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Little Petra

Archaeological Site

Nabataean rock-cut site north of Petra, Jordan, featuring carved facades and a narrow canyon; visitors often include it as a quieter complement to Petra's main sites.

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In this guide

Little Petra essentials

Country: Jordan
Driest months: Jun-Aug
Pay in: Dinar (د.ا)
Language: Arabic
Emergency: 191

Little Petra at a Glance

About Little Petra

Little Petra, locally known as Siq al-Barid, is a smaller Nabatean archaeological site located near the main Petra complex in Ma’an Governorate, Jordan. The site dates to the Nabatean period and functioned as a satellite settlement to Petra.

The site is characterised by a narrow sandstone canyon and a cluster of rock-cut façades, small temples and chambers, including a notable triclinium carved into the rock. The scale is smaller than Petra but offers closely accessible carved interiors and some preserved painted plaster fragments.

Established and used during the Nabatean era, Little Petra served as a residential and possibly commercial suburb or stopping point associated with Petra’s trade routes. Its rock-cut architecture reflects the same techniques used at the main Petra site and it remained visible through later centuries.

Little Petra lies immediately north of the main Petra archaeological area and is reached by a short drive from the modern settlements near Petra; the site occupies a sheltered canyon within the arid landscape of southern Jordan.

  • Alternate name and proximity: Also called Siq al-Barid, literally “Cold Canyon,” the site sits adjacent to the main Petra complex and is frequently visited on the same day as Petra.
  • Practical tip: Best visited early in the day to avoid heat and to see painted plaster remains and interior chambers with better light conditions.

What to See#

  • Siq al-Barid: A narrow, horseshoe-shaped gorge known locally as Siq al-Barid that provides the main approach and encloses several carved facades and rock-cut chambers.
  • Triclinium and carved facades: A rock-cut triclinium and several small Nabatean facades and tombs that survive with some painted plaster fragments and interior chambers.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Little Petra

Best visited in spring or autumn when heat and crowds are lower; winter is quiet but can be cold at dawn.

Spring
March-May · 10-25°C (50-77°F)
Cool mornings, wildflowers in the wadis, good trekking weather and smaller tour groups than in high summer.
Autumn
September-November · 15-28°C (59-82°F)
Pleasant temperatures and clear skies; afternoons are warm but mornings are crisp.
Winter
December-February · 0-15°C (32-59°F)
Chilly mornings; a quiet, reflective season - occasional rain but very few visitors.

Weather & Climate near Little Petra

Climate

Little Petra's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 31°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 75 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
42°
Warmest Month
-7°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Good 2° - 12° 5° 44 mm mostly sunny 68% 2.5 m/s 0.7 moderate 10.3h
February Good 3° - 13° 6° 40 mm mostly sunny 62% 2.8 m/s 1.0 high 11.0h
March Very Good 6° - 17° 11° 33 mm mostly sunny 57% 2.5 m/s 1.5 very high 11.9h
April Excellent 10° - 23° 16° 11 mm mostly sunny 48% 3.0 m/s 2.0 very high 12.8h
May Ideal 14° - 27° 20° 3 mm clear 41% 3.0 m/s 2.4 extreme 13.6h
June Ideal 16° - 30° 23° 0 mm clear 40% 3.0 m/s 2.8 extreme 13.9h
July Ideal 18° - 31° 25° 0 mm clear 41% 2.9 m/s 2.8 extreme 13.8h
August Ideal 18° - 31° 25° 0 mm clear 46% 2.8 m/s 2.5 extreme 13.1h
September Ideal 16° - 30° 23° 0 mm clear 51% 2.5 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.2h
October Ideal 13° - 26° 19° 2 mm clear 52% 2.2 m/s 1.4 high 11.3h
November Excellent 8° - 19° 13° 16 mm mostly sunny 56% 2.3 m/s 0.8 moderate 10.5h
December Good 3° - 13° 7° 39 mm mostly sunny 63% 2.4 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.1h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Little Petra

Little Petra sits roughly 8 km north of Wadi Musa (the town that serves Petra). The simplest route is a 10-20 minute taxi ride from Wadi Musa; many drivers will combine a Little Petra stop with a half‑day around Petra. It is also possible to walk along country roads and wadis in about 1.5-2 hours from the Petra Visitor Centre for those who prefer to hike. There is a small parking area beside the site for private cars and tour minibuses.

Tips for Visiting Little Petra

  • Go at first light: the low sun slants into the narrow canyon (Siq al-Barid) and brings out the ochres of the rock faces; crowds are minimal before 8am.
  • Combine Little Petra with a visit to Petra's Monastery or the village of Wadi Musa - taxis from Wadi Musa are inexpensive and shared rides are common.
  • Walk the rim trail above the carved facades for a view most visitors miss; the path climbs in places so wear shoes with grip.
  • Look for faint painted plaster inside some chambers - bring a small torch to see hidden details.