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Best time to visit Jordan

The best time to visit Jordan is spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) when daytime temperatures are pleasantly warm and nights aren’t too cold. Jordan’s weather and climate vary dramatically depending on location and altitude. In summer, the temperature in Jordan can be blisteringly high. In winter, the deserts can be freezing at night and snow is not unheard of. Our guide to when to visit Jordan helps you plan the perfect trip.

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The best time to visit Jordan

You won’t regret packing an extra layer if it means comfort when spending a night at a Bedouin desert camp, sleeping out between the dunes under a canvas of stars

With around 90 percent of the country covered by desert, summers are scorching, so the best time to visit Jordan is in the cooler spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). Winter holidays in Jordan appeal to some, though be aware of cold nights – the desert sands of Wadi Rum plummet to 4°C in winter. The north-west of Jordan is hilly and lush, and bags most of the country’s annual rainfall, especially in January. The weather in Amman reaches a toasty 32°C between June and September, while nights can drop below freezing from December to February. Meanwhile, the beaches of Aqaba and the salty Dead Sea touch 40°C in July, which you may find uncomfortably hot.

Call us for the best time to go to Jordan

When should I go to Petra in Jordan?

The best time to visit Petra is spring or autumn, when temperatures are pleasantly mild during the day (around 25-30°C) and the weather is dry. As for the best time of day to visit Petra, Andrew Appleyard from our partner Exodus Travels (and also a qualified archaeologist) points out: “Different times 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.” That said, visiting Petra at night, when it’s illuminated by candlelight, is a magical experience not to be missed if you have the opportunity.

A month by month guide on when to go to Jordan

January in Jordan

Petra without the crowds

Dead Sea area warmer

Expect rain and chilly winds

Jordan in January sees the coldest month of the year, though temperatures remain at a bearable 5-10°C. Light waterproof jackets are recommended for chilly mornings and evenings – Jordan can get as much as 70 percent of its average rainfall in January, and snow is not unknown. On the plus side, you can see Petra in January without the crowds, and swimming in the Red Sea is fine with a wetsuit.

February in Jordan

Snow possible in the mountains

Jordan Valley and Aqaba quite warm

Aqaba Traditional Arts Festival

Jordan in February remains distinctly chilly, so even though this is a desert country you should wrap up warm. Winter in the Eastern Desert, particularly, can be bitterly cold and dry. The central spine of hills can receive snowfall during winter months. The weather in Amman in February also tends to be very cold, but around Aqaba it’s warmer – handy for the Traditional Arts Festival.

March in Jordan

Spring temperatures rising

Petra and other sites still quiet

Perfect weather for walking

With wildflowers emerging, green valleys, and temperatures in their teens, Jordan in March enjoys the start of spring. Given how busy they get later in spring, March can be the best time to visit Petra and other popular places: it’s getting warmer but there are still very few crowds around. Spring marks the best time for walking in Jordan, as it’s generally dry and sunny, and the landscapes are beguiling.

April in Jordan

Wildflowers in bloom

Walking and cycling

Amman International Theatre Festival

As spring continues, even desert landscapes are beautifully draped with wildflowers. With sunny, generally dry weather, and temperatures still some way off baking hot, Jordan in April basks in the ideal conditions for both walking and cycling. The greenery in areas such as the Ajloun Forest Reserve is particularly resplendent. April is also the best time to visit Jordan and Israel together, enjoying their culture and ancient sites on a combined trip.

May in Jordan

Temperatures climbing

Ideal sightseeing weather

Can be crowded and expensive

Many people choose to visit Jordan in May – the climate is ideal for sightseeing, walking and other activities around the country. Consequently, popular sites such as Petra (which is typically a few degrees warmer than Amman) get very crowded, and you’ll find both flights and accommodation are expensive in May too. Jordan marks independence from Britain following World War II on 25 May.

