El-AssasifAbout El-Assasif
El-Assasif is a necropolis sector on the west bank of the Nile at Luxor, part of the larger Theban burial grounds. It contains a range of private tombs and funerary structures used across multiple periods of ancient Egyptian history.
El-Assasif was used as a burial area over an extended span of Egyptian history, with tombs dating from the New Kingdom through the Third Intermediate Period and into the Late Period, reflecting shifting funerary styles and practices. Archaeological work has been ongoing, with excavations and restorations uncovering coffins, inscriptions and funerary goods.
The necropolis sits on the cliffs above the Nile on Luxor’s west bank, between Deir el-Bahari to the north and the Valley of the Kings to the south, a short drive from central Luxor.
- Location note: Situated on the west bank of the Nile in the Theban necropolis area, close to Deir el-Bahari and the Valley of the Kings, with access from Luxor’s West Bank.
Nearby Attractions to El-Assasif
Best Time to Visit El-Assasif
Best in winter and shoulder seasons for comfortable temperatures and clearer conditions for exploring tomb interiors.
Weather & Climate near El-Assasif
El-Assasif'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 6°C to 40°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 7° - 22° | 14° | 0 mm | clear | 45% | 2.3 m/s | 1.0 high | 10.6h |
| February | Ideal | 8° - 24° | 16° | 0 mm | clear | 36% | 2.5 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.2h |
| March | Ideal | 12° - 28° | 20° | 0 mm | clear | 26% | 2.9 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Ideal | 18° - 34° | 26° | 0 mm | clear | 20% | 2.9 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.6h |
| May | Ideal | 22° - 38° | 30° | 0 mm | clear | 18% | 3.1 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 13.3h |
| June | Ideal | 24° - 40° | 32° | 0 mm | clear | 18% | 3.3 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 13.6h |
| July | Ideal | 25° - 40° | 33° | 0 mm | clear | 20% | 2.8 m/s | 2.7 extreme | 13.4h |
| August | Ideal | 25° - 40° | 32° | 0 mm | clear | 21% | 2.8 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.9h |
| September | Ideal | 23° - 38° | 30° | 0 mm | clear | 25% | 3.1 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.2h |
| October | Ideal | 19° - 35° | 27° | 0 mm | clear | 30% | 2.6 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.4h |
| November | Ideal | 12° - 28° | 20° | 0 mm | clear | 40% | 2.4 m/s | 1.2 high | 10.8h |
| December | Ideal | 8° - 24° | 16° | 0 mm | clear | 47% | 2.1 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.4h |
How to Get to El-Assasif
El-Assasif is on the West Bank of the Nile opposite Luxor’s modern town. Cross the Nile by ferry or bridge from East Bank Luxor and take the local road toward Deir el-Bahari; many tour operators include Assasif in West Bank circuits.
Tips for Visiting El-Assasif
- Hire a licensed guide at the site entrance - local guides can point out lesser-known chapel inscriptions in El-Assasif tombs.
- Visit early morning to avoid heat and the worst of the midday crowds on the West Bank.
- Bring a torch for darker tomb corridors; some passages are dim despite artificial lighting.