The cooler months from November to March bring warm, pleasant days and cool nights, ideal for full days at the open-air temples and tombs; December and January are the most comfortable, and also the busiest and priciest. From April onward the heat climbs fast, and summer, from June to August, is genuinely extreme, regularly passing 40C with little relief even after dark - plan for early starts, indoor breaks at midday and plenty of water if you visit then.
Luxor is one of the hottest cities in Egypt, with summer temperatures regularly above 40C and open, shade-free archaeological sites. Visit tombs and temples early in the morning, carry more water than you think you need, and rest indoors through the early afternoon.
Many of Luxor's biggest sights - Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's temple - offer very little shade. Wear a hat and sunscreen, and consider a light long-sleeved layer for the strongest midday hours.
Roads on both banks carry fast-moving cars, tuk-tuks, caleches and bicycles with few working crossings. Cross carefully and predictably, and take extra care near the ferry landings and West Bank site entrances where traffic and tour buses converge.