Destination
Petra, Jordan
The rose-red city carved into canyon walls, with Wadi Rum's desert and the Dead Sea on the same loop, in one of the region's most welcoming countries.
Trips to Petra from every city
No live trip to Petra right now. Ask for one and we price it for your city.
When to go
| Month | Season |
|---|---|
| January | fine |
| February | fine |
| March | best |
| April | best |
| May | best |
| June | avoid |
| July | avoid |
| August | avoid |
| September | fine |
| October | best |
| November | best |
| December | fine |
- March, April, May: Wildflowers and mild days; the busiest season at the Treasury
- December, January, February: Cold nights and occasional snow or flash floods can close the Siq
June, July, August: Desert heat makes the long walks through the site punishing
Where to stay in Petra
- Wadi Musa (Petra gate): Hotels within walking distance of the site entrance.
- Wadi Rum: Bedouin desert camps under the stars, two hours south.
- Amman (Jabal Amman / Abdoun): The capital's cafés and Roman ruins, a first or last night.
- Dead Sea resorts: Floating and spa hotels an hour from Amman.
What to do in Petra
- Walk the Siq to the Treasury at opening time
- Climb the 800 steps to the Monastery
- See Petra by Night lit by candles
- Sleep in a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum and ride a 4x4 through the dunes
- Float in the Dead Sea
- Visit the Roman ruins of Jerash
Good to know
| Airports | Amman Queen Alia International (AMM), Aqaba King Hussein International (AQJ) |
|---|---|
| Passport for US citizens | yes |
| Price level | mid-range |
| Time zone | Asia/Amman |
| Kind of trip | history, adventure, desert, nature, road-trip |
Questions about Petra
When is the best time to visit Petra?
March, April, May, October and November. June, July, August: Desert heat makes the long walks through the site punishing
Do US citizens need a passport for Petra?
Yes. Petra is in Jordan; bring a valid passport.
How expensive is Petra on the ground?
Petra is mid-range by US standards: plan about $90 per person per day for food, getting around and tickets.