Best Time to Visit Jordan

Jordan is a destination that can be visited year-round, with a wide range of natural wonders and cultural attractions. The best time to visit depends on the activities you hope to enjoy and your personal travel preferences.

Generally, spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons for enjoying full days of exploration, but you’ll be sharing the sites with many other visitors. Wandering the ancient city of Petra and other ruins can be enjoyed during the summer and winter if you’re willing to brave the elements. Those who do will be rewarded with significantly smaller crowds, but it’s important to bring extra layers and rain gear in the winter, and in the summer, plenty of protection from the sun. It’s best to explore early in the morning before the heat gets too intense.

No matter what season you plan to visit, your trip is likely to be one to remember, but we’ll provide a more in-depth look to help you make the best possible decision for your travels.

The wet weather of winter begins to dissipate by March, giving way to warm, sunny weather during the day, hovering in the low to mid-70s Fahrenheit, with temperate nights in the 50s. It’s the best time to visit the desert regions, with temperatures much more bearable and the sand dotted with colourful desert flowers. Going off the beaten path is ideal now as you’ll avoid the hordes of tourists, such as camping among the dunes in Wadi Rum or traveling north to see a centuries-old castle.

The downside of spring is that the prices will be at their highest of the year, and the crowds at their thickest at the most popular destinations.

By the time mid-June rolls around Jordan will be hot, with average highs above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The extreme heat makes it unpleasant for desert hikes and other outdoor activities, but for those accustomed to high temperatures, the long days allow for more sightseeing, prices will be significantly discounted, and crowds will be thin or non-existent.

If you plan a summer visit, consider August, the best time to come to watch the Perseid meteor shower in Wadi Rum with the skies the darkest and clearest of the year. If you don’t want to deal with the heat but this season is the only option, the rolling hills in the northern highlights provide a cool respite among shady olive groves.

Fall is another great time to visit Jordan, although you may want to aim for October or November as September can still be hot with temperatures in the upper 80s. The mercury dips down to the 70s by October. This season is ideal for hiking in the mountains and for those who want to dive in the Red Sea. The water will still be warm enough and marine life plentiful – just be sure to book your accommodation well in advance get to a room in the coastal city of Aqaba.

Like spring, with Jordan so appealing now, this season also brings the crowds and higher room rates.

Rain and snow are common in the capital city of Amman, but weather patterns vary depending on the destination. It can get quite chilly, just above freezing, at Petra and Wadi Rum. Temperatures around the Dead Sea and at Aqaba on the Red Sea will be comfortably warm, while conditions in the high desert can be unpredictable. As the majority of precipitation falls during December and January, if you plan a visit in winter, February is arguably the best month, with spring just around the corner. Another reason to come this month is Aqaba’s annual festival that celebrates the Bedouin culture, with local foods, market stalls, demonstrations and workshops.

As winter is a low season, there will be fewer crowds to contend with and discounted hotel rates too.