Egypt travel guide
What to see in Abu Simbel
The temples of Ramesses II and Nefertari, carved into the rock beside Lake Nasser, close to the border with Sudan.
Updated 19 October 2026 · How we make our guides
- 5 must-see places
- Best time: April and from October to January
Abu Simbel highlights
The places you can’t miss. In the app we sort them by day and close to each other.
- Great Temple of Ramesses II
Four seated colossi of the pharaoh guard the entrance carved into the mountain.
- Temple of Nefertari
The smaller temple, dedicated to the queen and the goddess Hathor, with statues the same size as the king’s.
- The relocation of the temples
In the 1960s they were cut into blocks and moved higher up to save them from Lake Nasser, with international help.
- The sanctuary
At the back of the great temple: twice a year the rising sun reaches its statues.
- Lake Nasser
One of the largest artificial lakes in the world; cruises to Aswan leave from here.
Day trips from Abu Simbel
We take you straight to the best-rated tour on GetYourGuide, with its reviews and dates.
Some links are affiliate links: if you book through them, Bagintravel may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
When to travel to Abu Simbel
The months with the fewest warnings to travel to Abu Simbel are April and from October to January. If you can, avoid from May to September (extreme heat).
- Jan no warnings
- Feb with warnings
- Mar with warnings
- Apr no warnings
- May with strong warnings
- Jun with strong warnings
- Jul with strong warnings
- Aug with strong warnings
- Sep with strong warnings
- Oct no warnings
- Nov no warnings
- Dec no warnings
- February, March
Ramadan (approximate dates)
During the day many restaurants close or open less and museum and shop hours change. The evenings, with iftar, are very special.
What to do: Out of respect, don’t eat or drink in the street during the day; book dinner for after sunset.
- from May to September
Extreme heat
From May to September temperatures top 40 °C; there’s no shade in the Valley of the Kings.
What to do: Visits at 6 in the morning, a rest from noon to 5 pm and a Nile cruise with air conditioning.
Curious facts about Abu Simbel
- Of the four seated statues on the façade, one has been broken since antiquity by an earthquake: its head still lies on the ground.
Where and what to eat
To eat like a local: a koshari joint. The dishes you can’t miss are in the Egypt guide.
Frequently asked questions about Abu Simbel
What to see in Abu Simbel?
Great Temple of Ramesses II, Temple of Nefertari, The relocation of the temples, The sanctuary and Lake Nasser.
What to see in Abu Simbel in one day?
Don’t miss Great Temple of Ramesses II, Temple of Nefertari, The relocation of the temples, The sanctuary and Lake Nasser. To split it into days and areas without crossing the city back and forth, the Bagintravel app plans your trip in a minute.
What’s the best time to travel to Abu Simbel?
The months with the fewest warnings to travel to Abu Simbel are April and from October to January. If you can, avoid from May to September (extreme heat).
What are some curious facts about Abu Simbel?
Of the four seated statues on the façade, one has been broken since antiquity by an earthquake: its head still lies on the ground.
What day trips can you take from Abu Simbel?
Abu Simbel from Aswan and Abu Simbel by plane.
Bagintravel · We travel together
Shall we plan your trip to Abu Simbel?
Tell us where and in under a minute you’ll have your day-by-day route, with places to stay, transport, expenses and tips. And we go with you in your pocket, offline too.
The app is currently available in Spanish.
More in Egypt
Guide reviewed 19 October 2026. Places, areas and seasons: the same data the Bagintravel app uses. Sources and method.