Thinking about a trip to Luxor for Christmas? You’ll find the weather mild, dry, and comfortable, perfect for wandering through ancient ruins or just soaking up the atmosphere. Daytime temperatures usually land around 24°C (75°F), and nights cool off to about 9°C (47°F), so afternoons feel warm but evenings can get a bit crisp.
Rain almost never happens, and the air stays clear. That means you can spend hours outside without worrying about sudden storms or gloomy skies.
The days are shorter than in summer, with only about 10 hours of daylight, but the sun still shows up most of the time. Humidity sits near 30%, so it feels drier than lots of other places, and the wind stays gentle, making it all the more pleasant.
You’ll get a great balance—warm enough to see the sights, cool enough that you won’t overheat.
Overview of December Weather in Luxor
December in Luxor brings a subtropical desert climate—think mild days, cool nights, and barely any rain. Sunshine is pretty much a given, and the comfortable conditions make this month a favorite for visitors.
Typical Temperature Ranges
During December, Luxor’s daytime temperatures usually reach 22–24°C (72–75°F). That’s warm enough to explore without the brutal summer heat.
At night, things change fast. Temperatures often drop to 7–10°C (45–50°F), so you’ll want a jacket or sweater after dark. Sometimes, it dips closer to 6°C (42°F) in open desert spots.
The big swing between day and night comes from the dry desert air, which lets heat escape quickly once the sun goes down. Packing light layers is definitely your best bet.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine
Even though December days are short, Luxor still gets plenty of sun. You’ll have about 10.5 hours of daylight each day, with sunrise around 6:30 a.m. and sunset near 5:00 p.m.
Skies usually stay clear. On average, you’ll see 8–9 hours of bright sunshine daily. Only about a quarter of days have even a hint of clouds.
All that sunshine makes December a fantastic time for outdoor adventures—temple visits, Nile cruises, or wandering through the Valley of the Kings. Sunglasses and sunscreen still come in handy, even in winter.
Rainfall and Precipitation
Luxor basically skips rain in December. The city averages 0 mm of measurable rain, and some years, not a single drop falls.
Humidity is moderate for Luxor, even though December is technically the most humid month, with average relative humidity around 50–57%. Still, the air feels dry compared to the coast.
You won’t need rain gear. Instead, focus on layers for the cooler evenings and just enjoy the clear, dry days that make sightseeing so easy.
Temperature Patterns During Christmas Week
Around Christmas, you’ll notice warm days and cool nights. The shift between afternoon warmth and evening chill is pretty clear, so planning your clothing and outings around that helps a lot.
Daytime Highs and Nighttime Lows
During Christmas week, highs usually reach 22°C to 25°C (72°F to 77°F). The sun feels strong, and afternoons are great for sightseeing or tours. Skies stay clear, and rain is almost unheard of.
After sunset, temperatures drop fast. Lows often hit 8°C to 11°C (46°F to 52°F). You’ll probably want a light jacket or sweater at night, especially if you’re heading out on a Nile cruise or evening stroll.
That swing from warm afternoons to chilly nights really defines December weather here. Layers let you adjust as the day goes on.
Temperature Variability
The pattern in late December stays pretty steady, but the daily range can feel dramatic. Mornings start cool, then temperatures climb to the mid-20s °C by early afternoon, and fall again after sunset.
Sometimes, wind makes evenings feel even colder than the numbers suggest. Since humidity is low, the air cools off quickly at night. Rain just doesn’t happen, so outdoor plans are safe.
Temperature swings come down to timing, not sudden weather changes. Once you get used to the rhythm, you can plan your outings for the warmest parts of the day and relax indoors when it cools off.
Comparisons to Other Months
Christmas week lands right in the middle of Luxor’s winter, which is way milder than summer. From June to August, highs often soar past 40°C (104°F), making midday almost unbearable. December’s low to mid-20s °C are a huge relief.
Compared to November, December nights feel colder, dipping close to single digits. January stays similar, with maybe slightly chillier mornings.