June in Jordan

Start of summer and low season

Temperatures get uncomfortably hot

Hiking and cycling tours drop off

If you visit Jordan in June, a refillable water bottle and wide-brimmed hat are essentials. This is the beginning of summer, when temperatures can easily get into the mid-30°Cs and beyond, especially when the Sirocco, a dry southerly wind, sweeps across the desert. Sandstorms, though a rarity, can occur. Desert skies in June can be wonderfully clear, however, so sleep-outs at Bedouin encampments allow for marvellous stargazing.

The best time to hike from Dana to Petra, or indeed to visit Jordan in general, is spring and autumn.

– Farah Abubakar from our partner Experience Jordan

July in Jordan

Peak summer season

Scorching sun and heat

Jerash Festival

Temperatures regularly top 40°C in Jordan in July. Sightseeing, hiking, cycling and even the resorts around the Red Sea are all uncomfortably hot, so July is definitely one of the worst times to visit Jordan. That being said, Amman in July is noticeably a bit cooler than Petra and Aqaba, and if you are prepared to face the heat, you will certainly find popular locations very quiet. Jerash, meanwhile, hosts a major arts and culture festival among its Roman ruins.

August in Jordan

Very high temperatures

Landscapes bleached of colour

Seek shade around midday

Jordan in August gets intensely hot, and if you’re visiting then it’s best to follow the locals and seek out shady spots between midday and mid-afternoon. Staying well-hydrated is vital – even the camels have a parched look in their faces. The Jordan Valley, the area around Aqaba and the Eastern Desert, is baked under the sun and bleached of colour while the rocky walls of Petra also lose some of their beauty. Jordan suffers from water shortages, so try and keep showers to a minimum.

September in Jordan

Autumn begins

Temperatures start to fall

Good time for Red Sea diving

Temperatures cool down a little across Jordan in September, though you can still expect it to be very hot during the day. This is the start of autumn, another peak season in Jordan. Swimmers, snorkellers and scuba divers regard September as one of the best times to visit Aqaba, on the shore of the Red Sea. Water temperatures are a warm 26°C and marine life, including eagle rays and turtles, is abundant.

October in Jordan

Pleasant temperatures

Some scattered rainfall

Good for sightseeing and activity holidays

October is a very popular time of year to visit Jordan, with much cooler temperatures. Occasional patches of rain give some colour to the desert landscapes, but most of the month is dry. Jordan in October has potential for everything from archaeology trips and multi activity holidays to birdwatching and scuba diving. October is also the best time to visit the Dead Sea, with warm water ideal for a relaxing float.

November in Jordan

Perfect trekking and cycling weather

Chilly mornings and evenings at higher elevations

Red Sea resorts are busy

There’s much to recommend Jordan in November, both in terms of sightseeing and getting out and about in the desert. Sunny, warm and usually dry, the climate is ideal for everything from walking to cycling to canyoning, while the beaches and dive boats of the Red Sea remain reliably busy. However, there’s definitely a chill in the air as the winter rainy season approaches, and you’ll want a light jacket for evenings.

December in Jordan

Start of winter, temperatures drop

Flurries of snow in mountainous areas

Good time for quieter sightseeing

There’s no mistaking that winter is on the way if you’re visiting Jordan in December. Temperatures are dropping considerably, rain is likely, and higher elevations see their first dustings of snow. However, December is a good time to go to Jordan still, because while it’s chilly in the mornings and evenings, the temperatures are very manageable. Places such as Petra are much quieter, while flights and accommodation are less expensive.

You might think these desert destinations are always warm but in winter a good jumper for early mornings and evenings is a must-pack!

– Naomi Jackson from our partner Explore Worldwide

Amman Weather Chart

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Best times to visit Jordan for festivals & events

Aqaba Traditional Arts Festival (February)

Situated on the Red Sea, Aqaba hosts a large festival every February that champions traditional Bedouin culture. It’s an excellent place to pick up some beautiful handicrafts such as leatherwork, woven baskets and jewellery.

