Spring in Petra brings some of the most comfortable weather of the year, making it a great time to explore the ancient city. From March through May, you’ll usually get mild to warm daytime temperatures, clear skies, and long daylight hours without the punishing summer heat. The season signals the end of the wetter months, so you’ll mostly see dry conditions with just a bit of light rain early on.
You can wander Petra’s carved sandstone paths in March, starting with cool mornings and pleasant afternoons, then enjoy steadily warmer days by May. As spring moves along, sunshine hours increase, giving you loads of time to see the highlights at your own pace.
This season lets you dodge the harsh summer sun and the winter chill. You’ll find the weather supports longer hikes, photography in gentler light, and relaxed sightseeing. Spring just feels right for exploring Petra—there’s a natural rhythm to it, and the weather mostly works in your favor.
Overview of Petra’s Spring Climate
Spring in Petra means mild days, cool nights, and not much rain. You’ll get comfortable conditions for being outdoors, with clear skies and longer daylight compared to winter.
Location and Climate Classification
Petra sits in southern Jordan at about 1,120 meters (3,675 feet) above sea level. This elevation keeps temperatures lower than places like the Jordan Valley or Wadi Rum.
The region has a desert climate but with some semi-arid traits. That means low rainfall each year and big swings between daytime and nighttime temperatures.
Humidity stays low here, unlike the coast. The dry air, especially in the warmer months, makes spring days better for walking and hiking.
Petra’s mountainous desert setting means the weather can shift fast. Even in spring, you might get warm afternoons that turn into chilly evenings. Bringing light layers really helps you handle the changes.
Spring Temperature Ranges
From March to May, daytime temperatures usually sit between 18°C and 30°C (64°F to 86°F). Nights cool down, often dropping to 8°C–15°C (46°F–59°F).
March still feels fresh, with highs near the lower end. April warms up noticeably, and May starts to feel like summer is just around the corner.
You’ll notice a big difference between day and night. You might need a jacket in the morning but switch to lighter clothes by midday. This is especially true if you’re planning long hikes through the Siq or up to the Monastery.
Spring also brings more daylight. By late May, you get over 13 hours of sunshine, so there’s plenty of time to explore.
Rainfall Patterns in Spring
Rain doesn’t visit Petra often, but spring is the tail end of the wetter season. Most of the rain falls in winter, with January as the wettest month. By March, showers become rare.
On average, spring brings very light rainfall, usually less than 10–20 mm per month. Rain tends to show up as quick, scattered showers, not long storms.
April and May are especially dry, with lots of clear days. Heavy rain is unlikely, but you might catch a quick shower in March.
Since there’s so little rain, Petra’s trails stay dry and easy to walk. The terrain does get dusty, so don’t forget water and sun protection to stay comfortable while you’re out there.
Month-by-Month Spring Weather in Petra
Spring in Petra takes you from cool winter weather to warm, dry days. Rainfall drops off sharply, sunshine hours climb, and temperatures rise fast, creating some of the best conditions for exploring the city.
March Weather Overview
March kicks off spring in Petra. Daytime highs sit around 19°C (66°F), with nighttime lows near 6°C (43°F). Evenings still feel chilly, so a light jacket comes in handy.
Rainfall averages about 15 mm, spread over just a few days. Showers are short, not really disruptive, but some paths might get a bit slippery. By mid-March, the landscape dries out, and you’ll spot wildflowers along the trails.
You get about 12 hours of daylight, so there’s more time to explore. Sunshine averages 9–10 hours per day, which is a nice jump from winter. March feels like a transition month—mild, sometimes damp, but definitely rewarding if you visit now.
April Weather Overview
April brings warmer, drier weather. Highs reach about 24°C (75°F), and lows hover around 10°C (50°F). Days feel comfortable, and there’s still a bit of coolness in the canyons and tombs.
Rainfall drops to about 7 mm, making April one of the driest months. Most days are dry, and rain almost never messes with your plans.
Daylight stretches to nearly 13 hours, with sunshine lasting 11–12 hours daily. That means you can easily plan long hikes, like the trek to the Monastery or the High Place of Sacrifice. April’s weather is stable and bright—perfect for full-day exploring without the extremes of summer.
May Weather Overview
May brings real warmth to Petra. Average highs reach 28°C (82°F), with lows near 13°C (55°F). The midday sun can get strong in exposed spots, so starting early makes sense.
