When Does Petra by Night Operate? Everything You Need to Know

When the sun dips behind Petra’s red cliffs and the desert hushes into silence, a different world awakens. The rose-red city, carved by the Nabataeans more than 2,000 years ago, transforms into a realm of candlelight, stars, and whispers of history — an experience unlike any daytime visit.This is Petra by Night — where time slows, senses heighten, and ancient stories come alive beneath the desert sky. The Art of Noctourism Noctourism isn’t just sightseeing after dark — it’s a celebration of stillness and soul. In Petra, the journey begins with a candle-lit path through the Siq, a narrow canyon that glows like a ribbon of amber light. Each step echoes softly against sandstone walls, leading you toward the heart of the experience — the Treasury.Here, surrounded by flickering candles and the hum of silence, you’ll witness Petra as the Nabataeans might have seen it under the stars — pure, quiet, and eternal. Stargazing in the Ancient City Far from the glare of modern cities, Petra offers one of the clearest desert skies in Jordan. On moonless nights, constellations unfold in breathtaking clarity — Orion’s Belt, the Pleiades, and the Milky Way sweeping over the sandstone cliffs.As you sit before the Treasury, look up — the same stars that once guided ancient traders across the Silk Road now illuminate your path. It’s not just stargazing; it’s time travel. Tranquility and Reflection There’s a rare calm that descends on Petra after dark. The air cools, the crowds fade, and the site breathes again. The experience invites reflection — a moment to feel the weight of history and the lightness of silence.Each candle flame mirrors a heartbeat, and each shadow tells a story of resilience and wonder. For many, Petra by Night is not only a visit — it’s a meditation. Night Photography: Capturing the Magic For photographers, Petra by Night is a dreamscape. Long exposures reveal a tapestry of light and shadow — golden candles flickering against deep indigo skies. The Treasury, illuminated in soft hues, becomes an ethereal canvas for your lens.Whether you’re a professional with a tripod or a traveler with a smartphone, the challenge and reward are the same: capturing the soul of Petra without breaking its silence. A Journey Beyond Time Petra by Night is more than an attraction — it’s an invitation to rediscover wonder. It reminds us that beauty thrives in quiet moments, and that sometimes, the most powerful experiences happen when the world is asleep. So when the stars rise over the desert, walk the Siq once more. The candles will lead your way, and the echoes of history will welcome you home.

Discover the Story of Petra Like Never Before: A New Projection Experience at Petra by Night This season at Petra by Night, we’re offering something truly special — a powerful new projection show that tells the story of Petra using light, sound, and holograms. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Treasury, this show brings Petra’s history to life in a magical and unforgettable way. 1. The Carving of Petra The show begins by showing how the Nabataeans carved Petra’s buildings directly into the rock. Through creative light projections, you’ll see the process come alive, as if ancient stonemasons are carving the Treasury before your eyes. 2. The Story of King Aretas IV We then introduce you to King Aretas IV, one of Petra’s greatest rulers. Using 3D effects and holograms, we tell the story of his leadership and how he turned Petra into a powerful and rich capital. His rule marked the golden age of the Nabataeans. 3. The History of Petra Next, the projection takes you on a journey through Petra’s rich history. You'll see how it became a center of trade, culture, and architecture. The show highlights the many civilizations that influenced Petra, from the Nabataeans to the Romans. 4. The Great Earthquake One dramatic part of the show recreates the powerful earthquake that damaged Petra centuries ago. With sound effects and shaking light visuals, you’ll experience the moment the city was forever changed. 5. Petra’s Amazing Water System Finally, the show explains how the Nabataeans built a smart and advanced water system in the desert. Using animated theories, we show how they collected, stored, and moved water, a key reason Petra was able to survive and grow in such a dry area. Art and Imagination After the Show At the end of the show, guests can enjoy a 15-minute photo session while we display artistic versions of Petra on the Treasury. These include colorful, dream-like, and traditional styles — showing Petra not only as it was, but as it continues to inspire the world today.