Abu Simbel Sun Festival: next dates and times
Short answer: The next Abu Simbel Sun Festival is on 22 Feb 2027 (sunrise 06:22, local time). In 2027 the dates are 22 Feb 2027 and 22 Oct 2027.
Twice a year the rising sun shines 60 m into the Great Temple of Ramses II and lights the statues in the sanctuary for about 20 minutes.
Upcoming dates
| Date | What | Time (local) |
|---|---|---|
| Mon 22 Feb 2027 | Sunrise | Sunrise 06:22 |
| Fri 22 Oct 2027 | Sunrise | Sunrise 06:54 |
| Tue 22 Feb 2028 | Sunrise | Sunrise 06:22 |
| Sun 22 Oct 2028 | Sunrise | Sunrise 06:55 |
| Thu 22 Feb 2029 | Sunrise | Sunrise 06:22 |
| Mon 22 Oct 2029 | Sunrise | Sunrise 06:55 |
Where to stand
Inside the Great Temple; queues start in the middle of the night.
Most visitors drive or fly from Aswan the night before. The day after is quieter and almost as good.
Questions
When is Abu Simbel Sun Festival 2027?
The next Abu Simbel Sun Festival is on 22 Feb 2027 (sunrise 06:22, local time). In 2027 the dates are 22 Feb 2027 and 22 Oct 2027.
Where is the best place to see Abu Simbel Sun Festival?
Inside the Great Temple; queues start in the middle of the night.
Does weather matter for Abu Simbel Sun Festival?
Yes: you need a clear view of the eastern horizon. Most visitors drive or fly from Aswan the night before. The day after is quieter and almost as good.
Calculated from the sun's position (Meeus) for Aswan, Egypt; times are local (Africa/Cairo). Buildings, hills and haze can shift what you see by a few minutes.