Beidha (archaeological site)
Archaeological Site Neolithic archaeological site with ancient settlement remains
Beidha, a Neolithic site north of Petra, contains early stone houses and archaeological layers from pre‑Pottery and early Bronze Age occupations; visitors reach it from Petra tours to see prehistoric village remains.
Beidha is a prehistoric archaeological site in southern Jordan’s Ma’an Governorate near the Petra area, notable for early Neolithic settlement remains. It is one of the region’s important sites for understanding prehistoric village life.
The site preserves foundation plans of early stone and mudbrick structures, courtyards and traces of domestic activities from Neolithic occupations. Interpretation focuses on early agriculture, domestic architecture and community layout from the Pre-Pottery Neolithic and later Neolithic phases.
Excavations in the mid-20th century documented successive occupation phases dating back to the early Neolithic, showing transitions from hunter-gatherer camps to settled agricultural villages and later Bronze Age use. Archaeologists have used Beidha to study early farming and village organization in the southern Levant.
Beidha lies a few kilometres north of the main Petra/Wadi Musa area in southern Jordan, set on a small upland terrace above surrounding wadis.
- Visitor note: The archaeological site contains well-preserved Neolithic structural remains and is often visited from nearby Petra as a short archaeological stop.
How to Get to Beidha (archaeological site) #
Beidha is a short drive north of Petra’s archaeological park; most visitors combine the two in a single excursion. Private cars and organized tours from Wadi Musa (the town next to Petra) usually include short transfers to the Beidha site.
Tips for Visiting Beidha (archaeological site) #
- Combine Beidha with a visit to nearby Petra for comparative archaeology - Beidha is quieter and gives context to later Nabatean sites.
- Wear sturdy shoes; paths around the tell and excavation areas are uneven and can be sandy.
- Bring sun protection and water - shade is limited and the Jordanian sun is unrelenting in summer.
Best Time to Visit Beidha (archaeological site) #
Beidha is best visited in spring or autumn for comfortable exploring; summer heat can be intense and winter nights cold.
Weather & Climate near Beidha (archaeological site) #
Beidha (archaeological site)'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 32°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with 42 mm of rain and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 13°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
