Petra in May
Great time to visit
Last call for comfortable weather before summer heat kicks in. Still peak season pricing and crowds, but manageable temperatures if you time your visits right.
Weather
May pushes temperatures into the high 20s - around 30°C during peak afternoon hours with nights warming to 18°C. Still dry as bone with maybe one rainy day if you're lucky. The heat starts building but remains very manageable with proper timing.
30°C high18°C low1 rain days
Crowds & Cost
peak crowds
~$130/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Jordan Independence Day (May 25)
- •Jerash Festival preparation events
May Tips
- •Shift your schedule earlier - be at the Treasury by 7am before tour groups arrive
- •Carry more water than you think you need - the dry air is deceptive
- •Afternoon shade in the Siq becomes precious - take breaks
All Months
March through May and September through November hit the sweet spot. Daytime temperatures hover around 20-25°C, perfect for hiking. Summer is brutal — temperatures can reach 40°C and the rocks radiate heat like an oven. Winter brings occasional rain and chilly mornings, but fewer crowds. The best time of day is sunrise or late afternoon when the sandstone glows and tour groups thin out. Petra opens at 6 AM in summer, 7 AM in winter. Get there early. By 10 AM, the Treasury area becomes a circus of tour groups and Instagram photographers. Friday mornings are quieter since it's the Muslim holy day. Ramadan affects restaurant hours but not Petra itself. The site stays open during Islamic holidays, though some services may be limited.
Petra Scores
Solo
8/10
Couples
9/10
Families
6/10
Adventure
8/10
Budget
5/10
Luxury
4/10
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