Petra records 43,901 visitors in September 2026

Official visitor figures for Petra in Wadi Musa show that the ancient city received 43,901 visitors during September 2026. The Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority published the figures on 1 October 2026, making visitor numbers the latest news from Jordan's best-known archaeological site.

Petra visitor figures show 43,901 arrivals in September

The authority reported that 21,995 of September's visitors came from abroad, while Jordanian visitors numbered 17,136. Arab visitors accounted for 3,560 people and residents for 1,057, according to data from the authority's Archaeological Documentation and Tourism Research Center.

The September total was lower than the 47,658 visitors recorded during the same month in 2025. The authority also reported 362,215 visitors during the first nine months of 2026, compared with 372,779 in the same period of the previous year. The 1 October visitor figures came from the regional authority responsible for tourism in the area.

Rock-cut monuments put the September figures in context

The archaeological city stands between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea. It was a Nabataean caravan city, partly built and partly carved into red sandstone, and its mountain setting contains passages, gorges, tombs, temples and water-management structures.

The Siq forms the main eastern approach to the former city. The route leads towards the Khasneh, while the wider archaeological area includes the Urn Tomb, Palace Tomb, Corinthian Tomb and Deir, as well as freestanding remains from later periods. The site's combination of rock-cut architecture and ancient water engineering explains why the September visitor figures relate to more than a single monument. Petra has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1985, and UNESCO describes the property as a protected archaeological area managed with Jordanian heritage authorities. Its World Heritage description records the site's architectural and archaeological features.

Winter access followed the September reporting period

The published figures cover September, but the operator's visitor information also records a seasonal change that matters to travellers arriving after the reporting period. Winter hours at the site and visitor centre began on 2 October 2026, one day after the month measured by the authority had ended.

The change places the September visitor report beside a clearly stated access period. It does not alter the reported total, but it gives the figures a practical point of reference for visits in October and early November.

Visiting Petra: what travellers from Western Europe should know

• The visitor figures concern September 2026, and the authority published the total on 1 October 2026.
• Winter hours apply from 2 October 2026 to 1 March 2027, with the site and visitor centre listed as open from 6.30am to 5pm by the operator.
• The visitor centre is at 28 Wadi Mousa, Jordan, and provides information, maps and arrangements for licensed guides.
• The archaeological area includes the narrow Siq, mountain passages, gorges, rock-cut tombs and steep sandstone terrain.
• Jordan's official language is Arabic and its national currency is the Jordanian dinar.
• Entry requirements depend on your nationality; UK travellers can check the FCDO travel advice at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice, Irish travellers the Department of Foreign Affairs at ireland.ie.

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Frequently asked questions about Petra

What were Petra's visitor figures on 1 October 2026?

The authority reported on 1 October 2026 that 43,901 people visited the archaeological city during September 2026.

What is Petra?

Petra is a Nabataean caravan city and archaeological site partly carved into sandstone, with monuments including the Khasneh and the Deir.

Where is Petra and how do you get there?

Petra is near Wadi Musa in Jordan. The visitor centre is listed at 28 Wadi Mousa and provides information, maps and licensed guide arrangements.