About:
Luxor is a city located in southern Egypt along the banks of the River Nile. It holds great historical and archaeological significance as it was once the capital of ancient Egypt during the New Kingdom period, known as Thebes. Today, Luxor is a vibrant city that attracts tourists from all around the world.
Luxor is often referred to as an open-air museum due to its abundance of well-preserved ancient Egyptian monuments and ruins. The city is divided into two main areas: the East Bank and the West Bank.
The East Bank is the modern part of Luxor and is home to the city centre. Here, you’ll find the bustling streets, markets, hotels, and restaurants. One of the most prominent attractions on the East Bank is the Luxor Temple, a magnificent temple complex dedicated to the worship of Amun-Ra. The Karnak Temple Complex, just north of Luxor Temple, is another major highlight. It is a vast and impressive complex featuring temples, obelisks, statues, and pylons.
Crossing the Nile to the West Bank, you’ll discover the Theban Necropolis, which includes the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens. These valleys are home to the burial sites of many pharaohs and royal family members from the New Kingdom era. The most famous tomb in the Valley of the Kings is that of Tutankhamun, discovered nearly intact by archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922. The West Bank is also dotted with other notable sites, such as the mortuary temple of Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon, and the Tombs of the Nobles.
Luxor offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the ancient Egyptian civilization. The city hosts various festivals and cultural events, and its markets are vibrant with traditional crafts, spices, and souvenirs. The Luxor Museum showcases a fascinating collection of artefacts found in the region, providing further insights into the area’s rich history.
With its remarkable archaeological treasures, Luxor is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains one of Egypt’s most significant tourist destinations. It offers a captivating blend of ancient wonders and modern city life, making it a must-visit place for history enthusiasts and travellers alike.
Climate
Luxor has a hot desert climate like the rest of Egypt. Luxor has the hottest summer days of any other city in Egypt. Luxor is one of the sunniest and driest cities in the world. Average high temperatures are above 40 °C (104 °F) during summer (June, July, August). During the coolest month of the year, average high temperatures remain above 22 °C (71.6 °F) while average low temperatures remain above 5 °C (41 °F). There is an average relative humidity of 39.9%, with a maximum mean of 57% during winter and a minimum mean of 27% during summer.
The climate of Luxor is extremely clear, bright and sunny year-round, in all seasons
Location Map
- Area:
- 43.03 km²
- Elevation:
- 89 m
- Population:
- 268,640 (2021)