Valley of the Kings opening hours at a glance
The Valley of the Kings is open every day of the week from 06:00. There is no weekly rest day. The last entry is 17:00 in summer and 16:00 in winter and in Ramadan, and you should arrive at least 1 hour before closing. The ticket office, the tombs and the electric shuttle from the visitor center all take time, so a late arrival costs you tombs.
Your ticket choices affect how long you need. See the Valley of the Kings tickets for what is included, or join a West Bank tour that handles timing for you.
Opening hours by season
Hours in 2026 for the valley.
| Season | Opens | Last entry |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | 06:00 | 17:00 |
| Winter | 06:00 | 16:00 |
| Ramadan | 06:00 | 16:00 |
In summer, closing time and last entry are both 17:00. Treat 17:00 as your hard limit and plan to be in the valley well before it. The dates when summer hours change to winter hours, and the exact Ramadan timings for your travel date, are best checked shortly before you go.
For most visitors, the best plan is simple: arrive near opening, and use your tombs in the cooler morning hours.
Our pick: a ticket for an early start
Our take: the QR ticket lets you arrive at opening time.
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 and tickets
Early starts, guided West Bank days and tomb visits, with live prices and availability.
Why an early start helps
Heat is the main reason.
The valley is dry and open to the sun. Long-term climate averages show daily highs of about 41 °C from June to August, about 35 °C in April and October, and about 23 °C in January. Opening at 06:00 lets you use the cooler hours. An early start does not guarantee an empty tomb.
More on months, heat and clothing is on the best time to visit page. For general Luxor weather, see Luxor weather.
Last entry is not closing time
If you reach the gate at the last entry, you will have little time left for tombs. Arrive at least 1 hour before closing.
The shuttle
The electric shuttle from the visitor center to the tombs takes about 3 minutes and costs around EGP 20 per person return. Allow for the wait at both ends.
Which tombs are open
The tombs open to visitors rotate. Check on site which tombs are open before you spend time on a choice. See the best tombs page.
Hours of other West Bank sites
Most sites on this side of the river start at 06:00, too.
| Site | Opens | Last entry in summer | Last entry in winter and Ramadan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valley of the Queens | 06:00 | 17:00 | 16:00 |
| Hatshepsut Temple | 06:00 | 17:00 | 16:00 |
| Medinet Habu | 06:00 | 17:00 | 16:00 |
| Deir el-Medina | 06:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
| Deir el-Shelwit | 06:00 | 17:00 | 16:00 |
The Ramesseum is open daily from 06:00 to 17:00. Deir el-Medina keeps its last entry at 17:00 all year, including Ramadan. For a combined day, read about the Hatshepsut Temple and the Valley of the Queens. The tomb of Nefertari is closed to visitors and is not part of these hours.
Heat through the year
Long-term climate averages for Luxor, not a forecast.
| Month | Average daily high | Average daily low |
|---|---|---|
| January | 23.0 °C | 5.9 °C |
| March | 29.5 °C | 11.8 °C |
| May | 39.0 °C | 21.2 °C |
| July | 41.4 °C | 24.7 °C |
| October | 35.3 °C | 18.4 °C |
| December | 24.3 °C | 7.8 °C |
October is not simply mild: the average high is still 35.3 °C. From May to September, plan to be out of the valley before the hottest part of the day. From November to March the days are much cooler, and winter mornings can feel cold before the sun is up. Bring water and a hat in every season. A single average does not describe the day you visit.
Plan the rest of your visit
Tickets, tombs and how to reach the valley.
Valley of the Kings opening hours: frequently asked questions
What time does the Valley of the Kings open?
At 06:00, every day of the week.
What is the last entry?
17:00 in summer and 16:00 in winter and Ramadan. Arrive at least 1 hour before closing.
Is the valley closed on any day of the week?
No weekly rest day applies. It is open every day.
Are the hours different in Ramadan?
Yes. The last entry is 16:00 in Ramadan. Check the exact timing for your date before you go.
How long should I plan for the valley?
Arrive well before the last entry and allow time for the ticket office, the shuttle and each tomb. An extra tomb adds more time.
Is this the official site?
No. This is an independent travel guide. Hours and rules are set by the Egyptian antiquities authorities and can change, so confirm them at the ticket office.