If you’ve been in spring or autumn, December feels less hot but still sunny. The mild weather makes it one of the best times to explore temples and ruins without the exhaustion that summer brings.
Humidity, Wind, and Atmospheric Conditions
Luxor’s subtropical desert climate keeps the air very dry, even in winter. Expect low humidity, light to moderate winds, and mostly clear skies—perfect for seeing the sights during the holidays.
Humidity Levels
Humidity in December stays low by most standards. Relative humidity usually ranges from 35% to 55%, peaking in the cool mornings and dropping in the warm afternoons.
With rain almost nonexistent, the air feels dry, not sticky. Walking and sightseeing are much easier without heavy, damp air.
If you’re not used to desert climates, you might notice dry skin or lips, so bringing water and moisturizer helps. For anyone with respiratory issues, the clean, dry air often feels easier to breathe than muggy tropical air.
Wind Speeds and Direction
Winds in Luxor during December stay light to moderate. Average speeds hover between 6 to 10 mph (10–16 km/h). Most of the time, the wind comes from the north and northwest, following the Nile Valley.
A gentle breeze cools things off during the day, especially when it’s in the mid-20s °C. At night, calmer winds help temperatures drop, sometimes into the upper 40s °F (single digits °C).
You probably won’t see strong sandstorms—those are more common in spring. Light dust can show up, especially outside the city, but it’s nothing major.
Cloud Cover and Visibility
December skies in Luxor are almost always clear, with sunshine taking over more than 9 hours a day. Rain is basically a non-issue, so you can count on bright days.
Visibility is fantastic, often stretching 10 kilometers or more. Most days, you can see right across the Nile Valley to the desert hills.
Sometimes, you’ll spot a bit of morning haze when cool air meets warm ground, but it clears up quickly. The combo of clear skies and dry air makes this month perfect for taking in the temples and desert landscape.
Sunrise, Sunset, and Daylight Duration
In late December, the sun rises later and sets earlier than most of the year. Days are shorter, so you’ll need to plan your sightseeing with that in mind.
Timing of Sunrise and Sunset
Around Christmas, sunrise usually happens between 6:20 AM and 6:30 AM. Sunset falls between 4:55 PM and 5:05 PM. So, daylight hours are limited compared to spring or summer.
The timing doesn’t change much through late December—maybe a minute or two each day. You won’t see big shifts.
Mornings start with soft light, which is great for photos at the temples. Evenings get dark fast, so it’s smart to wrap up outdoor plans before 5:30 PM.
Length of Daylight
The average length of daylight during Christmas is about 10.5 hours per day. That’s the shortest stretch of the year. For reference, June brings almost 14 hours of sunlight.
Here’s a quick look at day length around Christmas:
| Date | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 22 | 6:26 AM | 5:01 PM | 10h 35m |
| Dec 25 | 6:27 AM | 5:01 PM | 10h 34m |
| Dec 28 | 6:28 AM | 5:03 PM | 10h 35m |
With shorter days, you’ll need to plan sightseeing in tighter windows. Museums and archaeological sites often close near sunset, so starting early pays off.
Sunshine Hours
Even with less daylight, Luxor still gets plenty of sunshine. On average, you’ll see 8 to 9 hours of bright sun daily. That’s more than a lot of places get at this time of year.
Clouds are rare, and December rain is almost unheard of. The strong desert sun keeps most daylight hours bright and clear.
Daytime sightseeing is comfortable and reliable. You can count on steady light for exploring temples, cruising the Nile, or checking out the Valley of the Kings.
What to Expect for Outdoor Activities
Expect warm, dry days and cooler nights if you visit Luxor at Christmas. The steady desert climate means you can enjoy outdoor activities, especially sightseeing. Light layers, comfortable shoes, and good planning around daylight hours will make your trip smoother.
Comfort and Clothing Recommendations
Daytime highs usually hit 22–24°C (72–75°F), which feels warm but never stifling. Nights cool down to 8–10°C (46–50°F), so you’ll notice the difference once the sun drops.
Pack lightweight clothes for daytime—cotton shirts, shorts, or breathable pants work well. In the evening, bring a light jacket or sweater. A scarf or hoodie isn’t a bad idea if you’re out after sunset.
