Best Times to Visit Petra, Jordan

Petra, Jordan travel destination - best times to visit — Image: Urn Tomb, Petra 01.jpg viaWikimedia Commons

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Quick Answer:

For a truly unforgettable experience in Petra, aim for the spring months of March to May or the autumn months of September to November. During these times, the desert air is pleasantly mild, perfect for exploring the ancient city without the intense heat of summer. Imagine the morning mist gently revealing the Treasury's facade, or the vibrant hues of a golden sunset painting the rose-red cliffs as you wander through the Siq. You'll find comfortable temperatures for hiking to the Monastery and a more relaxed atmosphere, allowing you to truly soak in the vibrant history and breathtaking scale of this wonder.

Best Months to Visit:

FebMarAprOctNov

Airport Code

AMM

Coordinates

30.33°, 35.44°

Top Things to Do

The Siq's Grand Reveal at Dawn

Embark on the journey through the Siq, Petra's dramatic natural gorge, as the first rays of sunlight begin to illuminate its towering sandstone walls. This is the most magical time to witness the gradual unveiling of the Treasury, experiencing its grandeur in hushed anticipation before the crowds descend.

Hike to the Monastery (Ad-Deir) via the Back Trail

Skip the main path and opt for the less-traveled 'back trail' from Little Petra for a more adventurous ascent to the Monastery. This route offers stunning, unexpected vistas of the surrounding desert landscape and a sense of true discovery as you approach the monumental facade.

Bedouin Tea Ceremony in a Hidden Cave

Seek out a local Bedouin family offering a traditional tea ceremony within a quiet, ancient cave dwelling. Sip on sweet, aromatic mint tea while listening to stories of desert life and the history of Petra, gaining an authentic cultural immersion away from the main tourist hubs.

Exploring the Royal Tombs at Sunset

As the day cools, ascend to the Royal Tombs and witness the sandstone facades glow with a warm, ethereal light during sunset. The intricate carvings and sheer scale of these ancient burial sites are particularly captivating when bathed in the soft hues of twilight.

See all 8 things to do →

💡 Travel Tip: For the best value on hotels during this season, check current rates on Trip.com.

Essential Travel Tips

packing

Pack light, but bring layers! Petra can get surprisingly cool in the mornings and evenings, even in warmer months. Think breathable fabrics like linen and cotton, and definitely a scarf or light jacket. You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable, broken-in shoes are non-negotiable – leave the brand new sneakers at home.

money

While credit cards are accepted at hotels and larger restaurants, cash is king for smaller vendors, tips, and especially for hiring local guides or buying souvenirs. Exchange some currency at the airport upon arrival, but you'll likely get a better rate at exchange bureaus in Amman or Petra itself. Don't be afraid to politely haggle at the souks, but always be respectful.

transport

Once inside Petra, walking is the primary way to get around, but consider a horse or donkey ride for certain stretches, especially up to the Monastery (Ad-Deir). Negotiate the price *before* you get on, and be aware that the animals might not always be treated as well as you'd hope. For getting to Petra from Amman, shared 'service' taxis are a budget-friendly option, but private taxis offer more comfort and flexibility.

culture

Dress modestly out of respect for local customs, especially when outside the main tourist sites. Aim for clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. While Petra is accustomed to tourists, a little effort goes a long way in showing respect for Jordanian culture. Learning a few basic Arabic phrases like 'Shukran' (thank you) will be greatly appreciated.

food

Don't miss trying 'Mansaf,' Jordan's national dish, often made with lamb and a yogurt sauce – it's a true culinary experience. For a quick and delicious bite within Petra, look for vendors selling freshly baked flatbread ('khobz') or try some local dates. Many restaurants in Wadi Musa (the town outside Petra) offer excellent traditional Jordanian cuisine at reasonable prices.

safety

Stay hydrated! The desert sun is intense, so carry plenty of water, especially when hiking to viewpoints like the Treasury overlook. Keep an eye on your belongings, particularly in crowded areas, and be wary of overly persistent touts. If you feel uncomfortable with any interaction, a firm but polite 'La, shukran' (No, thank you) usually suffices.

💡 Travel Tip: If you're planning your trip, it's worth checking flight prices on Trip.com before you decide.

