Summary
On Monday 2 August 2027, a total solar eclipse crosses Egypt, and Luxor is almost exactly under the point of greatest eclipse. In Luxor the Sun will be completely covered for about 6 minutes 19 seconds, around 1:05 pm Egypt time, with the Sun almost overhead. That is more than twice as long as most total eclipses, seen from one of the sunniest places on Earth, among the temples of ancient Thebes.
This guide gives the times and durations across Egypt, explains where to watch and how to stay safe in the August heat, and describes our eclipse programmes in Luxor and on the Nile.
Times and durations are based on NASA’s eclipse predictions for 2 August 2027. Durations for each city are our estimates from NASA’s path data and may differ by a few seconds.
When and Where: The 2 August 2027 Eclipse
- Date: Monday 2 August 2027.
- Greatest eclipse: 10:06 UT (about 1:06 pm Egypt time), at 25°30’N 33°11’E, a short distance east of Luxor, with 6 minutes 23 seconds of totality.
- Path of totality: about 258 km wide. It crosses the Strait of Gibraltar and North Africa, runs through Egypt’s Nile Valley around Luxor, then continues over the Red Sea to Saudi Arabia, Yemen and Somalia.
- The Sun’s height: about 82° above the horizon at mid-eclipse in Luxor, almost straight overhead.
The partial eclipse begins late in the morning and ends in mid-afternoon, so the whole event takes place in the hottest part of the day. Plan for that (see the tips below).
How Long Is Totality Across Egypt?
| Place | Totality (approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Luxor, Karnak, Valley of the Kings | 6 min 19 s | About 16 km from the central line; the classic choice |
| Esna | 5 min 40 s | South of Luxor on the cruise route |
| Edfu | 5 min 30 s | Temple of Horus; a cruise stop |
| Kom Ombo | 3 min 30 s | Near the southern edge of the path |
| Aswan | None, a deep partial eclipse | Just outside the southern edge of the path |
| Hurghada | None, a deep partial eclipse | North of the path; travel to Luxor for totality |
The difference matters: only inside the path does the sky go dark, the stars come out and the Sun’s corona appear. Even 99% coverage, as in Aswan, is a very different experience from totality.
Why Watch from Luxor?
- Almost the longest totality on the whole path, only seconds short of the maximum.
- Clear skies. Rain in Luxor in August is almost unknown, giving some of the best weather odds of any eclipse site.
- An unmatched setting. Watch with Karnak, the West Bank temples or the Valley of the Kings around you. The ancient Egyptians worshipped the Sun as Ra and Amun-Ra, and Luxor was the religious capital of the New Kingdom.
- Easy to reach: Luxor has an international airport and is an hour’s flight from Cairo.
See our Luxor tours for everything to do before and after the eclipse.
Our Eclipse Programmes
We are preparing three ways to experience the eclipse. Dates, ships and hotels are being confirmed; tell us your travel style and we will send the full itinerary and price as soon as it is final.
- Luxor Eclipse Stay (4–5 days): a hotel in Luxor, private viewing of totality at a site chosen for space, shade and an open view, and guided visits to Karnak, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings, with the option of a sunrise hot-air balloon flight.
- Eclipse Nile cruise (4–5 nights): a cruise between Luxor and Aswan, timed so that you are inside the path of totality, near Luxor, on 2 August, with the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo and a visit to Aswan.
- Egypt Eclipse Journey (8–10 days): Cairo and the pyramids, the Grand Egyptian Museum, then Luxor for the eclipse and a Nile cruise to Aswan. Add Abu Simbel or the Red Sea if you wish.
Prefer something different? Ask for a tailor-made eclipse trip.
Christmas & New Year in Cairo & Luxor
Want to see this for yourself? This trip covers it.
View This TripWhy You Should Book Early
Luxor has a limited number of hotel rooms and Nile cruise cabins, and eclipse travellers plan years ahead. For an eclipse with more than six minutes of totality, rooms, cruise cabins, domestic flights and guides in the path will be in very high demand in the days around 2 August 2027.
- The best-placed hotels and ships fill first.
- Flights to Luxor and from Cairo will be busy.
- Experienced Egyptologist guides are limited.
Booking early secures your place and the best choice. Buy travel insurance when you book.
Eye Safety: Watching the Eclipse
- Use eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 standard for every partial phase. Sunglasses are not safe.
- Take the glasses off only when the Sun is completely covered, and put them back on as soon as the first bright light returns.
- Never look at the partial Sun through a camera, binoculars or a telescope without a proper solar filter on the front.
- Children should be watched closely throughout.
Heat and Practical Tips
Luxor in early August is very hot, often around 41°C (106°F) in the afternoon, and the eclipse happens around midday with the Sun nearly overhead.
- Bring a wide-brimmed hat, light long sleeves, high-factor sunscreen and plenty of water.
- Choose a viewing place with shade for the partial phases and an open sky above.
- Do your sightseeing at dawn and in the evening, and rest in the hottest hours.
- Read our summer packing list, what to expect in Egypt in August, and the Egypt visa guide.
Solar Eclipse 2027 FAQ
When is the solar eclipse in Egypt?
On Monday 2 August 2027. In Luxor, totality is around 1:05 pm Egypt time and lasts about 6 minutes 19 seconds.
Where is the best place in Egypt to see the 2027 eclipse?
Luxor. It lies close to the point of greatest eclipse, has almost the longest totality on the path, and very reliable clear skies in August.
Will Aswan see the total eclipse?
No. Aswan lies just outside the southern edge of the path and sees a deep partial eclipse. For totality, be in Luxor, Esna, Edfu or Kom Ombo.
Can I see the eclipse from a Nile cruise?
Yes, if the cruise is inside the path on 2 August. Ships between Luxor and Kom Ombo are in the path; our eclipse cruise is timed to be near Luxor for the longest totality.
Is it too hot in Luxor in August?
It is hot, often around 41°C, but dry. With early sightseeing, shade, water and rest in the afternoon, it is very manageable.
When should I book an eclipse tour?
As early as possible. Hotels, cruise cabins and flights in Luxor are limited, and eclipse travellers book a year or more ahead.
