Summer in Petra means long, dry days under a relentless desert sun. You’ll usually see average highs around 33°C (91°F) with almost no rain, so the season stays hot, arid, and cloudless.
Nights drop down into the mid-teens Celsius, which brings a bit of relief after those scorching afternoons.
With up to 14 hours of daylight and nearly 13 hours of sunshine, you really get a lot of time to wander the ancient city. Still, the UV levels get intense, so you’ve got to plan ahead if you want to dodge the harshest midday glare.
Knowing what Petra’s summer weather looks like helps you figure out the best time to explore its trails, check out iconic spots like the Treasury, and soak in the landscape without too much discomfort.
Overview of Petra’s Summer Climate
Petra sits in southern Jordan, tucked inside a warm desert climate that brings hot days, dry air, and very clear skies every summer. Temperatures shoot up compared to other seasons, and rain just vanishes between June and August.
Warm Desert Climate Characteristics
Petra’s climate fits the BWh classification in the Köppen system, which just means hot desert. In summer, the air stays dry, humidity drops, and rain basically disappears. You’ll get long hours of sunshine and almost no clouds.
Daytime highs usually hit 33°C (91°F), while nights cool off to around 16–20°C (61–68°F). That big swing between day and night actually makes evenings way more comfortable after a blazing hot day.
The UV index peaks near 12 in summer, which is about as high as it gets. You really need strong sun protection—think sunscreen, hats, and lightweight clothes. Since there’s no sea breeze here, the desert sun feels even more intense and direct.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Summer in Petra runs from June through August. During these months, rain is basically nonexistent. The city stays bone-dry, so storms or wet weather just aren’t a thing you’ll need to worry about.
Daylight maxes out in June at about 14 hours, then starts to shrink by August. Sunshine hours stay high at roughly 13 hours per day, so you have plenty of time for sightseeing.
July usually brings the hottest weather, with average highs near 33°C (91°F). August is still hot but backs off a bit compared to July. Nights help a bit, but you’ll still want to be ready for warm evenings. The dry air ramps up your risk of dehydration, so always have water handy.
Comparison With Other Seasons
Compared to spring and autumn, summer feels a lot hotter and drier. In spring (March–May), highs range from 19°C to 28°C with some light rain, which is much better for hiking. Autumn (September–November) cools off from 31°C down to 20°C, and rain comes back by October.
Winter, though, flips the script. From December to February, highs drop to about 13–15°C, and nights can get close to freezing. Rainfall peaks in January and February, around 17 mm per month, which is still not much but way wetter than summer.
You can really see how summer stands out in Petra—hot, dry, and sunny, unlike the cooler, wetter winters.
Average Summer Temperatures in Petra
Summer in Petra means hot days, warm nights, and barely any rain. You’ll get steady heat from June through August, but the temperatures do shift a little. Knowing the usual highs, lows, and some past extremes helps you pack right and stay safe.
Daytime Highs and Nighttime Lows
During summer, daytime highs in Petra usually reach 31–33°C (88–91°F). July tops the charts, with average highs hitting 33°C (91°F). The sun’s strong, shade is scarce, and you’ll feel the heat for most of the day.
Nights are much nicer, dropping to 16–18°C (61–64°F). These cooler evenings give you a break from the afternoon heat. Petra doesn’t get those dramatic overnight drops like some deserts, so it stays pretty warm after sunset.
Because of this, it’s smart to plan your sightseeing early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Midday is best spent resting or sticking to shaded spots.
Temperature Variations by Month
In June, you’ll see average highs around 32°C (90°F), and lows near 16°C (61°F). The heat is strong, but it’s not at its worst yet.
July gets hotter, with highs around 33°C (91°F) and lows of 17°C (63°F). The sun really cranks up, so sun protection is a must.
By August, things cool off just a touch. Highs average 32°C (90°F), and lows hover near 17°C (63°F). The difference isn’t huge, but that slight dip can make exploring a bit easier than in July.
So, while all the summer months are hot, July is definitely the hardest for daytime adventures.
Historical Temperature Extremes
Petra’s average summer highs sit in the low 30s °C, but heat waves can push temps above 35°C (95°F)—especially in July. These spikes don’t happen every day, but they can hit when regional heat builds up across southern Jordan.
On cooler nights, lows rarely drop below 15°C (59°F) in summer. You won’t have to worry about frost or cold snaps this time of year.
The mix of strong sun and super-dry air can make it feel even hotter than the numbers say. Bring light clothing, sun protection, and lots of water to handle both the usual weather and those rare extreme days.
Rainfall and Precipitation During Summer
Summer in Petra is about as dry as it gets, with almost no measurable rainfall. You’ll see clear skies and long dry stretches, making it one of the least rainy times of the year.
Average Rainy Days
In summer, Petra barely records any rainy days. June, July, and August usually average 0 days of rainfall, so you’re almost guaranteed dry weather.
This total lack of rain matches Petra’s desert climate. While cooler months might see a light shower or two, summer just means endless dry spells.
Outdoor plans almost never get interrupted by weather in summer. Bring plenty of water for the heat, but you can leave the rain gear at home.
Here’s a quick look at the average rainy days:
| Month | Rainy Days (avg.) |
|---|---|
| June | 0 |
| July | 0 |
| August | 0 |
Monthly Precipitation Levels
Precipitation in Petra during summer is basically zero. July is technically the driest, with about 0.1 mm of rain, but that’s hardly anything. June and August are just as dry, with no meaningful accumulation.