Weather Details

Jan

3 days

Feb

3 days

Mar

3 days

Apr

2 days

May

0 days

Jun

0 days

Jul

0 days

Aug

0 days

Sep

0 days

Oct

1 days

Nov

2 days

Dec

3 days

Monthly Weather Data Table

Month	High (°C)	Low (°C)	High (°F)	Low (°F)	Rainfall (mm)	Rain Days	Daylight (h)
Jan	13°C	3°C	55°F	37°F	10mm	3 days	10.5h
Feb	15°C	4°C	59°F	39°F	10mm	3 days	11.5h
Mar	19°C	7°C	66°F	45°F	10mm	3 days	12.5h
Apr	24°C	10°C	75°F	50°F	5mm	2 days	13.5h
May	29°C	14°C	84°F	57°F	0mm	0 days	14h
Jun	32°C	17°C	90°F	63°F	0mm	0 days	14h
Jul	33°C	19°C	91°F	66°F	0mm	0 days	14h
Aug	33°C	19°C	91°F	66°F	0mm	0 days	13.5h
Sep	31°C	17°C	88°F	63°F	0mm	0 days	12.5h
Oct	27°C	13°C	81°F	55°F	5mm	1 days	11.5h
Nov	20°C	8°C	68°F	46°F	10mm	2 days	10.5h
Dec	14°C	4°C	57°F	39°F	10mm	3 days	10h

All Things to Do in Petra, Jordan

The Siq's Grand Reveal at Dawn

attraction

Best time: Mar-May, Sep-Nov

Hike to the Monastery (Ad-Deir) via the Back Trail

activity

Best time: Mar-May, Sep-Nov

Bedouin Tea Ceremony in a Hidden Cave

cultural

Best time: Year-round

Exploring the Royal Tombs at Sunset

attraction

Best time: Mar-May, Sep-Nov

Taste of Wadi Musa's Local Flavors

food

Venture into the town of Wadi Musa, just outside the Petra archaeological park, and savor authentic Jordanian cuisine at a local eatery. Don't miss trying Mansaf, a national dish of lamb cooked in a yogurt sauce, or sampling freshly baked bread from a traditional taboon oven.

Best time: Year-round

Stargazing in the Desert Night

nature

After dark, step away from the lights of Wadi Musa and find a quiet spot in the surrounding desert for an unparalleled stargazing experience. The vast, unpolluted skies over Petra offer a breathtaking celestial panorama, a humbling reminder of the universe's immensity.

Best time: Oct-Apr

Discovering the 'High Place of Sacrifice'

activity

Hike to the High Place of Sacrifice for a challenging but rewarding climb offering panoramic views over the entire Petra basin. This ancient Nabataean ritual site, with its obelisks and altars, provides a profound connection to the spiritual heart of the city.

Best time: Mar-May, Sep-Nov

Artisan Crafts in the Local Souk

shopping

Wander through the bustling souk in Wadi Musa to find unique, handcrafted souvenirs made by local artisans. Look for intricate silver jewelry, hand-painted ceramics, and colorful woven textiles that reflect Jordanian heritage and artistry.

Best time: Year-round

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Getting Around Petra, Jordan

Private Taxi from Amman/Aqaba

Hiring a private taxi is a comfortable and direct way to reach Petra from major cities like Amman or Aqaba. It allows you to set your own schedule and stop along the way if desired.

Cost:Approximately 80-120 JOD (Jordanian Dinar) from Amman, 40-60 JOD from Aqaba, negotiable.

Tip:Always agree on the price *before* you get in. Many drivers will try to quote a higher price to tourists. Ask your hotel to help arrange a reputable driver or use apps like Uber or Careem (though direct taxi negotiation is often more common for longer inter-city trips). Avoid drivers who seem overly pushy about stopping at specific souvenir shops; they likely get a commission.

JETT Bus

The Jordan Express Tourist Transport (JETT) bus is a reliable and affordable option for reaching Petra from Amman and other major tourist hubs. It's a comfortable coach service designed for tourists.

Cost:Around 11-15 JOD per person one-way from Amman.

Tip:Book your tickets in advance online via the JETT website or at their office in Amman, especially during peak season. Buses depart from the JETT station in Amman (near the 7th Circle). Arrive at least 30 minutes early to secure a good seat. The bus drops you off at the Petra Visitor Centre.

Local Minibus (Service Taxi)

For a more local and budget-friendly experience, you can take a local minibus (often called 'service taxis') from Amman or Aqaba towards Wadi Musa (the town next to Petra). This involves multiple changes.

