The Ultimate Guide to the Best Time to Visit Jordan
Introduction
I think that Jordanian climate deserves a separate article. As an experienced traveler, I have learned the hard way that timing is (almost) everything when it comes to planning a trip. That’s especially true for Middle Eastern countries with extreme climates like Jordan. Yes, Jordan is a land of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, but it’s also a land where the sun can fry an egg on the sidewalk in seconds. So, if you’re planning a trip to Jordan and want to avoid becoming the next crispy chicken nugget, you need to know the best time to visit. In this guide, I’ll break down Jordan’s climate, month-by-month, and give you some tips and tricks to help you avoid spontaneous combustion while exploring this incredible country, also by considering your budget.
Understanding Jordan's Climate
So, whether it is for the ancient ruins of Petra, the Mars-like Wadi Rum, the floaty Dead Sea, or simply food, you decided to go to Jordan. Good for you, bad luck permitting, you’re in for a good time. But, as I mentioned earlier, Jordan is located in the Middle East, where the sun is so hot that even Satan wears sunscreen. In the summer, temperatures can reach up to 40°C, which is hotter than a jalapeno’s fart. But don’t let that scare you; there are still ways to enjoy Jordan without feeling like a roast chicken. And no, I don’t recommend going during winter either because it can get quite chilly at around 5ºC. That’s because Jordanian climate can still be classified as Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and cool, rainy – yet short – winters.
Takeaway
The best time to visit Jordan is during the spring and fall when the temperatures are mild and the weather is pleasant. Summer can be unbearably hot, and winter can be rainy and cold.
Consequently, if you’re planning a trip to Jordan, it’s essential to know what to expect from the weather, so you can pack accordingly.
"Spring" into action and explore Jordan during the most blossoming time
Spring is the best time to visit Jordan for many reasons. The weather is mild, and the country’s nature reserves are in full bloom, making it the perfect time to explore the great outdoors. You can discover the country’s cities, explore the ancient ruins of Petra, go on a desert safari or on a desert stargazing session, visit the Dead Sea, hike in the nature reserves, or try your hand at canyoning. Basically, you can do whatever your heart desires. Moreover, the country’s festivals and events are in full swing during spring if you are looking for something that is off the beaten path.
However, the only downside of traveling during spring is that many other travelers, both international and local, will have the same idea as yours (yep, you’re not the only genius out there). Indeed, spring is considered a high season in Jordan, so you can expect higher prices and larger crowds. Ah, before I forget, if canyoning is your jam, March is a tricky month as Wadi al Mujib only opens on April 1st (with some exceptions depending on weather conditions).
Why summer may not be the "hottest" time to visit Jordan
Summer is not the best time to visit Jordan. The weather is unbearably hot, and any outdoor activities can turn into potential health hazards if you don’t stay sufficiently shielded from the sun and, most importantly, hydrated.
However, the scorching heat does not deter all the tourists who find relief in the 40ºC oven of Jordan. Who are these daredevils? you may ask. Well, it’s none other than their neighbors from the Gulf countries. They are used to even hotter temperatures back home, so for them, Jordan’s heat is like a refreshing breeze. And this means that if you hoped to at least get the attractions all for yourself in exchange for your suffering, you’re in for disappointment. The small win is that the crowds are smaller compared to the high season, but you should be ready to start early in the morning, avoid the midday sun, drink lots of water or fruit juice, and reapply sunscreen frequently.
"Fall" in love with Jordan during autumn
Autumn in Jordan is like receiving a warm hug from your favorite relative. It’s not too hot, not too cold, and just the right amount of cozy. It’s the perfect time to enjoy outdoor activities, just like spring. But what’s even better is the opportunity to join in on the annual olive harvest and get your hands dirty (just don’t expect to become an olive oil connoisseur overnight).
Moreover, the fall season brings a wealth of festivals and events to Jordan, all contributing to making it a high season. So be prepared for bigger crowds and higher prices. The only bummer is that November can be a tricky month if you’re into canyoning or nature reserves. Wadi al Mujib and some trails of the Dana Biosphere Reserve close on October 31st, although exceptions apply depending on weather conditions. So, don’t let that put a damper on your plans if you had your heart set on those activities.
Visiting Jordan in winter?
"Snow" problem
Winter may not be the most popular time to visit Jordan, but it can be a real snow-stopper. Yes, you heard it right – snow is rare but not impossible. All jokes aside, winter is a hidden gem for travelers who want to explore the country’s culture and history without rubbing shoulders with other tourists. The weather might be chilly and wet, but it’s a great opportunity to visit the country’s museums, ancient ruins, and nature reserves without breaking the bank (it’s low season, baby).
