Luxor Weather in September

Heat shapes the day

September still feels like summer in Luxor. Afternoons can reach 40°C, while nights cool to around 23°C. The air is dry, with no rain, but the heat can make long visits tiring. Go to the Valley of the Kings early, then save Luxor Temple for after sunset, when the stone is cooler and the site is lit.

The middle of the day is a poor time for the West Bank's open-air tombs and temples. A short felucca ride on the Nile can be a gentler way to spend the hottest hours.

A quieter, cheaper month

September falls in the low season. You'll usually find fewer visitors and lower hotel rates than during Luxor's best-known travel months, November to February. The trade-off is the heat: some travellers prefer to wait for cooler weather.

There isn't a major, fixed annual tourist festival in Luxor this month. Coptic Nayrouz, the Coptic New Year, falls on September 11 and is marked by Egypt's Coptic Christian community. Islamic holiday dates shift each year, so they don't always fall in September.

Tips for September visits

For budget travellers, September can be a good time to see Luxor's sights with less pressure from crowds, as long as you're comfortable with intense afternoon heat.

At Karnak Temple, consider visiting later in the day rather than lingering through the hottest hours. If you're staying near the East Bank, Luxor Temple is an easy evening stop; it's close to the Nile Corniche and the town centre. A quiet dinner of koshari, a filling mix of rice, lentils and pasta, is a welcome end to a long day.