If you're planning a trip to Jordan you're probably wondering what to pack. Now, while you might be looking for a list of specific items to bring (i.e. a wide-brimmed sun hat, sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes, etc), Jordan is a predominantly Muslim country and you might also be wondering what type of clothing is culturally acceptable to wear.
What should I wear in Jordan?
Although Jordan is known as one of the more progressive countries in the Middle East, it's still a mostly Muslim country and conservative clothing is the norm. You don't need to cover yourself from head to toe, but the dress code is on the stricter side when compared to western countries like those in Europe and the United States. Dressing conservatively acts as a sign of cultural respect, which means walking around in a short dress or shorts above the knee generally wouldn't be acceptable.
When you're out in public, you should aim to cover your shoulders and knees at the very least, and midriffs and cleavage should never be on show. Tops that don't cover the shoulders are classed as underwear in Jordan, not so much in the capital city of Amman and other tourist hubs, but it's better to be on the safe side anyway. Remember to dress modestly when visiting sites of religious significance or else you may be denied entry.
As well as being culturally appropriate, you'll soon find that covering up with long, loose-fitting and lightweight layers is not only a great way to keep cool but also to stay protected from the sun and insect bites – it's warm and sunny all year round in Jordan and the sun can be intense. Wearing shorts can also be seen as disrespectful, so opt for long pants instead.
Dress codes are generally stricter for women than men, and many female travellers choose to wear a headscarf like the local women. Jordanian women who don't wear a headscarf usually tie their hair up instead, so you may wish to do this as well, particularly when visiting religious sites.
Overall, Jordanian people are extremely friendly and hospitable and if you respect the local culture and customs, you'll be welcomed with open arms (and plenty of Bedouin tea!).
Learn more about popular drinks in Jordan
Packing list for Jordan
As a desert region, Jordan can have extreme weather. Temperatures are generally hot with little rain and this can become extreme during the summer months between June and August. From December through March it can be very cold, particularly out in the desert where night temperatures can plunge to sub-zero. Even in the hot months, it can get cold in the desert at night. Consider bringing a sleeping bag, thermals, scarf, woolly hat, gloves and a warm jacket for travel in this period, especially on itineraries that include camping in Wadi Rum.
Find out what to pack with this comprehensive Jordan packing guide
Learn about the best time to visit Jordan
Our Jordan tours
8 Days
From
1141
Travel to Jordan and tour Amman, Madaba and the inspiring desert landscape of Wadi Rum....
15 Days
From
2359
Take an adventure holiday through Egypt and Jordan. Visit Cairo, the Pyramids of Giza,...
8 Days
From
1554
Experience the best of Jordan on this 8-day adventure. From Amman, 4WD through Wadi Rum...
8 Days
From
2168
Jordan is a paradise for the curious, so discover Amman, Wadi Rum, Petra and Jerash on...
9 Days
From
1234
Follow in the footsteps of prophets on an adventure tour through Jordan and Egypt....
19 Days
From
3868
This 19-day tour explores the best of Egypt and Jordan in Comfort, from Cairo to...
16 Days
From
6397
Discover Egypt and Jordan on a 16-day Premium adventure from Cairo to Amman, including...
Tailor-Made trips
Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
7 Days
From
723
Journey through Jordan on a small-group adventure, past the awesome sights of Petra,...
22 Days
From
2805
Explore Jordan and Egypt with a trip to Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, Cairo, the Nile, Aswan,...
8 Days
From
1730
Spend 8 unforgettable days exploring Jordan on foot on a trekking adventure covering...
22 Days
From
7695
Discover the contrasts of modern and ancient Egypt and Jordan on this in-depth Premium...
9 Days
From
2287
Pedalling past Petra, Jerash, Mount Nebo, Wadi Rum and more – experience the best...
15 Days
From
4221
Tick the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the Nile, the Dead Sea and The Treasury in Petra...
15 Days
From
1648
Take an epic adventure through Egypt and Jordan, seeing two Wonders of the World, the...
8 Days
From
1751
Discover lost cities on a family adventure in Jordan. From the capital Amman to the...
6 Days
From
1428
Discover diverse heritage and delicious dishes on a 6-day food-focused journey through...
15 Days
From
3838
Decode the secrets of the Great Sphinx and more during this family adventure through...
8 Days
From
2057
Join Intrepid on a tailored women-only adventure for 8 days in Jordan. Enjoy a female...
22 Days
From
5470
Experience the best of the Middle East across Jordan, Egypt, Israel & Palestine....
15 Days
From
3991
Explore the best of the Middle East: discover Jordan and Israel, explore Wadi Rum,...
28 Days
From
10974
Deep dive into the Middle East on a 28-day Premium journey through Egypt, Jordan,...
19 Days
From
2831
Travel to Egypt’s Cairo, Luxor and the Nile to Jordan’s Petra, Amman, the Dead Sea and...
15 Days
From
4841
Travel through Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Camp out in Wadi Rum and...
22 Days
From
8802
Uncover the culture and history of the Middle East on a 22-day Premium journey through...
14 Days
From
6324
Journey through a history of biblical proportions on this 14-day Premium small-group...
11 Days
From
1781
Discover Jordan, Israel & the Palestinian Territories on a journey to Petra, an ancient...
14 Days
From
4752
Discover the authentic flavours of Jordan, Israel and the Palestinian Territories on...
22 Days
From
7272
Take a Middle Eastern adventure that explores the wonders of Egypt, Jordan, Israel and...
26 Days
From
7748
Embark on an immersive, 26-day journey through the diverse Middle East, from the icons...
3 Days
From
858
Travel to Jordan and visit Petra, the ancient 'lost city'. Be awed by ancient...
