When to visit the Valley of the Kings
The valley is dry and hot for much of the year. From November to March the days are much cooler than in summer, so that is the most comfortable window for walking between tombs. From May to September the average daily high is 39 °C or more. In any season, the plan that helps most is the same: arrive when the gates open.
If you are choosing between days, a guided Valley of the Kings tour usually fixes the start time for you. Ask whether the pickup is early enough to reach the valley in the cooler hours.
Luxor climate by month
Long-term averages for 1981–2010. Highs and lows are monthly means of daily values, not daily limits, and this is not a forecast.
| Month | Average high (°C) | Average low (°C) | Rain (mm) | What it means for a visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 23.0 | 5.9 | 1.6 | Cool days, cold mornings |
| February | 25.1 | 7.8 | 0.1 | Cool days |
| March | 29.5 | 11.8 | 0.4 | Warm days |
| April | 35.3 | 16.9 | 0.3 | Hot |
| May | 39.0 | 21.2 | 0.8 | Very hot |
| June | 41.3 | 23.5 | 0.0 | Very hot |
| July | 41.4 | 24.7 | 0.0 | Very hot |
| August | 41.0 | 24.4 | 0.0 | Very hot |
| September | 39.3 | 22.2 | 0.4 | Very hot |
| October | 35.3 | 18.4 | 1.0 | Hot |
| November | 29.0 | 12.3 | 0.5 | Warm days |
| December | 24.3 | 7.8 | 0.1 | Cool days, cold nights |
For most visitors, November to March is the best time to go, with January and February the coolest. If you can only travel in summer, you can still visit, but plan to be done by late morning.
Our pick: your own start time
Our take: on a private tour you can start early, before the heat.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Valley of the Kings tours by season
Early starts, half days and full West Bank days, with live prices and availability.
Season by season
What to expect and how to plan.
November to March: the comfortable months
Daytime highs run from 23.0 °C in January to 29.5 °C in March. Winter mornings and nights can be cool, so take a layer for an early start. Rain is close to zero, but a dry average is not a promise about your day.
April and October: still hot
Average highs reach 35.3 °C in both months. October is not simply mild. If you travel in spring or autumn, treat it like a hot-weather trip and go early.
May to September: very hot
Average highs are 39.0 °C in May and above 41 °C in June, July and August. Those are means, not caps. Be at the gates at 06:00, finish your tombs in the morning and rest in the afternoon.
Ramadan and winter hours
The last entry is 17:00 in summer and 16:00 in winter and during Ramadan, and you should arrive at least one hour before closing. The exact dates of the change vary, so check the opening hours before you go.
Time of day and crowds
Early is the practical choice.
Start at opening
The gates open at 06:00 every day. Arriving then is cooler, and it gives you the whole day for the valley and a second stop. If you plan a full west bank day, see how to get there before you fix a start time.
Crowds vary
Visitor numbers change by day and season, and no timetable promises a quiet tomb at any hour. The reliable gain from an early start is the cooler air, not an empty valley. Which tombs are open also changes, so check on site which ones are open.
What to bring
Water, a hat and sun protection matter in every season, and part of each visit is outdoors between tomb entrances. In winter add a layer for the first hour. Check on site which tombs are open on your day.
Long days from the coast
Day trips from Hurghada take about 8 hours in transit, so the visit itself often falls later in the morning. The Hurghada guide covers timing.
For the weather in Luxor as a whole, see Luxor weather. If you are comparing seasons for a river trip, the best time for a Nile cruise has that.
Plan the rest of your visit
Once you know the season.
Best time to visit: frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit the Valley of the Kings?
November to March has the coolest days, with January the coolest on average at 23.0 °C. Hotter months still work if you arrive at 06:00 and finish by late morning.
Is October a good time to go?
October is not mild. The average high is 35.3 °C, the same as April. Go early and carry water.
How hot does it get in summer?
The average daily high is 41.3 °C in June, 41.4 °C in July and 41.0 °C in August. These are monthly averages, so individual days can be hotter.
What time should I arrive?
At opening, 06:00. It is cooler, and you can fit more in. Last entry is 17:00 in summer and 16:00 in winter and during Ramadan.
Does it rain in Luxor?
Very little. Monthly averages run from 0.0 mm to 1.6 mm. A low average does not guarantee dry weather on a given day.
Is this an official site?
No. This is an independent travel guide, not run by an authority, a museum or a tour operator. The climate values describe long-term averages, so check the forecast before you travel.