Luxor weather at a glance
Luxor sits in the Egyptian desert, and the climate shows it. Days are hot for most of the year, nights are cool in winter, and rain is close to zero in every month. The figures on this page are long-term monthly averages for 1981 to 2010, not a forecast, so check the forecast shortly before you travel.
For sightseeing, November to March is the comfortable window. April and October are already hot, and June to August have average daytime highs above 41 °C. If you can only travel in the hot months, book early-morning slots, for example with Luxor tours that start at sunrise, and keep the afternoon free. Karnak opens at 06:00, which helps.
Luxor weather by month
Average daily highs and lows in °C and average monthly rain in mm.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rain | For sightseeing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 23.0 °C | 5.9 °C | 1.6 mm | Mild days, cold mornings and evenings |
| February | 25.1 °C | 7.8 °C | 0.1 mm | Comfortable |
| March | 29.5 °C | 11.8 °C | 0.4 mm | Warm, comfortable |
| April | 35.3 °C | 16.9 °C | 0.3 mm | Hot, go early |
| May | 39.0 °C | 21.2 °C | 0.8 mm | Very hot |
| June | 41.3 °C | 23.5 °C | 0.0 mm | Very hot, mornings only |
| July | 41.4 °C | 24.7 °C | 0.0 mm | Hottest month |
| August | 41.0 °C | 24.4 °C | 0.0 mm | Very hot, mornings only |
| September | 39.3 °C | 22.2 °C | 0.4 mm | Very hot |
| October | 35.3 °C | 18.4 °C | 1.0 mm | Hot, go early |
| November | 29.0 °C | 12.3 °C | 0.5 mm | Warm, comfortable |
| December | 24.3 °C | 7.8 °C | 0.1 mm | Comfortable, cool evenings |
For most visitors, the best time to visit Karnak is November to March, with the sightseeing hours in the morning and late afternoon. Low rainfall does not mean it never rains, but a wet day is rare.
Luxor tours for every season
Early starts, Karnak, the West Bank and Nile trips, with live prices and availability.
Luxor weather by season
What each part of the year feels like at the temples.
Winter, December to February
Days are mild at 23 to 25 °C, but mornings and evenings are cold, with lows of 6 to 8 °C. Bring a warm layer for sunrise at Karnak or for a balloon flight, and take it off as the stone warms up.
Spring, March to May
Temperatures climb fast, from about 30 °C in March to 39 °C in May. The German Federal Foreign Office notes sandstorms, especially in spring, which can cut visibility and air quality. Plan indoor stops as a backup.
Summer, June to August
Average highs stay above 41 °C. Visit at 06:00, finish by late morning and go back to the hotel. Karnak and the Valley of the Kings both open at 06:00 and close at 17:00. In 2026 the balloon operators paused flights over summer and resumed in mid-September.
Autumn, September to November
September is still very hot at 39 °C. October falls to 35 °C by day, and November to 29 °C, which makes it the first comfortable month for long temple walks.
How to plan a Karnak visit around the heat
The temple has open ground and little shade between the halls, so the time of day matters more than the month. Arrive at opening time, 06:00, and see the Great Hypostyle Hall and the Open Air Museum first. The Hypostyle Hall is the part most people want, so give it your freshest hour.
Do not plan a second big site straight after Karnak in the hot months. Karnak alone can fill a morning, and the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank works better on another day. The one-day plan shows how to combine them when time is short.
Carry water, wear a hat and sunscreen, and choose closed shoes for uneven stone. Luxor Temple stays open until 20:00 and the sound and light show runs at 19:00 or 20:00, so the evening is a cooler second shift. Details are on the sound and light show page.
For more weather and season notes across Luxor and the Nile valley, see Luxor weather and the best time for the Nile.
Plan the rest of your trip
Tickets, a base and the sights.
Luxor weather: frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Karnak?
November to March, when daytime highs run from about 23 to 29 °C. Go at 06:00 for the coolest hours and the quietest paths.
How hot is Luxor in summer?
June to August have average highs above 41 °C, and individual days can be hotter. Visit in the first hours after opening and keep the afternoon indoors.
Does it rain in Luxor?
Very little. The monthly averages range from 0.0 to 1.6 mm. Rain is rare, but an average is not a promise for your dates.
Is it cold in winter?
Mornings and evenings are. January lows average 5.9 °C, so a warm layer helps at sunrise. Days warm up to 23 °C or more.
Is this the official Karnak website?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Supreme Council of Antiquities, a weather service, a museum or the site operator.