Little Petra
Archaeological Site Nabataean rock-cut site adjacent to Petra
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.
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.
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.
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.
Weather & Climate near Little Petra #
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.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. The wettest month with 44 mm of rain and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (40 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 (33 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 31°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 31°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 13°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
