Best time to visit Jordan

Best for: smaller crowds, empty beaches and enjoying Jordanian hospitality

While January’s in the middle of low season (winter), it’s still a fabulous time to visit Petra without hoards of tourists lining up to queue or take photos – if you’re willing to brave the cold that is! But it is a magical feeling to walk around this ancient city when it’s super quiet. However, if you’re a keen hiker, then January in Jordan isn’t for you as popular hiking trails in Wadi Mujib or other trails near the water can close due to heavy rainfall and the risk of flash flooding.

Best for: cooking classes and café hopping

While the cold weather of winter might make you want to cuddle up in your hotel room with a good book and a cup of hot chocolate, low temperatures are perfect for exploring the many fascinating cafes, boutique stores and Jordanian hospitality found in cities all over the country. Warm up with a mint tea while people-watching in Amman, tuck into a warm khubz (pita bread) or spend the evenings learning how to make falafels, mansaf and other traditional dishes at a cooking class.

Best for: hiking and wildflower viewing

The winter chill of February is replaced with warmer conditions come March with comfortable temperatures experienced into April. And, if you want to explore Jordan’s great outdoors, spring is one of the best times to do it. Daytime highs average a comfortable 64°F-82°F and nights are cool but comfortable if you have warm layers on.

The rainy season also ends in March (but can continue on into April), so it’s a great time to go hiking as most of the trails are open and the wildflowers are blooming thanks to the winter rain. Remember to take your camera with you as you traverse valleys and hills in search of some of the most picturesque views in all of Jordan.

Best for: experiencing local culture during Ramadan

April is one of the best months to visit Jordan if you love the sun but don’t love hot weather. The Wadi Rum Desert has well and truly emerged from winter’s freezing conditions but the hottest days of summer haven’t yet arrived so April really is the sweet spot with average temperatures in the mid 70°Fs. 

Another drawcard to visiting Jordan in April 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 practice 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, so you’ll need to plan ahead and avoid eating in public during the day, but it’s a wonderful opportunity to experience Jordanian culture.

Best for: Independence Day celebrations and experiencing the Bedouin lifestyle

Temperatures are starting to climb now that summer is around the corner with average temperatures in the mid-high 70°Fs. It’s worth noting that May is one of the busiest months out of the shoulder season, and despite weather conditions getting hotter as the month wears on, there’s still plenty of people around. If you’re keen on seeking the colder (and quieter) parts of the country, Amman experiences comfortable temperatures of 64°F-82°F, while Petra’s average temperatures fluctuate between 55°F-75°F.

Best for: Coronation Day celebrations and having fun at Aqaba Marine Park

Summers are long, hot and dry, and it all kicks off in June. Jordan experiences plenty of sunshine each year (around 300 days). Most of it falls between June and August, but unfortunately, with all that sun comes extremely high temperatures of up to 102°F (average temperatures sit around 86°F), so it’s best to carry a reusable water bottle with you whenever you’re out exploring.

Luckily, there are plenty of coastal destinations in Jordan to cool off at, starting with Aqaba. This holiday hotspot promises endless fun for kids and kids at heart thanks to the Aqaba Marine Park and popular diving spots such as Kiwi Reef and Blue Coral. There are also several beaches you can plonk yourself at for the whole day to get some vitamin D, make sandcastles and go for a swim.

Best for: festivals, visiting historic sites and cooling off in waterfalls along the Dead Sea

July is one of the hottest months in Jordan with the Dead Sea coast and the Valley of Jordan River seeing the highest temperatures - we’re talking averages of 90°F. There’s hardly any rain during the month and the wind doesn’t offer much reprieve due to such dry conditions.

But, just because it’s hot doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do! The festival calendar is jam-packed in July, including the much-anticipated Jerash Festival for Culture and Art, which celebrates the best of Jordanian art, music, culture, literature and food.

Best for: smaller crowds at popular places and indoor activities

Summer sizzles in Jordan and temperatures hit their peak in August. Highs in Amman average 88°F-91°F, and it’s even hotter along the Dead Sea coast and in the Valley of Jordan where it can reach a sweltering 100°F-108°F. The coastal city of Aqaba has occasionally topped a scorching 113°F!

While hiking 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 as this time of year. Although, you should try to visit first thing in the morning before temperatures get too high.

Best for: hiking and exploring archeological sites

The intense heat of August tapers down come September with cooler days and even cooler nights, making it a prime time to visit Jordan. Daytime highs linger in the mid 80°Fs, and while that might not seem like a massive reduction, you’ll be able to feel the few degrees of difference when you’re out exploring everything this spectacular country has to offer.

However, the near perfect weather conditions attract more tourists, so be prepared for slightly higher prices, lower availability and longer queues at all the popular sites. To avoid disappointment, lock in your travel plans as soon as possible.

Best for: camping in the Wadi Rum Desert, beach lounging and diving

October sees the start of frequent rainfall, especially towards the end of the month, which adds a splash of green to the arid landscapes. Both days and nights are cool, but not yet cold, which makes for ideal camping conditions in the Wadi Rum Desert.

This is also one of the best months 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.

Best for: museum visits and shopping in Amman

The weather in November in Jordan is quite moderate with average temperatures sitting in the mid 60°Fs (a welcome relief after several months of 85°F+). It’s not uncommon for the rains of October to dampen the first few weeks of November, but generally they’re quite light and don’t last long leaving you plenty of time for rain-free exploring.

Nighttime temperatures border on cold during November, especially in the Wadi Rum, so pack lots of layers to avoid discomfort once the sun goes down.

Best for: relaxing at beachside destinations along the coast and Christmas celebrations

December marks the beginning of the short, wet and windy winter season and these weather patterns are felt all over Jordan except for the country’s coastal regions (which boast warm weather all year round). Most of Jordan’s annual rainfall occurs in December and January so pack your umbrella and a few water-resistant outfits – think jackets, pants and sturdy walking shoes.

You’re also going to need plenty of layers as the temperature can dip below freezing at night in the Wadi Rum, and snow occasionally falls in higher altitude destinations like Petra, Amman and the western mountain ranges. But, 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 mid to high 60s°F.