Luxor and Egypt: the longest totality

The 2027 eclipse is longest in Upper Egypt. Around 13:00 local time on Monday, August 2, 2027, the Nile valley near Luxor goes dark for over 6 minutes 20 seconds, with the sun almost straight overhead.

Inside the path

The longest totality on the centre line, about 6 min 22 s, is in the desert west of the Nile between Sohag and Qena. In practice Luxor gives almost the same and has everything a visitor needs: hotels, guides, and the temples of Karnak and the Valley of the Kings.

Watching with the sun overhead

With the sun 80° or more above the horizon, the best way to watch is lying back on a mat or reclining chair. Pick a spot with open sky rather than a view of the horizon. Upper Egypt in August is one of the sunniest places on Earth, so cloud is unlikely, but the heat is serious: midday temperatures are often above 40°C. Bring water, shade and hats, and keep the partial phases short in direct sun.

Just outside: Hurghada, Safaga, Aswan and Cairo

Some of Egypt's busiest destinations are not in the path. From Hurghada or Safaga, head south along the coast towards Marsa Alam, or inland towards Qena and Luxor. Aswan is only about 20 km from the edge.