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Classic · Monuments

Temple of Hatshepsut 2026: solstice sunrise, dates and times

Deir el-Bahari, Luxor

Next date UTC+2

Temple of Hatshepsut, solstice sunrise

What happens

The axis runs at 116° from north: the rising sun falls into it while its height is between 0.3° and 1.3°. Outside that band the alignment does not close.

Next dates

Local times at the site (Africa/Cairo).

  1. 06:37 UTC+2

    Window 6 December 2026 – 6 January 2027 · holds 32 days

  2. 06:38 UTC+2

    Window 6 December 2027 – 7 January 2028 · holds 33 days

  3. 06:38 UTC+2

    Window 5 December 2028 – 6 January 2029 · holds 33 days

  4. 06:37 UTC+2

    Window 6 December 2029 – 6 January 2030 · holds 32 days

  5. 06:37 UTC+2

    Window 6 December 2030 – 6 January 2031 · holds 32 days

Where to stand

Viewpoint: Sanctuary of Amun · Deir el-Bahari, Luxor
25.73843, 32.60622

Look towards 116° from north.

Good to know

Thousands of visitors come on 21 December. The temple normally opens at 06:00: check dawn access. The innermost chapel needs a special permit.

Published measurements differ by about a degree: Furlong puts the alignment at the solstice, Egyptian astronomers (NRIAG) time the sanctuary lit around 9 December and 6 January. The window covers both readings; allow about five minutes on the time.

Dates for 2026–2030, worked out by Duskbox’s own astronomy engine: the sun from NREL’s SPA, the moon topocentric, both with atmospheric refraction.

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