Rainfall is almost nothing, just 3 mm on average, and most days are bone dry. The arid climate is in full swing, and water sources are few, so carry plenty of water.
Daylight nudges close to 14 hours, and sunshine averages 12–13 hours per day. Trails are bright and dry, showing off Petra’s sandstone structures in full light. May is your last spring month before summer’s serious heat, giving you warm but still manageable conditions for sightseeing and hiking.
Daylight, Sunshine, and UV Index in Spring
During spring in Petra, daylight grows longer, sunshine hours stay reliable, and UV levels climb to some of their highest points all year. These shifts affect how you plan your time outdoors, whether you’re sightseeing or hiking through the ruins.
Average Daylight Hours
Daylight in Petra stretches as spring moves forward. In March, you get about 12 hours of daylight per day. April bumps that to around 13 hours, and by May, it’s almost 13.7 hours.
This steady increase gives you more time to explore Petra’s sites without feeling rushed. You can start later in the morning and still have plenty of time for the Siq or climbing to the Monastery.
Here’s a quick look:
| Month | Average Daylight Hours |
|---|---|
| March | ~12.0 hours |
| April | ~13.0 hours |
| May | ~13.7 hours |
The difference between early and late spring is clear, especially if you want to maximize your time in natural light.
Sunshine Duration
Spring brings plenty of sunshine to Petra. In March, expect about 9 hours of sun each day. April bumps that up to 10–11 hours, and May hits 12–13 hours.
This makes spring great for photography, since the ruins and rock formations stay well-lit. Sure, midday sunlight can feel harsh, but mornings and late afternoons usually offer softer light and cooler conditions for walking.
Clouds don’t hang around much, and rain drops off fast from March to May. You can pretty much count on bright skies for your adventures.
UV Index Levels
The UV index in Petra during spring runs high and keeps rising through the season. In March, it averages around 7–8—that’s already very high. By April, it climbs to 9–10, and May can see 10–11, which is extreme.
You really need to take sun protection seriously. Sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, and long sleeves make a big difference, especially at midday when UV peaks. Even if the air feels cool, the sun’s intensity doesn’t let up thanks to Petra’s desert climate and elevation.
If you’re heading out for a long hike, try to start early or go later in the afternoon. That way, you avoid the worst of the heat and UV, but still have plenty of daylight to see the sights.
Humidity and Wind Conditions During Spring
Spring in Petra brings moderate humidity and changing winds, which can shape how comfortable you feel while exploring. Moisture levels stay low compared to winter, and seasonal winds sometimes bring quick changes in temperature or visibility.
Average Humidity Levels
Humidity stays pretty low in Petra during spring, especially compared to the cooler months. March might still feel a bit damper, but by April and May, average humidity drops to about 40–45%, which is among the lowest you’ll find all year.
This drier air helps daytime temperatures feel nicer, even when the sun’s out. Since Petra sits around 900 meters above sea level, mornings and evenings can still feel crisp, and the low humidity makes the air feel even fresher.
Travelers with sensitive lungs often find spring easier than the wetter winter months. Still, bring water—dry air means you’ll lose moisture faster, especially on long walks.
| Month | Average Humidity | Comfort Level |
|---|---|---|
| March | ~50% | Mildly dry |
| April | ~45% | Dry |
| May | ~40% | Very dry |
Typical Wind Patterns
Spring winds in Petra change fast. The khamsin winds, blowing in from the south, are a big feature this time of year. These winds run hot and dry, sometimes carrying dust or sand that can cut down visibility and make hiking tougher.
Wind speeds don’t stay high all the time, but you’ll get gusts, especially in open areas. Mornings can be calm, then afternoons turn breezy. Occasionally, these winds kick up quick sandstorms, so having sunglasses and a scarf can really help.
Most spring days stay manageable, though. Light winds keep the air from feeling stuffy, and cooler evenings usually bring calmer conditions, making late-day visits more relaxed.
How Spring Weather Compares to Other Seasons
Spring in Petra brings mild daytime temperatures, cool nights, and hardly any rain. The weather shifts a lot as you move into the heat of summer, autumn’s balanced warmth, or winter’s cold and wet.
Spring vs. Summer
In spring, Petra usually sees daytime highs between 20°C and 30°C (68°F–86°F). Nights cool down into the low teens, so walking through the ruins feels comfortable. Rain is rare, and skies stay mostly clear.
