After sunset, Karnak Temple transforms into an open-air theatre. Walking through the illuminated ruins, visitors follow a dramatic narration — telling the story of ancient Thebes, the god Amun, and the pharaohs who built and expanded Karnak over 2,000 years — accompanied by music and a striking lighting sequence that brings the temple’s columns, obelisks, and carvings to life in a way daylight visits can’t match. The performance walks you through the temple grounds before concluding with its final act seated beside the Great Sacred Lake.
Show Times & Languages
The Karnak Sound and Light Show runs nightly, with the first performance typically beginning around 7:00-7:15 PM in English, followed by additional showings in other languages (commonly French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Arabic) later in the evening. The show itself runs approximately 60-75 minutes. Showtimes shift somewhat by season, so it’s worth confirming the schedule for the night of your visit.
Tickets
Standard adult tickets run around $20, with reduced pricing for children. Booking a day or two in advance is recommended, especially during peak season (October-April).
Visiting Tips
- Arrive early to explore the partially lit temple grounds before the show begins
- Bring a light jacket — desert evenings can turn cool
- The show is held outdoors, so it’s weather-dependent
Explore our Luxor tour packages → including evening excursions to the Karnak Sound and Light Show.
