Winter in Luxor feels calm and comfortable, especially compared to the brutal summer heat. Days stay mild, and nights cool off just enough to make a stroll along the Nile or a visit to ancient temples genuinely pleasant.
Expect daytime highs in the low 20s °C (70s °F) and nighttime lows dipping into single digits °C (40s °F). That’s why winter is hands-down the best time to experience the city.
The skies usually stay clear, with long stretches of sunshine and barely any rain. Humidity remains low, so the air feels dry and crisp instead of heavy.
Days are short but steadily get longer, giving you enough daylight to enjoy outdoor activities without the punishing summer sun.
These conditions really shape how you plan your time in Luxor. You can explore archaeological sites without sweating buckets, or wander open-air markets in the cool evenings.
Winter weather creates a welcoming balance for both sightseeing and daily life.
Overview of Luxor’s Winter Climate
Luxor’s winter weather stays mild by day, cools off at night, and stays almost bone-dry. You’ll get steady sunshine, low humidity, and a big difference between daytime highs and overnight lows.
Desert Climate Characteristics
Luxor sits in a subtropical desert zone, so rainfall is almost unheard of. Most years, rain doesn’t even register.
Average precipitation hovers around 0 mm, with only the rarest traces in late autumn or early winter.
Humidity stays low, usually between 40–55%, so the air feels drier than it does on Egypt’s coast. Sunshine rules here, with about 7–8.5 hours of sun per day during the winter months.
You’ll often find clear skies, even in the heart of January and February.
Daytime highs in winter reach about 22–25°C (72–77°F), while nights can drop sharply to 7–9°C (45–48°F). That’s a classic desert swing.
You’ll want to pack for cool evenings, especially if you plan to be out after sunset.
Winter Season Duration
Winter in Luxor runs from December through February. During these months, temperatures stay mild compared to the extreme heat of summer.
January is the coldest month, with averages around 14–15°C (58–59°F) overall, highs near 23°C (73°F), and lows close to 7°C (45°F).
By February, things start to warm up a bit. Daytime highs push toward 25°C (77°F), though nights stay pretty cool.
Daylight grows from about 10.5 hours in December to more than 11.5 hours in February. That’s more time for outdoor adventures.
Winds usually stay light to moderate, averaging 5–7 kph. Sometimes, a gust will kick up dust, but that’s not too common.
The air remains dry even when it’s cooler, and cloudy or rainy days are very unlikely.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Winter feels like another world compared to summer in Luxor. In June through August, average highs blast past 40°C (104°F), with peaks near 47–49°C (116–120°F).
Winter’s mid-20s Celsius feel like relief for anyone who wants to sightsee.
Spring and autumn are just transition periods. April and May already hit highs over 35°C (95°F), and October still reaches about 35°C (95°F) before finally cooling off by November.
Compared to these, winter offers the most stable and manageable weather.
You might notice humidity ticks up a bit in winter compared to summer, but it’s still low overall. That little boost, mixed with cooler air, takes some of the edge off the desert dryness.
Typical Winter Temperatures in Luxor
Winter in Luxor brings mild days and cool nights, creating a comfortable climate for getting outside.
Temperatures stay steady and rainfall is basically nonexistent. The big thing you’ll notice is that contrast between warm days and chilly nights.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
During winter, expect daytime highs around 72–76°F (22–24°C). That’s warm enough for a t-shirt, but not even close to Luxor’s summer extremes.
At night, the temperature drops fast. Lows average 45–50°F (7–10°C), and it’s not unusual to feel a real chill in the air, especially in open spaces.
You’ll probably want a sweater or jacket after sunset.
The day-to-night difference can top 25°F (14°C). That’s classic desert weather, where heat escapes quickly once the sun’s gone.
Monthly Temperature Variations
December starts winter with highs near 75°F (24°C) and lows around 50°F (10°C).
By January, the coldest month, highs dip closer to 72°F (22°C), and lows hit about 45°F (7°C).
February brings a gentle warm-up. Highs climb back to 76°F (24°C), with lows near 50°F (10°C).
January stands out as the coolest stretch. February feels a bit better for longer outings, and December sits somewhere in the middle—mild by day, crisp by night.
| Month | Avg High °F (°C) | Avg Low °F (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 75 (24) | 50 (10) |
| January | 72 (22) | 45 (7) |
| February | 76 (24) | 50 (10) |
Record Highs and Lows
Even though winter is mild, Luxor sometimes throws a curveball. Daytime highs have hit the upper 80s to almost 90°F (31–32°C) on rare occasions.
