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Classic · Monuments

Karnak 2026: winter solstice sunrise, dates and times

Luxor, Temple of Amun

Next date UTC+2

Karnak, winter solstice sunrise

What happens

The axis runs at 117° from north: the rising sun falls into it while its height is between 1.0° and 1.8°. Outside that band the alignment does not close.

Next dates

Local times at the site (Africa/Cairo).

  1. 06:41 UTC+2

    Window 9 December 2026 – 3 January 2027 · holds 26 days

  2. 06:41 UTC+2

    Window 9 December 2027 – 3 January 2028 · holds 26 days

  3. 06:41 UTC+2

    Window 9 December 2028 – 3 January 2029 · holds 26 days

  4. 06:41 UTC+2

    Window 9 December 2029 – 3 January 2030 · holds 26 days

  5. 06:41 UTC+2

    Window 9 December 2030 – 3 January 2031 · holds 26 days

Where to stand

Viewpoint: Hypostyle hall, on axis · Luxor, Temple of Amun
25.71870, 32.65760

Look towards 117° from north. It works across an area around this point, not only from the exact spot.

Good to know

On the axis, from the first pylon to the court, facing east towards the eastern gate. The Ministry holds an event every 21 December: normal ticket, arrive by 05:00.

Scholars’ measurements differ by half a degree and the sun hardly moves at the solstice: the effect is almost identical for about two weeks around 21 December.

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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