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Roland Unger CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

El Mo'alla

Administrative Seat

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.

El Mo'alla Map data © OpenStreetMap contributorsLuxorKarnakValley of the KingsMortuary temple of HatshepsutColossi of MemnonMedinet HabuThebesValley of the QueensRamesseumDeir el-MedinaLuxor MuseumKV21MalkataEl Mo'alla
In this guide

El Mo'alla essentials

Address: El Mo’alla (El Moalla necropolis), east bank of the Nile, near Qena, Luxor Governorate, Egypt
Hours: Site open daylight hours; specific times variable
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Things to Do
When to Go

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.

Winter
November-February · 15-25°C
Cooler temperatures for exploring open-air tombs and rock-cut chapels.
Spring/Fall shoulder seasons
March-April, Sept-Oct · 20-30°C
Warmer but manageable; afternoons can be hot.

Weather & Climate near El Mo'alla

Climate

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.

Air Quality: AQI 101 Unhealthy (Sg)
Best Time to Visit
AprilMayOctober
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° 15° 0 mm clear 45% 2.4 m/s 1.0 high 10.6h
February Ideal 8° - 25° 16° 0 mm clear 36% 2.6 m/s 1.4 high 11.2h
March Ideal 12° - 29° 20° 0 mm clear 26% 3.0 m/s 1.9 very high 11.9h
April Ideal 18° - 35° 26° 0 mm clear 20% 3.0 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% 3.2 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 24° - 40° 32° 0 mm clear 21% 2.9 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.9h
September Ideal 22° - 38° 30° 0 mm clear 25% 3.0 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.2h
October Ideal 19° - 35° 27° 0 mm clear 30% 2.6 m/s 1.6 very high 11.4h
November Ideal 13° - 29° 21° 0 mm clear 40% 2.4 m/s 1.2 high 10.8h
December Ideal 8° - 24° 16° 0 mm clear 47% 2.4 m/s 0.9 moderate 10.4h
Getting There & Around

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.