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Classic · Monuments

Petra 2026: Ad Deir at the winter solstice, dates and times

Petra, the Monastery, Jordan

Next date UTC+3

Petra, Ad Deir at the winter solstice

What happens

The axis runs at 238° from north: the setting sun falls into it while its height is between 6.5° and 7.5°. Outside that band the alignment does not close.

Next dates

Local times at the site (Asia/Amman).

  1. 17:01 UTC+3

    Window 10 December 2026 – 2 January 2027 · holds 24 days

  2. 17:01 UTC+3

    Window 10 December 2027 – 2 January 2028 · holds 24 days

  3. 17:01 UTC+3

    Window 9 December 2028 – 1 January 2029 · holds 24 days

  4. 17:00 UTC+3

    Window 9 December 2029 – 2 January 2030 · holds 25 days

  5. 17:01 UTC+3

    Window 10 December 2030 – 2 January 2031 · holds 24 days

Where to stand

Viewpoint: Ad Deir, inside · Petra, the Monastery, Jordan
30.33780, 35.43110

Look towards 238° from north.

Good to know

The effect falls after the site’s winter closing time: from the Monastery it is about 800 steps (40–60 min) plus 1–1.5 h to the Visitor Centre. You need a park permit or a licensed guide.

The effect lasts a few minutes and depends on the mountain profile, measured to about half a degree. It falls after Petra’s closing time: check access first.

Dates for 2026–2030, worked out by Duskbox’s own astronomy engine: the sun from NREL’s SPA, the moon topocentric, both with atmospheric refraction.

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