Best Time to Visit Jordan… inc Petra & Wadi Rum

In my opinion, choosing the best time to visit Jordan is absolutely key in making sure you have a fantastic travel experience in this country, including visiting the highlights of Petra and Wadi Rum,

Located in the Middle East, close to Egypt and Israel, Jordan has both valley and desert regions and is filled with incredible historical monuments and archeological sites.

What many people don’t realise however, is that Jordan also has some lovely beaches, great dive sites and top nature reserves filled with hiking and camping opportunities too, so whether you’re a history buff or a nature fanatic, there’s tons to explore in this country you won’t want to miss!

Read on to discover when the best time to visit Jordan is and then start planning your trip to this amazing country today…

 

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Overall Best Time to Visit Jordan

Overall, the best time to visit Jordan is during the country’s spring or autumn seasons.

This includes the months of April, May and June, plus September and October.

If you plan to visit several different parts of this country – think the coast, Amman, the Dead Sea, Dana Biosphere Reserve, Petra and Wadi Rum – these months provide the best all round opportunities for blue sky days and reasonable temperatures.

Giving the optimal balance for sightseeing, hiking and catching some sun, visiting during these months will help ensure you aren’t sweltering in some seriously scorching heat and, equally, that your chances of getting a lot of rainy and cloudy days are minimal.

You might be tempted to hit up this country during the hottest, summer months, but be warned, things can get seriously sweaty and uncomfortable at this time of year, especially in the desert areas (which cover large parts of Jordan).

Instead, sticking to the spring and autumn months (especially April, May and September) is definitely the best option for those who want to sightsee, sunbathe, float on the Dead Sea, camp in the Dana and soak in the historic sights.

The only thing you may want to be be aware of if you’re planning to visit Jordan in Spring, is when the holy month of Ramadan is.

Usually falling in and around the month of April, this key Islamic festival lasts 1 month and dates change each year, so do check them when planning your visit to Jordan.

Ramadan isn’t a major obstacle to visiting Jordan – you can certainly still travel at this time – but given Jordan is a majority Islamic country, so you should refrain from eating in public in the day and be aware that some disruption to services, opening hours and transport etc may occur.

That said, after dark, the streets come alive in Jordan during Ramadan, as cafes and restaurants fill with those breaking fast and enjoying social company late into the evening.

 

Jordan’s Weather

At this point, it’s probably worth taking a minute to talk about the weather and climate in Jordan.

A fairly small country with a population of just over 11 million, Jordan has a sliver of coastline along the Gulf of Aqaba, but is otherwise landlocked by countries including Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia – giving some insight into the country’s fairly arid climate.

Amman, the capital of Jordan in the west of the country, is only about 150km from the Israeli city of Tel Aviv on the coast, and therefore weather patterns in this part of Jordan by their relatviei proximity to both the Mediterranean Sea and the so-called Fertile Crescent.

In essence, this means colder, wetter winters and very hot, dry summers.

In contrast, the further eastern parts of Jordan, which are inland and closer to the Arabian Peninsula, are drier with higher daytime temperatures all year round. 

In winter the desert heat here is bearable, but in summer, it gets seriously scorching!

Thats said, most tourists tend to stick to the western strip of Jordan, where Amman, Jerash, the Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, Petra and Aqaba all lie.

For this reason, when researching the best time to visit Jordan, you want to consider the weather patterns in this part of the country more.

 

 

Hottest and Coldest Months in Jordan

Across Jordan, the hottest months of the year are July and August, when daytime temperatures regularly exceed 35 degrees celsuis (and often hit 45 degrees celsuis at the coast).

With so many of the ancient sights of this country located outdoors, without shade, walking around and sightseeing in these kind of temperatures is no fun, is why I don’t think these summer months are the best time for visiting Jordan.

Conversely, January and February tend to be the coldest times of the year in Jordan.

During these months, winter descends and temperatures struggle around 15 degrees celsuis in many locations… and even below this in desert regions at night!

This means visiting Petra in the early morning, or camping in Wadi Rum, would be absolutely freezing in Jan or Feb, which is why I don’t recommend visiting Jordan during winter either!

 

Best Time to Visit Petra and Wadi Rum

Both located in arid areas in the southwest of Jordan, Petra and Wadi Rum get their peak crowds during the Spring and Autumn months – especially April, May, September and October.

At these times, as I’ve explained before, there’s the best balance of various weather factors – days are dry and long, daytime temperatures are warm and night time temperatures are comfortable too.

These are generally acknowledged as the best times to visit Petra and Wadi Rum, but bear in mind, they also bring the highest prices and largest crowds.

If you’re looking for solo shots of Petra and getting a unique take on this desert city, then heading in the winter months can be a great idea! Just bring a lot of warm layers!

Camping in Wadi Run is far too cold in the winter however, so stick to the late autumn (November) and Early Spring (March) if you want the uncrowded experience here.

 

When to Visit Jordan: Month by Month Guide

January

January is one the coldest and wettest months in Jordan.

The only region boasting warm temperatures at this time are the desert in the daytime and the coast…ish!

If you want to snap Petra without people, or you’re keen to enjoy indoor cooking classes and cultural workshops, Jan could be the best time to visit Jordan, but otherwise I’d give it a miss!

 

February

Temperatures warm slightly in February, but this is still winter in Jordan, so short days and cold evenings are to be expected!

Rainfall is also quite high still too, so bring your waterproof and warm layers!

That said, if you want to visit when crowds are low across the main sights and prices are better in accommodation options, February can be a good choice.

