El Mo'alla
Administrative Seat Ancient Egyptian site with Old Kingdom rock tombs
El Mo’alla, a Nile‑side town in Luxor governorate, sits near an ancient necropolis with rock‑cut tombs from Egypt’s First Intermediate Period and Middle Kingdom.
How to Get to El Mo'alla #
El Mo’alla is reached from the city of Qena (about 15-20 km north of Luxor). Drive east off the Nile Corniche and follow local roads toward the desert escarpment; small signs and local drivers know the route. The site is best reached by car or organized day trip from Luxor or Qena.
Tips for Visiting El Mo'alla #
- View the colossal statues at dawn when they emerge from long shadows.
- Hire a licensed Egyptologist guide at Qena or Luxor to explain the nomarch tombs' political context - cheap local guides often repeat the same myths.
- Combine a visit with nearby Tombs of the Nobles on the west bank for a fuller picture of local funerary art.
Best Time to Visit El Mo'alla #
Best visited in winter months when the desert sun is milder and outdoor reliefs are comfortable to study.
Weather & Climate near El Mo'alla #
El Mo'alla'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 34°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 38°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 25°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 24°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 22°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.
