each tourist attraction
• Taking photographs of the most important artifacts and temples
• Buy souvenirs and small carved figurines
• Watch sound and light shows in various museums in the city

Valley of the Kings

 

That valley is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is known as the “Royal Funeral City” because it contains many tombs of the kings of the Pharaonic state, such as:

• Tomb of King Tutankhamun
• Tomb of Kings Tuthmosis III and IV
• Tomb of Amenhotep II
• Tomb of King Ramesses I, II, IV, and VI

The site

Valley of the Kings Road, near the Kharga Oasis section, Al-Barr Al-Gharbi area

Worktime

Visiting the Valley of the Kings is permitted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m

Valley of the Queens

 

The Valley of the Queens is located behind the Valley of the Kings as one of the most important temples on the western side of Luxor, continuing its journey in including the most prominent members of the royal family and the noble classes of women. This valley contains approximately 90 tombs, the walls of which are decorated with the most beautiful inscriptions and hieroglyphs.

The site

Valley of the Kings Road, the southernmost point on the western coast

Worktime

The Valley of the Queens can be visited from 6 am to 5 pm

Medinet Habu

 

Medinet Habu includes many religious temples, artifacts, and Pharaonic monuments; Where there is:

• Temple of Ramesses III
• Holy of Holies
• Halls of the Three Legends

The site

South of ancient Thebes, west of Luxor Governorate

Worktime

Visiting  Habu city is allowed from 6 am to 5 pm

Karnak Temple (Temple of Amun)

 

Karnak Temple is extremely common among Luxor residents and tourists from abroad, as Karnak is a religious complex that contains a group of the most prominent temples of various ancient Pharaonic families. Among the most important temples in the Karnak complex are:

Hypostyle Hall: It is a huge hall designed with approximately 134 huge columns bearing hieroglyphic writings and events of ancient ruling dynasties in Egypt.

Rams Road: Rams Road has become a global platform that presents cultural sound and light shows using advanced technological methods, with Nile boat shows, and side-by-side dance shows.

The Holy Lake: The lake is located outside the main lobby. It was dug during the reign of King Tuthmosis III. This lake is considered one of the wonders of time, as it has continued to exist for more than 3,000 years without an increase or decrease in its water levels.

The site

Sheikh Moussa Street, Corniche  Nile, Al-Bar Sharqi area, Luxor Governorate

Worktime

Karnak Temple can be visited from 6 am to 5:30 pm

Luxor Museum

From the first moment, the tour in Luxor Museum begins by passing the glass gates; All the museum halls were prepared to simulate panoramic displays, such as the dim atmosphere in most of the place to highlight the existing Pharaonic artifacts. The most notable of which are:

• Crank plate
• Alabaster statue of the god Sebek
• Statues of King Akhenaten
• Engraved talat stones
• Statue of King Amenhotep III
• The chariot of King Tutankhamun
• Statue of Thutmose III made of schist stone
• Limestone stela of King Camus
• The royal mummies of Ahmose I and Ramesses I

The site

Nile Corniche Street, central Luxor Governorate

Worktime

Luxor Museum opens its doors to visitors daily in two periods:

The first: from 9 am to 4 pm

Second: from 5 pm to 10 pm

Colossi of Memnon  

 

The Memnon statue recently joined the Mount El-Bar Gharbi lighting project, out of a desire to highlight the status of these statues, which represent the era of one of the most powerful ancient Egyptian dynasties, namely the family of King Amenhotep III.

Each statue is 21.9 meters long. Both of them are also located at the beginning of the Valley of the Kings Road, as they are considered among the first tourist places in Luxor that visitors encounter in the area of temples and monasteries west of Luxor.

The site

Colossi of Memnon Street, Al-Barr Al-Gharbi District

Worktime

The Colossi of Memnon remains open to tourists from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m

Deir El-Bahari 

 

Queen Hatshepsut built this temple to perform religious rituals, and to display the history of her powerful kingdom on the walls and sculptures of the temple. The Deir el-Bahari Temple is also divided from the inside into three temples, the ownership of each of which goes back to the Pharaonic king who built it. They are:

Hatshepsut Temple: The Queen’s Temple consists of three layers on prominent rock curves. The entrances to this building are also decorated with stone columns, the god Osiris, and a statue of Queen Hatshepsut.

Temple of Tuthmosis III: The Temple of Tuthmosis is located in the middle of Deir el-Bahri. The temple contains a large hall in which 80 columns are decorated with papyrus flowers, and the boat of the god Amun-Ra, who was one of the most famous gods among the ancient Egyptians.

Temple of Mentuhotep II: The temple of King Mentuhotep is located on the bank of the Nile and in front of ancient Thebes. The king built this funerary temple to be a memorial and a majestic tomb befitting his status among the kingdoms of the dead.

The site

Behind the Valley of the Kings, near the Kharga Oasis section

Worktime

Entry to Deir el-Bahari Temple is permitted from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m

Deir el-Medina

“The city of craftsmen.” This is what the city was called in the past, which is considered one of the most prominent tourist places in Luxor, as the remains and antiquities found in the Qurna region tell the history of that city and what happened to its residents.

The city was Inhabited by a large group of craft workers and their families only, in distinction to those who had the craft of making Pharaonic tombs and coffins, in addition to the location of that city between the eastern and western mainlands of Luxor Governorate.