Winter months might get 20 to 25 mm of rain, but summer’s levels are so low they barely register.
With no rain, the ground stays dry, trails get dusty, and skies remain clear for your whole trip.
| Month | Precipitation (mm) |
|---|---|
| June | 0 |
| July | 0.1 |
| August | 0 |
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Summer in Petra brings long days and tons of sunshine, so you’ll need to think about how the bright conditions affect your outdoor plans. Daylight hours and the strength of the sun really shape your experience.
Daily Sunshine Hours
Petra averages 12 to 13 hours of sunshine per day during summer. June, July, and August all deliver clear skies with almost no clouds. You get reliable daylight for sightseeing without worrying about rain.
July hits the peak with about 12.8 hours of sunshine daily, giving you some of the year’s longest bright spells. August stays high, only dropping a little as autumn comes closer.
All that sunlight is a blessing and a challenge. More time to explore sites like the Treasury or Monastery, but you’ll feel the midday sun beating down. Sunscreen, hats, and water are non-negotiable if you’re outside for long.
If you like cooler weather, aim for the early mornings or late afternoons. The light’s still great, but it’s not quite as punishing as midday.
Longest and Shortest Summer Days
Daylight shifts a bit across summer. June has the longest days, with about 14.1 hours of daylight—plenty of time for exploring. The sun rises early and sets late.
By July, you still get almost as much daylight, just a tiny bit less than June.
In August, days start to shorten, averaging closer to 13 hours of daylight. Sunsets come a little earlier, and this trend continues as autumn approaches.
It might not sound like much, but these small changes can affect your plans. June gives you the most flexibility, while August means you’ll want to start earlier if you want to make the most of the daylight.
Humidity and Air Quality in Summer
Petra’s summer air is dry, with moderate humidity levels that stay lower than in winter. The low humidity makes heat more manageable, but the arid air can dry out your skin and ramp up dehydration. Dust sometimes floats through the air, too.
Average Relative Humidity
During summer, Petra’s average relative humidity sits on the low end compared to other parts of the year. May is the driest, around 40%, while June through August hover at 45–50%.
These numbers are moderate for a desert. The air doesn’t feel heavy or sticky, even when it’s hot. It’s a dry heat—easier to deal with than muggy coastal weather.
Low moisture makes the air feel clearer, but fine dust sometimes reduces visibility, especially on windy days. Carry water and use moisturizer or lip balm to fight the dryness.
Humidity Fluctuations by Month
Humidity does shift a bit through summer. May is driest (around 40%), so the air feels crisp and dry. June rises a bit but still stays under 50%.
July and August settle in around 45–50%. The air stays dry, but it’s not uncomfortable. Because there’s no rain, you won’t have to deal with muggy or damp days.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Month | Avg. Relative Humidity | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| May | ~40% | Driest air |
| June | ~45% | Slightly higher |
| July | ~45–50% | Stable, dry |
| Aug | ~45–50% | Stable, dry |
You’ll find the dryness pretty consistent all summer, and the small changes don’t really affect your comfort much.
Best Time to Visit Petra for Ideal Summer Weather
Petra’s summer climate can be a real challenge, with long hours of sun and high daytime temperatures. Picking the right month and preparing well lets you enjoy the site while dodging the worst of the heat.
Recommended Months for Visiting
Summer in Petra stretches from June through September, but honestly, not all of those months feel the same. June and September usually hit the sweet spot, with daytime highs hanging out between 28°C and 33°C (82°F–91°F).
These months stay warm, but they’re not as intense as July and August. In those peak months, temperatures can jump above 36°C (97°F), which, let’s be real, isn’t for everyone.
If you want to dodge the crowds, early June or late September work best. Fewer tourists show up compared to July, and you still get those long, sunny days.
Nights cool off to about 18°C–21°C (64°F–70°F). That makes evenings way more comfortable for wandering around Wadi Musa or grabbing some local food after a day of exploring.
July and August bring the hottest, driest weather. You can visit, but the midday heat makes long hikes a challenge.
If you end up traveling during those months, try to get to Petra early in the morning or wait until late afternoon.
| Month | Avg. High | Avg. Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| June | 30°C | 19°C | Minimal |
| July | 33°C | 21°C | Near 0mm |
| August | 33°C | 21°C | Near 0mm |
| September | 31°C | 19°C | Minimal |
Tips for Enjoying Petra in Summer
Try to get there right at sunrise. The Siq and Treasury stay shaded and feel much cooler early on. By midday, spots like the Monastery trail heat up fast since the sun beats down and the rocks just bounce the heat right back at you.
Bring at least 2 liters of water per person. Sure, you’ll see vendors inside Petra, but they charge more and sometimes you just can’t find them on those longer trails. I usually carry a reusable bottle with a filter, just in case I need to refill somewhere random.
Wear light, breathable fabrics that still cover your arms and legs. Not only does this keep your skin from burning, but it also shows respect for local customs in Jordan. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, too—they really help.
Take breaks in the shade whenever you can. Caves or cliff overhangs make great spots to cool off. If your ticket allows, maybe split your visit into two shorter trips, so you can come back in the late afternoon when things finally start to cool down.
Thinking about Petra by Night? The evening air feels way more comfortable after a scorcher of a day. It’s a pretty magical way to see the place without getting roasted by the summer sun.