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Diego Delso CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Avenue of Sphinxes

Archaeological Site

Ancient processional way linking the Karnak and Luxor temple complexes, lined with sphinx statues and restored sections. Tourists come for the temples, guided archaeological tours and Nile‑side history.

Avenue of Sphinxes Map data © OpenStreetMap contributorsLuxorKarnakValley of the KingsMortuary temple of HatshepsutColossi of MemnonMedinet HabuThebesValley of the QueensRamesseumDeir el-MedinaLuxor MuseumKV21MalkataAvenue of Sphinxes
In this guide

Avenue of Sphinxes essentials

Address: Avenue of Sphinxes, Luxor, Egypt (links Luxor Temple to Karnak Temple)
Website: egymonuments.gov.eg
Hours: Daily 6am-5pm (seasonal variations possible)
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About Avenue of Sphinxes

The Avenue of Sphinxes is an ancient processional way in Luxor, Egypt, that links the precincts of Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the Nile’s east bank. The avenue is lined with a sequence of sphinx and ram-headed sphinx (criosphinx) statues and was used for temple processions in pharaonic times.

The route extends for roughly 2.7 kilometres and is flanked by hundreds of carved statues placed in sequences by different rulers and during different periods. Much of the avenue was buried under town streets and flood deposits until archaeological clearance in recent decades revealed long stretches of the original route.

Construction, refurbishment and embellishment of the avenue took place over many periods from the New Kingdom through Ptolemaic and Roman times, reflecting successive pharaonic and later interventions. Modern excavation and conservation projects in the late 20th and early 21st centuries have exposed, conserved and in places reassembled sections of the path for study and visitation.

The avenue runs across the city of Luxor in the Luxor Governorate, linking the two temple complexes on the east bank of the Nile.

  • Length and arrangement: Runs roughly 2.7 kilometres between the two temple precincts and is lined by hundreds of sphinx and criosphinx statues installed in different periods.
  • Restoration and access: Excavation and restoration work in the 20th and 21st centuries exposed long stretches of the avenue; sections are now accessible to visitors walking between the temples.

What to See#

  • Karnak approach: The Karnak end of the avenue aligns with the main processional approach to the Great Temple complex, where ram-headed criosphinxes and other statues mark the Karnak precinct.
  • Luxor approach: The Luxor end meets the forecourt of Luxor Temple, forming the procession terminus where royal and ritual parades historically concluded near the temple entrance.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Avenue of Sphinxes

The avenue is best visited in Egypt's cooler months; in high summer daytime heat can be extreme and uncomfortable for long walks along the route.

Winter
November-February · 10-22°C
Cooler days and comfortable walking; peak tourist months but still manageable.
Autumn
September-October · 25-35°C
Hot but less intense than midsummer; evening visits are pleasant.

Weather & Climate near Avenue of Sphinxes

Climate

Avenue of Sphinxes's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 7°C to 40°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.

Air Quality: AQI 105 Unhealthy (Sg)
Best Time to Visit
MayAprilOctober
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
47°
Warmest Month
0°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Excellent 7° - 22° 14° 0 mm clear 45% 2.9 m/s 1.0 high 10.6h
February Ideal 8° - 24° 16° 0 mm clear 36% 2.9 m/s 1.4 high 11.2h
March Ideal 12° - 29° 20° 0 mm clear 26% 3.1 m/s 1.9 very high 11.9h
April Ideal 18° - 35° 26° 0 mm clear 20% 2.9 m/s 2.3 extreme 12.6h
May Ideal 22° - 38° 30° 0 mm clear 18% 3.2 m/s 2.5 extreme 13.3h
June Ideal 24° - 40° 32° 0 mm clear 18% 3.2 m/s 2.7 extreme 13.6h
July Ideal 26° - 40° 33° 0 mm clear 20% 2.8 m/s 2.7 extreme 13.4h
August Ideal 25° - 40° 32° 0 mm clear 21% 2.9 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.9h
September Ideal 23° - 38° 30° 0 mm clear 25% 3.0 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.2h
October Ideal 19° - 35° 27° 0 mm clear 30% 2.5 m/s 1.6 very high 11.4h
November Ideal 13° - 28° 20° 0 mm clear 40% 2.5 m/s 1.2 high 10.8h
December Ideal 8° - 24° 16° 0 mm clear 47% 2.6 m/s 0.9 moderate 10.4h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Avenue of Sphinxes

The avenue lies between Karnak and Luxor Temples in Luxor. From Luxor train station or the Corniche, take a short taxi ride to either temple complex; the avenue runs roughly 3 km and can be walked between the two sites.

Tips for Visiting Avenue of Sphinxes

  • Visit at dawn or dusk when shadows from the sphinxes and avenue poles sharpen the relief for photographers.
  • Combine the Avenue of Sphinxes with the Luxor Temple and Karnak to experience the ancient processional axis fully.
  • Hire a licensed guide at the archaeological site to provide context about the 2.7-kilometer route and recent excavations.