Most people treat Petra as a quick look at the Treasury. It's a full day of walking on sand, loose gravel and rock-cut stairs, and the climb to the Monastery alone is a serious workout. Pack like you're going hiking, because you are.
Petra weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 13°C55°F | 11°C52°F | 17°C63°F | 22°C72°F | 25°C77°F | 30°C86°F | 31°C88°F | 31°C88°F | 28°C82°F | 24°C75°F | 19°C66°F | 14°C57°F |
| Low | 6°C43°F | 4°C39°F | 8°C46°F | 12°C54°F | 14°C57°F | 19°C66°F | 21°C70°F | 21°C70°F | 18°C64°F | 15°C59°F | 12°C54°F | 7°C45°F |
| Rain days | 4 | 7 | 7 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 7 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryCold, and wetter than people expect. Highs run 11°C (52°F) to 14°C (57°F), February nights drop to 4°C (39°F), and December gets 7 rain days. Heavy rain can cause flash floods in the Siq, and the site closes when that happens, so build a spare day into winter plans and bring warm layers.
Spring
March–MayThe best time to go. March is still cool at 17°C (63°F) with 7 rain days, then April warms to 22°C (72°F) and May to 25°C (77°F) with only 2 or 3 rain days. Bring layers, since mornings in Wadi Musa are chilly and afternoons in the open valley warm up fast.
Summer
June–AugustHot and completely dry, with highs of 30°C (86°F) to 31°C (88°F) and 0 rain days. There's little shade once you're past the Siq, so start at opening time, wear a hat and carry more water than you think you need. Evenings cool to around 19°C (66°F) to 21°C (70°F).
Autumn
September–NovemberA strong second choice to spring. September is 28°C (82°F) and dry, October cools to 24°C (75°F) with 2 rain days, and November drops to 19°C (66°F) with 4. Pack a fleece for early starts and for Petra by Night, which runs on a few evenings a week.
What to bring to Petra
0 of 22 packed- Nalgene 32 oz Wide Mouth BottleWater Bottles & Hydration
There's little shade past the Siq and a full day here is long, so a tough, leak-proof quart of water is the first thing in your bag.
- Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20LBags & Luggage
Twenty liters holds water, a warm layer and snacks for a full day between the Treasury and the Monastery, with weather sealing for the odd winter shower.
- Peak Design Capture Clip V3Camera & Photo
The rock-cut facades come one after another, and a clip that holds your camera on your backpack strap keeps both hands free for the stairs.
- Bearwind S40 Portable Handheld Turbo FanTech & Power
July and August average 31°C (88°F) in an open valley with little shade, so a fan in your hand helps on the long walk back up the Siq.
- THRIAID Mini First Aid Kit, 100 piecesHealth & Safety
Gravel trails and steep steps mean blisters and scrapes, and a compact kit in the day bag sorts them out on the spot.
Its UK and EU plugs cover Jordan's G, C and F sockets, though not D or J, and it charges your phone and camera over USB while the AC socket runs a laptop charger.
Clothing
- Lightweight long pants · 2Covering knees is respectful
- Breathable long-sleeve shirts · 3Sun and modest dress
- Warm fleece · 1Dec–Feb lows of 4–7°C
- Wide-brim sun hat · 1Little shade past the Siq
- Light scarf · 1Sun and dust
Footwear
- Hiking shoes with grip · 1Sand, loose gravel and rock-cut stairs
- Hiking socks · 3 pairs
Gear
- Sunglasses · 1
- Headlamp · 1Early starts before sunrise
Health and toiletries
- SPF 50 sunscreen · 1July and August average 31°C
- Electrolyte packets
- Lip balm with SPF · 1
Documents and money
- Passport
- Jordan visa or passCheck entry rules before you fly
- Small cash notes
Tech
- Power bank · 1A full day of walking
What shoes should you pack for Petra?
Hiking shoes or trail sneakers with a grippy sole, and broken in. The main trail is sand and gravel, the stairs to the Monastery and the High Place of Sacrifice are steep and uneven, and a full day here covers a lot of ground.
What do people wear in Petra?
Jordan is conservative, and modest clothes are the norm. Loose trousers or long skirts and tops that cover the shoulders are cooler in the sun anyway. A hat and sunglasses matter as much as anything else you wear.
What plugs does Petra use?
Jordan uses five plug types, C, D, F, G and J, at 230V. You may find European, UK-style or less common sockets, sometimes in the same room. A universal adapter with EU and UK plugs covers C, F and G, but not D or J.
Tours and things to do in Petra
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Petra.
What should you leave at home for Petra?
Leave sandals and flip-flops out of the hiking plan, because gravel and stone stairs are hard on them. Skip shorts and tank tops if you want to blend in around Wadi Musa. If you're adding Wadi Rum, a backpack beats a big suitcase for jeep transfers and desert camps.
Packing for Petra: questions people ask
What should I wear to Petra?
Breathable, modest clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, a hat and hiking shoes with grip. You'll walk on sand, gravel and steep stone stairs.
What is the best time to visit Petra?
Spring and autumn. April and May reach 22°C (72°F) to 25°C (77°F), and October sits at 24°C (75°F) with just 2 rain days.
How hot is Petra in summer?
Highs average 30°C (86°F) to 31°C (88°F) with no rain at all, and shade is limited, so start early and carry plenty of water.
Does it get cold in Petra?
In winter, yes. Highs fall to 11°C (52°F) in February with lows of 4°C (39°F), so bring a warm layer.
Can I wear sneakers to Petra?
Sneakers with a grippy sole are fine for the main trail. For the Monastery stairs and the High Place of Sacrifice, trail or hiking shoes are better.
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