On the flip side, nighttime lows have dropped to about 39°F (4°C) during cold snaps. You won’t see frost, but the air can feel surprisingly brisk before sunrise.
These swings show how desert climates love their extremes, even in the “cool” season.
Packing layers is just smart. Whether you’re out at temples in the afternoon or strolling the Nile after dark, you’ll want options.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
In Luxor, winter brings shorter days than summer, but you still get loads of clear skies and bright sun. The city’s desert climate keeps sunlight strong and dependable, even in the coolest months.
Average Daily Sunshine
You’ll see long stretches of sun in winter. January has the least, but it still averages about 9 to 9.5 hours per day—that’s better than a lot of other places this time of year.
By February, daily sunshine nudges up, often reaching 10 hours or more. Clouds are rare. Rain basically never shows up, so you won’t lose daylight to storms.
All that sunlight makes sightseeing feel easy. Ancient sites stay well lit, and the desert sun can feel warm even when the air is cool.
Sunglasses and sunscreen still come in handy, even in winter.
Day Length Changes During Winter
Daylight in Luxor shifts gradually from December to February. Around the winter solstice in late December, the shortest day lasts about 10 hours and 30 minutes.
By January, days stretch out a bit, averaging close to 10 hours and 50 minutes. In February, daylight reaches about 11 hours and 20 minutes by month’s end.
It’s a slow change, but if you’re here for a while, you’ll notice it. More daylight means more time to check out temples, markets, and the Nile banks without feeling rushed.
Sunrise and Sunset Times
During winter, sunrise in Luxor usually happens between 6:20 AM and 6:45 AM, depending on the month.
Sunsets fall between 5:00 PM and 5:30 PM, with December bringing the earliest ones.
Mornings start with soft light—perfect for photos at places like Karnak or the Valley of the Kings.
Evenings arrive early, so it’s smart to plan outdoor stuff before sunset.
Twilight doesn’t last long in the desert, so it gets dark fast after the sun drops. A light jacket comes in handy, since temperatures fall quickly once daylight ends.
Cloud Cover and Sky Conditions
Winter skies in Luxor stay mostly clear. You might see a slight uptick in cloudiness compared to the hot season, but nothing major.
You’ll get bright, sunny days most of the time, though December has the best chance for overcast skies.
Frequency of Clear and Cloudy Days
During winter, Luxor enjoys clear or mostly clear skies the majority of the time. On average, skies stay clear about 76–81% of the season.
December is the cloudiest winter month, with about 24% of days showing mostly cloudy or overcast skies.
By January and February, cloud cover eases, and clear days creep back up toward the dry season average.
You’ll rarely wake up to gray skies. Even in December, a fully overcast day is pretty unlikely.
Rain almost never shows up, so clouds tend to pass by without leaving a mark.
You can count on reliable sunshine for sightseeing, outdoor tours, and river cruises all winter.
Cloud Cover Trends Through Winter
Cloud cover in Luxor shifts slowly over the season. The cloudier period starts in late October and runs through late May, peaking in December.
After that, skies gradually clear as February approaches.
Here’s a quick look at how often skies stay clear:
| Month | Clear Skies (%) | Cloudier Skies (%) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 76% | 24% |
| January | 81% | 19% |
| February | 82% | 18% |
Even in the cloudiest part of winter, clear skies dominate. Expect strong sunlight during most daylight hours, with only brief interruptions from passing clouds.
Precipitation and Humidity
Luxor’s winter climate owes everything to its desert setting. That means very little rainfall and moderate humidity compared to other times of year.
You’ll get mostly dry days and only slight changes in moisture that affect how the air feels.
Rainfall Patterns
Rain is almost unheard of in Luxor during winter. Most years pass with no measurable precipitation, and if it does rain, it’s just a light shower that ends quickly.
On average, the city gets less than 1 mm of rainfall in December, January, and February. Winter is one of the driest times, even for a desert.
You won’t need to plan around rain. Visiting sites like Karnak Temple or the Valley of the Kings won’t be interrupted by wet weather.
