Temple of Khonsu
Archaeological Site New Kingdom temple inside Karnak with detailed reliefs
Within the Karnak complex, the Temple of Khonsu attracts visitors for its well-preserved columns, reliefs and role in Luxor’s ritual landscape, often visited together with nearby Luxor and Karnak temples.
The Temple of Khonsu is a New Kingdom temple within the Precinct of Amun at Karnak near Luxor, with major construction phases during the Ramesside period.
The temple complex includes a pylon, forecourt and inner sanctuaries decorated with relief scenes and inscriptions; many reliefs remain legible despite later reuse. It is compact compared with the great Amun-Re structures but is accessible as part of a visit to Karnak and offers close-up views of New Kingdom carving.
Built and decorated in the New Kingdom era, the temple received major additions under Ramesses III and later modifications in the Third Intermediate and Ptolemaic periods. It functioned as the cult house for the moon god Khonsu and formed part of the wider ritual landscape of Thebes.
The temple stands inside the Karnak temple complex on the east bank of the Nile at Luxor in Upper Egypt, immediately north of the modern town of Luxor.
- Scale and setting: Located inside the Karnak temple complex, it is much smaller than the main Amun-Re precinct but contains finely carved New Kingdom reliefs and inscriptions.
- Dating: Major building phases include substantial work under Ramesses III, whose reign dates to c. 1186-1155 BCE.
How to Get to Temple of Khonsu #
Khonsu Temple is within the Karnak Temple Complex in Luxor. From Luxor city center, taxis and microbuses reach Karnak in about 15-20 minutes; the temple is a short walk from the Karnak entrance.
Tips for Visiting Temple of Khonsu #
- Check opening hours as part of a Luxor temple circuit-often combined with Karnak and Luxor temple visits.
- Look closely at the Roman graffiti left by soldiers on some column bases-unexpected human voices from later occupations.
- Visit in the late afternoon to see the setting sun pick out the carved hieroglyphs on the hypostyle columns.
Best Time to Visit Temple of Khonsu #
Best in winter months for cooler temperatures and more comfortable touring of Luxor's open-air temples.
Weather & Climate near Temple of Khonsu #
Temple of Khonsu's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 6°C to 40°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 22°C and lows of 6°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 8°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is hot with highs of 38°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is hot with highs of 40°C and lows of 24°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is the hottest month with highs of 40°C and lows of 26°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is hot with highs of 39°C and lows of 25°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is hot with highs of 38°C and lows of 23°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 8°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
_-_2025-12-10_-_1.jpg?width=600)