Weather in Luxor

About Luxor

Luxor, built on the site of ancient Thebes, is often called the world's greatest open-air museum, home to the temples of Karnak and Luxor and the tombs of the Valley of the Kings across the Nile. Its desert climate brings intensely hot summers, making the cooler winter months the prime season for exploring the temples and tombs on foot or by hot air balloon at dawn. A relaxed Nile-side town makes a good base for several days of ancient history.

Country

Egypt

Best months to visit

January, February, March, April, October, November, December

Currency

Local

Language

Local

Things to do in Luxor

Valley of the Kings tour Karnak Temple visit Hot air balloon rides Nile felucca sailing Luxor Temple at sunset Local market exploration

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

Recommended

January

22C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

February

25C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

March

29C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

April

35C

Very hot, and mostly sunny skies.

May

39C

Very hot, and mostly sunny skies.

June

41C

Very hot, and mostly sunny skies.

July

41C

Very hot, and mostly sunny skies.

August

42C

Very hot, and mostly sunny skies.

September

40C

Very hot, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

October

35C

Very hot, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

November

29C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

December

24C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

Luxor sits on the site of ancient Thebes, and the sheer density of monuments here is staggering — Karnak Temple's forest of columns, the painted tombs of the Valley of the Kings, and the colossal Colossi of Memnon all within a short drive of each other. A hot-air balloon ride at dawn over the Nile and the temples is one of Egypt's most memorable experiences.

Best areas to stay in Luxor

East Bank

Home to Luxor and Karnak Temples, plus the main town, hotels and the Luxor Museum.

West Bank (Valley of the Kings)

The necropolis of ancient Thebes, including the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens and Hatshepsut's Temple.

Karnak Temple

A vast temple complex with the famous hypostyle hall of 134 massive columns.

Nile Corniche

The riverside promenade, good for evening walks, felucca rides and views across to the West Bank.

Getting to Luxor

✈

Flights

Luxor International Airport (LXR) has domestic flights from Cairo and some seasonal direct charters from Europe.

⏱

From London

~1 hour from Cairo by air, or overnight by train.

🚕

Getting around

Taxis, hired bicycles and organised tours cover the East and West Bank sites; a local ferry crosses the Nile.

Frequently asked questions

How many days should I spend in Luxor?

Two to three days allows time for the Valley of the Kings, Karnak and Luxor Temples on the East Bank, and the Valley of the Queens and Hatshepsut's Temple on the West Bank.

Is a hot air balloon ride worth it?

Many visitors rate it as a highlight — flights depart before sunrise and offer views over the temples and the Nile valley, though weather can occasionally cause cancellations.

Do I need a guide for the Valley of the Kings?

Not essential, but a guide adds significant context to the tombs' decoration and history; tickets typically include entry to three tombs, with extra tickets for Tutankhamun's tomb.

How hot does it get in Luxor?

Summer (June-August) can exceed 40°C, making spring and autumn or winter (October-April) far more comfortable for sightseeing.

Can I combine Luxor with a Nile cruise?

Yes — many itineraries combine Luxor with a multi-day Nile cruise to Aswan, taking in temples at Edfu and Kom Ombo along the way.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

The hot air balloon at sunrise was worth every penny — floating over the temples and the Nile as the sun came up was magical. Valley of the Kings was just as incredible.

Joanna F. · January 2024

★★★★★

Karnak Temple's scale is hard to comprehend until you're standing among those columns. Luxor felt calmer and easier to navigate than Cairo.

Hassan M. · November 2023

★★★★☆

We combined Luxor with a Nile cruise to Aswan — a great way to see multiple temples without constant repacking. Hire a guide for the Valley of the Kings, it really helps.

Beatriz C. · March 2024