About Qasr al-Bint
Qasr al-Bint is a freestanding Nabataean temple in the archaeological site of Petra in southern Jordan. It is one of Petra’s most prominent stone temples and retains a clear temple façade and interior plan.
The temple features a classical-style columned façade and was built in ashlar sandstone masonry. It occupies a central position within Petra’s urban area and is easily reached from the main visitor routes inside the site.
Built in the Nabataean period with later Roman influences and repairs, the temple served religious functions within Petra and shows architectural continuity into the early Roman era. It suffered earthquake damage over time and has undergone archaeological study and conservation.
Qasr al-Bint sits in central Petra, set among the carved rock facades and open courtyards of the ancient city in Ma’an Governorate. It is reached on foot from Petra’s main trail network and visitor pathways.
- Freestanding Nabataean temple: One of the few freestanding temples in the archaeological city of Petra and among the best preserved Nabataean temples on site.
Nearby Attractions to Qasr al-Bint
Best Time to Visit Qasr al-Bint
Best visited in spring or autumn for mild temperatures and pleasant light; winter is cooler but quieter.
Weather & Climate near Qasr al-Bint
Qasr al-Bint's climate is classified as Cold Desert - Cold Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 3°C to 32°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Good | 3° - 13° | 6° | 30 mm | mostly sunny | 68% | 2.6 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.3h |
| February | Very Good | 4° - 14° | 8° | 28 mm | mostly sunny | 62% | 3.1 m/s | 1.0 high | 11.0h |
| March | Excellent | 7° - 18° | 12° | 24 mm | mostly sunny | 57% | 3.1 m/s | 1.5 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Ideal | 11° - 24° | 17° | 8 mm | mostly sunny | 48% | 3.5 m/s | 2.0 very high | 12.8h |
| May | Ideal | 15° - 28° | 21° | 2 mm | clear | 41% | 3.0 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 13.6h |
| June | Ideal | 17° - 31° | 24° | 0 mm | clear | 40% | 3.0 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 13.9h |
| July | Ideal | 19° - 32° | 26° | 0 mm | clear | 41% | 3.0 m/s | 2.8 extreme | 13.8h |
| August | Ideal | 19° - 32° | 26° | 0 mm | clear | 46% | 2.8 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 13.1h |
| September | Ideal | 17° - 30° | 24° | 0 mm | clear | 51% | 2.6 m/s | 2.0 extreme | 12.2h |
| October | Ideal | 14° - 26° | 20° | 2 mm | clear | 52% | 2.2 m/s | 1.4 high | 11.3h |
| November | Excellent | 9° - 20° | 14° | 12 mm | mostly sunny | 56% | 2.4 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 10.5h |
| December | Very Good | 4° - 14° | 8° | 28 mm | mostly sunny | 63% | 2.3 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.1h |
How to Get to Qasr al-Bint
Qasr al-Bint is inside Petra Archaeological Park near the centre of the ancient city. From modern Wadi Musa, it is a 5-15 minute walk along the main tourist paths depending on the entrance used (Siq entrance or the lower back route).
Most visitors arrive to Petra by road from Amman (approx. 3 hours) or Aqaba (approx. 2 hours); buses and shared minibuses service Wadi Musa, and taxis can drop visitors at Petra’s visitor centre.
Tips for Visiting Qasr al-Bint
- Climb the low hill behind the temple for a clear view of the site's orthogonal layout and the surrounding desert scape.
- Bring a hat and water-the site is exposed and shade is minimal; mornings are best for photography.
- Buy the combined Petra ticket if visiting Petra on the same trip; Qasr al-Bint is inside the Petra archaeological zone and is usually part of a wider Petra visit.
