Qasr al-Bint
Monument Freestanding Nabatean temple within Petra archaeological site
Prominent freestanding temple inside Petra’s archaeological zone, one of the better-preserved Nabatean monuments. Tourists visit to inspect the temple façade and to walk the surrounding rock-cut city.
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.
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.
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.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 13°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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June
June is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 17°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 19°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 19°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 17°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 14°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°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. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
