May at a glance
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Weather | Dry, warm and getting hotter late in the month, pleasant nights in the desert |
| Petra | Open 6 am to 6 pm: go at opening to avoid the midday heat |
| Eid al-Adha | Around 16 and 17 May 2027 depending on the moon: public holidays, busier sites and roads |
| Independence Day | 25 May: public holiday in Jordan |
| Dead Sea and Aqaba | Already hot; morning or late afternoon advised |
Petra in May
Long days let you see the site without rushing, but full midday sun can be hard: enter at 6 am, keep the Monastery for the morning and rest in the shade at noon. Bring plenty of water and a hat. See how to visit Petra, the Siq and the Jordan Pass.
Eid al-Adha and public holidays
Around Eid al-Adha (about 16-17 May 2027), Jordanians travel: hotels and sites are fuller, roads busy, and some shops close for a day or two. Book accommodation early. On 25 May, Independence Day is also a public holiday. The exact Eid dates depend on the moon: confirm before booking.
What to do in May
- Wadi Rum: hot days but pleasant nights, see which Wadi Rum tour and the bubble camp.
- Petra early in the morning and Little Petra late in the day.
- Dana Reserve for walking before the big heat: Dana.
- Dead Sea and Aqaba: swimming and snorkelling, see the Dead Sea and Aqaba.
What to pack
Light, covering clothes, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a light jacket for desert nights and plenty of water. For the route, see Jordan in 7 days, and for the year's calendar Jordan weather month by month. For the previous month, see Jordan in April.
Frequently asked questions
Is May a good month for Jordan?
Yes, it is the end of the good season; you just have to cope with the rising heat.
When is Eid al-Adha in 2027?
Around 16 and 17 May depending on the moon: confirm before booking.
What are Petra's hours in May?
6 am to 6 pm from 2 March to 1 October, according to the official site.
La rédaction Jordan Authority, 24/10/2026.
