Luxor sits in the heart of Egypt’s desert, boasting a hot desert climate with virtually no rainfall and clear sunny skies year-round. Summers (June–August) are brutally hot, with temperatures soaring up to 41°C, while winters (December–February) are mild and pleasant, with daytime highs around 23–25°C and cool nights dropping to around 10°C. With an annual rainfall of less than 0.23mm, Luxor is one of the driest cities on Earth — rainy days are virtually nonexistent. The best time to visit is October through April, with January through March offering the most ideal sightseeing conditions.
Weather by Season
Spring (March–May)
Temperatures rise quickly in spring, climbing from 29°C in March up to 38°C by May. Rainfall is essentially zero and the air is extremely dry throughout the season. March and April are great for outdoor sightseeing at places like Karnak Temple, but the heat becomes intense from May onward. The UV index reaches “extreme” levels (UV 11+), making sunscreen and a hat absolutely essential.
Summer (June–August)
Summer is Luxor’s most punishing season, with daytime highs reaching 41–43°C. Even at night, temperatures stay around 27–28°C, making tropical nights the norm. Humidity is extremely low, creating a dry, scorching heat. Tourist crowds are at their smallest and accommodation prices are at their lowest, but outdoor activities in the morning and afternoon are exhausting — sightseeing is best limited to early mornings or after sunset.
Autumn (September–November)
September still sees intense heat around 39–40°C, but temperatures begin to drop noticeably from October onward. By November, highs reach a comfortable 29–30°C with lows around 16°C — ideal conditions for sightseeing. There is virtually no rainfall and the skies are crystal clear, making it a perfect time for photography at historic sites. October and November mark the start of peak tourist season, so booking accommodation in advance is strongly recommended.
Winter (December–February)
Winter is the coolest and most comfortable season in Luxor, with daytime highs of 23–25°C and nighttime lows dipping to 7–12°C. The evenings can feel surprisingly cold, so a warm layer is a must. Weather remains clear and dry throughout the season. This is Luxor’s busiest tourist period, and hotel prices are at their annual peak — early booking is essential.
Best Time to Visit Luxor
The best time to visit Luxor is October through April, when temperatures are comfortable and outdoor exploration is a pleasure.
December through February is the peak season, with pleasant daytime temperatures of 23–26°C perfect for spending full days exploring the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple.
October and November fall just before peak season — temperatures are gradually cooling, crowds are still manageable, and it’s a great sweet spot for a more relaxed visit.
March and April see temperatures rising again to 29–33°C, but mornings are still quite comfortable, making early visits to the sites a great strategy.
May through September brings extreme heat of 41–43°C, making midday outdoor sightseeing nearly impossible, especially between 2 PM and 5 PM. That said, fewer tourists and the lowest hotel rates of the year make it appealing for budget travelers — just plan all outdoor activities before 9 AM or after 6 PM. Some attractions like Luxor Temple also offer evening opening hours, which is a great option in summer and early autumn. Since rain is almost never a concern, the main thing to prepare for in any season is intense UV radiation — always pack SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, and plenty of water.
Monthly Weather & What to Wear
January
High: 23°C / Low: 10°C | Humidity: 48% | Rainfall: 0mm | UV: High (6.8)
January is the coolest month of the year in Luxor. The air is comfortable and dry with virtually no rain. Daytime UV levels are still notable, so sun protection remains important year-round.
What to wear: Light long-sleeve shirts during the day; a jacket or cardigan is essential in the evenings and early mornings. Sunscreen is a must every single day.
February
High: 24°C / Low: 10°C | Humidity: 42% | Rainfall: 0mm | UV: Very High (8)
Similar to January but with longer daylight hours — up to 10 hours of sunshine per day. UV intensity starts climbing, so sun protection becomes more important.
What to wear: Short sleeves or thin long sleeves during the day; layer up in the evening with a cardigan or jacket. Sunglasses and a UV-blocking hat are essential.
March
High: 29°C / Low: 14°C | Humidity: 32% | Rainfall: ~1mm | UV: Very High
Temperatures rise quickly through March. The air is very dry with minimal rainfall. Great conditions for sightseeing, though the heat is building.
What to wear: T-shirts and light cotton clothes for the day; light trousers and a thin layer for evenings. Carry moisturizer and plenty of water to combat the dryness.
April
High: 35°C / Low: 19°C | Humidity: 25% | Rainfall: 0mm | UV: Extreme (11)
The heat is now in full force and the air is extremely dry. UV index hits “extreme” levels.
What to wear: Breathable cotton short-sleeves and lightweight long trousers; a lightweight long-sleeve shirt with UV protection is also useful. SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat are non-negotiable.
May
High: 38°C / Low: 23°C | Humidity: 22% | Rainfall: 0mm | UV: Extreme (11.4)
Very hot and extremely dry. UV exposure can cause sunburn in under 15 minutes.
What to wear: Light-colored breathable cotton tops; a lightweight long-sleeve shirt to protect against both sand and UV. Carry a water bottle and consider electrolyte drinks.
