Agilkia IslandAgilkia Island at a Glance
About Agilkia Island
Agilkia Island is an island in the Nile near Aswan in southern Egypt that was chosen in the 20th century as the relocation site for the temples formerly situated on Philae island. The island now hosts the reconstructed temple complex.
The principal attraction is the reconstructed Temple of Isis and associated temple buildings moved stone-by-stone from Philae as part of an international preservation campaign. The site is arranged to resemble the original setting and is visited as part of boat excursions from Aswan.
During the UNESCO-led Nubia Campaign undertaken after construction of the Aswan High Dam, temple buildings from Philae were dismantled and rebuilt on Agilkia to protect them from rising waters; this work took place across the 1970s and early 1980s. The relocation preserved major monuments of Pharaonic and Ptolemaic date.
Agilkia sits in the reservoir area around Aswan in southern Egypt, a short distance from the city of Aswan, and is reached by boat from quays in the city.
- Relocated temples: Home to the relocated Philae temple complex, where the Temple of Isis was reconstructed on purpose-built foundations following the Aswan High Dam works in the 1970s and 1980s.
- Access: Accessible by short boat ride from Aswan, the island is a common stop on tours of the Nile around Aswan.
Nearby Attractions to Agilkia Island
Best Time to Visit Agilkia Island
Small island in the Nile at Aswan that hosts relocated Pharaonic temples (notably Philae); best visited in winter and spring for cooler weather and clear skies.
Weather & Climate near Agilkia Island
Agilkia Island's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 10°C to 42°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 10° - 23° | 17° | 0 mm | clear | 42% | 3.0 m/s | 1.1 high | 10.7h |
| February | Ideal | 11° - 25° | 18° | 0 mm | clear | 33% | 3.3 m/s | 1.5 very high | 11.2h |
| March | Ideal | 15° - 30° | 22° | 0 mm | clear | 23% | 3.7 m/s | 2.0 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Ideal | 20° - 36° | 28° | 0 mm | clear | 18% | 3.5 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.6h |
| May | Ideal | 24° - 39° | 32° | 0 mm | clear | 15% | 3.1 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 13.2h |
| June | Ideal | 26° - 41° | 34° | 0 mm | clear | 15% | 3.4 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 13.5h |
| July | Ideal | 27° - 42° | 34° | 0 mm | clear | 17% | 3.0 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 13.4h |
| August | Ideal | 26° - 41° | 34° | 0 mm | clear | 18% | 2.9 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.9h |
| September | Ideal | 25° - 39° | 32° | 0 mm | clear | 20% | 3.3 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.2h |
| October | Ideal | 21° - 37° | 29° | 0 mm | clear | 26% | 2.8 m/s | 1.7 very high | 11.5h |
| November | Ideal | 15° - 30° | 23° | 0 mm | clear | 37% | 2.7 m/s | 1.2 high | 10.8h |
| December | Ideal | 11° - 25° | 18° | 0 mm | clear | 44% | 2.7 m/s | 1.0 high | 10.5h |
How to Get to Agilkia Island
Boat shuttles depart from the Aswan quayside to Agilkia/Philae; tickets are sold at local kiosks and from hotel tour desks. The crossing is short and frequent during the tourist season.
Tips for Visiting Agilkia Island
- Combine the Agilkia visit with Philae Temple; ensure tickets for the boat shuttle are arranged at the Aswan quayside.
- Wear a hat and sunscreen - reflections from the Nile and sandstone intensify midday sun.
- Arrive early to avoid the heat and the crowds that form around the main temples later in the morning.