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Luxor
Ancient Thebes: temples and royal tombs
- Best time to visit
- Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
- Currency
- EGP
- Time zone
- UTC+3
- Country
- Egypt
The site of ancient Thebes on the Nile, with Karnak and Luxor temples on the east bank and the Valley of the Kings on the west, often called the world's greatest open-air museum.
- Cairo
- Alexandria
- Giza
- Luxor
- Aswan
Quick facts
- Country
- Egypt
- Capital
- Cairo
- Province population
- 1.4M
- Population of Egypt
- 107M
- Country area
- 1,001,450 km²
- Official language
- Arabic
- Currency
- Egyptian Pound (EGP) · 1 USD ≈ 52.38 EGP
- Time zone
- UTC+3
- Calling code
- +20
- Drives on the
- Right
- Elevation
- 75 m
- Plugs
- C / F · 220V
- Emergency numbers
- 122 · 123
- Best time to visit
- Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Temperatures through the year
Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.
Temperatures through the year
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 23° | 25° | 29° | 35° | 39° | 41° | 41° | 41° | 39° | 35° | 29° | 24° |
| Low | 6° | 7° | 11° | 16° | 21° | 23° | 24° | 24° | 22° | 18° | 12° | 8° |
Best time to visitOther months
Approximate daily cost
Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.
- ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$35
- HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$90
- LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$270
Top things to do
- ≈ $12
Karnak Temple
The largest temple complex of ancient Egypt, with the forest of columns in the Great Hypostyle Hall; go at opening.
- Half day
- East Bank
- ≈ $25
Valley of the Kings
Painted royal tombs cut into the desert hills; the standard ticket covers three tombs, with extra tickets for Tutankhamun and Seti I.
- Half day
- West Bank
- ≈ $8
Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon
The terraced temple of the female pharaoh at the foot of the cliffs, and the two giant statues on the plain.
- Half day
- West Bank
- ≈ $10
Luxor Temple after dark
The temple in the town centre, lit at night, joined to Karnak by the Avenue of Sphinxes.
- Half day
- East Bank
- Good in the evening
- ≈ $80
Sunrise balloon over the West Bank
An hour over the temples, villages and sugar-cane fields at dawn; choose a licensed operator.
- Half day
- West Bank
- ≈ $10
Felucca on the Nile at sunset
An hour on a traditional sailing boat; agree the price and time before boarding.
- Half day
- East Bank
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
Before you go
Entry and visas
Most visitors need a visa for Egypt. You can apply in advance for an e-Visa on the official portal, visa2egypt.gov.eg, or buy a visa on arrival at approved airports for 30 US dollars in cash. Since 1 August 2026, travellers arriving at Cairo International Airport can also buy a digital visa on arrival by card at self-service machines or through the Visa on Arrival portal for 36 US dollars, which includes a 6 US dollar service fee. Visas on arrival are valid for up to 30 days. Check the official portal for your nationality before you book, and ignore other websites that look official and charge more.
Official websiteFrom the airport
Luxor Airport has flights from Cairo (about 1 hour) and some from Europe and the Gulf; the centre is 20 minutes by taxi. Sleeper and day trains run from Cairo, and Nile cruises link Luxor and Aswan.
Getting around
Taxis and hired drivers for the West Bank; the public ferry crosses the Nile cheaply. Agree taxi fares in advance.
Local tips
- Buy tickets at the sites or on the official portal; the Luxor Pass is worth it for long stays.
- Start at 6 or 7 am from April to October; midday is dangerously hot.
- Photography inside some tombs needs an extra ticket.
- Carry small notes for tips and bottled water.
Areas worth knowing
- East Bank
- West Bank
The UK Foreign Office last updated its advice for this country on August 4, 2026. The advice includes warnings against travel to some areas. Read it before booking.
Read the advice on GOV.UKMore cities in Egypt
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Sources: Egypt e-Visa portal (official) · Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities: tickets · Experience Egypt (official)