The only downside of visiting Jordan in winter is that around 60% of the annual rainfall happens during this season, which can lead to heavy rains and flash flooding. Planning flexibility is key because some sites may close unexpectedly. But fear not, there are plenty of indoor activities to enjoy, like museum visits and cooking lessons, to save the day. So, if you are traveling on a budget, you might want to consider a winter travel plan.
"Fasting and Furious": navigating Jordan during Ramadan
Hold your appetite, people, because the holy month of Ramadan is coming up fast! As the dates for this sacred month observed by Muslims change every year, it’s essential to be aware of it if you’re planning a trip to Jordan. You don’t want to be caught with a shawarma in your hand during the fasting hours. Kidding, travelers are not required to participate (but having a basic understanding of this tradition can help). Keep in mind that services, hours of operation, and even food and beverage sales may be affected during this time. Plus, Muslim countries only start buzzing after sunset for their big iftar meal during Ramadan. So, before you book your trip, take a quick glance at your calendar and see if your dates overlap with Ramadan. Are you up for the challenge? If you’re interested in learning more about Muslim culture, Ramadan can be the perfect time to visit Jordan. You might even get lucky and be invited to an iftar (after the last prayer) or suhoor (before the first prayer) meal with locals, where you can savor the flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine and get a genuine taste of what Ramadan is all about. Just remember to bring dessert 😉.
The best time to visit Jordan: a month-by-month breakdown
My sincerest apologies but after five puns, my creative title reservoir has run dry. However, don’t let my lack of wit discourage you from continuing to read on. Stick around, and I’ll reveal what exciting activities and events await you in Jordan every month of the year.
January
January is the coldest month in Jordan, with average temperatures ranging from 2 to 12ºC. It can be rainy and even snowy in some parts of the country. While January is not the best time to visit if you’re looking for warm weather, it’s an excellent time to experience the country’s history and culture without the crowds. And, if you are a foodie like me, you already know what you can do to fight the cold weather. Food doesn’t fear rain and wind.
February
February is similar to January in terms of weather, with temperatures ranging from 3 to 14ºC. It’s still a bit chilly, but there are fewer tourists, and you can enjoy the country’s sights and attractions without the crowds. On top of that, February is the month of love, and what better place to celebrate Valentine’s Day than the Rose City of Petra? Moreover, if you’re feeling a bit tired of the beaten path, after indulging yourself in the warm waters of the Red Sea, why not check out the Aqaba Traditional Arts Festival (a very intriguing festival to promote and support Bedouin culture) and the Azraq Festival (promoting the culture, art, and handmade crafts that are produced in the city)?
March
March is when the weather starts to warm up in Jordan, with temperatures ranging from 6 to 18ºC. It’s the perfect time to explore the natural wonders of Jordan, as it marks the beginning of the wildflowers blossom season, and you don’t want to miss the Instagram-worthy pics. Otherwise, if you are into fitness, you can challenge yourself with the 645 km long Jordan Trail and cross the country from the very north (Umm Qays) to the very south (Aqaba). Or, if you want to try something shorter, on the second Thursday of March each year you can run the Dead2Red Relay Running Race, which starts at 415 meters below sea level (Dead Sea) and gradually ascends to sea level (Aqaba) over 242km.
April
April is the best time to visit Jordan if you’re looking for warm weather and still moderate crowds. The temperatures range from 9 to 23ºC, and the weather is pleasant. It’s an excellent time to visit historical sites, go on a wildflower tour in one of the country’s nature reserves, or view a blossoming Wadi Rum (something that I really want to see too someday).
May
May is the peak of the high season in Jordan, with temperatures ranging from 13 to 28ºC. It’s an excellent time to visit the country’s nature reserves, go hiking, or go on a hot air balloon ride or camel trekking in Wadi Rum, as the desert is stunning this time of the year. In May, two main events take place, namely the Jordan Rally, which attracts motorsport enthusiasts from all over the world, and the 50 km Dead Sea Race, which is run in the lowest place on Earth. Lastly, if you’re into formal celebrations, Jordanian Independence Day is celebrated on the 25th of May.
