Pyramid of Khafre
Archaeological Site Second-largest Giza pyramid with surviving limestone casing
Set on the Giza plateau, Khafre’s Pyramid is the second-largest of the Giza pyramids and sits near the Sphinx. Tourists combine pyramid visits with the plateau’s tombs, archaeological viewpoints and Cairo’s Egyptian Museum.
The Pyramid of Khafre is the second-largest of the three main pyramids on the Giza Plateau in Egypt, constructed in the Old Kingdom as a royal tomb for Pharaoh Khafre of the Fourth Dynasty. It retains some of its original outer casing near the apex and forms a principal element of the Giza necropolis.
From the plateau visitors can see the pyramid’s stepped core and remaining casing stones near the top, and many view the structure alongside the nearby Great Pyramid and the Great Sphinx as part of a single site visit. The complex includes the pyramid itself, the ruined mortuary temple adjacent to its eastern face and the valley temple lower on the plateau; walking routes and viewpoints around the plateau let visitors compare scale and design across the necropolis.
Built as the tomb of Pharaoh Khafre in the fourth dynasty period of ancient Egypt, the pyramid originally stood at about 143.5 metres before losing some height to erosion and stone removal. It was part of a funerary complex that included a causeway, mortuary and valley temples; these structures served cult and burial functions in the Old Kingdom and were repeatedly altered and reused in later periods.
Situated on the Giza Plateau on the outskirts of modern Cairo, the Pyramid of Khafre lies immediately west of the modern city and forms part of the Giza pyramid field along the western bank of the Nile.
- Viewing times: Best viewed from the Giza Plateau viewpoints at sunrise or late afternoon when the stone faces are most clearly modelled by light and shadow.
- Context: Part of the Giza pyramid complex and closely associated with the nearby Great Pyramid and the Sphinx, the pyramid is visible from the plateau and forms part of the wider necropolis visit.
How to Get to Pyramid of Khafre #
The Pyramid of Khafre sits on the Giza Plateau on the western edge of Greater Cairo. From central Cairo you can reach the Giza Plateau by taxi or ride‑share in roughly 20-40 minutes depending on traffic (about 20 km from downtown Cairo); drive along Al‑Haram (El‑Haram) Road to the main visitor entrance and parking. There is a Cairo Metro Line 2 stop at Giza for part of the journey but most visitors use taxis or tour buses; from the plateau parking/visitor centre it is a short walk (roughly 10-20 minutes) across the site to the Pyramid of Khafre.
Tips for Visiting Pyramid of Khafre #
- Visit at opening time or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and softer light on the pyramid faces; early morning also lets you see Khafre with far fewer large tour groups on the Giza Plateau.
- Buy the separate interior-access ticket at the Giza Plateau ticket office if you want to enter Khafre's burial chamber - lines form midday, so purchase on arrival and go early.
- Include the nearby Valley Temple and the Sphinx in the same visit; many visitors only photograph the pyramid from the plateau and miss the well-preserved mortuary complex and its closer views.
Best Time to Visit Pyramid of Khafre #
Visit in the cooler months (October-April) for comfortable temperatures and easier touring of the Giza Plateau.
Weather & Climate near Pyramid of Khafre #
Pyramid of Khafre'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 7°C to 36°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 10°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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June
June is warm with highs of 35°C and lows of 20°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 28°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 28°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 20°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 17°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 13°C. Almost no rain and clear 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.
