Classic · Monuments
Temple of Hatshepsut 2026: solstice sunrise, dates and times
Deir el-Bahari, Luxor
Next date UTC+2
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).
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06:37 UTC+2
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06:38 UTC+2
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06:38 UTC+2
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06:37 UTC+2
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06:37 UTC+2
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.