Shoubak Travel Guide
City Town in Ma'an governorate with Crusader castle
Perched on a cool plateau, Shoubak wears a Crusader ruin - Montreal Castle - overlooking rolling orchards. Tourists arrive to explore the medieval fortress, hike limestone tracks, and taste apples and goat cheeses grown on nearby terraces.
Why Visit Shoubak? #
Perched on a cool highland plateau south of Petra, Shoubak attracts visitors drawn to its Crusader-era Montreal Castle and sweeping mountain views. The town’s apple orchards and simple stone houses give it a pastoral feel, while local Bedouin traditions and communal coffee ceremonies provide cultural depth. For food lovers, hearty mansaf and roasted mountain lamb taste like Jordanian countryside; stay for seasonal festivals and friendly village markets.
Top Things to Do in Shoubak
All Attractions ›
- Shoubak (Montreal) Castle - Crusader castle founded by Baldwin I, perched above town with weathered stone halls.
- Terraced apple orchards - Walk among terraced apple orchards and small farms offering seasonal fruit and local hospitality.
- Shoubak weekly souq - Weekly souq sells spices, handcrafts and fresh produce, lively with regional vendors.
- Dana Biosphere Reserve hiking routes - Hiking routes in Dana reserve reveal sandstone canyons, endemic birdlife, and remote viewpoints.
- Wadi al-Hasa - Drive into Wadi al-Hasa for dramatic river-carved gorges and ancient irrigation remains.
- Bedouin tea gatherings - Join a Bedouin family for tea and traditional stories over open-fire hospitality.
- Petra - World-famous archaeological site with carved facades and winding Siq entrance, about two hours' drive.
- Wadi Rum - Desert wilderness of red sandstone and dunes offering jeep tours and overnight camps.
Best Time to Visit Shoubak #
Best time to visit is spring (March-May) when temperatures are mild and wildflowers bloom; autumn is also pleasant. Winters bring frosts and occasional snow while summers are hot but milder than the deserts.
Best Time to Visit Shoubak #
Shoubak's climate is classified as Cold Semi-Arid - Cold Semi-Arid climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 31°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 10°C and lows of 0°C. The wettest month with 61 mm of rain and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 16°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 16°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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How to Get to Shoubak
How to Get Around Shoubak #
Shoubak is a small hillside town where the centre is walkable on foot. Regional minibuses (service vans) and shared taxis connect Shoubak with nearby towns such as Karak and Ma’an; these are the usual public-transport options. If you’re exploring the surrounding countryside or castle sites, hire a car or arrange private transport, because services are infrequent and schedules can change.
Where to Stay in Shoubak #
Where to Eat in Shoubak #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Shoubak's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Shoubak #
Nightlife in Shoubak is quiet. Evenings revolve around local cafés and family restaurants rather than bars or clubs. If you’re after more evening options, head to nearby larger towns where there are more cafés and social venues.
Shopping in Shoubak #
Shopping is limited to basic grocery shops, small kiosks and local vendors selling produce and household items. For larger markets, branded shops or more variety, travel to Karak or the larger cities. Souvenirs and tourist-oriented shopping are scarce in town.
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