Main image

Good, Frank Mason, 1839-1928, photographer CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Philae Island

Island

Philae Island, near Aswan, hosts the reconstructed Temple of Isis relocated to save it from the Aswan High Dam; tourists take short boat trips to explore the temple complex and Nile-side views.

Philae Island Map data © OpenStreetMap contributorsAswanPhilae temple complexElephantineFamine StelaSehel IslandEl Nabatat Islandunfinished obeliskBigehQubbet el-HawaNubian MuseumAswan MuseumPhilae IslandPhilae Island
In this guide

Philae Island essentials

Address: Boat access from Aswan Corniche, Aswan Governorate, Egypt
Website: egymonuments.gov.eg
Hours: Daily 8:00am-5:00pm (seasonal variation possible)
Admission: Entry to Philae/Agilkia temples: EGP 200-300 (variable by season and nationality; check local ticketing)
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About Philae Island

Philae Island is a Nile island in the Aswan region that was the original site of an important ancient Egyptian temple complex, most famously the sanctuary of Isis. The temples on Philae were significant Ptolemaic and Roman-era religious monuments that survived into late antiquity.

Today the surviving temple structures associated with Philae are visited as a single archaeological complex after being moved from the original island to nearby Agilkia Island during an international rescue and relocation campaign. Major features include the sanctuary of Isis, the Kiosk of Trajan and several smaller chapels and gateways decorated with relief carving.

The temples were built and expanded by pharaonic, Ptolemaic and Roman patrons over many centuries; they remained active well into the late antique period. In the 20th century the construction of the Aswan High Dam threatened the original island site, prompting the removal and reassembly of the monuments to higher ground under a UNESCO-led project.

The site sits in the Nile near Aswan in southern Egypt and is reached by short boat trip from the city; it forms one of the principal archaeological attractions in the Aswan Governorate.

  • Relocation: Temples were dismantled and moved to the nearby island of Agilkia in a UNESCO-led rescue campaign when the Aswan High Dam created Lake Nasser.
  • Access: Access to the temple site is by motorboat from Aswan and the complex is a major archaeological visitor site in the Aswan area.

What to See#

  • Temple complex: The principal temple complex originally located on Philae centred on a major sanctuary to Isis and a set of Ptolemaic- and Roman-period buildings now relocated nearby.
  • Kiosk of Trajan: The Kiosk of Trajan is a small Roman-era pavilion notable for its columns and was moved as part of the rescue campaign.
  • Additional monuments: Smaller chapels and gateways include the Temple of Hathor and various decorated gateways and reliefs from the Ptolemaic and Roman periods.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Philae Island

October-April offers the most comfortable conditions for visiting the temples and taking boat transfers from Aswan.

Winter (optimal)
October-April · 15°C to 25°C
Pleasant daytime temperatures for touring temples and boat trips; high season for cruise traffic.
Summer (hot)
May-September · 30°C to 45°C
Very hot; morning visits recommended to avoid peak heat and tourism crowds.

Weather & Climate near Philae Island

Climate

Philae Island's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 10°C to 41°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.

Air Quality: AQI 98 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
AprilOctoberFebruary
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
49°
Warmest Month
0°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Ideal 10° - 23° 16° 0 mm clear 42% 3.0 m/s 1.1 high 10.7h
February Ideal 10° - 25° 18° 0 mm clear 33% 3.3 m/s 1.5 very high 11.2h
March Ideal 15° - 30° 22° 0 mm clear 23% 3.7 m/s 2.0 very high 11.9h
April Ideal 20° - 35° 28° 0 mm clear 18% 3.8 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.6h
May Ideal 24° - 39° 31° 0 mm clear 15% 3.3 m/s 2.6 extreme 13.2h
June Ideal 26° - 41° 33° 0 mm clear 15% 3.2 m/s 2.7 extreme 13.5h
July Ideal 27° - 41° 34° 0 mm clear 17% 3.0 m/s 2.7 extreme 13.4h
August Ideal 26° - 41° 34° 0 mm clear 18% 2.9 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.9h
September Ideal 24° - 39° 32° 0 mm clear 20% 3.0 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.2h
October Ideal 21° - 36° 29° 0 mm clear 26% 2.8 m/s 1.7 very high 11.5h
November Ideal 15° - 29° 22° 0 mm clear 37% 3.0 m/s 1.2 high 10.8h
December Ideal 11° - 25° 18° 0 mm clear 44% 2.9 m/s 1.0 high 10.5h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Philae Island

Boats to Agilkia Island depart from the Aswan Corniche; most visitors reach Philae as a short motorboat transfer from central Aswan or as part of Nile cruise itineraries.

Tips for Visiting Philae Island

  • Boat trips to Agilkia Island depart from Aswan's west bank; confirm whether temple entrance is included in the boat fare.
  • Combine Philae with an afternoon felucca ride on the Nile to watch the light change over the river.
  • Buy tickets at the official Aswan archaeological site office; bring small change for local vendors.