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Roland Unger CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Qasr Qarun

Ruins

An archaeological site near Lake Qarun in Faiyum featuring Greco-Roman and older ruins amid desert and salt-lake scenery. Visitors study ancient stonework and pair site visits with the lake's landscape.

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In this guide

Qasr Qarun essentials

Address: Qasr Qarun (archaeological site), near Lake Qarun, Faiyum Governorate, Egypt
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Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Qasr Qarun

Best visited in the cooler months (autumn through spring) when temperatures are milder for outdoor exploration.

Cooler, pleasant season (best)
October-April · 10-25 °C
Milder temperatures and more comfortable conditions for exploring the Faiyum region and the archaeological site.
Hot season (very hot)
May-September · 30-40 °C
Hot, dry summer months with high daytime temperatures-midday outdoors can be uncomfortable and best avoided.

Weather & Climate near Qasr Qarun

Climate

Qasr Qarun'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 36°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 112 Unhealthy (Sg)
Best Time to Visit
MayOctoberMarch
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
46°
Warmest Month
1°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Excellent 6° - 20° 13° 3 mm mostly sunny 61% 2.8 m/s 0.7 moderate 10.4h
February Excellent 7° - 21° 14° 2 mm mostly sunny 54% 2.8 m/s 1.0 high 11.0h
March Ideal 10° - 25° 17° 2 mm clear 48% 3.8 m/s 1.5 very high 11.9h
April Ideal 14° - 30° 22° 1 mm clear 41% 3.9 m/s 1.9 very high 12.8h
May Ideal 17° - 34° 26° 0 mm clear 37% 3.4 m/s 2.3 extreme 13.5h
June Ideal 20° - 36° 28° 0 mm clear 37% 3.3 m/s 2.6 extreme 13.9h
July Ideal 22° - 37° 29° 0 mm clear 40% 3.0 m/s 2.7 extreme 13.7h
August Ideal 21° - 36° 29° 0 mm clear 43% 2.7 m/s 2.4 extreme 13.1h
September Ideal 20° - 34° 27° 0 mm clear 47% 3.1 m/s 2.0 very high 12.2h
October Ideal 16° - 31° 24° 0 mm clear 53% 3.0 m/s 1.4 high 11.3h
November Ideal 12° - 25° 19° 3 mm clear 58% 2.3 m/s 0.9 moderate 10.6h
December Excellent 7° - 21° 14° 4 mm mostly sunny 62% 2.8 m/s 0.7 moderate 10.2h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Qasr Qarun

Qasr Qarun is located at the shore of Lake Qarun (Birket Qarun) in the Faiyum region. The site is normally reached by road from the city of Faiyum on local roads that run alongside the lake; there is roadside access and parking near the archaeological remains. From Cairo expect roughly a 1.5-2 hour drive by car (around 100 km) depending on traffic - organized tours and private cars are the usual way to visit, as regular public transport to the precise site is limited.

Tips for Visiting Qasr Qarun

  • Time your visit for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the desert heat and to get better light for photographing the ruins and Birket Qarun lake.
  • Combine Qasr Qarun with nearby sites in the Faiyum depression such as Wadi El Rayan or the lakeshore birding spots to make the drive from Faiyum worth the trip.
  • Facilities at the site are basic; plan logistics from Faiyum (fuel, supplies) and expect simple roads and limited shade once you arrive.