Luxor Temple
Temple Large New Kingdom temple complex on Nile's east bank
Luxor Temple sits on the east bank with massive columns and reliefs from Ramesses II and others; tourists visit its colonnades, illuminated night views, and walking links to the Karnak complex.
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Luxor Temple is an ancient Egyptian temple complex in the centre of modern Luxor, primarily built during the New Kingdom. Major construction phases date to Amenhotep III and Ramesses II, with later additions from different periods.
The temple is known for its large colonnaded courtyards, monumental statues and processional way that historically connected it to the nearby Karnak Temple. Many of the visible structures and colossal statues were installed by Ramesses II and remain among the most recognisable features of the site.
Construction began in the New Kingdom era with significant building campaigns in the 14th and 13th centuries BCE; the complex was adapted in later periods and parts served as a church and then a mosque in the Roman and Islamic eras. Archaeological work has exposed multiple construction phases and later restorations.
The temple sits on the east bank of the Nile within Luxor town, close to the river corniche and about 2.7 kilometres south of the Karnak Temple Complex.
- Avenue of Sphinxes: The ceremonial route that linked this temple with the Karnak complex runs along an avenue of sphinxes approximately 2.7 kilometres long between the two sites.
- Evening visits: The site is open for evening visits when the temple is floodlit, which highlights the colonnades and statues and is a popular time for photography.
How to Get to Luxor Temple #
Luxor Temple is in central Luxor on the Corniche of the Nile on the East Bank. It is within easy walking distance of many downtown hotels and the Luxor train station (a short taxi or 10-25 minute walk depending on your start point). Taxis, horse-carriages (calèches) and hotel transfers are commonly used for short trips in the city.
From Luxor Airport expect a roughly 20-30 minute taxi ride into the city centre depending on traffic. The temple is clearly signposted from the Corniche and the riverfront.
Tips for Visiting Luxor Temple #
- Visit Luxor Temple after dusk when the façade and columns are dramatically lit and many daytime tour groups have left-the atmosphere is far more pleasant and photogenic at night.
- If you want fewer crowds early, combine an early-morning walk along the restored Avenue of Sphinxes toward Karnak before visitors and vendors gather; the route gives useful context for the temple's alignment.
- Pay attention to the side chapels and smaller reliefs (often bypassed by quick tours); a short guided visit will point out key scenes that are easy to miss when you only view the main colonnade.
Best Time to Visit Luxor Temple #
Plan visits between October and April to avoid Luxor's extreme summer heat and have more comfortable sightseeing conditions.
Weather & Climate near Luxor Temple #
Luxor Temple'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 28°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 26°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 25°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 23°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.
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