Petra is a full day of walking on uneven, sandy ground — often several kilometres, plus optional climbs of hundreds of rock-cut steps — under strong sun with almost no shade. Pack for a hike, for the sun, and for Jordan's modest dress norms, and you'll be comfortable all day. Here's the checklist.
The essentials
- Shoes
- Closed, broken-in walking shoes or trainers
- Sun
- Hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen
- Water
- At least 1.5–2 litres per person
- Cash
- Jordanian dinars for extras inside the park
- Dress
- Modest — shoulders and knees covered
Footwear and clothing
Comfortable closed shoes are the single most important item — there is sand, gravel, and a lot of stone steps, so leave the sandals and new shoes at the hotel. For clothing, choose light, breathable layers. Petra's temperature swings are large: mornings and evenings can be cold even when midday is hot.
Sun and water
Shade is scarce once you pass the Siq, so a wide-brim hat, sunglasses and sunscreen matter year-round. Carry at least 1.5–2 litres of water; there are a few kiosks inside but they are pricier and not always where you need them.
Dressing respectfully in Jordan
Jordan is fairly relaxed for travellers, and you won't need to cover your head — but it is a Muslim-majority country, and modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees is respectful, especially for women and away from resort areas. Light long sleeves and trousers double as sun protection.
Desert nights are cold — even in summer. If you're staying for Petra by Night or heading on to a Wadi Rum camp, pack a warm layer you can throw on after sunset.
Season by season
In summer, go as light and breathable as possible and double your water. In winter, add warm layers, a fleece and a packable rain jacket — and grippy soles for wet, slippery rock. Check the best time to visit for month-by-month temperatures.
What to carry
A small daypack covers it: water, sun kit, a layer, snacks, cash, a power bank, and your ticket. Skip anything heavy — you'll be carrying it up a lot of steps.
