Pyramid of Menkaure
Archaeological Site Smallest Giza pyramid and ancient pharaonic tomb
At the Giza plateau, the Pyramid of Menkaure is the smallest of the three main pyramids, part of a funerary complex with temples and subsidiary tombs. Visitors pair it with the Great Pyramid, Sphinx and Giza archaeology.
The Pyramid of Menkaure is the smallest of the three principal pyramids on the Giza Plateau and was built as the tomb of Pharaoh Menkaure during Egypt’s Old Kingdom. It forms part of the Giza pyramid complex alongside the larger pyramids of Khufu and Khafre.
The pyramid originally reached about 65.5 metres in height and now measures roughly 61 metres due to loss of outer casing and summit stones. It is constructed with core blocks of limestone and includes granite facing on the lower courses; the complex also contains three smaller subsidiary pyramids to the east and an associated valley temple.
Archaeological study places its construction in the Fourth Dynasty of the Old Kingdom, and it was part of the standard royal funerary architecture of the period. The surrounding complex has been subject to excavation and restoration over the last two centuries.
Located on the Giza Plateau on the outskirts of modern Cairo, the pyramid sits immediately southwest of the Khafre and Khufu monuments within the Giza necropolis.
- Height change: Original height is commonly given as about 65.5 metres; the current height is roughly 61 metres after loss of casing and summit stones.
- Context at Giza: It is the smallest of the three main Giza pyramids and forms part of the larger Giza pyramid complex alongside Khufu and Khafre.
What to See #
- Queens' pyramids: Three smaller pyramids sit adjacent to the main structure on its eastern side and are interpreted as queen's or subsidiary pyramids that form part of the funerary complex.
- Valley temple and causeway: A valley temple and causeway once connected the pyramid to the Nile floodplain, forming the standard Old Kingdom funerary layout for a royal pyramid complex.
How to Get to Pyramid of Menkaure #
The Giza Plateau is about 20-25 minutes by car from central Cairo depending on traffic. Public options include taxis or organized tours; the Cairo metro and buses do not stop directly at the plateau, so transfers by taxi are normal. Entrance is via the Giza complex ticket booths near the plateau.
Tips for Visiting Pyramid of Menkaure #
- Buy a combined Giza Plateau ticket to see all three main pyramids and the Solar Boat Museum; visiting early morning avoids the worst heat and crowds.
- The Pyramid of Menkaure is the smallest of the three Giza pyramids-go inside if the limited interior access is offered to appreciate the compact, austere passage.
- Combine the visit with a knowledgeable Egyptologist guide to place Menkaure's comparatively modest scale in dynastic context.
Best Time to Visit Pyramid of Menkaure #
Best in winter and early spring for cooler temperatures and more comfortable touring.
Weather & Climate near Pyramid of Menkaure #
Pyramid of Menkaure'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.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 10°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is warm with highs of 33°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
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.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the hottest month, feeling like 28°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is hot, feeling like 28°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
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.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
