Last reviewed: 23 October 2026
A total solar eclipse crosses Luxor, Egypt, on Monday 2 August 2027. In Luxor the Moon will fully cover the Sun for about 6 minutes 22 seconds, from roughly 13:02 to 13:08 local time. The partial phases begin at about 11:40 and end at about 14:26. Luxor lies close to the centre of the eclipse path, so both the East Bank and the West Bank see close to the maximum duration.
What happens and when in Luxor
| Stage | Approximate local time (2 August 2027) |
|---|---|
| Partial eclipse begins | 11:40 |
| Totality begins | 13:02 |
| Maximum eclipse | 13:05 |
| Totality ends | 13:08 |
| Partial eclipse ends | 14:26 |
Times are approximate and based on Egypt's summer time (UTC+3). Check again closer to the date.
You do not need to travel far
The path of totality is about 258 km wide. All of Luxor, on both banks of the Nile, is well inside it. You can see totality from the city itself.
Plan for midday heat
The eclipse happens in the middle of the day in the hottest part of the year. The Sun will be almost overhead, and Luxor's average daily maximum temperature in August is about 41°C. The partial phases last well over two hours, so plan for shade, water and rest for the whole event, not only the six minutes of totality.
Learn the signs of heat exhaustion: tiredness, dizziness, headache, nausea, heavy sweating, cramps and intense thirst. If someone feels unwell, move them somewhere cool, give them water and cool their skin. Call 123 for an ambulance if they do not improve within 30 minutes, become confused, stop sweating with hot skin, have a seizure or lose consciousness.
Children, older people, pregnant travellers and anyone with a heart, lung or other long-term condition are at higher risk. Take medical advice before booking. For more on coping with the heat, read our guide to Luxor in summer.
Protect your eyes
Use eclipse glasses or solar viewers that meet the ISO 12312-2 standard for every partial phase. Ordinary sunglasses are not safe, however dark they are.
Take your glasses off only when the Sun is completely covered and the sky suddenly goes dark. Put them back on as soon as the bright Sun starts to reappear.
Never look at the Sun through binoculars, a camera or a telescope unless a proper solar filter is fitted to the front of it. Buy glasses and filters before you travel, from a supplier listed by the American Astronomical Society.
Where to watch
Arrangements for public viewing at Luxor's temples and archaeological sites on 2 August 2027 have not yet been confirmed. Do not assume a monument will be open at eclipse time, and do not climb the hills or cliffs above protected sites. Check official announcements and confirm access in writing with any operator before you book an eclipse excursion.
Desert trips
Do not drive off-road into the desert on your own. UK government advice says off-road travel needs a qualified guide and a permit from the Ministry of Interior, and US government advice limits Western Desert travel to licensed tour companies. If you book a desert trip, use a licensed operator and check your own government's travel advice for Egypt before you go.
Booking your stay
Demand for rooms in Luxor around 2 August 2027 is likely to be high. Book early and check the cancellation terms before you pay. To choose between the East Bank and the West Bank, read our guide to where to stay in Luxor.
For general safety advice, see our Luxor safety guide.
Sources: NASA eclipse path data for 2 August 2027; timeanddate.com eclipse times for Luxor; American Astronomical Society eye-safety guidance; UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office; US State Department travel advice for Egypt; NHS guidance on heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Questions
When is the solar eclipse in Luxor, Egypt?+
On Monday 2 August 2027. It is a total solar eclipse. Totality in Luxor runs from about 13:02 to 13:08 local time.
How long will totality last in Luxor?+
About 6 minutes 22 seconds. Luxor is close to the centre of the eclipse path, so the whole city sees close to the maximum duration.
Do I need eclipse glasses?+
Yes. Use glasses or viewers that meet the ISO 12312-2 standard for all partial phases. Remove them only during totality, when the Sun is completely covered, and put them back on as soon as the Sun starts to reappear.
Will it be too hot to watch?+
It will be very hot. The eclipse happens around midday in early August, when Luxor's average daily maximum is about 41°C. Plan shade, water and rest for the whole event, and take medical advice if you or anyone in your group is vulnerable to heat.
Can I watch the eclipse from the temples or the West Bank?+
Viewing arrangements at Luxor's archaeological sites have not yet been confirmed. You can see totality anywhere in Luxor, on either bank. Check official announcements before planning to watch from a monument, and do not climb the hills above protected sites.
Should I drive into the desert to watch?+
No, not on your own. Off-road desert travel needs a qualified guide and a permit. If you want a desert viewing trip, book a licensed operator and check your government's travel advice first.