June
High: 41°C / Low: 26°C | Humidity: 23% | Rainfall: 0mm | UV: Extreme
One of the hottest months of the year with the longest daylight hours (12.5 hours). The heat is relentless from morning to night.
What to wear: White or light-colored cotton short-sleeves with lightweight long trousers; breathable sandals. Avoid outdoor activities in the afternoon and rehydrate frequently.
July
High: 41°C / Low: 27°C | Humidity: 24% | Rainfall: 0mm | UV: Extreme (11.2)
Equally as brutal as June. Completely dry with intense sun.
What to wear: Same as June — light, pale-colored cotton clothing. Outdoor sightseeing should only be done in the early morning (6–9 AM) or after 6 PM.
August
High: 41°C / Low: 28°C | Humidity: 27% | Rainfall: 0mm | UV: Extreme (10.6)
Nights offer no relief from the heat, with lows staying around 28°C.
What to wear: Same as July. Ensure your accommodation has air conditioning, and pack lightweight sleepwear suitable for warm nights.
September
High: 39°C / Low: 26°C | Humidity: 30% | Rainfall: 0mm | UV: Very High (9.6)
Still very hot, but temperatures are slowly beginning to ease compared to August.
What to wear: Breathable short-sleeves and lightweight long trousers; thick-soled sandals to shield your feet from the scorching ground. Early morning visits to ruins are highly recommended.
October
High: 35°C / Low: 21°C | Humidity: 36% | Rainfall: 0mm | UV: Very High (8.3)
The heat begins to subside and sightseeing conditions start to improve noticeably.
What to wear: Short-sleeves and shorts during the day; one thin long-sleeve layer is enough for the evenings. Sunscreen and a hat remain essential.
November
High: 29°C / Low: 16°C | Humidity: 45% | Rainfall: 0mm | UV: High (6.9)
Comfortable and stable weather — prime time to visit Luxor. Clear skies and mild temperatures make for perfect sightseeing days.
What to wear: Short or light long-sleeves during the day; a light jacket or cardigan for evenings. Layering is the most practical approach this month.
December
High: 25°C / Low: 12°C | Humidity: 49% | Rainfall: 0mm | UV: High (6.2)
Cool, pleasant, and sunny. The lowest UV levels of the year, though protection is still needed.
What to wear: Long-sleeve shirts during the day; a jacket or sweater is essential at night. This is peak tourist season alongside January and February — book your accommodation well in advance.
Monthly Climate Data
| Month | Max Temp | Min Temp | Rainfall | Humidity | Sunrise | Sunset |
| January | 23°C | 10°C | 0mm | 48% | 06:37 | 17:20 |
| February | 24°C | 10°C | 0mm | 42% | 06:24 | 17:42 |
| March | 29°C | 14°C | 1mm | 32% | 05:58 | 17:58 |
| April | 35°C | 19°C | 0mm | 25% | 05:26 | 18:12 |
| May | 38°C | 23°C | 0mm | 22% | 05:03 | 18:27 |
| June | 41°C | 26°C | 0mm | 23% | 04:57 | 18:42 |
| July | 41°C | 27°C | 0mm | 24% | 05:07 | 18:43 |
| August | 41°C | 28°C | 0mm | 27% | 05:22 | 18:25 |
| September | 39°C | 26°C | 0mm | 30% | 05:35 | 17:53 |
| October | 35°C | 21°C | 0mm | 36% | 05:48 | 17:22 |
| November | 29°C | 16°C | 0mm | 45% | 06:07 | 17:00 |
| December | 25°C | 12°C | 0mm | 49% | 06:28 | 17:01 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Luxor?
October through April is ideal. December to February in particular offers the most pleasant conditions, with daytime highs of 23–25°C perfect for exploring outdoor sites. As this is peak season, book accommodation early.
Which is the hottest and coolest month?
June through August are the hottest months, with temperatures reaching 41–43°C. January is the coolest month, with a high of 23°C and a low of 10°C — similar to a mild autumn day.
Does it rain in Luxor?
Barely ever. Luxor’s annual rainfall is less than 1mm, making it one of the driest cities on Earth. Some years see no rainfall at all.
Is it okay to visit in summer (June–August)?
It’s possible, but requires stamina and preparation. With temperatures above 41°C, outdoor activities are only realistic before 9 AM and after 6 PM. The upside is fewer crowds and the lowest hotel prices of the year.
Do I need warm clothes in winter?
Not during the day, but yes for evenings and early mornings. December to February nights can drop to 7–12°C, which feels surprisingly cold. With a daily temperature range of up to 13°C, layering is the smartest approach.
How strong is the UV radiation?
Extremely strong year-round. From April to September, the UV index reaches “extreme” levels (10–12), and even in winter it remains “high” (6–7). SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat should be packed regardless of when you visit.
Are sandstorms common?
In spring (March–May), a hot desert wind called the Khamsin can blow in from the southern Sahara. It reduces visibility significantly and can make breathing uncomfortable. Pack a scarf or dust mask if traveling during this period.