Located in the rocky desert region of the northern Arabian Peninsula, Jordan is home to the famed Dead Sea, the ancient city of Petra, and over 100 000 historical sites.
While Jordan boasts abundant history, it has also been propelled into the modern age with its numerous bustling restaurants and cafes, exemplary art galleries, and trendy shops. So, when is the best time for travellers to visit this captivating place? Read this guide to find out!
The High seasons – For Good Weather
Jordan experiences two high seasons, from March to May and from September to November. Visiting Jordan in the beautiful Spring season (March to May) or the cooler Autumn season (September to November) are both popular choices amongst travellers. These seasons allow visitors to escape the sweltering heat and enjoy a plethora of outdoor activities.
Spring boasts lovely temperatures and is known for its abundance of wildflowers in some parts of the country. Those who love the ocean should definitely visit the port city of Aqaba at this time and frolic in the turquoise coral reefs. This is a must if you love diving or snorkelling!
The autumn months are great for those who want to traverse the greener regions and engage in some trekking.
Both these high seasons are excellent for outdoor activities, which in Jordan are plentiful.
High Season Activities In Jordan
• Visiting a myriad of historical and religious sites.
• Hiking and rock climbing.
• Visiting the ancient city of Petra (which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site) and traversing the monastery and royal tombs.
• Taking in the rock formations and breathtaking star constellations at Wadi Rum Desert in the south of the country. It’s known as the Valley of the Moon, and this name illustrates just how magical it is.
• Explore the roman ruins in the city of Amman.
• Float on the Dead Sea and enjoy a beachside resort.
• Explore the ancient city of Madaba with its golden mosques, ancient mosaics, and spiked minarets.
There is so much to do in Jordan during the high seasons. With deliciously pleasant weather at your fingertips, you’ll also be able to spend a lot of time outdoors, sans the sweltering summer heat.
Top tip: Since this is the best time to visit weather-wise, be prepared to pay a little more and navigate larger crowds. Book attractions and accommodation in well in advance!
Read now: Our ultimate 8-day Jordan Itinerary
Low Season – Rainy & Cheaper
The low season runs from December to January and is characterised by lots of rain. In fact, the country experiences most of its rainfall during these months (up to 75 %). While some regions are a little warmer at this time, like Aqaba, most of the country is pretty cold and wet. Wellie boots are a must!
Since it is low season, this is the best time to avoid large crowds and score some deals. Just be sure to dress warmly and pack an umbrella!
Nonetheless, heavy rains can also result in flash floods, and bad weather conditions can lead to cancelled tours and closed attractions. For this reason, travellers visiting in the rainy months should be super flexible if they want to avoid disappointment.
Top tip: Happily, there are many indoor activities, including museums, cooking classes, and artistic workshops. Have an indoor backup plan just in case the heavens open and rain on your parade!
The Hottest Season – It Can Still Be Busy
The hottest time to visit Jordan is from June to August. Temperatures can reach soaring heights at this time, with the hottest temperature on record reaching 43,5 °C (110 °F). If you are visiting in these hotter months, you will want to stay SUPER hydrated, wear a ton of sun protection, and don a wide-brim sunhat. It’s also a great idea to start out early when visiting attractions to avoid the scorching mid-day heat.
However, even though it is super-hot, many travellers from neighbouring Gulf countries (many of which are even hotter) visit Jordan during their summer. As such, it isn’t a super quiet time to visit the country, albeit less touristy than the two high seasons.
Top tip: If you love food and especially fresh produce, the summer season yields some delectable fruits like figs, watermelon, and dates. Many of these can be picked up at little roadside stalls.
Month To Month Breakdown On The Best Time To Visit Jordan
Here is a month-by-month breakdown of Jordan. Let’s have a quick glance at the weather and top events and activities to do each month.
January: January is cold, with temperatures being as low as 4°C (39°F) in some parts. Be sure to pack super warm clothes, and if you’re lucky, you may even catch some snow. If you adore hiking and don’t mind the cold, it’s a good time to avoid extreme heat.
February: February is still a cold month though a little less so than January. Top festivals and events include the Azraq Cultural Arts and Crafts Festival and Aqaba’s Traditional Arts Festival.
March: March sees the bountiful bloom of wildflowers and is a fantastic time to hike. It’s the start of high season, so book in advance. March is also great for sporty folk since it’s the Dead Sea Ultra Marathon and the Dead to Red relay race.
April: This is a great time for exploring outdoor attractions and coastal ports. Check out the Amman International Theatre Festival if you are into the arts.
May: May is the perfect time to chill out on the beaches and revel in some oceanic fun before things seriously heat up in June and July.
June: Things are getting hot now, so it’s best to seek out refuge in the Wadis canyons. Here you can relax in the waterfalls and water pools.
July: July is a scorcher, so book some indoor events and avoid super-hot places like Aqaba. Check out the Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts and enjoy an abundance of fresh fruit.
August: The skies are super clear in August, making it a great time for a spot of star gazing. You might even witness the incredible annual Perseid Meteor Shower. It’s also prime time to enjoy scuba diving. Escape the heat by relaxing in the ocean and exploring the crystal-clear coral reefs.
September: Peak season is kicking off as Autumn approaches. Olive harvesting season begins, and the Red Sea is said to have the clearest visibility at this time, making it ideal for divers.
October: October boasts great weather, making it a fantastic time to visit outdoor attractions or go hiking.
November: Winter is approaching now, so expect lots of rain. You might get some good deals, and the Red Sea might be relatively warm at this time.
December: Things are cold and rainy still, so wrap up warm. It’s the best time for budget travellers but have a backup plan at your disposal if outdoor activities are cancelled.
Read now: Our ultimate 8-day Jordan Itinerary
The Takeaway
Jordan is a kaleidoscopic landscape with so much to offer. The best time to visit is the high season if you want dreamy weather; however, be prepared to navigate the crowds and book in advance!
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