Start very early and go back in late. The best times to visit Petra is at sunrise and sunset. These are the times that are not only the coolest in temperature, but are also the quietest in terms of visitor numbers.
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Monday and Tuesday tend to be the quietest days as many people arrive in Amman on the weekend, then stay a few days in the north and then come to Petra. So usually Wednesday and Thursdays are the busiest weekdays.
Distance and Difficulty: The Petra Main Trail is 8km / 5 miles return from the Visitors Centre. Easy walk, largely flat. Allow 3 – 4 hours return, including time to see the sites along the way.
Like I said, Petra itself is not as strict – I personally wore biker shorts (but I wouldn't have worn anything shorter though). You'll be mostly hiking, and even if you take the easiest trail, the main one, it's still better to wear something that is hiking-friendly.
Petra is well-equipped with toilets, with toilet blocks at the visitor's centre, near the Theatre and museum. There are also portaloos at the start of the Siq and at a couple of cafés.
It is fine to travel in Jordan in jeans most of the time, and you can, of course, wear them in Petra as well, in case this is the piece you never leave your home without, but as the visit of Petra requires quite a lot of walking, we think hiking trousers are a much better choice.
Winters in Petra (December-February) can surprisingly cold perhaps, even during the day. The average temperature is around 10-15°C degrees, but this can go down to 5°C after sun down.
Generally, the best time to visit Jordan is during spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). The weather is more temperate which means you can explore iconic sites like Petra or the Wadi Rum without getting scorched by the sun.
4. Wear good hiking boots. I saw people walking around Petra in flip flops, and I'm sure they regretted not wearing proper shoes. Some of the best sights of Petra can only be reached via a proper hike, and wearing good shoes means being more comfortable and able to walk the distances.
Our Petra & Wadi Rum Day Trip gives travelers staying in Amman and the Dead Sea the opportunity to see the wondrous sites of Jordan all in one day. This adventure will take you to two of the world's most impressive and unforgettable sites.
Camel Ride in Wadi Rum & Petra is optional for 15 JD / $ 21 USD per camel per hour. You don't need to book it in advance and can be arranged upon arrival to Petra or Wadi Rum.
Petra and Wadi Musa do have some cafes, bars and restaurants which sell alcohol, but don't expect to find much in the way of nightclubs. However, there are several outdoor terraces from where to enjoy a couple of sundowners.
Similarly to most neighboring countries, the dress codes for women are slightly stricter than men. Women should refrain from showing flesh as much as possible. Wearing loose clothing which covers the arms, legs, chest, and the nape of the neck also helps female travelers avoid negative and unwanted attention.
Distance and Difficulty: The Petra Main Trail is 8km / 5 miles return from the Visitors Centre. Easy walk, largely flat. Allow 3 – 4 hours return, including time to see the sites along the way.