Ma'an Governorate is Jordan's largest governorate by area, encompassing the legendary rose-red city of Petra, the dramatic desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, and the historic market town of Ma'an city. This southern region is home to some of the ancient world's most extraordinary monuments, carved by the Nabataean civilization over two millennia ago. From rugged desert canyons to Crusader-era castles, Ma'an offers an unparalleled journey through layers of human history set against spectacular natural scenery.
Ma'an Governorate has a hot desert climate (BWh) — extremely hot, dry summers and mild winters with occasional cold snaps and rare snow in the highest areas around Shoubak and Dana. The region receives less than 100mm of rainfall annually, mostly between November and March. Wadi Rum in the south is even hotter and drier. The Dana-Shoubak highland areas are cooler year-round due to their elevation (1,000-1,500m).
Best time to visit
Best: March-May and September-November
Best Reason: Spring brings mild temperatures (15-25°C), occasional wildflowers in the hills, and ideal hiking conditions. Autumn offers similar temperatures with fewer crowds than spring and excellent light for photography.
Peak Season: March-May
Avoid: July-August
Avoid Reason: Midsummer temperatures in Ma'an can exceed 38°C with intense UV radiation, making long Petra hikes very challenging and uncomfortable. The site is also at peak capacity with school holiday crowds.
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
January
8°C/46°F (avg)
Cold and quiet. Petra is atmospheric with almost no crowds. Possible rain and frost. Shoubak may have snow.
February
10°C/50°F (avg)
Still cold, slight warming. Some almond blossoms appear in the hills. Last month of low season.
March
15°C/59°F (avg)
Spring arrives. Wildflowers and green hillsides. Ideal hiking temperatures. Crowds start building.
April
20°C/68°F (avg)
Peak spring. Perfect temperatures, stunning light, wildflowers in Dana Reserve. Busiest month.
May
25°C/77°F (avg)
Warming rapidly. Still excellent but can feel hot by afternoon. Book ahead.
June
29°C/84°F (avg)
Hot and dry. Early morning Petra visits essential. Fewer Western tourists, more regional visitors.
July
32°C/90°F (avg)
Very hot. Early morning is the only comfortable time for Petra walks. Evenings are pleasant.
August
32°C/90°F (avg)
Hottest month. Intense UV. Petra by Night is very popular. Dana highlands more comfortable.
September
28°C/82°F (avg)
Warm but beginning to cool. Good balance of weather and thinner crowds than spring.
October
22°C/72°F (avg)
Excellent conditions. Ideal hiking temperatures, beautiful golden light, moderate crowds.
November
16°C/61°F (avg)
Cool and quiet. Good value accommodation. Occasional rain. A hidden gem month for Petra.
December
10°C/50°F (avg)
Cold. Peaceful and uncrowded Petra. Wrap up warm. Lowest prices of the year.
The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
Spring
Months: Mar-May
The finest season for visiting Ma'an. Temperatures are warm but not overwhelming (15-28°C at Petra level), wildflowers briefly colour the hillsides, and trails are dry and safe. Visibility is excellent for photography.
Summer
Months: Jun-Aug
Intense heat dominates the region, with temperatures regularly exceeding 35°C in Petra and 40°C in lower areas toward Ma'an city. The heat dissipates significantly after sunset, and evenings are pleasant. Dana's highland (1,400m) remains more comfortable.
Fall
Months: Sep-Nov
An excellent time to visit with warm but manageable temperatures (20-32°C in September, dropping to 12-20°C in November). Crowds thin significantly from October onward, and hotel prices soften. The light is warm and golden for photography.
Winter
Months: Dec-Feb
Winter brings cool to cold conditions throughout Ma'an. Petra can be cold (2-12°C) and occasionally rainy. Shoubak and Dana can receive snow in January-February. The site is quiet, atmospheric, and deeply peaceful in winter.
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- High Season
- March-May (peak), school holiday periods in July-August
- Shoulder Season
- September-October, June
- Low Season
- November-February
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Petra Festival of Music & Culture
Annual festival featuring international and Arab music performances inside the Petra archaeological site
Jordan Spring Festival
National event coinciding with the wildflower season, with hiking events and cultural activities across Jordan
Ramadan
Month of fasting — restaurants close during daylight hours but evening iftars create a wonderful community atmosphere
Eid al-Fitr
End of Ramadan celebration — 3-day public holiday with family gatherings throughout Ma'an Governorate
Jordan Rally
International off-road rally passing through southern Jordan including Ma'an Governorate