Due to this strategic location, it was easy for workers to move between archaeological sites to build the tombs of the kings. Hundreds of ancient art pieces, whether made of pottery or limestone, were excavated, in addition to the presence of approximately 60 tombs belonging to the families of the workers of the Hattour Temple in Deir el-Medina.

The site

Qurna area, north of the Valley of the Kings in Luxor

Worktime

Visiting the Valley of the Kings is permitted from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m

Timing is Everything: The Best Time to Visit Luxor 

 

The best time to visit Luxor. Luxor has an ideal climate all year round, but some seasons are better than others to visit.

Spring from March to May is the best time to visit Luxor. Temperatures are moderate during the day, not exceeding 32 degrees Celsius. Rainfall rates are also low. You can enjoy the beauty of the city and visit its archaeological monuments without being exposed to extreme heat or heavy rain.

The fall season from September to November is also is the best time to visit Luxor because of the moderate temperatures. But you should be aware that November may witness some rain.

In contrast, it is best to avoid visiting Luxor during July and August, when temperatures can sometimes reach 45°C, making getting around the city exhausting. The place is also crowded with tourists during the summer, which reduces the enjoyment of the trip.

In general, the best times to visit  Luxor are spring and fall due to mild temperatures and low rainfall. Avoid visiting it in the summer to avoid the heat and crowds.

Peak Season Luxor 

It is important to note that the peak tourist season coincides with these eras of favorable weather to know the best time to visit Luxor, in January, February, March, November, and December. During these months, Luxor comes alive with a huge number of visitors coming to admire its iconic places. This can mean more crowds around common attractions, but also a more festive and dynamic atmosphere in the city.

For those who prefer to avort crowds and do not mind a bit of heat, visiting Luxor during these months can also be a rewarding experience. Prices may be lower and places less crowded, offering a more intimate experience with ancient history. Thus, the better off-peak months are May and September.

In summary, whether you choose the best time to visit Luxor (from February to April or October to December), or adopt for the quieter but hotter months, this historic city promises an unforgettable adventure through time. Just make sure to plan according to the best time to visit Luxor. According to  your preferences concerning climate and crowds to make the most of your trip to this fascinating destination.

The Best Time to Visit Luxor: FAQs

 

1. What is the best time to visit Luxor?

The best time to visit Luxor is from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing.

2. Why is October to April considered the best time to visit Luxor?

October to April is considered the best time to visit Luxor because temperatures are milder, making it easier to explore outdoor attractions like the Valley of the Kings.

3. Is summer a good time to visit Luxor?

Summer is not the best time to visit Luxor due to extreme heat, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F).

4. What are the advantages of visiting Luxor in the winter?

Winter offers the best time to visit Luxor with pleasant weather, fewer crowds, and ideal conditions for exploring historical sites.

5. Can I visit Luxor during the holiday season in December?

Yes, December is part of the best time to visit Luxor, offering cooler weather and a festive atmosphere.

6. Are there any special events in Luxor during the best time to visit?

During the best time to visit Luxor, you can experience events like the Luxor Marathon in January and various cultural festivals.

7. How does the weather impact the best time to visit Luxor?

The weather significantly impacts the best time to visit Luxor, with cooler temperatures making outdoor exploration more comfortable.

8. Is spring a good time to visit Luxor?

Yes, spring is within the best time to visit Luxor, particularly from March to April when the weather is mild and flowers are in bloom.

9. What is the best time to visit Luxor for budget travelers?

The best time to visit Luxor for budget travelers is during the shoulder seasons of late October and early April when prices may be lower, and crowds are thinner.

10. Does the Nile River influence the best time to visit Luxor?

Yes, the best time to visit Luxor coincides with the cooler months when the Nile River is calmer, enhancing boat tours and felucca rides.

11. What is the best time to visit Luxor for photography?

The best time to visit Luxor for photography is from November to February, when the light is softer, and the skies are clearer.

12. Is there a bad time to visit Luxor?

The worst time to visit Luxor is during the peak summer months of June to August, which are not the best time to visit Luxor due to extreme heat.

13. Can I visit Luxor during Ramadan?

Ramadan can coincide with the best time to visit Luxor, depending on the year, but be mindful of the fasting period and adjusted business hours.

14. What is the best time to visit Luxor for families?

The best time to visit Luxor for families is during the cooler months of December to February, ensuring a comfortable experience for children.

15. How crowded is Luxor during the best time to visit?

Luxor can be more crowded during the best time to visit, especially in December and January, so early planning is recommended.

16. Is it better to visit Luxor in the early morning or late afternoon?

Regardless of the season, the best time to visit Luxor’s attractions is in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat.

17. What should I pack for a trip during the best time to visit Luxor?

During the best time to visit Luxor, pack light layers, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes, as temperatures can vary from cool mornings to warm afternoons.

18. Is Luxor safe to visit during the best time to visit?

Yes, Luxor is generally safe to visit, especially during the best time to visit Luxor, with increased tourism and well-maintained attractions.

19. What are the best activities during the best time to visit Luxor?

The best time to visit Luxor is ideal for exploring temples, taking Nile cruises, and enjoying hot air balloon rides over the Valley of the Kings.

20. How far in advance should I book my trip during the best time to visit Luxor?

It’s advisable to book your trip several months in advance if you plan to travel during the best time to visit Luxor, as accommodations can fill up quickly.