Pyramid of Djedefre
Archaeological Site Ruined Old Kingdom pyramid built by Pharaoh Djedefre
At Abu Rawash north-west of Giza, the Pyramid of Djedefre survives as a partly ruined Old Kingdom structure attributed to a son of Khufu; archaeology enthusiasts visit it away from the main Giza complexes.
The Pyramid of Djedefre is an Old Kingdom royal pyramid associated with Pharaoh Djedefre of Egypt’s Fourth Dynasty. It is located at Abu Rawash on the northwestern edge of the Memphite necropolis and represents a lesser-preserved royal monument from the Giza era.
The site today survives mainly as a mound of masonry and rubble; few original casing stones remain in place and the monument is not intact like the nearby Giza pyramids. The structure is studied for its architectural differences and its place within Fourth Dynasty royal tomb building.
Djedefre was a son and successor of Khufu and ordered the construction of his funerary monument in the 26th century BCE during the Fourth Dynasty. Over the millennia the pyramid was extensively quarried for building materials and suffered degradation from reuse and erosion.
The pyramid stands at Abu Rawash, north of the main Giza group and within the greater Memphis archaeological landscape, on higher ground overlooking the surrounding desert plain.
- Condition: Located at the Abu Rawash necropolis north of the Giza plateau, the site is highly ruined and consists largely of worked stone and rubble rather than an intact pyramid body.
How to Get to Pyramid of Djedefre #
The Pyramid of Djedefre is on the archaeological site of Abu Rawash on the outskirts of the Giza area (northwest of the Giza Plateau). There is no regular public‑transport directly to the site; it is normally reached by private car or taxi from Giza or Cairo. The site lies off local desert roads near Abu Rawash and is best visited as part of a guided trip or by arranging a taxi from Giza/Cairo.
Tips for Visiting Pyramid of Djedefre #
- The Pyramid of Djedefre is much less visited than the Giza pyramids and is essentially a ruined site; plan to visit in the cooler early morning to avoid heat and to have the site to yourself.
- Access is easiest as part of a Saqqara/Abusir/lesser-pyramids circuit from Cairo or Giza-bring a guide or join a local tour, since signage and on-site interpretation are minimal.
- Don't expect a restored monument: what most visitors miss are the exposed remains and stonework details that survive only because the site is off the main tourist route, so allow time for close-up inspection and photography.
Best Time to Visit Pyramid of Djedefre #
Visit between October and April for cooler, more comfortable conditions when exploring the desert monuments.
Weather & Climate near Pyramid of Djedefre #
Pyramid of Djedefre's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 6°C to 35°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. Almost no rain.
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February
February is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 7°C. Almost no rain.
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March
March is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 9°C. Almost no rain.
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April
April is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 13°C. Almost no rain.
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May
May is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June 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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July
July is the warmest month, feeling like 28°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is warm, feeling like 28°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and mostly sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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