Cost:Significantly cheaper, potentially 5-10 JOD total, but requires flexibility.

Tip:This is for the adventurous traveler. You'll likely need to take a bus from Amman to Ma'an, then a local taxi or another minibus from Ma'an to Wadi Musa. Ask locals for directions to the correct 'service taxi' stands. Be prepared for crowded conditions and less English spoken. Mistake to avoid: Not having small denominations of JOD for fares.

Rental Car

Renting a car gives you the most flexibility to explore Petra and its surroundings at your own pace. Roads are generally well-maintained between major cities.

Cost:Varies widely based on car type and rental duration, typically starting from 25-40 JOD per day.

Tip:Ensure you have an international driving permit. Parking is available near the Petra Visitor Centre. Be aware of local driving habits, which can be assertive. GPS is highly recommended, and downloading offline maps (like Google Maps or Maps.me) is a lifesaver as cell service can be spotty.

Horse-drawn Carriage (within Petra)

Once inside the Petra archaeological park, horse-drawn carriages are available to take you from the Visitor Centre through the Siq to the Treasury. It's a quicker way to cover the initial distance.

Cost:Included in your Petra entrance ticket, but a tip for the driver is customary (around 5-10 JOD).

Tip:The price is technically included, but drivers expect a tip. Be firm if you don't want to use one; they can be persistent. It's a bumpy ride, so if you have back issues, consider walking. The walk through the Siq is magical and shouldn't be rushed.

Donkeys and Camels (within Petra)

For further exploration within the vast Petra site, donkeys and camels are offered for hire, particularly for reaching higher viewpoints or more distant trails like the Monastery.

Cost:Negotiable, but expect to pay 15-30 JOD for a donkey ride to the Monastery, more for camels. Always agree on the price and destination beforehand.

Tip:These animals are essential for many locals working within the site. Be respectful and ensure the animal looks well-cared for. A common mistake is not clarifying the *exact* destination and price, leading to disputes. Walking is often the best way to appreciate the scale and details of Petra.

💡 Travel Tip: This season usually means better deals — check what's available on Trip.com.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the absolute best time to visit Petra to avoid the crowds and the heat?

Honestly, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are your sweet spots. You'll get pleasant temperatures perfect for exploring, and while it's still popular, it's far less intense than the summer months. I'd aim for early April or late October if you can swing it – the desert blooms are lovely in spring, and the autumn light on the Treasury is just magical.

I've heard Petra is huge. How can I best navigate it without exhausting myself?

It's massive, and the sun can be relentless! My top tip is to start your day *early*, like before 8 AM, to beat the heat and the biggest tour groups. Consider hiring a local Bedouin guide for at least part of your visit; they know the shortcuts and can share incredible stories you won't find in any guidebook. For longer distances within the site, you can also opt for a donkey or camel ride, but always agree on the price beforehand.

Beyond the Treasury and Monastery, what are some must-see 'hidden gems' in Petra?

Don't miss the High Place of Sacrifice – the climb is a bit of a workout, but the panoramic views are breathtaking, and it feels so ancient and sacred. Also, seek out the 'Garden Tomb' and the 'Roman Soldier's Tomb' in the less-trafficked areas; they offer a different perspective on Nabataean architecture and burial practices. Wandering off the main path (safely, of course!) can lead to some truly unforgettable discoveries.

What's the deal with the Bedouin people in Petra? How should I interact with them?

The local Bedouin community has lived in and around Petra for generations, and they are integral to the site's experience. Be respectful, and don't be afraid to engage in conversation – many are happy to share their culture and knowledge. If you're offered tea or a chance to sit in a tent, accept! It's a genuine gesture of hospitality. Just remember they are running businesses too, so be clear about prices if you're purchasing souvenirs or arranging transport.

Are there any specific dress code considerations for visiting Petra, especially for women?

While Petra is a tourist site, Jordan is a predominantly Muslim country, so dressing modestly is always appreciated and shows respect. For women, think loose-fitting clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. It's also practical for the sun and dust! Comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are an absolute must – you'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven terrain.

Is it safe to drink the tap water in Petra, or should I stick to bottled water?

Definitely stick to bottled water. While the water in hotels might be filtered, it's best to err on the side of caution, especially when you're out exploring the vast site of Petra where access to facilities is limited. Staying hydrated is crucial in the desert climate, so keep a few bottles with you at all times.

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