Roads and walking paths stay dry, and visibility is always good, which is great for sightseeing.
Umbrellas and rain gear? Probably not necessary. Instead, you’ll want to focus on sun protection, since clear skies rule the season.
Humidity Levels and Comfort
Humidity in Luxor during winter rises a bit compared to summer, but still stays pretty low, especially compared to the coast.
Average relative humidity sits between 45% and 55%, making the air feel more comfortable than the bone-dry heat of July and August.
Mornings can feel a little cooler and slightly more humid, while afternoons remain dry and mild.
This subtle shift makes the cooler temperatures easier to handle, and the air feels less harsh on your skin.
Travelers can spend more time outdoors without suffering from extreme dryness. Still, bring moisturizer and drink plenty of water—the desert can dehydrate you even when it’s cool.
Mild humidity and low rainfall combine to make winter one of the best times for outdoor adventures in Luxor.
Wind and Other Weather Factors
Winter in Luxor? It’s a whole different vibe from the blazing, restless summer. The climate stays dry and calm, and you’ll notice winds are light to moderate.
Other weather stuff, like humidity and visibility, usually create really good conditions for sightseeing or just getting through your day.
Prevailing Winds in Winter
Most days, winds in Luxor during winter feel pretty mild. You’ll usually get speeds between 6 to 12 km/h (4–8 mph), a far cry from the wild gusts that whip through in spring.
Those breezes mostly drift in from the north and northwest, bringing in cooler desert air across the Nile Valley.
Since rain basically never shows up, you’ll find the air stays dry. Spring’s khamsin winds kick up dust storms, but winter breezes? They’re steady and not nearly as annoying.
The calm wind patterns make visibility great, so you can actually enjoy those Nile views and ancient monuments without a haze of sand in your face.
Humidity matters too. It usually sits between 40% and 55%, which feels pretty comfortable—especially when you remember how dry summer can get.
This mix, along with gentle winds, gives the winter air a stable, almost predictable feel.
Impact on Outdoor Activities
Winter’s light winds and mild air make it the best season for exploring Luxor, hands down. Walking around open sites like Karnak Temple or the Valley of the Kings is way easier, since you don’t have to battle blowing sand or scorching heat.
Daytime highs hover around 23–25°C (73–77°F), and those calm breezes? They make boat rides on the Nile genuinely pleasant.
Hot air balloon rides, which are huge here, also run more reliably because the low wind speeds don’t mess things up as much.
Evenings cool down a lot, with lows near 7–10°C (44–50°F). Since strong winds rarely show up at night, the air stays still.
You can actually enjoy outdoor dining or a slow walk along the river with just a light jacket.
Stable weather like this makes it easy to plan your days outside—no big surprises.
How Winter Weather Affects Travel and Daily Life
Luxor’s winter brings warm days and cooler nights, so you’ll want to plan a little.
There’s barely any rain, and you get long hours of sunshine, so you can spend most of your day outdoors if you want.
Best Times for Sightseeing
You’ll find it way easier to explore temples, tombs, and open-air sites in winter. Daytime highs usually hit 22–25°C (72–77°F), and nights drop to 7–10°C (45–50°F).
Cooler temperatures mean you don’t have to worry as much about heat exhaustion, which is a real problem in summer.
Daylight lasts about 10 to 11 hours per day, so if you’re hoping to see a lot, it’s smart to start early.
The big attractions—like the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple—tend to be less crowded in the morning, and that’s also when it’s coolest.
Dust storms barely happen in winter, so visibility is usually fantastic.
It’s a good time for photography, especially at sunrise or sunset, when the light just feels softer.
Packing Tips for Winter Visits
Pack clothes that work for both warm afternoons and those surprisingly chilly evenings. Honestly, you’ll want a light jacket or sweater once the sun goes down.
During the day, stick to breathable shirts and trousers. Layers are your friend since the temperature can shift pretty fast.
When it comes to shoes, don’t mess around. You’ll walk for hours on uneven ground at archaeological sites, so pick comfortable, closed shoes over sandals.
Don’t forget a few other essentials, either:
- Sunglasses and a hat—the sun gets intense
- Sunscreen, because UV levels stay high
- Refillable water bottle for the dry air
You really don’t need rain gear. Luxor hardly ever gets rain in winter. Just focus on sun protection and staying comfortable outside all day.