a statue of a man sitting in front of two tall pillars

Luxor

Luxor is the Upper Egypt city where ancient Thebes stands among modern streets, with temples on the Nile's East Bank and royal tombs on the West Bank.

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Luxor is a city in Upper Egypt, about 670 km south of Cairo and about 220 km north of Aswan. In antiquity it was Thebes, one of the capitals of ancient Egypt, and the city is often called the world's greatest open-air museum because temple complexes stand within it. Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple are on the East Bank of the Nile. On the West Bank, the Theban Necropolis holds the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens and Hatshepsut's mortuary temple at Deir el-Bahari.

Tourism is the main pillar of the city's economy, and sugarcane farming is another major source of work. Hot air balloon rides over the Nile valley have been offered since 1988. Summer highs go above 40 °C (104 °F), while winter days average above 22 °C, so the cooler months suit sightseeing best. Plan enough days to cover both banks, since the sites are spread across the river.

Luxor in five

Start the West Bank at openingThe Valley of the Kings and Deir el-Bahari have little shade. Arrive when gates open and finish before midday heat.
Know what the tomb ticket coversThe standard Valley of the Kings ticket covers a set number of tombs. Tutankhamun and a few others need extra tickets.
See Luxor Temple after darkThe temple stays open into the evening and is lit at night, which is cooler and calmer than midday.
Book balloon flights with careBalloons fly at dawn over the West Bank. Choose an operator licensed by the civil aviation authority and expect cancellations in wind.

Things to do in Luxor

See all attractions in Luxor

Historic site · LuxorColossi of MemnonArrive early in the morning, when the site is quieter and the light is softer on the stone.

Ruins · LuxorLuxor TempleGo early to avoid the busiest period and the strongest midday sun.

Landmark · LuxorDeir el-MedinaBuy tickets online in advance to avoid possible problems at the ticket counter.

Free trip plannerPlan a trip to LuxorPut the places you like in Luxor on a map, give them days, and let one button order each day. Free, with no account.Plan a trip

Need to know

Airport: Luxor (LXR), about 20 min to the East Bank
Getting there: Flights or overnight train from Cairo; Nile cruises from Aswan
Getting around: Taxis and a driver for the West Bank; ferry across the Nile
Best base: East Bank for restaurants, West Bank for quiet
Time needed: 2–3 days

Weather by month

Rainy days

Best
Mixed
Poor

JanuaryClear0 rainy daysHigh22°Low10°Mild, busy
FebruaryClear0 rainy daysHigh24°Low11°Mild
MarchClear0 rainy daysHigh30°Low15°Warm
AprilClear0 rainy daysHigh35°Low20°Hot
MayClear0 rainy daysHigh39°Low24°Very hot
JuneClear0 rainy daysHigh42°Low27°Extreme heat
JulyClear0 rainy daysHigh42°Low27°Extreme heat
AugustClear0 rainy daysHigh42°Low28°Extreme heat
SeptemberClear0 rainy daysHigh40°Low25°Very hot
OctoberClear0 rainy daysHigh35°Low22°Hot
NovemberClear0 rainy daysHigh29°Low17°Warm
DecemberClear0 rainy daysHigh24°Low12°Mild, busy

Average daily high and low in Luxor, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Right now in Luxor

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 23°
Humidity: 21%
Wind: 9 km/h
Chance of rain: 0%

Luxor

10:37 PM

Monday, November 2

GMT+2

Today37°18°0%Monday: Cloudy. High 37°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 0%.
Tue37°20°0%Tuesday: Clear. High 37°, Low 20°. Chance of rain 0%.
Wed38°21°0%Wednesday: Clear. High 38°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 0%.
Thu37°21°0%Thursday: Clear. High 37°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 0%.
Fri31°19°0%Friday: Partly cloudy. High 31°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 0%.
Sat28°19°0%Saturday: Clear. High 28°, Low 19°. Chance of rain 0%.
Sun27°17°0%Sunday: Cloudy. High 27°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 0%.

Updated 10:17 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 USD = 55.96 EGP

Amount

Converted to

EGP · Egyptian Pound

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

Day trips by train

Denderaabout 1.5 hours by carThe Hathor temple, with painted ceilings and roof chapels.
Abydosabout 3 hours by carTemple of Seti I, often paired with Dendera in one long day.
Aswanabout 3 hours by train or roadPhilae, the Nile at its prettiest and the base for Abu Simbel.Read the guide

Before you go to Luxor

West Bank tomb and temple toursA driver and guide for the full dayCompare tours

East Bank and West Bank staysFerry-side hotels or quiet guesthousesCheck availability

eSIM for LuxorMaps for ferry and taxi faresRead the guide

Insurance for LuxorCheck heat and balloon exclusionsRead the guide

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Rules for Luxor, checked

Many nationalities need a visa for Egypt. Check your eligibility for an e-visa or a visa on arrival on the official Egyptian e-visa portal before you book.
Ask at the ticket office before you take photos inside tombs and temples, since flash and camera rules differ by site.
Many tombs and sites close for excavation or restoration. Check Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities announcements before you plan a day on the West Bank.
Dial 122 for police, 123 for an ambulance and 180 for the fire service anywhere in Egypt.

Plan around Luxor

All of Egypt

Regions, e-visa, money and safety

Read the guide Aswan

Philae and Nubian villages, 3 hours south

Read the guide Cairo

Pyramids and museums, an hour north by air

Read the guide Red Sea coast

Beach days after the temples, by road

Read the guide Visa on arrival or e-visa

Which passports can use which route

Read the guide Best time to visit Egypt

Months and heat across the country

Read the guide

Luxor FAQ

How many days do I need in Luxor?

Two full days: one for the West Bank tombs and temples, one for Karnak and Luxor Temple. Add a day for Dendera or Abydos.

Should I stay on the East or West Bank?

The East Bank has more restaurants and is walkable to Luxor Temple. The West Bank is quieter and closer to the tombs; a ferry links the two.

Is Luxor too hot in summer?

From May to September highs are often near or above 40 °C. Sightseeing is possible only in the early morning and evening.

Is a Nile cruise better than staying in Luxor?

A cruise between Luxor and Aswan links the temples on the way. Staying on land gives more time at each site and more freedom with timing.

What is the best time of day to visit the Valley of the Kings?

Go as the gates open. The valley has almost no shade, tombs warm up fast with visitors, and tour groups arrive mid-morning. In summer, leave before the heat peaks.