Is it OK to wear shorts to Petra?

Whether you are in the city of Amman, exploring Petra, or trekking the desert valley of Wadi Rum, men should refrain from wearing shorts as it is seen as disrespectful.



Technically, you can wear shorts to Petra as it is a tourist-heavy archaeological site, but it is not culturally recommended. Jordan is a conservative Muslim country, and wearing modest clothing is a sign of respect for local customs. In 2026, most travelers and guides suggest wearing lightweight, breathable trousers or "midi" skirts that cover the knees. For men, "travel shorts" that reach the knee are generally acceptable within the park, but short-shorts or athletic wear may draw unwanted attention or be seen as disrespectful. For women, covering the shoulders and knees is the standard etiquette. Aside from the cultural aspect, there is a practical reason to avoid shorts: the sun in the Jordanian desert is incredibly intense, and the terrain is dusty and rocky. Long, loose linen or cotton clothing provides better protection against sunburn, insect bites, and abrasions while keeping you cooler than exposed skin would in the direct 2026 heat.

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There isn't a strict Petra dress code as such. It's the biggest tourist attraction in Jordan, so people pretty much wear what they like when they visit Petra, However, bear in mind that the site of Petra is huge, so be prepared to do a lot of walking.

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While you could do the hiking in a pair of Converse, you'll be more comfortable in shoes with grip. If you're planning on tackling some of the more advanced routes, or even just the 850+ stairs to the Monastery, hiking boots would be ideal.

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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.

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In general and for all seasons we advise to wear long sleeve clothes to protect your body from the sun. Also, it is a way to respect our culture, as women and men cover themselves. But of course if you prefer to wear shorts, short dresses, tank tops… feel free, we are used to that and we respect your choice.

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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.

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Putting on a pair of shorts to wear on a flight to a hot country might seem like a good idea to most people. But according to an experienced flight attendant, wearing shorts on a plane is dirty and must be avoided at all costs.

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You will pay for your tour with a credit card when booking. Payment of visa fees, border fees, and tips must be in cash. You may bring cash and/or credit cards with you for personal needs on your trip.

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The day-to-day attire consists of really whatever you are comfortable wearing. T-shirts, shorts, pants, sandals, and sneakers are completely acceptable.

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If you forget it, don't worry - just reuse a plastic bottle you've purchased on arrival. The other good thing is that many of the hotels in Petra and Wadi Rum have installed water purification systems for their guests, which means you can drink water from the tap that isn't just safe but tastes pleasant.

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Choose an appropriate insect repellant: PROTECTION AGAINST MULTIPLE BUGS (MOSQUITOS, TICKS, FLIES, ETC.): The CDC recommends a repellent which contains at least 20% DEET. Always use repellents as directed.

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The risk for mosquito activity is high. Consider an EPA-registered repellent to deter mosquito bites. The risk for mosquito activity is high. Replacing outdoor lights with yellow bug lights can attract less insects.

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Women cover their shoulders, knees, and chest when visiting these sites. If you're visiting Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, or other cities with religious attractions, it's best to bring long, lightweight layers to cover up and adjust to comfort level.

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