From the ancient lands of Petra to the mystical desert of Wadi Rum, there's no doubt that a trip to Jordan will be an unforgettable adventure. But when exactly is the best time to visit? Although Jordan is a year-round destination, there are varied climates due to the country’s diverse landscapes. Coastal cities like Aqaba are warm and sunny all year round, while cities further inland like the capital city of Amman see more extreme weather.
When is the best time of year to visit Jordan?
Generally, the best time to visit Jordan is during spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). The weather is more temperate which means you can explore iconic sites like Petra or the Wadi Rum without getting scorched by the sun. Granted, it's busier during these months, but if you go during a shoulder month like March or November you should miss the big crowds.
Travelling during the summer (June to August) isn't off the cards, but it can be challenging for those not accustomed to the heat as temperatures are known to top 40°F in some regions. The same goes for winter – while it's possible, heavy winter rains can cause flash floods so you may need to leave some wiggle room in your itinerary for travel disruption (not ideal if you're pushed for time).
What's the weather like in Jordan?
Although Jordan is a fairly small country, there are distinct climate zones ranging from Mediterranean in the west to desert in the east and south. Sunshine is plentiful with an annual average of 300 days per year.
Summers are long, hot and dry throughout. July and August are the hottest months, with the Dead Sea coast and the Valley of Jordan River seeing the highest temperatures. There’s hardly any rain and the wind doesn’t offer much reprieve due to such dry conditions. The intense heat tapers down come September with cooler days and even cooler nights. Late October sees some rainfall which adds a splash of green to the arid landscapes.
Excluding coastal regions which boast warm weather all year, winters are short, wet and windy with most of the country’s annual rainfall occurring in December and January. The temperature can dip below freezing at night in the Wadi Rum and snow occasionally falls at higher altitude destinations like Petra, Amman and the western mountain ranges. The winter chill is replaced with warmer conditions come March with comfortable temperatures lingering until May when the summer kicks off.
Average temperatures in Amman
|
MONTH |
AVERAGE HIGH (°C) |
AVERAGE LOW (°C) |
|
January |
4 |
13 |
|
February |
5 |
14 |
|
March |
7 |
18 |
|
April |
11 |
23 |
| May | 15 | 28 |
| June | 18 | 31 |
| July | 20 | 32 |
| August | 20 | 33 |
| September | 18 | 31 |
| October | 15 | 27 |
| November | 10 | 20 |
| December | 6 | 15 |
Visiting Jordan in spring (March-May)
Best for: hiking, wildflowers, experiencing local culture during Ramadan
If you want to explore Jordan's great outdoors, spring is one of the best times to do it. Daytime highs average a comfortable 18-28°C and nights are cool but comfortable with warm layers. The rainy season ends between late March and early April, and so it’s a great time to go hiking as most of the trails are open. It’s also one of the most picturesque seasons with wildflowers blooming all over the valleys and hills thanks to the winter rain.
Another drawcard is Ramadan (although the exact dates change every year depending on the crescent moon). During this month-long religious event, Muslims give up food and drink from dawn till dusk to practise spiritual discipline and become closer to God. The days might be sleepier than usual, but it’s a totally different story come evening! The streets, restaurants and cafes are buzzing with people staying up late to eat and drink. You’ll need to plan ahead and avoid eating in public during the day, but it’s a wonderful opportunity to experience Jordanian culture.
Visiting Jordan in summer (June-August)
Best for: festivals, smaller crowds
Summer is sizzling hot throughout Jordan, with temperatures peaking in August. Highs in Amman average 31 to 33°C, and it’s even hotter along the Dead Sea coast and in the Valley of Jordan where it can reach 38-42 °C (100-108 °F). The coastal city of Aqaba has occasionally topped a scorching 45°!
While hiking and exploring the desert may be off the cards (unless you're experienced and prepared for the heat), summer can be a great time to visit popular sites like Petra as they're much quieter at this time of year. The festival calendar is also jam-packed, including the much-anticipated Jerash Festival for Culture and Art in late July which celebrates the best of Jordanian art, music, culture, literature and food.
Visiting Jordan in autumn (September-November)
Best for: spending time along the coast, diving, hiking
Autumn is a prime time to visit Jordan. Daytime highs linger in the low 30s in September and drop to the low 20s by November. Nights are cool, but not cold, which is ideal for camping in the Wadi Rum. With the arrival of the first rains in October, the valleys and hills turn green again and so it's an ideal time to go hiking.
October is also a great month for beach bums as you can enjoy the beaches and swim (or float!) in the Dead Sea without getting sizzled. Diving conditions are also at their best with excellent visibility, pleasant water temperatures and abundant marine life including turtles and eagle rays. The near-perfect weather conditions attract more tourists, so just be prepared for slightly higher prices and queues at all the popular sites.
Visiting Jordan in winter (December-February)
Best for: small crowds, empty beaches, enjoying Jordanian hospitality
While winter is the low season, it’s a fab time to visit sites like Petra without throngs of tourists lining up to queue or take photos – if you’re willing to brave the cold, that is! It's a magical feeling walking around this ancient city when it's super quiet. If you want to go hiking in Wadi Mujib or other trails near water, you may want to consider another season as some trails close due to heavy rain and the risk of flash flooding.
The cold weather is a great excuse to cosy up in coffee shops and experience Jordanian hospitality. Warm up with a mint tea while people watching in Amman, tuck into warm khubz (pita bread) or spend the evenings learning how to make falafels, mansaf and other traditional dishes at a cooking class. Or, if you’re looking to escape the European winter, head to the Red Sea or the Dead Sea coast for a beach holiday where average highs hover in the low to mid-20s.
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