The best time for Al Khazneh in short
Two seasons are milder in Petra: March to May and September to November. Midsummer is hot, and winter is cooler, wetter and shorter in daylight. Because the Treasury stands at the end of the Siq, the walk from the visitor center takes up to 1 hour, so your arrival time matters as much as the month.
Direct sun reaches the facade roughly from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Reflected light follows around 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. These are rough windows, not a promise for every month, and late in winter the evening window falls outside opening hours. If you want a guide to handle the timing, compare Petra tours to the Treasury and check their start times first.
For a look at the whole site across the year, see the Petra best-time guide.
Temperatures and rain by month
Long-term monthly averages for 1961 to 1990 from the nearby town of Ma'an, at 1,069 m. They show the pattern of the year, not a forecast and not a reading from the Siq or the plaza.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13.4 °C | 1.6 °C | 7.1 mm |
| February | 15.4 °C | 2.8 °C | 7.3 mm |
| March | 19.0 °C | 5.3 °C | 6.9 mm |
| April | 24.2 °C | 9.5 °C | 3.6 mm |
| May | 28.7 °C | 13.0 °C | 2.0 mm |
| June | 32.4 °C | 15.6 °C | 0.0 mm |
| July | 33.9 °C | 17.2 °C | 0.0 mm |
| August | 34.1 °C | 17.2 °C | 0.0 mm |
| September | 32.3 °C | 15.4 °C | 0.2 mm |
| October | 27.2 °C | 11.7 °C | 3.8 mm |
| November | 20.3 °C | 6.8 °C | 4.3 mm |
| December | 15.1 °C | 3.0 °C | 7.5 mm |
The highs and lows are monthly means of daily values, not records. A monthly rain average of 0 mm does not promise a dry day. For most visitors, April, May, October or early November give the best mix of mild midday heat and full opening hours.
Our pick: stay overnight for the early light
A trip with a hotel night in Petra lets you reach the Treasury before the day trips.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Petra tours that reach the Treasury
Guided visits in Petra and day trips from Amman, Aqaba or Wadi Musa, with live prices and availability. Check the start time against the light you want.
The light on the facade
The facade is carved into pink sandstone, so the color changes with the angle of the sun. Direct sun falls on it roughly from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. In the late afternoon, around 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., reflected light lights the rock. Neither window is fixed for every month.
In summer, hours run from 6:00 to 18:00, so both windows fall inside opening time. In winter the park closes earlier, and the late window can be gone. Do not plan to stay inside after closing or wait at the Treasury for a last photo. Staying after closing can lead to arrest and prosecution.
An early entry does not guarantee an empty plaza. Plan for other people in your photos and treat a quiet moment as a bonus.
Season by season
What each part of the year means for a Treasury visit.
Spring, March to May
Averages rise from 19.0 °C in March to 28.7 °C in May. Mornings are cool, and the rain is mostly over by May. This is one of the two best seasons to visit.
Summer, June to August
Average highs reach 32.4 to 34.1 °C and no rain is expected in the averages. Bring a hat, sun protection and enough water, and start at the opening time of 6:00. Extreme heat is a real risk for outdoor activities in Jordan.
Autumn, September to November
September is still hot at midday, with an average high of 32.3 °C. October and November cool down to 27.2 and 20.3 °C. Autumn is the second good season.
Winter, December to February
Highs of 13.4 to 15.4 °C and lows close to freezing at night. Hours are shorter, and rain is more likely. Snow can block roads around Petra in winter, so allow extra time for the journey.
Getting to Petra →Opening hours and flash floods
Two limits that change with the season.
Summer hours
6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., from 2 March to 1 October 2026.
Winter hours
From 2 October 2026 to 1 March 2027 the site is open 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Some ticket terms give 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. in winter and end ticket sales 45 minutes before closing. Plan to leave the site by 4:00 p.m. to be safe.
Petra tickets and hours →Flash floods
Heavy rain can flood the wadis. The main risk period runs from October or November to March. After heavy rain, stay out of the wadis for at least 1 day, and never cross flood water. On 4 May 2025, heavy rain led to an evacuation at the Treasury and the Siq, and ticket sales stopped from midday. Nobody was hurt in that evacuation.
Evenings
Petra by Night runs from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m., Sunday to Thursday, at JOD 30 per person (2026). It needs a valid day ticket or Jordan Pass, and the evening ticket is separate. Weather can cancel a night.
Petra by Night →Plan the rest of your visit
Where the timing fits in.
Best time to visit the Treasury: frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit the Petra Treasury?
March to May and September to November are the milder seasons. April, May, October and early November balance midday heat and opening hours well for most visitors.
What time of day is best for the Treasury facade?
Direct sun reaches the facade roughly from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., and reflected light follows around 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. These are rough windows, and in late winter the evening window falls outside opening hours.
Is Petra too hot in summer?
Average highs in June to August are 32.4 to 34.1 °C. Many visitors still go, with an early start, a hat, sun protection and plenty of water.
Does it rain in Petra?
Mostly from November to March. Monthly averages are 7.5 mm in December and 7.1 mm in January, and a single storm can cause flash floods. Check the weather before you go and avoid the wadis after heavy rain.
Is it cold in winter?
Highs are around 13 to 15 °C in January and February, and nights are close to freezing. Pack layers, and note that winter opening hours are shorter.
Can I see the Treasury at night?
Yes, on Petra by Night, which runs Sunday to Thursday from 8:30 p.m. The Siq is lit with candles and there is music in front of the Treasury.