About KV20
KV20 is a tomb in the Valley of the Kings on the west bank of the Nile at Luxor, dating to the New Kingdom period. It is well known for its association with the 18th Dynasty ruler Hatshepsut and contains an early royal burial complex.
The tomb’s architecture and inscriptions link it to Hatshepsut and to funerary arrangements for the royal family of that period; it has been the subject of archaeological study and conservation. Visitor access depends on site management and conservation work in the Valley of the Kings.
KV20 is located within the Valley of the Kings archaeological area on Luxor’s west bank, among the concentration of royal tombs produced during Egypt’s New Kingdom.
Nearby Attractions to KV20
Best Time to Visit KV20
Avoid high summer heat; check daily tomb openings because several (including KV20) have restricted access for conservation.
Weather & Climate near KV20
KV20'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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 7° - 22° | 14° | 0 mm | clear | 45% | 2.4 m/s | 1.0 high | 10.6h |
| February | Ideal | 8° - 25° | 16° | 0 mm | clear | 36% | 2.7 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.2h |
| March | Ideal | 12° - 29° | 20° | 0 mm | clear | 26% | 2.9 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° - 39° | 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° | 33° | 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% | 2.7 m/s | 1.6 very high | 11.4h |
| November | Ideal | 13° - 28° | 20° | 0 mm | clear | 40% | 2.4 m/s | 1.2 high | 10.8h |
| December | Ideal | 8° - 24° | 16° | 0 mm | clear | 47% | 2.2 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.4h |
How to Get to KV20
Reach Luxor’s West Bank as for other tombs; the Valley of the Kings compound is best accessed by taxi or organized tour from central Luxor (20-30 minutes). On arrival, check the ticket office and notices for which tombs are open that day.
Tips for Visiting KV20
- KV20 is sensitive and often closed to protect its early 18th Dynasty decorations-ask a guide before setting expectations.
- This is one of the earliest tombs (linked to Hatshepsut and possibly Thutmose I), so take time to appreciate the unusual plan and historical significance if it's open.
- Bring a guide who can explain why KV20's architectural features differ from later royal tombs.