Go for closed-toe, supportive footwear since most sites have uneven ground and lots of walking. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are still must-haves because the sun stays strong and shade is hard to find.
Suitability for Sightseeing
Sightseeing is easy in this weather. With barely any rain and humidity averaging 30–50%, you can explore without the misery of summer’s heat.
Most people find late morning through afternoon the best time to be outside—temperatures are pleasant and steady. Early mornings are cooler but great for photos and avoiding crowds.
With about 10.5 hours of daylight, you’ll want to plan your schedule. Sites like the Valley of the Kings or Luxor Temple are easy to enjoy at a relaxed pace. Carry water, but you won’t need to stress about extreme dehydration like you would in summer.
Impact on Visiting Karnak Temple
Karnak Temple is massive—one of the largest open-air temple complexes in Egypt. December’s weather really makes it easier to wander through those sprawling courtyards and endless halls.
You’ll find the cooler daytime highs let you walk the site without battling the brutal heat you get in other months.
Since most of the temple grounds stay exposed, it’s smart to bring sun protection even during winter. I’d say comfortable shoes are a must, too, since you’ll be covering a lot of ground over uneven stone pathways.
If you visit in the late afternoon, you might get the best experience. Temperatures stay mild, and the sun’s angle brings out crisp details on the carvings and columns, which is just stunning. Dry weather keeps the pathways safe and easy to walk.
December Weather in the Context of Luxor’s Climate
December brings cooler temperatures to Luxor, with low humidity and barely any rain. You can expect mild days, cool nights, and a lot more sunshine than many other places this time of year.
Subtropical Desert Climate Characteristics
Luxor sits right in a subtropical desert climate (BWh under Köppen classification). You’ll notice hot, dry summers and then mild, dry winters. December falls in the cooler season, but honestly, the climate stays dry with barely a hint of rain.
Daytime highs usually land around 23–25°C (73–77°F). At night, the temperature drops to 7–11°C (44–52°F). The dry air makes evenings feel crisp, not damp. Humidity hangs between 40–55%, so you won’t feel sticky or weighed down.
You still get loads of sunlight—about 10.5 hours of daylight and 9 hours of sunshine daily. December feels like one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing, honestly. The sun shines bright, but it’s not overwhelming. The UV index is lower than in summer, but I’d still recommend using sun protection if you’re out around midday.
Long-term Weather Trends
December really shows off Luxor’s climate—stable, dry, and predictable. Rain almost never shows up, maybe just a trace once in several years. You can plan outdoor activities without worrying about the weather.
Temperatures don’t swing much compared to those wild summer highs. Unlike July, when it can soar past 41°C (106°F), December rarely gets above 25°C (77°F). Nights cool off nicely, dropping close to 7°C (44°F), which feels like a relief after months of heat.
Looking at decades of records, December hasn’t changed much in terms of climate. The subtropical desert setting keeps winter mild and dry, with hardly any changes in rainfall or humidity. That reliability makes December one of the easiest months to plan for weather-wise in Luxor.
Comparison to Other Seasons
When you compare December to spring (March–May), you’ll notice it feels cooler and less intense. The highs drop, daylight hours shrink, and while spring rushes toward summer’s heat, December just sort of hangs out in the mild zone.
If you think about summer (June–August), the contrast couldn’t be starker. Summer hits you with highs soaring above 40°C (104°F), barely any shade, and UV levels that’ll make you second-guess your sunscreen choices. December skips all that, giving you daytime warmth that’s actually pleasant, plus nights that cool off just enough.
Looking at autumn (September–November), December brings a much sharper temperature drop. November sometimes still pushes up to 29°C (84°F), but December chills out closer to the mid-20s Celsius. That shift makes being outside way more comfortable, especially if you’re not used to the desert’s heat.
And if you’re weighing it against January or February, December tends to be a bit warmer and sunnier. You get this nice, mild weather—no harsh cold, no sweltering heat. It’s honestly a sweet spot for folks who want to skip the extremes.