Petra Travel Guide – Attractions & Tours

Featured Lists

Petra's Absolute Essentials

This collection highlights the architectural achievements of the Nabataean Kingdom within the Rose City. It spans the 1.2-kilometer Siq gorge leading to the Al-Khazneh treasury and the 800-step ascent to the massive Ad Deir monastery. The selection includes the Roman-style amphitheater, the Royal Tombs carved into the eastern cliffs, and the Cardo Maximus, showcasing the blend of Hellenistic and local engineering dating from the 4th century BC.

13 places

Bernard Gagnon / CC BY-SA 3.0

Ancient Petra Archaeological Sites

This collection of archaeological sites showcases the architectural ingenuity of the Nabataean Kingdom and subsequent Byzantine influence. Beyond the central valley, the list covers the massive rock-cut Theater, the ritual High Place of Sacrifice, and the sophisticated water management systems of the Garden Temple. It also includes the Neolithic settlement of Beidha and the Siq al-Barid, providing a comprehensive look at the region’s transition from a prehistoric camp to a major Hellenistic caravan hub and religious center.

12 places

Sasuke6 / CC-BY-SA

Ancient Tombs of Petra

Petra’s landscape is defined by its sophisticated rock-cut architecture, primarily serving as a necropolis for the Nabatean Kingdom. This collection features the grandest examples, including the iconic Al-Khazneh and the massive Ad Deir. The Royal Tombs cluster showcases intricate facades like the Urn and Palace Tombs, while the Tomb of Aaron marks a significant pilgrimage site on Jabal Haroun. These structures highlight a blend of Nabatean, Hellenistic, and Roman styles carved directly into the rose-red sandstone cliffs.

10 places

Boris Debic / CC BY-SA 4.0

Viewpoints and Peaks

Petra’s rugged sandstone topography is defined by dramatic massifs and hidden overlooks. This collection includes the Al-Khubtha trail viewpoint overlooking the Treasury, the Crusader ruins atop Al Habis, and Jabal Harun, the highest peak in the area and traditional burial site of Aaron. These summits provide geological and historical context of the Nabataean capital, revealing the complex water management systems and defensive positions carved directly into the mountain ridges.

20 places

Petra — Map

Climate & when to visit

Best time to visit: March, April, May, October, November

Select a month

Typical weather in January

Fair

14° (feels like 9°) · extremes -1°–21°
3° at night
7 rainy days
19 sunny days
7 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 4 · moderate

Typical weather in February

Good

16° (feels like 11°) · extremes 0°–23°
4° at night
6 rainy days
18 sunny days
8 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 5 · moderate

Typical weather in March

Great

19° (feels like 15°) · extremes 2°–28°
6° at night
4 rainy days
24 sunny days
10 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 7 · high

Typical weather in April

Great

25° (feels like 21°) · extremes 5°–32°
10° at night
2 rainy days
24 sunny days
11 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 8 · very high

Typical weather in May

Great

29° (feels like 26°) · extremes 9°–36°
14° at night
1 rainy day
28 sunny days
12 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 10 · very high

Typical weather in June

Good

33° (feels like 30°) · extremes 12°–38°
16° at night
0 rainy days
30 sunny days
14 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 11 · extreme

Up to 6 days above 35°

Typical weather in July

Fair

34° (feels like 32°) · extremes 15°–39°
19° at night
0 rainy days
31 sunny days
13 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 11 · extreme

Up to 11 days above 35°

Typical weather in August

Fair

35° (feels like 33°) · extremes 16°–40°
19° at night
0 rainy days
31 sunny days
12 hours of sunshine per day
Comfortable humidity
Light breeze
UV index 10 · very high

Up to 12 days above 35°

Typical weather in September

Good

32° (feels like 31°) · extremes 14°–38°
17° at night
0 rainy days
29 sunny days
11 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 9 · very high

Up to 5 days above 35°

Typical weather in October

Great

28° (feels like 26°) · extremes 10°–34°
15° at night
1 rainy day
28 sunny days
10 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 6 · high

Typical weather in November

Great

22° (feels like 18°) · extremes 5°–28°
10° at night
3 rainy days
23 sunny days
8 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 4 · moderate

Typical weather in December

Good

16° (feels like 12°) · extremes 1°–23°
6° at night
5 rainy days
20 sunny days
7 hours of sunshine per day
Dry air
Light breeze
UV index 3 · moderate

Climate data: NASA POWER (MERRA-2) · 1996–2025

Practical information

Currency: Jordanian Dinar JOD · Card payments · Commonly accepted
Emergency numbers: 911
Electricity: Type C / Type D / Type F / Type G / Type J
230 V · 50 Hz

Languages: Arabic
Tap water: Drink with caution
Driving side: Right
Calling code: +962

Learn more

Tours & Activities

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Petra

Featured Lists

Petra's Absolute Essentials

Ancient Petra Archaeological Sites

Ancient Tombs of Petra

Viewpoints and Peaks

Petra — Map

Climate & when to visit

Typical weather in January

Typical weather in February

Typical weather in March

Typical weather in April

Typical weather in May

Typical weather in June

Typical weather in July

Typical weather in August

Typical weather in September

Typical weather in October

Typical weather in November

Typical weather in December

Practical information

Tours & Activities

Petra – Plan Your Days

Related destinations

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