Visiting Petra in September: All You Need to Know

Want to visit one of the world’s great wonders, the rose city of Petra in Jordan? This is definitely a bucket list destination – and one that I almost feel a trip to Jordan is incomplete without seeing.

September is one of the most popular months to visit Jordan, and this means there are some important considerations when planning a trip to Petra during this month. As the weather continues to cool after the hot summer, there are also some pro-tips you can learn from my experience to help you have an unforgettable experience at this bucket list destination.

Below you’ll find a complete but quick guide to visiting Petra in September. I’ve included details on the weather, what to pack, and what to expect during your visit. If you have any questions, let me know in the comments so I can help you have an unforgettable time.

Table of Contents

Petra Weather in September

September in Petra marks the beginning of the autumn season. The temperature during this month ranges from 68°F (20°C) to 93°F (34°C), with an average of around 82°F (28°C). While the temperature can be warm during the day, it tends to cool down significantly at night, with lows dropping to around 61°F (16°C) by the month’s end. As for the Petra weather in September, it is always sunny and also quite dry, as there’s very little rainfall in the forecast.

Petra Open & Closing Hours

If you are planning to visit Petra in September, it is important to note the opening and closing hours of the site. Petra is typically open from 6am to 6pm – the site still follows the summer schedule – and the last admission is at 4pm.

Now that you’re familiar with the opening times, you’ll benefit from knowing how long the days are in Petra. Since September is a transition month, the first two weeks will have longer days, with the days shortening as the month goes by. On the first day of September, the day length is approximately 13 hours, while on the last day of September, the length of the day is approximately 12 hours. The sun rises at around 5:50am and sets at around 6:00pm.

Having a vague idea of how long the days are will allow you to see how much of Petra you can fit into your visit. As I always say, try to start your day as early as possible.

What to Pack for Petra in September

When visiting Petra in September, it’s essential to pack for warm weather during the day and cooler temperatures at night. Here are some things to consider:

It’s still hot during the day, and the sun continues to beat down on Petra all month long. This said, bring sunscreen, a hat, and a pair of shades to protect yourself from the sun.
Don’t forget a pair of comfortable walking shoes. Petra involves a lot of walking, so it’s important to wear comfortable shoes that provide good support.
Layering is the name of the game when it comes to what to pack. As Petra experiences a wide temperature range between day and night, it’s important to pack layers, so you can put on or take off clothes according to the weather outside.
Remember to pack light, breathable clothing to stay comfortable during the day.

Other Considerations for Visiting Petra in September

Besides packing the right clothes, there are other things to consider when visiting Petra in September. Here are a few tips:

If you can tolerate the high temperatures, plan your visit for the first two weeks of September. This is quite a popular month among travelers to visit Jordan, and it can get crowded fast even as temperatures are still warm

If you visit during the second half of the month, start your day early and avoid peak hours. Petra will be a sea of tourists, especially during the peak hours of 10am to 2pm. If you’re willing to rise and shine early, you’ll get incredible photos without lots of other people in them.

Have any other questions about visiting Petra in September, they weather you might encounter, or what to do during your time there? Let me know in the comments below!