People hear Luxor is hot and pack shorts and tank tops. It is hot, with 43°C (109°F) highs in July and August, but loose, light clothes that cover your shoulders and knees keep the sun off better and get you a warmer welcome than showing more skin. And in winter, the 10°C (50°F) dawn before a hot air balloon ride catches a lot of people out.
Luxor weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 24°C75°F | 24°C75°F | 30°C86°F | 35°C95°F | 38°C100°F | 42°C108°F | 43°C109°F | 43°C109°F | 40°C104°F | 36°C97°F | 30°C86°F | 25°C77°F |
| Low | 10°C50°F | 10°C50°F | 15°C59°F | 19°C66°F | 23°C73°F | 26°C79°F | 27°C81°F | 28°C82°F | 25°C77°F | 21°C70°F | 16°C61°F | 11°C52°F |
| Rain days | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryThe best time to visit. Highs of 24–25°C (75–77°F) feel great at Karnak, but lows drop to 10–11°C (50–52°F), which is cold at dawn in a balloon over the West Bank. It doesn't rain. Pack a warm layer for early mornings and evenings on the Nile.
Spring
March–MayIt heats up fast. March is 30°C (86°F), April 35°C (95°F) and May 38°C (100°F), with lows climbing from 15°C (59°F) to 23°C (73°F). Start temple visits early, carry water and pack a wide-brimmed hat.
Summer
June–AugustBrutal. Highs of 42–43°C (108–109°F), nights that stay at 26–28°C (79–82°F), and zero rain days. Hit the Valley of the Kings at opening time, rest through midday, and wear loose, light-colored long sleeves to keep the sun off.
Autumn
September–NovemberSeptember is still 40°C (104°F) and October 36°C (97°F), then November eases to 30°C (86°F) with lows of 16°C (61°F). By November it's comfortable again, so save Nile cruises and long West Bank days for late in the season.
What to bring to Luxor
0 of 23 packed- Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
Plastic bottles turn warm fast at 43°C (109°F), but TempShield insulation keeps water cold for 24 hours across a full day between Karnak and the West Bank.
- Bearwind S40 Portable Handheld Turbo FanTech & Power
Tombs in the Valley of the Kings are hot and still inside, and a handheld turbo fan moves enough air to make the queue bearable.
- Allbirds Men's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
Breathable eucalyptus-fiber knit with a traction outsole handles hot, uneven temple stone far better than sandals, and it's machine washable when the dust gets in.
- Allbirds Women's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
The women's version has the same cushioned crash pad for long days on your feet between temples, and Allbirds suggests sizing up half a size.
- A warm wrapClothing
A wool or cashmere wrap pulls double duty here, covering your shoulders at mosques and keeping you warm on a 10°C (50°F) dawn balloon ride.
Egypt's C and F sockets take the sliding EU plug, and the 3 USB-C and 2 USB-A ports charge your phone, camera and power bank overnight on a Nile boat.
- Mack's Blackout Soft Foam Earplugs, 7-pairSleep & Comfort
Nile cruise boats often moor side by side, and when the next boat's generator hums through the night, a bulk pack of foam earplugs is the cheap fix.
Clothing
- Loose long pants or skirts · 3Covering knees is the local norm
- Light long-sleeve tops · 4Shade from 43°C highs in July and August
- ScarfWomen cover hair at mosques
- Warm fleece or sweater · 110°C dawn on winter balloon rides
- Wide-brim sun hat
Footwear
- Closed walking shoes · 1 pairDusty, uneven ground at temples and tombs
- Sandals · 1 pair
Gear
- Sunglasses
Health and toiletries
- High-SPF sunscreen0 rain days and strong sun all year
- Electrolyte tablets
- Stomach and diarrhea remedies
- Hand sanitizer and tissues
Documents and money
- Passport
- Visa if required
- Cash in small notesFor tips and small purchases
- Travel insurance
What shoes should you pack for Luxor?
Closed, breathable sneakers for the temples and tombs. You'll walk on uneven stone, sand and dusty paths at Karnak and in the Valley of the Kings, and sandals fill with grit. Keep sandals for the hotel and the boat.
What do people wear in Luxor?
Modest and loose. Egyptians dress conservatively, and covering shoulders and knees is respectful everywhere, not only at mosques. Linen pants, long skirts and light long-sleeved shirts are the smart choice, and women should carry a scarf to cover their hair in mosques.
What plugs does Luxor use?
Egypt uses type C and F plugs at 220V. An adapter with an EU plug fits both. Check that US gadgets like hair straighteners are rated for 220V.
Tours and things to do in Luxor
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Luxor.
What should you leave at home for Luxor?
Leave the rain gear. Luxor averages zero rain days in every month of the year. Skip short shorts and strappy tops too. They draw stares and do nothing to keep the sun off.
Packing for Luxor: questions people ask
What should I wear in Luxor?
Loose, light clothing that covers your shoulders and knees, plus a hat and sunglasses. It's cooler in the sun and respectful at temples and mosques.
How hot is Luxor in summer?
Very. Highs hit 42–43°C (108–109°F) from June to August, and nights stay around 26–28°C (79–82°F).
Is it cold in Luxor in winter?
Days are warm at 24–25°C (75–77°F), but lows drop to 10–11°C (50–52°F), so bring a jacket for dawn balloon rides and evenings on the Nile.
Does it rain in Luxor?
Almost never. Luxor averages zero rain days in every month, so you can leave rain gear at home.
What plug does Egypt use?
Types C and F at 220V. A universal adapter with an EU plug covers both.
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