Amman Dead Sea Ultra Marathon (April)

During this feat of endurance (rather you than me, pal), hardy runners start at the lofty elevations of Amman and over 50km make their way down to the shore of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth.

Amman International Theatre Festival (April)

The Amman International Theatre Festival is a hub of artistic expression in the Middle East, attracting drama groups and audiences from around the world, giving their creative efforts a global platform. As well as plays, there are often expert workshops on topics such as sound techniques and improv.

Jerash Festival of Culture & Arts (July)

Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts features performances from many Jordanian and Arab artists, as well as those from further afield. It all takes over the Roman ruins of Jerash, which provides an atmospheric backdrop to music, dance, poetry and drama.

Ramadan & Eid-al-Fitr

The month of Ramadan is celebrated in Jordan as it is in Muslim countries throughout the world, with fasting and the spectacular banquet-feast of Eid-al-Fitr at the end. The dates change each year. Ramadan can be a lovely time to visit Jordan as it’s such a special time for Muslim people – itfar, the sunset breaking of the daily fast, is often a communal affair to which lucky travellers might be invited.

Our travellers also ask...

What is the hottest month in Jordan?

The hottest month of the year in Jordan is July, when temperatures are regularly in the mid-30s°C but can often top 40°C in exposed desert landscapes. Some daring souls do choose to travel to Jordan in the middle of summer, and it’s true that locations such as Petra and the Red Sea resorts tend to be much quieter.

Finding shade at the hottest part of the day, covering up and staying well-hydrated are essential. Bear in mind too that Jordan struggles with its water supply, so while you’ll want to wash off the desert dust every day, try to keep showers to the minimum.

What is the coldest month in Jordan?

January is the coldest month of the year in Jordan, and usually the wettest too. This is midway through the rainy winter season, and you can expect temperatures around 5-10°C, so pack with chilly mornings and evenings in mind. January can be a good time to visit Petra and other key sites around Jordan, however, as they tend to be far quieter during the low season.

When is the best time to visit the Dead Sea?

The best time to visit the Dead Sea and float in its salty waters is in spring (march to May) or autumn (September to November). The summer heat gets very oppressive, easily into the mid-30°Cs and beyond, and water evaporation means there is often a mist over the water. The Dead Sea is shrinking, due mainly to less freshwater getting in as it is diverted by numerous dams across the Jordan Valley and Sea of Galilee.

You can swim in the Dead Sea year-round – even in winter it’s rare for water temperatures to drop much below 20°C. And while posing with a newspaper in the Dead Sea is a must for many, don’t read it cover to cover. It’s recommended not to be in for more than a 20-minute float, as the intense salinity of the water can dehydrate you.

When is the best time to visit Wadi Rum?

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are considered the best time to visit Wadi Rum, ‘the Valley of the Moon’. That said, there’s nothing stopping you exploring this arid desert landscape in the winter or summer months either. In summer, expect early starts to beat the heat and ensure you’ve got plenty of water and a sun hat. In winter, you’ll want to layer up for chilly mornings and evenings – the temperature can drop below freezing overnight, and snow and rain are possible.

When is the best time to visit Jordan & Egypt?

Spring (March to May) is the best time to visit Jordan and Egypt on a combined trip, although you can travel year-round. However, most choose to avoid the summer months (June to August) in both countries as the heat is very strong, while Jordan gets very cold and rainy in winter (December to February). Our Egypt and Jordan travel guide has more details.

When is the best time to visit Jordan & Israel?

Weather-wise, mild shoulder months such as May and October are the best time to visit Jordan and Israel together. We would suggest spring – March to May, as the ideal travel season. Desert hillsides are blanketed with colourful wildflowers, and the weather is sunny and warm. Autumn can also be a good season to travel, as the summer heat dissipates, but Israel gets very busy in September and October for Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year) and Yom Kippur. Read our Israel and Jordan guide to learn more about when to go.