Aswan
Aswan is a city on the east bank of the Nile at the first cataract, known for ancient temples, granite quarries and Nubian culture.
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Aswan is a city in Upper Egypt and the capital of Aswan Governorate, on the east bank of the Nile at the first cataract. It is counted among the oldest continuously inhabited cities, with recorded history spanning over 2,600 years. In antiquity it was called Swenett and later Syene, the southern frontier town of Ancient Egypt. Its granite quarries supplied stone for many ancient Egyptian monuments, and some are still operating today.
Travelers come for the monuments and for Nubian culture. The Philae temple complex, which includes a temple to Hathor, was moved from Philae Island to Agilkia Island when the Aswan High Dam was built. The Nubian Monuments UNESCO site runs along the Nile from Abu Simbel to Philae. Abu Simbel lies about 290 km southwest of Aswan; convoys leave twice a day, or you can fly. Winter days are mild, with highs above 23 °C and cool nights, while summer highs pass 40 °C from June to September. Allow a few days in the city and a full day for Abu Simbel.
Aswan in five
- Plan Abu Simbel as a full dayThe temples are about 280 km south. By road it is roughly 3.5 hours each way, or take a short flight.
- Reach Philae by boatThe temple stands on an island. Boats leave from the Marina Philae landing, and you agree the fare with the boatman.
- Sail a felucca at sunsetThe wind usually fills in during the afternoon. Agree the time and price before you board.
- Know the sun festival timingTwice a year, in late February and late October, the sun reaches the inner sanctuary at Abu Simbel. Those mornings are the busiest of the year, so book transport and rooms well ahead.
Things to do in Aswan
See all attractions in Aswan
Need to know
- Airport
- Aswan (ASW), about 25 min to town
- Getting there
- Flights or sleeper train from Cairo; train or cruise from Luxor
- Getting around
- Walk the Corniche, boats to the islands, taxis
- Best base
- The Corniche, or a Nubian guesthouse on the West Bank
- Time needed
- 2 days, plus Abu Simbel
Weather by month
- Rainy days
- Best
- Good
- Poor
- JanuaryClear0 rainy daysHigh23°Low10°Mild, dryJanuaryClear
Best
- High
- 23°
- Low
- 10°
- Precipitation
- 0 mm
- Rainy days
- 0
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Mild, dry
- FebruaryClear0 rainy daysHigh26°Low12°Sun festivalFebruaryClear
Best
- High
- 26°
- Low
- 12°
- Precipitation
- 0 mm
- Rainy days
- 0
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Sun festival
- MarchClear0 rainy daysHigh31°Low16°WarmMarchClear
Good
- High
- 31°
- Low
- 16°
- Precipitation
- 0 mm
- Rainy days
- 0
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Warm
- AprilClear0 rainy daysHigh36°Low21°HotAprilClear
Poor
- High
- 36°
- Low
- 21°
- Precipitation
- 0 mm
- Rainy days
- 0
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Hot
- MayClear0 rainy daysHigh40°Low25°Very hotMayClear
Poor
- High
- 40°
- Low
- 25°
- Precipitation
- 0 mm
- Rainy days
- 0
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Very hot
- JuneClear0 rainy daysHigh43°Low28°Extreme heatJuneClear
Poor
- High
- 43°
- Low
- 28°
- Precipitation
- 0 mm
- Rainy days
- 0
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Extreme heat
- JulyClear0 rainy daysHigh42°Low29°Extreme heatJulyClear
Poor
- High
- 42°
- Low
- 29°
- Precipitation
- 0 mm
- Rainy days
- 0
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Extreme heat
- AugustClear0 rainy daysHigh43°Low29°Extreme heatAugustClear
Poor
- High
- 43°
- Low
- 29°
- Precipitation
- 0 mm
- Rainy days
- 0
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Extreme heat
- SeptemberClear0 rainy daysHigh41°Low27°Very hotSeptemberClear
Poor
- High
- 41°
- Low
- 27°
- Precipitation
- 0 mm
- Rainy days
- 0
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Very hot
- OctoberClear0 rainy daysHigh37°Low23°Sun festivalOctoberClear
Poor
- High
- 37°
- Low
- 23°
- Precipitation
- 0 mm
- Rainy days
- 0
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Sun festival
- NovemberClear0 rainy daysHigh30°Low18°WarmNovemberClear
Good
- High
- 30°
- Low
- 18°
- Precipitation
- 0 mm
- Rainy days
- 0
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Warm
- DecemberClear0 rainy daysHigh25°Low13°Mild, dryDecemberClear
Best
- High
- 25°
- Low
- 13°
- Precipitation
- 0 mm
- Rainy days
- 0
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Mild, dry
Average daily high and low in Aswan, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.
Right now in Aswan
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
29
- Feels like
- 23°
- Humidity
- 11%
- Wind
- 14 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 0%
Aswan
10:06 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today35°19°0%Monday: Cloudy. High 35°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Tue36°20°0%Tuesday: Cloudy. High 36°, Low 20°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Wed36°21°0%Wednesday: Clear. High 36°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Thu34°20°0%Thursday: Clear. High 34°, Low 20°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Fri32°19°0%Friday: Clear. High 32°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Sat28°18°0%Saturday: Clear. High 28°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 0%.
- Sun26°16°0%Sunday: Clear. High 26°, Low 16°. Chance of rain 0%.
Updated 07:38 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 55.96 EGP
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Abu Simbelabout 3.5 hours by roadThe two temples of Ramses II and Nefertari by Lake Nasser.
- Kom Ombo and Edfuabout 1–2 hours by roadTwo Nile temples, often seen on a cruise to Luxor.
- Luxorabout 3 hours by train or roadKarnak and the Valley of the Kings.Read the guide
Before you go to Aswan
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Rules for Aswan, checked
- Check Egypt's visa rules for your passport with the Egyptian embassy or consulate before you book.
- Convoys to Abu Simbel leave Aswan twice a day with escorts, so confirm the times with your bus operator or tour company.
- Dial 122 for police or 123 for an ambulance anywhere in Egypt.
- Porters, guides and drivers expect tips, often called baksheesh, so carry small notes.
Plan around Aswan
Regions, e-visa, money and safety
Read the guideLuxorKarnak and the tombs, 3 hours north
Read the guideCairoPyramids and museums, an overnight train or flight away
Read the guideRed Sea coastReefs and beach resorts, reached by flight or road
Read the guideVisa on arrival or e-visaWhich passports can use which route
Read the guideBest time to visit EgyptMonths and heat across the country
Read the guideAswan FAQ
Is it worth flying to Abu Simbel from Aswan?
Flying saves about seven hours on the road and makes the day easy. Road trips cost less and leave early in the morning.
How many days do I need in Aswan?
Two days covers Philae, a felucca and a Nubian village. Add a day for Abu Simbel.
When is the best time to visit Aswan?
November to February, when highs sit in the mid 20s °C. Summer is among the hottest anywhere in Egypt.
Is Aswan worth visiting after Luxor?
Yes. It is calmer, with Philae, Nubian villages and Nile islands in place of large temple complexes. It also opens the door to Abu Simbel, which Luxor does not.
Where should I stay in Aswan?
Choose the Corniche for walkable restaurants and boats, or a West Bank Nubian guesthouse for quiet and sunsets. West Bank stays need a ferry or boat transfer, so ask your host how late it runs.