Best time to visit the Middle East
Visit in the springtime and you’ll be able to hike in the mountains and check out the ancient sites without the roasting temperatures or swarming crowds.![]()
For optimum comfort it’s best to visit the Middle East in the spring or the autumn. The weather will be warm and dry and you’ll avoid the extreme heat, crowds and high prices of the summer months. The winter season varies from country to country but is generally chilly and rainy, and in Iran can be downright freezing, with icy streets and snow-blocked mountain roads. The main reason to visit at this time would be to see the spectacular Christmas celebrations in Bethlehem, or to hit the ski slopes in Iran.
When to go to the Middle East, month by month
Egypt Nile and Red Sea Tours
Cairo, Giza, Luxor & Aswan Nile Cruise & Red Sea Holiday
From
£1641 to £3234
12 days
ex flights
Petra and Wadi Rum by bike, Jordan
Cycling trip through stunning desert scenery
From
£2349 to £2599
9 days
inc UK flights
Tailor made tour of Jordan & Israel
A tour of Jordan & Israel with breathtaking sites & fascinating history
From
£3295
15 days
ex flights
Iran tour, the best of Persia
Join us to discover Iran's rich culture and history
From
€960
7 days
ex flights
Cultural tour in Oman
Immerse yourself in mystery and magic of the culture of Oman
From
£1995
9 days
ex flights
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What happens when in the Middle East
Danniell Saunders, from our supplier Encounters Travel, on visiting Egypt:
"What we often do, especially in the summer months if we’ve got a set itinerary and it’s really hot, is adapt the itinerary accordingly, so perhaps not visit the Valley of the Kings during the day when the temp peaks, but get everyone up two hours earlier and have them visit when it’s cooler and there’s no crowds. Things are subject to change, so be flexible."
"What we often do, especially in the summer months if we’ve got a set itinerary and it’s really hot, is adapt the itinerary accordingly, so perhaps not visit the Valley of the Kings during the day when the temp peaks, but get everyone up two hours earlier and have them visit when it’s cooler and there’s no crowds. Things are subject to change, so be flexible."
Andrew Appleyard, from our supplier Exodus, shares his Jordan tips:
“Visiting Petra during the winter gives the sandstone a much more distinct colour variation whilst in the summer months of June, July and August it's virtually washed out. Also, different times of the day offer variations on light with the Treasury in shade during the morning and bathed in sunlight from around midday onwards. Getting up early, around 5am, is the best way to beat the crowds and the heat when visiting Petra.”
“Visiting Petra during the winter gives the sandstone a much more distinct colour variation whilst in the summer months of June, July and August it's virtually washed out. Also, different times of the day offer variations on light with the Treasury in shade during the morning and bathed in sunlight from around midday onwards. Getting up early, around 5am, is the best way to beat the crowds and the heat when visiting Petra.”
Anthony Horrobin, also from our supplier Encounters Travel shares his best time to go to Israel:
“Unless you particularly want to be in Israel for the religious festivities then I would avoid visiting during any of the main Islamic, Jewish or Christian holidays as certain sites may have limited opening hours and tourist numbers will be much higher.”
“Unless you particularly want to be in Israel for the religious festivities then I would avoid visiting during any of the main Islamic, Jewish or Christian holidays as certain sites may have limited opening hours and tourist numbers will be much higher.”
Festivals & events in the Middle East
‘Sham al-Naseem’ meaning ‘sniffing the breeze’ is celebrated by all Egyptians the day after Coptic Christian Easter, to mark the beginning of spring. People picnic on the banks of the Nile, there is music and dancing, shisha puffing and lots of shooting.
In late July and early August each year, Jordan’s ancient plazas, avenues and theatres provide an enchanting backdrop for the Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts, a major celebration of music, drama, dance, poetry, craftwork and fine art.
If you want to shake off any preconceptions that you have about Israel, head to the Midburn Festival in the Negev Desert. The country’s answer to the famous Burning Man Festival, it’s not a music festival, but a colourful, creative explosion that’s all about self-expression and community vibes.
In late July and early August each year, Jordan’s ancient plazas, avenues and theatres provide an enchanting backdrop for the Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts, a major celebration of music, drama, dance, poetry, craftwork and fine art.
If you want to shake off any preconceptions that you have about Israel, head to the Midburn Festival in the Negev Desert. The country’s answer to the famous Burning Man Festival, it’s not a music festival, but a colourful, creative explosion that’s all about self-expression and community vibes.
More Middle East articles
The Middle East will confound your expectations and take you to a world far away from the bad news headlines.
Families make for Oman and Jordan; experienced travellers could head to Iran and Iraq.
Find out why the Middle East is about so much more than ancient ruins.
This dynamic region is a fantastic place for adventurous families with kids of all ages.
Head out with a knowledgeable operator who knows the region, and discover its amazing hospitality.
Our guide to safety in Egypt explains the situation, with useful advice from the FCO.
Get travel advice from our local experts to ensure that your Middle East holiday runs as smoothly as possible.
We highlight some of the issues affecting the region and explore how to have a positive impact.