 

March

Spring is arriving in Jordan in March and days begin to edge towards fresh and pleasant across much of the country.

The desert is mild and there’s few tourists around, making March an excellent time to enjoy popular places like Petra without the crowds.

Wildflowers begin to bloom in March too, which makes this early spring time a great option for hiking in the valleys.

Just beware that night time temperatures can still be fresh.

 

April

The first month I recommend as the best to visit Jordan, temperatures are now hovering around at least 23 degrees across the country, making Jordan a great place to grab some Easter holiday warmth as the days here draw out.

Just remember to check when the holy month of Ramadan (and the celebration that marks its end – Eid al-Fitr) falls, as this can affect trip planning.

Also consider April carefully if your budget if its small – this is a peak month to visit Jordan and, as such, prices will be at their highest.

 

May

A great month to visit Jordan, especially as the days are long and light!

The coast is wonderfully warm and sunny, while sightseeing is perfect with comfortable, blue skies days.

The desert is still not too hot to be enjoyable with highs of 28 degrees C and lows of 15 degrees C.

All round, May is a great time to visit Jordan.

 

June

Things are starting to warm up in Jordan now and potentially getting uncomfortable in some regions.

The coast is a good option thanks to the breeze, but everywhere else you’ll want to bring good sun protection and your sun hat!

Wadi Rum and Petra are starting to get quieter – a good chance to squeeze in a lower-key visit,

 

July

One of the hottest months to visit Jordan – the desert is unbearably warm at this time and, even on the coast, it’s really too hot, with temperatures above 35 degrees celsius most days.

Drink lots of water and stay out of the midday sun if you are visiting Jordan in July therefore!

The only place you may think about visiting at this time is Petra, which is at its quietest and, thanks to the dip in temperature at night in this region, just about manageable!

 

August

Like July, August is super hot everywhere in Jordan.

Sightseeing is difficult and life can be uncomfortable, especially when you have to wear longer modest clothing.

Avoid the coast which has been known to reach a sizzling 45 degrees celsius during this month.

 

September

Another top month for visiting Jordan; the temperatures are returning to reasonable during September, meaning sightseeing and active adventures are very possible.

Days are long and the sea wonderfully warm, although prices and crowds are peaking again too!

 

October

Also a popular month to visit Jordan, especially during the half term holiday, temperatures are still warm across most of the country in October, the sea is still pleasant, the mountains are good for hiking and hitting both the desert and the coast is comfortable.

Rain begins to fall near the end of the month, turning the hilltops and valley areas of Jordan green again.

 

November

Daylight hours are rapidly reducing and temperatures start to dip, but November is still good for activities such as hiking and diving in Jordan.

In fact, November is the peak season for scuba at Aqaba with excellent visibility, good water temperatures and top wildlife spots, such as turtles and eagle rays, in abundance.

 

December

A cool month, with temperatures dropping across the country as Jordan enters winter.

The desert regions can get really cold at night and the wind at the coast picks up too.

That said, crowds are thin and you’re guaranteed some incredible desert photography sessions!

If you’re looking for a festive break with a difference, Jordan could be perfect… just make sure you wrap up warm!

 

 

 

Top Travel Tips for Jordan

How to Get There?

Flights to Jordan’s main international airport, Queen Alia International Airport, arrive from cities across Europe and beyond.

As always, I use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals.

Queen Alia International Airport is just 30km from Amman and tourists can travel between the 2 using a transfer service, a taxi or a express shuttle bus.

 

How to Get Around?

Local buses (Jett are the company to go for) and minivans, as well as organised day trips, all allow you to get around Jordan with ease.

However, if you want to visit off the beaten track spots, hiring a car is really the best way to travel the county.

Check out these great Jordan rental car deals for more info.

 

Top Jordan Tours

Alternatively, if you’d rather not travel Jordan independently, these top tours are another great way to experience the country.

 

Safety Tips for Jordan

As a solo female traveller, safety when adventuring alone is big on my radar.

And I’m glad to say I felt very safe in Jordan.

Used to tourists and very hospitable, Jordanians are welcoming, friendly and accustomed to Westerners.

That said, there’s a lot of common sense involved in travel safety here too.

My advice is to stick with other travellers, don’t wander out alone at night and always be clear about your boundaries in all situations.

Dressing appropriately is also key. Learn more in this guide I wrote about what to wear in Jordan.

You’ll also want to ensure you drink enough water in Jordan’s hot and dry climate, as dehydration is probably one of the biggest dangers here.

Travelling with a LifeStraw Go Water Bottle, which you can use to purify water from any fresh water source, is a top option to help you do this.

Sun protection is another thing to factor in for this country and packing clothes (like a cap or hat) and lotion that will protect you from the strong UV rays, is definitely recommended.

 
Travel Insurance

World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while travelling and claim online from anywhere in the world.

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

 
Travel Money for Jordan

When it comes to paying for things in Jordan, you want to ensure you’re not being charged overseas transaction fees or getting poor exchange rates when using your card abroad, which is why I always take my Wise card away with me wherever I travel.

The easy way to spend abroad with real exchange rates, no markups and no sneaky transaction fees, you can use your Wise card just like a debit card here… and it links easily with Google and Apple pay – sold! Grab yours here.

 

PIN IT TO PINTEREST!

 

And there you have it, my guide to the best time to visit Jordan.

Have anymore questions about when, where and how to travel this country?

Don’t hesitate to get in touch using the comments box below…