Abu Simbel Sun Festival (October)

This event has ended. The next edition is Abu Simbel Sun Festival (February 2027), 22 Feb 2027 (expected).

The second of the year’s two solar alignments at Abu Simbel took place at dawn on 22 October 2026, when sunlight penetrated the temple and lit the statues in the inner sanctuary for around 20 minutes. Thousands of Egyptian and foreign visitors queued outside the temple before sunrise, and the evening before featured folklore troupes and Nubian music in the temple plaza. Built by Ramesses II over 3,200 years ago and moved to higher ground in the 1960s to save it from Lake Nasser, the temple now sees the phenomenon one day later than in antiquity. Plan to be in line by 4 am; most visitors come from Aswan by road or flight, and overnight stays in Abu Simbel village must be booked well ahead.

What to expect

The temple opens before dawn on the day of the alignment, and the crowd moves slowly through the entrance hall and pillared hall towards the sanctuary. Large screens are often set up outside so that people who cannot get inside can still follow the moment. Music and dancing usually carry on after sunrise, and the mood relaxes once the crowds begin to leave.

The four seated colossi of Ramesses II on the facade look their best in the soft morning light, and the smaller temple next door, dedicated to the goddess Hathor and Queen Nefertari, is well worth seeing.

Getting there

Abu Simbel lies close to the Sudanese border, around 280 kilometres by road south of Aswan. The road crosses open desert with little along the way, so set off well supplied with water. Many tour operators in Aswan arrange round trips for the festival, timed to arrive before dawn.

Planning tips

• October nights are mild, but the pre-dawn wait can still feel cool; days quickly turn hot.
• Carry water, a snack and a phone light for the walk in the dark.
• Follow the instructions of site staff on photography inside the temple.
• The other alignment of the year takes place on about 22 February; see our page on the February sun festival.