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Best time to visit Petra: month by month
Short answer
March to May and September to November are the best times, with highs of 15–28°C and comfortable walking weather. Summer is very hot (30–31°C, hotter in Wadi Rum), so start at dawn. Winter is cool, sometimes cold and rainy, with occasional snow, and flash floods can close the Siq.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 11°C | 5°C | 9 | low |
| Feb | 12°C | 4°C | 8 | low |
| Mar | 15°C | 7°C | 6 | high |
| Apr | 23°C | 12°C | 2 | very high |
| May | 26°C | 15°C | 1 | high |
| Jun | 28°C | 18°C | 0 | low |
| Jul | 30°C | 20°C | 0 | low |
| Aug | 31°C | 21°C | 0 | medium |
| Sep | 28°C | 18°C | 0 | medium |
| Oct | 24°C | 15°C | 3 | very high |
| Nov | 19°C | 11°C | 5 | high |
| Dec | 14°C | 7°C | 5 | medium |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
Highs rise from 15°C to 26°C, with wildflowers and very little rain from April; the busiest season.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Hot and dry at 28–31°C with no rain; walk early in the morning and rest at midday.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Highs fall from 28°C to 19°C; October is one of the best months, but busy.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Cool at 11–14°C by day and 4–7°C at night, with some rain; quiet and crisp, occasional snow and flood closures.
Events worth planning around
- Petra by Night (Monday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings)
- Easter and Christmas holidays, when European visitors increase
- Ramadan (dates move each year), when some restaurants close by day
When to avoid
July and August bring the most heat; walk only in the early morning. Winter rain can bring flash floods that close the Siq.
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Common questions
When is the best time to visit Petra?
March to May and September to November for mild weather.
What time should I enter Petra?
At 6:00 when it opens, to beat the heat and the tour groups.
Is Petra open in winter?
Yes, but it is cool and occasionally rainy, and flash floods can close the Siq for safety.