When to Go to Luxor
The best time to visit Luxor is from October to March when the weather is a little cooler.
Tips on "Tombing"
Depending on the time of year, Luxor is hotter than hot. Even in the winter months the temperatures can get in to the high 80's Fahrenheit(30 C). If you are in Luxor during the summer months try and get an early morning start and take a break for a long lunch at midday. Sneakers have been known to melt on the soft feet of unsuspecting tourists.- Water - bring lots of it and make sure the bottle has a new seal.
- Sunglasses - the glare is significant when you come out of a tomb.
- Sunscreen - sunblock is best.
- Sunhat - floppy is good or a pith helmet ...
- Flashlight - serious tombers take note, not all tombs are very well lit and you may need some extra light to see details.
- Tickets - you need tickets to get in to the tombs and tickets for all camera equipment. You can buy these at various points in the necropolis and sometimes at the entrance of the bigger tombs.
- Your Health - Climbing up the sides of hills in the heat can be tiring. Limit yourself to three tombs or so for a day and you should be fine. Also beware if you are claustrophobic, it is hot and narrow in many of the tombs.
Further Reading:
- Rick Steves has a good article about his visit to Luxor and a handy 5 day itinerary.
- Tour Egypt is the most detailed online guide for many destinations in Egypt, their Luxor section is very detailed and includes maps of the city.
- Visit the Temple of Luxor and several tombs online with NOVA's excellent virtual tours.
- Confused about which pharaoh ruled when? Who built what pyramid? The BBC has an very informative Ancient Egypt site that gives timelines, tips on mummification and more.
