The 2027 solar eclipse in Egypt will take place on Monday, 2 August 2027. The path of totality crosses parts of Egypt, including the Luxor region, where the eclipse is expected to last for around six minutes and twenty seconds at locations near the central line. This makes Egypt a major destination for eclipse chasers and travellers who want to combine a rare astronomical event with a visit to the country’s ancient sites.
Cairo will only see a partial eclipse. To experience totality, you need to be inside the path, which crosses Luxor, Sohag, Asyut, Siwa Oasis and parts of the Red Sea coast.
This guide explains where to watch the eclipse in Egypt, what to expect, how to stay safe and how to build an eclipse trip around 2 August. You can also customise your eclipse trip with our team.
When Is the Total Solar Eclipse in Egypt?
The eclipse happens on Monday, 2 August 2027. It starts with a partial phase from late morning, as the Moon gradually moves across the Sun. In locations inside the path of totality, the Moon then covers the Sun completely for several minutes before the partial phase resumes into the afternoon.
During totality, daylight drops sharply, the temperature can fall and the Sun’s outer atmosphere, the corona, becomes visible. This brief moment is why eclipse chasers travel across the world to reach the centre of the path.
Where to See the 2027 Solar Eclipse in Egypt
The path of totality is approximately 258 km wide at its widest point, but the duration of the eclipse varies by location. Travellers need to choose a viewing point inside the path to experience totality. Locations outside it, including Cairo, will see only a partial eclipse. Check the predicted timings for your exact viewing location before finalising your plans.
Published timings vary by a few seconds depending on the calculation used. Check the exact local circumstances for your viewing spot closer to the date using NASA’s eclipse data.
Why Luxor Is the Best Base
Luxor is a strong base for an eclipse-focused trip because it offers a long period of totality at suitable locations within the path, as well as access to the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple. Travellers can plan sightseeing around eclipse day and explore the area’s ancient sites before or after the event. Read our guide to why Luxor is a good place to watch the 2027 solar eclipse for more details.
The Red Sea Option
Marsa Alam, on the Red Sea coast, is also inside the path of totality. It is a strong choice for travellers who want to combine the eclipse with a beach stay.
Why Cairo Is Not Enough
Cairo will see about 94% of the Sun covered. That is impressive, but it is not totality. If the full eclipse is the reason for your trip, plan to be in Luxor or another location inside the path on 2 August.
What to Expect on Eclipse Day
- Before Totality: The partial phase lasts much longer than totality. Be at your viewing spot well before the main event.
- During Totality: The bright face of the Sun is fully covered, the sky darkens and the corona appears. Have your equipment ready and avoid moving around during these few minutes.
- Changes Around You: Light levels drop quickly, shadows look unusual and the horizon can glow like sunset in every direction.
- After Totality: As soon as the bright Sun reappears, put your eye protection back on.
How to Watch the Eclipse Safely
- Certified Eclipse Glasses: Use eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer that meets the ISO 12312-2 standard whenever any part of the Sun is visible. Ordinary sunglasses are not safe for direct solar viewing.
- During Totality: You can look directly at the Sun without eclipse glasses only during the brief period when the Moon completely covers its bright face and you are within the path of totality. Put your glasses back on as soon as any part of the bright Sun reappears.
- Cameras and Binoculars: Never look at the Sun through a camera, telescope or binoculars without a suitable solar filter securely fitted to the front of the equipment. Eclipse glasses alone do not make viewing through optical equipment safe
How to Plan a Trip Around the 2027 Eclipse
- Start Early: The date is fixed and hotels and transport along the path will fill up.
- Treat 2 August as the Centre of Your Trip: Visit Cairo and the Pyramids first, reach Luxor before eclipse day and continue to Aswan or the Red Sea afterwards.
- Keep Eclipse Day Free: Avoid demanding sightseeing or tight transfers on 2 August.
- Add Buffer Days: Extra time protects you if flights or local arrangements change.
- Coordinate Your Nile Cruise: Cruise dates must fit around 2 August, so plan the sailing before or after the eclipse.
A Sample Eclipse Route
- Days 1 & 2: Cairo, the Pyramids of Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum
- Day 3: Fly to Luxor and settle in
- Day 4 (2 August): Eclipse day in Luxor
- Days 5 & 6: The Valley of the Kings, Karnak and Luxor Temple
- Day 7 Onwards: Nile cruise to Aswan and Abu Simbel, or beach days on the Red Sea
What to Bring for the Egypt Solar Eclipse
- ISO-certified eclipse glasses or a handheld solar viewer
- Solar filters for cameras, binoculars or telescopes
- A tripod, spare batteries and a power bank
- Light, loose clothing, a hat and sunscreen
- Plenty of water
Prepare for the Heat: August is one of the hottest months in Upper Egypt, and totality falls in the middle of the day. Plan for shade, drink water regularly and schedule sightseeing for early morning and evening.
Before You Travel
- Transport: Egypt is a large country, so allow enough time to travel between destinations. For a trip that includes Cairo and Luxor, compare domestic flights with other transport options and avoid scheduling a long transfer on eclipse day. Arrive at your chosen viewing location in advance and leave a buffer for unexpected delays.
- Weather-Dependent Activities: Hot air balloon rides in Luxor depend on the weather, so do not plan one as part of your eclipse viewing.
- Travel Advice: Check the latest FCDO travel advice and entry requirements close to your departure date.
Plan Your 2027 Solar Eclipse Experience in Egypt
On 2 August 2027, Luxor offers about 6 minutes and 20 seconds of totality surrounded by some of the world’s greatest ancient sites. Build your holiday around the date, keep eclipse day flexible and book early.
Lura Egypt Tours can help plan a private Egypt itinerary around the total solar eclipse on 2 August 2027, with sightseeing, private transport and guide arrangements tailored to your travel plans. Domestic flights are booked separately, so the itinerary should be coordinated with your confirmed flight schedule. Explore our Luxor & Aswan Tours or contact our team to Customize your private eclipse trip.
Monday, 2 August 2027. In Luxor, maximum eclipse is at around 1 pm local time.
Totality is visible in Luxor, Sohag, Asyut, Siwa Oasis and Marsa Alam on the Red Sea coast. Cairo, Aswan and Abu Simbel will only see a partial eclipse.
Yes. Luxor has one of the longest totality times in Egypt and lets you combine the eclipse with the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple.
Yes, but only as a partial eclipse, with about 94% of the Sun covered. You need to travel south for totality.
About 6 minutes and 20 seconds.
Yes. Use eclipse glasses that meet the ISO 12312-2 standard for all partial phases. Remove them only during totality.
