Aswan
Egypt
- Philae
- Abu Simbel
- Unfinished Obelisk
- Nubian Museum
- Elephantine Island
About Aswan
Aswan, near the First Cataract of the Nile, has been Egypt's southern frontier town since antiquity and a trading centre known for its granite quarries.
Its river islands, the Temple of Philae, the Unfinished Obelisk, the Nubian Museum and, farther south, the temples of Abu Simbel are the main sights; felucca rides are its signature.
Natural phenomena and seasons
- Dust and sand storms (March–May) — Dust and sand storms are more frequent from March–May; visibility can drop quickly and flights may be affected.
How many days do you need?
Two days is enough: one for Philae, the Unfinished Obelisk and the Nubian Museum, and one for Elephantine Island, a Nubian village and a sunset felucca ride. Add a day, or an early-start half day, for Abu Simbel.
Where to stay
- Corniche — Nile-view hotels near the souk and the jetties.
- The islands — Quiet stays on and around Elephantine, reached by boat.
From the airport to the city
Aswan International Airport (ASW) lies southwest of the city, beyond the dam. Taxis or hotel transfers run into town. Trains also connect Aswan with Cairo and Luxor.
Getting around
The Corniche is walkable, and public ferries and motorboats cross to the islands. Use taxis or a hired driver for outlying temples. Abu Simbel is reached by road or by plane.
Good to know
- Aswan is one of Egypt's hottest cities; avoid exposed sites on summer afternoons.
- Nile cruises usually run between Aswan and Luxor.
- The currency is the Egyptian pound. Check current official travel advisories before you go.
Useful links
- Experience Egypt (Egyptian tourism) egypt.travel
When to go?
Best time to visit for the weather: December–February. The warmest month is August (average high 109 °F); the wettest is January (0.0 in).
Monthly climate
| Month | Avg. high °F | Rain in | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 75.4 | 0.03 | Ideal |
| February | 80.6 | 0.00 | Ideal |
| March | 88.7 | 0.00 | Good |
| April | 97.2 | 0.00 | Very hot |
| May | 104.0 | 0.01 | Very hot |
| June | 108.7 | 0.00 | Very hot |
| July | 108.3 | 0.00 | Very hot |
| August | 109.0 | 0.00 | Very hot |
| September | 105.8 | 0.00 | Very hot |
| October | 99.0 | 0.01 | Very hot |
| November | 86.7 | 0.00 | Good |
| December | 78.6 | 0.00 | Ideal |
Source: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis), 2005–2024 monthly averages of daily high temperature and total rainfall. Values are estimates for an area of about 50 km and may differ from the city-centre weather station.
Public holidays 2027
- Christmas DayJanuary 7
- National Police DayJanuary 25
- Revolution Day 2011January 25
- End of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr) *March 9 (3 days)
- Sinai Liberation DayApril 25
- Labour DayMay 1
- Sham El NessimMay 3
- Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) *May 16 (4 days)
- Islamic New Year *June 6
- 30 June DayJune 30
- Revolution DayJuly 23
- Birthday of Muhammad (Mawlid) *August 14
- Armed Forces DayOctober 6
* Date follows the lunar calendar and may shift by a few days.
Sources: date-holidays and python-holidays open data projects; for Northern Cyprus, its public holidays law.
Practical info
- CurrencyEgyptian Pound (£)
- Dialling code+20
- Plugs & voltageType C, F · 220 V · 50 Hz
- EmergencyPolice 122 · Ambulance 123 · Fire 180
- DrivingOn the right
Sources: IEC plug types, Wikidata, Wikipedia; unverified details are left blank.