The best time to visit Petra is October. You get the ideal balance of mild temperatures, clear skies, and full access to all hiking trails without the intense summer heat or winter rain. Daytime highs hover around 27°C (80°F), making the long trek through the Siq to the Treasury comfortable. While this is peak season, the conditions are perfect for exploring the High Place of Sacrifice or the Monastery (Ad Deir). If you prefer fewer crowds and can handle the cold, go in March. For the absolute best weather, stick to October.
Month by month
January
January is the coldest month in Jordan. Expect daytime temperatures between 2°C and 13°C (36°F–55°F). Snow is rare but possible, and rain can cause the Siq to close due to flash flood risks. Crowds are at their lowest, and hotel prices are discounted. Wear thermals and waterproof layers. It is the best time to see the Treasury dusted in snow if you get lucky, providing a unique photographic opportunity most tourists never see.
February
Weather remains unpredictable with temperatures ranging from 4°C to 15°C (39°F–59°F). February is often the wettest month. You will find very few tourists, making it easy to get photos of the Monastery without people in the frame. Most hotels offer off-season rates. This is a great month for "Petra by Night," as the candlelight feels more atmospheric in the crisp winter air, provided the evening is dry.
March
March marks the start of spring. Temperatures rise to a comfortable 9°C to 19°C (48°F–66°F). The desert landscape begins to bloom with wildflowers, including the rare black iris. While crowds start to increase toward the end of the month, prices remain moderate compared to April. It is the best time for photography because the dust levels are low and the air is exceptionally clear.
April
April is peak season. Temperatures average 12°C to 24°C (54°F–75°F). The weather is nearly perfect for the eight-mile round trip to the Monastery. Expect high prices for accommodation in Wadi Musa and significant crowds at the main checkpoints. If you visit in April, enter the park at 6:00 AM to beat the tour buses. This is the prime month for the Petra Desert Marathon, attracting international runners.
May
May is warm and dry. Temperatures climb to between 16°C and 29°C (61°F–84°F). It is the last month of the spring peak before the summer heat becomes oppressive. Crowds remain steady but begin to thin out toward the end of the month. Use this time to hike the Al-Khubtha trail for the famous view looking down on the Treasury, as the rock surfaces are dry and grippy.
June
Summer begins in earnest. Temperatures range from 19°C to 32°C (66°F–90°F). The sun is intense, and there is virtually no shade in the valley. Tourism starts to drop, leading to better hotel deals. If you visit in June, plan your arrival for sunrise and finish your exploration by noon. This is a great time to visit the nearby Little Petra (Siq al-Barid) which stays slightly cooler.
July
July is hot and demanding. Daytime highs often exceed 34°C (93°F). You must carry significant amounts of water and wear high-SPF sunscreen. The upside is that the site is nearly empty. You can often have entire tombs to yourself. Prices are at their lowest annual point. It is a good month for stargazing in the nearby Wadi Rum after your day in the rose-red city.
August
August is the hottest month in Petra, with temperatures frequently hitting 35°C (95°F) or higher. Hiking the 800 steps to the Monastery is physically taxing in this heat. Crowds are nonexistent. This is the best time for budget travelers who prioritize price over physical comfort. Visit the Petra Museum in the afternoon to take advantage of the air conditioning during the peak heat of the day.
September
Temperatures begin to dip as autumn approaches, ranging from 18°C to 31°C (64°F–88°F). The heat is still significant, but the evening air becomes pleasant. Crowds are manageable but start to grow as the month progresses. September is an excellent time for evening cultural experiences and dining in Wadi Musa, as the town begins to wake up for the fall peak season.
October
October is the goldilocks month. Temperatures range from 14°C to 27°C (57°F–80°F). The sky is consistently blue, and the light is ideal for capturing the red hues of the sandstone. This is the busiest time of year, so book your accommodation months in advance. October is the best time to experience the "Jordan Trail," as the section connecting North Jordan to Petra is fully accessible.
November
The temperatures drop to a cool 9°C to 19°C (48°F–66°F). The first rains of the season usually arrive in November, which can occasionally close the Siq for safety. Crowds begin to thin out after the first week. It is a transition month where you can still find good weather but with lower prices than October. It is the best time for the "back door" hike to the Monastery.
December
December is cold and quiet. Temperatures sit between 5°C and 15°C (41°F–59°F). You will need a heavy coat for the morning and evening. While it is the start of winter, the site feels incredibly peaceful. Many hotels offer Christmas and New Year's Eve dinners. It is the best time to visit if you want to experience Petra with a sense of solitude and don’t mind the cold.
Cheapest time to visit Petra
The cheapest time to visit Petra is during the summer months of July and August. Because temperatures regularly exceed 34°C (93°F), demand for hotels in Wadi Musa craters. You can find high-end hotels at 40-60% off their peak season rates.
Secondary cheap periods occur in January and February. While the weather is cold and wet, airfare to Amman is often at its lowest, and local tour operators offer significant discounts. If you visit during these windows, ensure you purchase a Jordan Pass before arrival. It waives the visa fee and includes your Petra entry ticket, providing the best value for budget-conscious travelers.
When to avoid Petra
Avoid Petra during major public holidays like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. During these times, the site is swamped with both international tourists and local families, leading to long queues and crowded trails.
From a weather perspective, avoid the peak of summer (August) if you have any health conditions or a low tolerance for heat. The trek back out through the Siq is deceptive; it is a gradual uphill climb that becomes dangerous in 38°C heat. Likewise, if you only have one day to see the site, avoid the peak of winter (January). If heavy rain occurs, the authorities will close the site immediately due to the risk of flash floods in the narrow canyons.
Best time for good weather
For the most reliable weather, visit in October or May.
- October: Offers the most consistent blue skies and daytime temperatures that allow for 8-10 hours of hiking without exhaustion.
- May: Provides similar benefits but with slightly more wind, which can help keep you cool while climbing to the High Place of Sacrifice.
Avoid the "Khamsin" season in late March and April. These are hot, sandy winds that can blow in from the Arabian Peninsula, turning the sky grey and making photography difficult due to the dust.
Best time for fewer crowds
To see Petra without the throngs of tour groups, go in February or June.
In February, the cold keeps people away. You can often stand in front of the Treasury at 8:00 AM with fewer than 20 people around you. In June, the heat deter many, but the site is still manageable if you start your day at 6:00 AM.
Whenever you visit, the best way to avoid crowds is a matter of daily timing rather than just the month. The majority of tour buses from Amman and Aqaba arrive between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM. If you enter when the gates open at 6:00 AM, you will have a three-hour head start on the crowds regardless of the season.