Visiting Petra in February: All You Need to Know

When it comes to bucket list destinations within the bucket list destination that is Jordan itself, there’s nowhere quite like Petra. Heck, it was on my own travel bucket list, before my first visit in 2016.

As you plan your Jordan itinerary, you’ll probably want at least one day and night in Petra – and rightly so. That’s why it’s important to understand the weather in Petra each month and other important details of visiting during different times of the year.

Below you’ll find a complete but quick guide to visiting Petra in February. I’ve included details on the weather, what to pack, and what to expect during your visit.

Petra Weather in February

Like in January, you’ll need to pack a good amount of warm clothes to visit Petra in February. Temperatures in Petra during the month of February range between 37°F (3°C) and 59°F (15°C). Even though February isn’t the coldest month of the year, days are chilly and nights can experience frost. There’s even a chance it may snow while you’re there!

Weather-wise, most days are sunny and it’s rarely overcast. February is one of the wettest months, but this doesn’t mean that it’ll be raining cats and dogs throughout your visit. In Petra, in February, it can rain as much as four days – but it doesn’t really add up to much (less than an inch). The best news for us travelers is that Jordan’s weather is pretty stable. As such, what you’ll see on the forecast before departing on your Jordan trip, it’s likely what you’ll experience during it.

Petra Open & Closing Hours

Visiting Petra in February requires a bit more planning for two reasons: one, the days are shorter; two, the Nabatean site is open for fewer hours during the winter

The average length of the day is 11 hours and 8 minutes in February in Petra. On the first day of the month, the sun rises at 06:28 am and sets at 5:14 pm. On the last day of February, the sun rises at 07:05 am and sets at 6:36 pm.

During the winter, the Petra site is only open from 6 am to 4 pm – two fewer hours during the winter than during the summer season. You’ll want to get up and get into the site as soon as the sun is coming up to make the most of your visit. 

Despite closing earlier during the winter months, Petra By Night still occurs Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights at 8:30 pm all year long.

What to Pack for Petra in February

Since February is still winter, you’ll want to make sure your packing list has all you need to brave Jordan’s chilly days. I have a packing list for Jordan already, but if you’re visiting Petra in February (and obviously Jordan as a whole), I advise you to pack more layers.

If there’s one item I can’t recommend enough, it’s Unbound Merino. I’ve lately become addicted to their merino base layers and it’s a great option for Jordan any season. Merino wool is wrinkle- and odor-resistant, antibacterial, and moisture-wicking – all good qualities for a material in a climate where temperatures range a lot from day to night. I’d also bring a hat to keep your head warm if you do attend an event like Petra by Night (or stargazing in Wadi Rum, if you’re also visiting that part of Jordan).

Also, it’s wise to bring sun protection, even in the winter. The sun’s rays decrease in strength in the winter, but that doesn’t make them weaker. A hat and sunscreen will be great allies while you’re exploring Petra under the unrelenting sun.

Other Considerations for Visiting Petra in February

The best part about visiting Petra in February is by far the lack of crowds. February is one of the lesser-touristed months in Jordan as visitors are still waiting for the warmer days to make their trip. This means you won’t have to make your way through a sea of tourists or endlessly wait to get that perfect shot of the Treasury without people stepping into the frame. 

Have more questions about visiting Petra in February? No worries, I’ve got you covered. Check out my guides on how to visit Petra from both Amman and Aqaba, as well as a complete Petra itinerary that includes everything else you need to know: how many days to visit Petra, the best things to do in Petra, where to eat in Petra, and where to stay in Petra. Give it a look to get all the other info that doesn’t change by month or season but is important for planning your visit.

Have any other questions about visiting Petra in February? Let me know in the comments!