Plan the day around the heat
Our plan for eclipse week expects highs of 42-47°C (about 108-117°F). That is too hot for small children in open sun, so the day has three parts: out early, indoors at midday, out again late.
Most major sites open at 6:00 AM. Be at the gate then, finish by about 11:00, and spend the hottest hours at the hotel with lunch, a pool and a nap. Go out again after 17:00 for something gentle, like Luxor Temple or a felucca ride.
On arrival day, rest and rehydrate before you do anything else. If you can book a hotel with a pool, do. Our where to stay guide covers the options.
Sites that work for children
Children of about 6 to 12 get the most from Luxor. Under 6, choose compact sites and keep each visit short. A baby carrier copes with steps and rough ground far better than a stroller.
Karnak's Great Hypostyle Hall has 134 columns and plenty of open space, which makes it good for games like hide-and-seek or spotting boats, animals and gods in the reliefs. Arrive at opening. Our page on Karnak Temple has more detail.
- KarnakForest of 134 columns; go at opening, before heat and crowds.
- Luxor TempleCompact and lit after dark, so it suits short attention spans.
- Luxor MuseumAir-conditioned, small, and the mummies hold children's attention.
- Luxor Nile CornicheCalm, motor-free sunset sail; bring snacks for younger children.
West Bank: what to do and what to skip
The Valley of the Kings is worth it for older children. The standard ticket covers three tombs, and the painted walls are the draw. Go at opening for cool, quiet tombs. Tutankhamun's tomb costs extra and is smaller than most children expect, so skip it unless they are keen.
Madinat Habu and Deir el-Medina are good follow-ups: deeply carved reliefs with original pigments, and small painted tombs. Finish by 11:00 and head indoors.
With under-6s, skip the full Valley circuit and the long walks in open sun. A quick roadside stop at the Colossi of Memnon, which needs no ticket, may be enough. The West Bank is about an hour by car from the East Bank because of bridge locations, so treat it as a half-day trip.
- Valley of the KingsPainted tombs; best for ages 6 and up, at opening.
- Madinat HabuColorful reliefs and open courts, with fewer crowds than Hatshepsut's temple.
- Deir el-MedinaSmall, vividly painted tombs that are quick to see.
Eclipse day and small faces
Totality in Luxor lasts about 6 minutes 20 seconds. Our plan has partial phases starting around 11:40 and totality from 13:02 to 13:08, so the viewing happens in the worst of the heat. Watch from somewhere shaded or cool with open sky, such as a hotel terrace or pool deck, and bring water and hats.
Buy eclipse glasses certified ISO 12312-2 well before the trip, from a reputable seller, and check them for damage. Adult glasses often slip off small faces. Try them on your children at home, and if they do not fit snugly, look for child-size glasses or viewers. Supervise every child throughout.
Keep glasses on until totality fully begins, and put them back on the moment the sun reappears. Explain this to children in advance, and practice once.
Food and water
Carry more water than seems necessary, at least a liter each, and keep heads covered. Bring snacks for felucca rides and temple visits.
For midday meals, air-conditioned restaurants make the break easy. Book ahead, especially on eclipse day, when tables may be scarce. Evening meals on rooftops over Luxor Temple, like Al Sahaby Lane, offer views after the heat breaks.
- The Lantern Room RestaurantAir-conditioned stews at peak heat; book ahead on eclipse day.
- Sofra Restaurant & CafèShaded townhouse with mezze that suits picky eaters; reserve.
- Al Sahaby Lane RestaurantRooftop dinner with Luxor Temple views after the heat breaks.
Putting it together
Keep eclipse day on the East Bank, since bridge and West Bank traffic is expected to be severe. Our day-by-day plan does this, with Karnak at opening and a cool lunch afterward. For more on the city, see Luxor.
Pay by card at ministry ticket booths, as cash is no longer taken. Agree the price and duration before boarding a felucca, and a polite 'La, shukran' works with touts.
Frequently asked questions
Is Luxor suitable for kids in August?
Yes, with changes. Highs of 42-47°C mean early starts, a midday rest indoors and a late-day outing. Children 6 and up cope best; with younger ones, keep visits short.
Can I use a stroller in Luxor?
Not easily. Temples and tombs have steps, ramps and uneven ground, so a baby carrier works better.
Do children need special eclipse glasses?
They need ISO 12312-2 glasses that fit snugly. Adult pairs often slip off small faces, so test them at home and supervise throughout.
What time do Luxor sites open?
Most major sites open at 6:00 AM. Check the official site for current hours before you go.
