The short answer
The Petra authority names spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) as the climatically favorable seasons. Walking in Petra means several hours outdoors, often on rock with little shade, so moderate temperatures make a real difference. Summer is hot at midday, and winter brings the most rain and the lowest temperatures.
That is a general pattern, not a guarantee for any single day. The numbers below are historical averages, not a forecast.
Petra weather by month
Historical monthly averages for the Wadi Musa weather station. Temperatures cover 1984 to 2000 and rainfall covers 1976 to 2000. The data appears in a 2014 survey report for the Petra Museum project and is therefore old. Treat it as a guide to the pattern between seasons, not as current norms for 2026.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 11.5 °C (53 °F) | 4.1 °C (39 °F) | 40.5 mm |
| February | 12.0 °C (54 °F) | 4.0 °C (39 °F) | 36.0 mm |
| March | 15.3 °C (60 °F) | 6.1 °C (43 °F) | 36.1 mm |
| April | 21.7 °C (71 °F) | 10.7 °C (51 °F) | 9.6 mm |
| May | 26.1 °C (79 °F) | 14.3 °C (58 °F) | 4.1 mm |
| June | 28.4 °C (83 °F) | 16.6 °C (62 °F) | 0.0 mm |
| July | 29.6 °C (85 °F) | 18.1 °C (65 °F) | 0.0 mm |
| August | 29.5 °C (85 °F) | 18.2 °C (65 °F) | 0.0 mm |
| September | 27.7 °C (82 °F) | 16.5 °C (62 °F) | 0.0 mm |
| October | 23.9 °C (75 °F) | 13.9 °C (57 °F) | 5.2 mm |
| November | 18.4 °C (65 °F) | 9.5 °C (49 °F) | 13.0 mm |
| December | 13.5 °C (56 °F) | 5.5 °C (42 °F) | 32.7 mm |
These are averages of daily highs and lows, not record temperatures. A rainfall average of 0.0 mm in summer does not rule out a single heavy storm.
Petra tours in any season
Guided visits and day trips to Petra, with live prices and availability.
Season by season
What the monthly averages mean for a walking day.
Spring, March to May
March is cool, with highs around 15 °C (60 °F) and rain still likely. By April the average high reaches 21.7 °C (71 °F) and rainfall drops to under 10 mm, and May approaches 26 °C (79 °F). Spring is a good fit for the long climbs to the Monastery and the High Place.
Summer, June to August
Average highs sit between 28 and 30 °C (83 to 85 °F), and average lows stay above 16 °C (62 °F). Plan the main trail for the opening hour, carry plenty of water and wear a hat. Rain is rare.
Autumn, September to November
September still averages 27.7 °C (82 °F), and by November the high is down to 18.4 °C (65 °F). Rain returns slowly, with 5.2 mm in October and 13.0 mm in November.
Winter, December to February
Highs are around 11.5 to 13.5 °C (53 to 56 °F), lows are close to 4 °C (39 °F), and rainfall averages 32.7 to 40.5 mm a month, which makes winter and March the wettest period. Bring a warm layer and shoes that cope with wet rock.
Flash floods and closures
The US State Department travel advisory for Jordan, dated 29 August 2026, names Petra and the Dead Sea as areas with a risk of heavy rain and flash floods, especially between October and March. Roads can be blocked and tourist areas closed. Follow local weather warnings and the instructions of staff at the site.
The ticket terms of the Petra authority allow full or partial closure, or changes to opening times, because of weather, security issues or exceptional crowds. Daily opening is not guaranteed. For example, the Petra by Night operator announced a weather cancellation for 10 and 11 December 2025. See Petra by Night for the evening program.
Opening hours for 2026/2027
The Petra authority publishes the following seasons for the 2026/2027 calendar. Confirm hours shortly before your visit, because other official portals list slightly different winter times.
| Season | Petra site and Visitor Center | Little Petra ticket counter |
|---|---|---|
| Summer, 2 March to 1 October 2026 | 06:00 to 18:00 | 07:00 to 16:00 |
| Winter, 2 October 2026 to 1 March 2027 | 06:30 to 17:00 | 07:00 to 14:00 |
One official portal lists Ramadan hours of 06:30 to 17:30. Visitors must leave the archaeological park before sunset. Entry fees and multi-day tickets are on our tickets page.
Travel advisories before you book
Government travel advice for Jordan changes, so check it close to your departure. As of 19 October 2026, the US advisory for Jordan, dated 29 August 2026, is at Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) because of terrorism and armed conflict, with some areas more restricted than others. The UK FCDO page, updated on 10 September 2026, mentions renewed attacks and interceptions in and around Aqaba in early September, advises against all travel within 3 km of the Syrian border and notes that airports and airspace can close at short notice.
Neither advisory announces a closure of Petra. They are snapshots, not a guarantee in either direction. Read the full texts on the official websites of both governments and make your own decision. If you travel from the coast, see our guides on getting to Petra from Amman and from Aqaba.
Planning around the weather
- Arrive at opening time. The park opens at 06:00 in summer and 06:30 in winter, which gives you the cooler hours for the climbs.
- Carry water in every season. There is little shade on the high paths.
- Leave a margin in winter. The park closes at 17:00 and you must be out before sunset.
- Check the forecast the day before, especially from October to March.
- Allow the Monastery a full day. See the Monastery trail guide.
- Sleep in Wadi Musa for an early start. Options are on our where to stay page.
Best time to visit Petra: frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Petra?
The Petra authority lists spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) as the favorable seasons. In the historical Wadi Musa data, April and October have average highs of 21.7 °C (71 °F) and 23.9 °C (75 °F).
How hot does Petra get in summer?
Historical average highs in June to August are 28.4 to 29.6 °C (83 to 85 °F). Midday on the open paths feels hotter in the sun, so start early and drink often.
Does it rain in Petra?
Rain falls mostly from October to April in the historical data. Summer months average 0.0 mm, though a single storm cannot be ruled out.
Is Petra cold in winter?
Yes, at night in particular. Historical average lows in December to February are 4.0 to 5.5 °C (39 to 42 °F). Dress in layers.
Are flash floods a risk?
Yes, especially from October to March, according to the US travel advisory dated 29 August 2026. Follow local weather warnings and site staff.
How accurate are the temperatures on this page?
They are historical monthly averages for 1984 to 2000, so they show the seasonal pattern only. Look at a current forecast before you travel.