Temples of Wadi es-Sebua
Nature Reserve Pair of New Kingdom temples relocated in Aswan
Nubian temples relocated near Aswan, the Wadi es-Sebua temples feature New Kingdom reliefs and colonnaded approaches; visitors reach them from Aswan as part of Nile heritage excursions.
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The Temples of Wadi es-Sebua are a New Kingdom Egyptian temple complex located on the west bank of the Nile in Nubia, roughly 40 km south of Aswan. The main temple dates to the 13th century BCE and is associated with Ramesses II.
The site features a colonnaded forecourt and inner sanctuary with remnants of reliefs and inscriptions; an avenue of sphinxes originally led to the entrance. The rebuilt complex preserves the alignment and many architectural elements visitors expect at a Nile-side New Kingdom temple.
The principal temple was constructed under Ramesses II in the New Kingdom and later received repairs and additions in antiquity. The entire complex was dismantled and reconstructed on higher ground during the Aswan High Dam salvage efforts in the 1960s to protect it from flooding.
The temples sit on the desert edge of the Nile floodplain in Aswan Governorate, south of the city of Aswan and accessible from the Desert Road that links Aswan with sites in Lower Nubia.
- Timing: Best visited in the cooler morning hours to avoid the midday desert heat and strong sunlight.
- Relocation: The complex was moved to higher ground during the Aswan High Dam resettlement projects in the 1960s.
Tips for Visiting Temples of Wadi es-Sebua #
- Plan your visit for early morning or late afternoon to avoid Aswan's midday heat; the complex's reliefs and exterior architecture show best in softer light and are easier to photograph then.
- Combine the Wadi es‑Sebua stop with nearby Nubian and temple sites when travelling from Aswan (road transfers are the normal way to visit) so you don't make a separate trip for this relatively compact temple complex.
Best Time to Visit Temples of Wadi es-Sebua #
Visit in the cooler months (October-April), with December-February offering the most comfortable conditions for exploring the open-air Wadi es‑Sebua temples.
Weather & Climate near Temples of Wadi es-Sebua #
Temples of Wadi es-Sebua's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 10°C to 41°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 10°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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February
February is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 11°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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March
March is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 15°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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April
April is warm with highs of 36°C and lows of 19°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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May
May is hot with highs of 39°C and lows of 23°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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June
June is hot with highs of 41°C and lows of 25°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the hottest month with highs of 41°C and lows of 26°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is hot with highs of 41°C and lows of 26°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is hot with highs of 39°C and lows of 24°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is hot with highs of 36°C and lows of 21°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