Summer’s a different story. In July and August, daytime highs often hit 33°C (91°F) or more. Nights are warmer too, averaging around 21°C (70°F). Rain is basically nonexistent, leaving everything dry and dusty.
Daylight also shifts. Summer days stretch to nearly 13 hours of sunshine, while spring averages closer to 11–12 hours. That means the midday sun is even stronger in summer, which can make hiking through Petra’s canyons a real challenge.
If you want cooler walks and less intense sun, spring is definitely the better choice over the heat and dryness of summer.
Spring vs. Autumn
Autumn in Petra feels a lot like spring, though September usually brings warmer days and November gets a bit cooler. Early in autumn, daytime highs hit 25°C to 29°C (77°F–84°F), but by late autumn, they drop closer to 20°C (68°F).
At night, temperatures fall to 10–15°C (50°F–59°F), so you’ll probably want a jacket.
Rainfall stays pretty scarce, just like in spring. October and November might bring a quick shower, but it rarely adds up to much—maybe a few millimeters at most.
Sunshine sticks around for about 10–11 hours per day, which isn’t much less than what you get in spring.
The landscape shifts a bit between the seasons. Sometimes wildflowers pop up in the desert around Petra in spring, giving the scenery a splash of color. You won’t see those blooms in autumn, but you do get steady, dry conditions that are just as good for exploring.
If you’re after mild weather and don’t love crowds, autumn basically matches spring—just without all the greenery.
Spring vs. Winter
Winter in Petra feels colder and wetter than spring, no doubt about it. In December and January, daytime highs usually stay near 12°C to 15°C (54°F–59°F).
Nights often dip to 5°C (41°F) or even lower, and sometimes you’ll wake up to frost, especially early in the morning.
Rain falls more in winter, with January averaging about 24 mm spread over several days. That’s not much compared to some places, but it can make the trails slippery and, honestly, a bit unpredictable.
You’ll also notice less sunshine—just 7–8 hours per day—so the days feel shorter than in spring.
Spring brings drier, warmer weather, so you get more reliable conditions for exploring. You skip the cold winter evenings and the higher chance of rain, making it easier to plan outdoor stuff.
If cold nights and short days aren’t your thing, spring offers a much more comfortable balance than winter.
Travel Tips for Visiting Petra in Spring
Spring in Petra means mild temperatures, longer days, and crowds that aren’t overwhelming. You can enjoy comfortable hiking and pack light, with plenty of options for outdoor activities. It’s way better than roasting in the summer or shivering in the winter.
Best Time to Visit Petra in Spring
The best months to visit are definitely March, April, and May. During these months, daytime highs usually sit between 68°F to 86°F (20°C to 30°C), and you’ll get cooler evenings.
Rain hardly makes an appearance, and the skies usually stay clear, so sightseeing is a breeze.
March feels cooler and you’ll run into fewer people. April is probably the sweet spot, with a good mix of nice weather and manageable crowds. By May, it starts to heat up—think upper 80s—so you’ll want to go early in the morning instead of midday.
If you want to dodge the biggest crowds, show up right when the gates open. Sunset is also a quieter time and gives you softer light for photos at places like the Treasury and Monastery.
What to Pack for Spring Weather
You’ll need to prep for warm days and cool nights. A light jacket or sweater works for evenings, and breathable clothing will keep you comfortable hiking under the sun.
Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen—the desert sun is no joke.
Footwear matters a lot. Petra takes you over miles of uneven stone and sand, so sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots really help prevent slips and support your ankles.
Bring a refillable water bottle—dehydration sneaks up even in spring. Toss in some snacks like nuts or fruit to keep your energy up on those long walks between sites.
A compact daypack makes carrying your essentials a lot easier, and you won’t feel weighed down.
Outdoor Activities and Sightseeing Advice
Spring’s here, and you can actually wander Petra’s trails and check out the monuments without sweating buckets like in summer. People usually head for the Siq to the Treasury, trek up to the Monastery (Ad Deir), or take on the High Place of Sacrifice.
Try to get going early in the morning, since that’s the best time to dodge crowds and catch the cooler air. By the afternoon, it still gets pretty warm in May, so maybe duck into shaded spots or indoor areas, like the Royal Tombs, around then.
Guides bring Petra’s Nabataean history and wild architecture to life. But if you’d rather go solo, grab a good map—these sites are way farther apart than you’d expect.
You might spot spring wildflowers brightening up the hills, too. It makes the hikes feel a bit more magical, honestly.