KV3
Monument Unfinished Valley of the Kings tomb, likely royal
Tomb KV3 in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings near Luxor; of interest to Egyptology visitors and archaeologists for its New Kingdom funerary architecture and unfinished chambers.
KV3 is an ancient Egyptian tomb cut into the rock of the Valley of the Kings on the west bank of Luxor. It dates to the New Kingdom and was intended as a royal or princely burial but was left unfinished and undecorated.
The tomb consists of rock-cut corridors and chambers typical of royal tomb architecture of the period, but lacks the carved and painted wall decoration found in many nearby tombs. Its unfinished state means it is of interest for studies of tomb construction and planning rather than funerary decoration.
Excavation and clearance work in the Valley of the Kings over the 19th and 20th centuries documented KV3 among other tombs, and it remains part of the larger archaeological landscape of Thebes. The tomb is one of many alongside the west-bank necropolis used by New Kingdom elites.
KV3 sits on the west bank of the Nile opposite modern Luxor (ancient Thebes), within the cluster of royal tombs that make up the Valley of the Kings.
- Setting: Located in the Valley of the Kings on the west bank of the Nile at Luxor, it is an unfinished rock-cut tomb from the New Kingdom period of ancient Egypt.
How to Get to KV3 #
KV3 is a tomb in the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s West Bank. From Luxor city centre take a taxi or arranged tour across the Nile to the West Bank (ferries and crossings operate in the city) and follow the road to the Valley of the Kings; the valley lies roughly 4-6 km west of Luxor centre (about a 10-20 minute drive by car/taxi). There is a visitor parking area and the tombs are a short walk (several minutes) from the Valley of the Kings ticket/visitor area.
Tips for Visiting KV3 #
- Visit the Valley of the Kings early in the morning and in the cooler season (October-April) to beat heat and the biggest crowds around the main tombs.
- Check the current opening status before you go-KV3 is not always open to the public and access can change; buy Valley of the Kings tickets at the West Bank ticket office and confirm which tombs are accessible that day.
- Combine any visit with a licensed Egyptologist guide at the site so you get context and are informed immediately if access to small or intermittently open tombs (like KV3) becomes available.
Best Time to Visit KV3 #
Go in the cooler months (roughly October-April) when Luxor's heat is milder and outdoor archaeological sites are far more comfortable to explore.
Weather & Climate near KV3 #
KV3'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 41°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 22°C and lows of 6°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
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.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 11°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is hot with highs of 38°C and lows of 21°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is hot with highs of 41°C and lows of 24°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the hottest month with highs of 41°C and lows of 24°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
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.
Comfort
Weather
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.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
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.
