Best time to visit · Petra · Jordan
The best time to visit Petra
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: David Bjorgen, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
The best times to visit Petra are March to May and October to November, when days are warm and dry enough for the long walks and climbs but not hot. Summer afternoons regularly reach 30°C or more in the open valleys, so early starts are essential, while December to February is cold, occasionally wet, and much quieter. Ramadan moves about 11 days earlier each year; the site stays open, though some local restaurants open only after sunset.
Key facts
- Best months
- March–May and October–November
- Shoulder season
- February, June and September
- Warmest month
- July (avg high 32°C (90°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 12°C (54°F))
- Rainiest month
- January (~5 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- July–August and December–February
Seasons
At about 1,000 metres, Petra has a dry, sunny climate: hot summer afternoons with cool nights, and cold winters with occasional rain and rare snow. Spring and autumn are mild and ideal for long walks.
March–May
Spring
Wildflowers and mild, dry weather; the most popular time to visit, with the busiest trails in April.
June–August
Summer
Hot, dry afternoons with little shade; walk at dawn and late afternoon and rest at midday.
September–November
Autumn
Warm days and cool nights, with excellent hiking conditions and busy months in October.
December–February
Winter
Cold mornings, occasional rain and rare snow, but quiet trails and lower hotel prices.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12°C | 3°C | 5 | 10.4 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| February | 14°C | 4°C | 5 | 11.1 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| March | 17°C | 7°C | 4 | 11.9 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| April | 22°C | 10°C | 2 | 12.9 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| May | 27°C | 14°C | 1 | 13.7 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| June | 30°C | 16°C | 0 | 14.1 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| July | 32°C | 18°C | 0 | 13.9 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| August | 32°C | 18°C | 0 | 13.2 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| September | 30°C | 16°C | 0 | 12.3 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| October | 25°C | 12°C | 1 | 11.4 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| November | 18°C | 7°C | 3 | 10.6 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| December | 13°C | 4°C | 4 | 10.2 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| May | Jordan Independence Day — national holiday (25 May) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in July–August and December–February, and the sights are quietest in July–August and December–February.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | Layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Petra?
The best times to visit Petra are March to May and October to November, when days are warm and dry enough for the long walks and climbs but not hot. Summer afternoons regularly reach 30°C or more in the open valleys, so early starts are essential, while December to February is cold, occasionally wet, and much quieter. Ramadan moves about 11 days earlier each year; the site stays open, though some local restaurants open only after sunset.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Petra?
Usually in July–August and December–February. Cold, with frosty mornings and occasional rain or even snow; the site is quiet, but pack warm layers.
+What is the rainiest month in Petra?
January, with about 5 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Petra get?
The warmest month, July, averages highs of 32°C (90°F) and lows of 18°C (64°F).