Colossi of Memnon
Monument Twin massive stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III
The Colossi of Memnon are two seated stone statues of Amenhotep III on Luxor’s west bank; visitors photograph the 18‑metre figures and explore surrounding temple remains.
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The Colossi of Memnon are two massive seated stone statues on the west bank of the Nile near modern Luxor, representing Pharaoh Amenhotep III and dating to the 14th century BCE. Each statue is approximately 18 metres tall and once guarded the forecourt of the pharaoh’s mortuary temple.
The surrounding temple complex has been largely destroyed by time and Nile inundation, leaving the two statues as the primary visible remains. In antiquity one statue was famed for producing a mysterious sound at dawn, a phenomenon noted by classical writers and observed until it ceased after Roman-era repairs.
The colossi stand close to the modern village areas of the Theban Necropolis, north of the Valley of the Kings on the Nile’s west bank.
- Size and purpose: Each statue stands approximately 18 metres high and originally flanked the approach to a large mortuary temple built for a New Kingdom pharaoh.
How to Get to Colossi of Memnon #
The Colossi of Memnon stand on Luxor’s West Bank near the modern village close to the Valley of the Kings. From central Luxor they are a short taxi or car ride (commonly 10-25 minutes depending on start point) along the West Bank road; many West Bank tours include them on the same itinerary as other nearby sites.
There is roadside parking and a short walk from the parking/drop‑off area to the statues.
Tips for Visiting Colossi of Memnon #
- Go at sunrise or just before dusk when the light is warm, crowds are smaller and the Colossi sit dramatically against the West Bank landscape-most organized tours stop only in the middle of the day.
- Allow extra time beyond a quick photo stop to walk around both statues and read the inscriptions carved into the stone; drivers often treat this as a five-minute stop but there's more to see if you ask to linger.
- Combine this visit with a short stop at nearby West Bank viewpoints (and the Deir el-Bahari road) so you can frame the colossi in the wider necropolis context rather than viewing them in isolation.
Best Time to Visit Colossi of Memnon #
Plan to visit between October and April to avoid Luxor-area summer heat and to enjoy more comfortable conditions for outdoor exploration.
Weather & Climate near Colossi of Memnon #
Colossi of Memnon'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.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 22°C and lows of 7°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 8°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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April
April is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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May
May is hot with highs of 39°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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June
June is hot with highs of 40°C and lows of 24°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the hottest month with highs of 40°C and lows of 26°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is hot with highs of 40°C and lows of 25°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is hot with highs of 38°C and lows of 23°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 13°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 8°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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