June
June is when the temperatures start to soar in Jordan, with average highs of 34ºC. It can be too hot for some travelers, but if you’re looking for a true, hot desert adventure for hard people only, this is a good time to visit. Clear skies are a bonus. You can go on a camel ride, sleep in a Bedouin tent, or explore the Wadi Rum desert both on a jeep or from above while flying in a hot air balloon. If traveling in June, you can find some relief by hitting the beaches of Aqaba. You can go snorkeling, scuba diving, or enjoy a day at the beach. Lastly, on the 9th of the month, you can stumble across celebrations for King Abdullah’s coronation day anniversary.
July
July is the hottest month in Jordan, with temperatures averaging 36ºC. It’s not the best time to visit if you’re looking for mild weather, but you can practice your ice cream- and fruit juice-tasting skills. I would avoid having a stroke while exploring the country’s ancient ruins, and rather go shopping, or visit the country’s museums. Moreover, July also brings with it the famous Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts, which includes music, dance, and theater performances, as well as food and craft vendors, and even a Roman chariot race re-enactment.
August
August is similar to July in terms of weather, with temperatures averaging 36ºC. It’s not the best time to visit if you’re sensitive to heat, but you can still enjoy the country’s attractions if you plan your itinerary accordingly. Overall, I would say that the only perk of visiting Jordan in August is the perfectly clear skies that allow for amazing stargazing sessions during the Perseid Meteor Shower.
September
September is the start of the fall season in Jordan, with temperatures ranging from 21 to 34ºC. It’s an excellent time to visit if you’re looking for milder weather for everything outdoors and for snorkeling in the Red Sea. September is also when the olive harvest season kicks off in Northern Jordan, so get ready to learn more about this precious fruit. But if you’re looking for something that would make you burn more calories, you can always try the Petra Desert Marathon. If you like running, it should be a unique experience. Lastly, if you’re looking for some cultural experiences, you can attend the Haya Theater Festival in Amman for outstanding puppets, shadows, and light shows by performers from all over the world.
October
October is the best time to visit Jordan if you’re looking for mild weather and beautiful scenery. The temperatures range from 14 to 28ºC, and the weather is pleasant. It’s an excellent time to visit the Dead Sea, go on a desert safari, or explore the country’s nature reserves, such as the Dana Biosphere Reserve. If you missed the Haya Theater Festival in September, fear not, as it’s a month-long appointment and you can still attend in October. And if you’re a runner, the Amman Marathon is the perfect occasion to show off.
November
November is similar to October in terms of weather, with temperatures ranging from 8 to 20ºC. It’s Jordan’s shoulder season and it’s an excellent time to visit if you’re looking for mild weather and fewer crowds. If you’re into hiking, the 80 km Dana to Petra hike is something you might want to check out at this time of the year.
December
December is the start of the low season in Jordan, with temperatures ranging from 4 to 15ºC. It can be rainy and even snowy in some parts of the country, which makes it the perfect time to visit if you’re traveling on a budget. You can try out the different indoor activities that Jordan has to offer, and if you’re a foodie you can go on a culinary tour or even take a cooking class.
Planning your trip to Jordan: some last tips and tricks
Hold onto your camel, because it’s finally time to plan your epic Jordanian adventure. Here are some last tips and tricks to help you avoid any hiccups along the way.
Book your accommodations in advance. Jordan is a popular tourist destination, so don’t be left sleeping in the sand. Get your bookings sorted ahead of time, or you might just find yourself bunking with the local scorpions.
Pack wisely. No, not the kind of packing where you stuff your suitcase with six pairs of shoes. Pack for the weather. And, luckily for you, I got you covered with my ultimate packing guide. And if you have time to read more about how to dress in Jordan, you can also take a look at my clothing guide for the Middle East.
Plan your itinerary carefully. With so many places to see, you might end up with FOMO. Take a deep breath and plan your days carefully. Make a list of attractions that interest you and factor in travel time and sufficient rest time (I should’ve listened to my own advice instead of running on an average of 4 hours of sleep per night lol).
Conclusion
Well, there you have it – the ultimate guide to the best time to visit Jordan! Whether you’re looking to explore the ancient wonders of Petra, soak up the sun on the beaches of Aqaba, or experience the vibrant culture and traditions of this incredible country, there’s never a bad time to visit Jordan. Just make sure to plan your trip carefully, pack accordingly, and prepare for some extreme weather conditions depending on the time of year. And who knows, with a little bit of luck, you might even get to experience some of Jordan’s unique festivals and initiatives during your stay. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Jordan today and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime. And don’t forget to try the delicious food!
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