Petra Weather & Climate: A Year-Round Guide - 2026

Climate Overview

Petra is situated in a subtropical desert environment (Köppen-Geiger BWh) at an elevation of approximately 800 to 1,400 meters. This elevation creates a unique climate that is significantly cooler and wetter than the surrounding lower-lying desert regions. The weather is characterized by a high diurnal temperature range, meaning visitors often experience dramatic shifts between blistering daytime heat and surprisingly chilly nights.

Seasonal Weather Patterns

Spring (March – May)

Spring is arguably the most dynamic season in Petra. The landscape transforms as desert wildflowers, including the rare black iris, bloom across the sandstone cliffs.

• Atmosphere: Daytime highs gradually rise from 19°C (66°F) in March to 28°C (82°F) by May.
• Experience: The air is crisp, but the sun is strong. However, late-season dust storms (Khamasin) can occasionally blow in from the Arabian Peninsula, bringing hazy skies and a sudden spike in temperature.

Summer (June – August)

Summer is defined by intense solar radiation and bone-dry conditions.

• Atmosphere: Highs frequently reach 33°C to 36°C (91°F–97°F), and occasionally touch 40°C (104°F).
• Daily Progression: The heat is most oppressive between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Local life retreats during these hours, with the city feeling silent and still. Humidity remains very low, making the heat "dry," yet the lack of shade in open areas like the High Place of Sacrifice makes the temperature feel several degrees hotter than recorded.

Autumn (September – November)

Like spring, autumn offers a temperate window.

• Atmosphere: September remains hot (31°C/88°F), but November sees a sharp drop to 20°C (68°F).
• Visuals: The low angle of the autumn sun provides the best lighting for the "Rose Red" sandstone, deepening the hues of the Treasury and Royal Tombs during the golden hour.

Winter (December – February)

Winter is surprisingly cold. Snow is a real possibility on the higher plateaus surrounding Wadi Musa, and frost is common at night.

• Atmosphere: Daytime highs hover around 13°C to 15°C (55°F–59°F), but nighttime lows can drop to 2°C (36°F).
• Rainfall: This is the primary rainy season. While rainfall is infrequent, it is often concentrated into short, heavy bursts.

The Flash Flood Phenomenon

Petra’s most significant weather hazard is the flash flood. The city is shaped like a bowl, with the narrow Siq acting as a natural drainage channel for the surrounding 55-square-kilometer watershed. Rainfall miles away can cause a wall of water to rush through the gorge within minutes.

In ancient times, the Nabataeans engineered a sophisticated system of dams, cisterns, and tunnels (such as the Muthlim Tunnel) to divert this water. Modern authorities still rely on these ancient methods, often evacuating the site and closing the Siq at the first sign of rain to ensure visitor safety. Historically, major flood events occurred in 1963 and 2018, leading to renewed efforts in restoration and monitoring.

Microclimates and Variations

The topography of Petra creates distinct microclimates within the park:

• The Siq: This narrow canyon remains significantly cooler than the open valley, providing natural air conditioning even in the height of summer.
• High Altitudes: The trek to the Monastery (Ad-Deir) or the High Place of Sacrifice exposes travelers to higher wind speeds and more intense UV exposure than the protected lower city.
• Wadi Musa: The town overlooking Petra is often several degrees cooler and windier than the archeological site located in the valley floor below.

Local Adaptation

Locals have lived in harmony with the desert for millennia. You will notice Bedouin guides wearing traditional headscarves (khefiyyeh)—these are not just cultural markers but essential tools for thermoregulation, protecting the head from direct sun in summer and providing warmth and wind protection in winter. Buildings in Wadi Musa are often constructed with thick stone walls to provide natural insulation against the extreme temperature swings of the high desert.