Quick answer
Nile cruises run all year, but October to April is far more comfortable; summer days in Luxor often exceed 40°C. Classic trips are 3–4 nights Aswan–Luxor or 7 nights round trip, visiting Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu and Kom Ombo.
- Cruise season
- Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec
- Best months
- Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec
- Typical length
- 3–12 nights
- Main departure ports
- Luxor, Aswan
- Popular ports
- Luxor, Karnak, Valley of the Kings, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan, Philae
- Cruise lines sailing here
- 13
Why cruise here
- Temples from the deck
- Sailing dahabiyas for 8–20 guests
- Combine with the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza
Weather by month in Luxor
Long-term averages for planning — not a forecast. Cruise season Best months
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg high °C | 23 | 25 | 29 | 35 | 39 | 41 | 41 | 41 | 39 | 35 | 29 | 24 |
| Avg low °C | 6 | 7 | 11 | 16 | 21 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 22 | 18 | 12 | 8 |
| Rain days | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Ports of call
- Luxor
- Karnak
- Valley of the Kings
- Esna
- Edfu
- Kom Ombo
- Aswan
- Philae
- Abu Simbel (Lake Nasser)
Sailings & fares
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Cruise lines sailing The Nile
European river cruises
Nile cruises
Visas for The Nile cruises
Egypt offers an e-Visa to many nationalities, including Indian passport holders; some can get a visa on arrival.
Guides: Egypt.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to cruise The Nile?
The cruise season is Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Oct, Nov, Dec; the best months are January, February, November, December.
Do I need a visa for a The Nile cruise?
Egypt offers an e-Visa to many nationalities, including Indian passport holders; some can get a visa on arrival.
How long is a typical The Nile cruise?
Most are 3–12 nights, usually from Luxor, Aswan.
Which cruise lines sail The Nile?
AmaWaterways, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, Phoenix Reisen, Grand Circle Cruise Line, Gate 1 Travel, Sonesta Nile Cruises, Oberoi Nile Cruises, Sanctuary Retreats (Sun Boats), Mövenpick Nile Cruises, Nour El Nil (dahabiyas), Steam Ship Sudan, Lake Nasser cruises and 1 more.