Jordan is a small country largely covered by desert, but the weather is not uniform and varies depending on altitude, location, and season. When choosing the best time to visit Jordan, you’ll need to first decide what’s most important to you.
Two of the biggest factors to consider are the weather and your budget. Summers in Jordan tend to be hot and dry while winters are cold and wet, so if you’re interested in outdoor activities, fall and spring are your best bet. Of course, if you travel to Jordan during the high season, you should expect larger crowds and higher prices.
Here is some insight into the seasons and monthly events (beware that dates can change), so you can choose the best time for your visit Jordan.
The high seasons (March to May and September to November) are best for outdoor adventures
These two windows of pleasant weather – between the cold winter rains and hot summer sun – are ideal for all things outdoors: touring historical sites, hiking, rock climbing, rooftop bars and sleeping under the stars. Other travelers and locals will be out and about too, so expect crowds and peak season pricing. If you’re traveling to Jordan in fall or springtime, it’s wise to book ahead.
Low season (December to February) prices are good for budget travelers, but pack for wet weather
Although winter is short, the weather tends to be cold and wet across most of the country (with the exception of a few pockets of slightly warmer weather in places like the Jordan Valley and Aqaba), making this the least popular season to visit. Jordan receives 75% of its annual rainfall during this time, and heavy rains can cause site closures, tour cancellations, and flash flooding, so you’ll need to be flexible with your itinerary and expectations. Create a bad weather backup plan: indoor activities such as art workshops, museum visits, and cooking lessons are a great way to ride out the winter storms. The good news is that there are fewer visitors and lower prices, so if you want to visit Jordan on a budget, this is the time to do it.
The hottest months in Jordan are June to August
Summer in Jordan can be uncomfortably hot (surpassing 38ºC/100ºF on some days), so outdoor activities are not as enjoyable and can even be risky if you’re not properly hydrated and protected from the sun. But summer isn’t a true “low” season because travelers from Gulf countries, where temperatures are even higher, seek respite in Jordan. You can expect fewer crowds at tourist sites, so be prepared to start early, avoid the midday sun, and always have water and sunscreen on hand. Foodies will be pleased to find that fresh fruits – including watermelon, figs and dates – are in season and readily available at roadside stands.
Ramadan is a meaningful time for cultural understanding
The dates for this sacred month for Muslims shift every year. Services, hours of operation, alcohol sales, and more might be affected during Ramadan. Before booking your trip to Jordan, check to see if your dates overlap with Ramadan, read our practical guide to visiting Jordan during Ramadan so you know what to expect, and then decide whether it’s a fit for you. For those interested in learning about Jordanian and Muslim culture, Ramadan can be a meaningful time to visit.
January is cold with fewer visitors
January is one of the coldest months in Jordan, with daily temperatures around 4°C (39°F), so you can expect lower prices and smaller crowds – even many Jordanians hunker down at home during this time. Pack for cool temperatures and rain. You may have a chance to experience a rare snowfall. If you’re booking a rental property, be sure a heat source is included.
Jordan stays chilly through most of February
February can also be quite cold, though things tend to start thawing out toward the end of the month.
Key events: Aqaba Traditional Arts Festival, Azraq Festival.
March is good for hikers
March is the time to take a hike, especially in northern Jordan where wildflowers – including the gorgeous black iris — are blooming. Book early because the high season is starting.
Key event: Dead to Red Race.
April is perfect for exploring
The magic of springtime continues, and April is peak weather for hiking and exploring historical sites.
Key event: Wildflowers blooming in Wadi Rum.
Hit the beach in May before it’s too hot
Things are starting to warm up in May, so plan to relax at the beach before the true heat of summer hits.
Key event: Dead Sea Ultra Marathon.
Head for the shade of the wadis in June
The crowds grow thinner as the days get longer and hotter. June is the time of year to seek shade and cool water in wadis (canyons) and waterfalls.
July is the hottest time of year in Jordan
Sample fresh seasonal fruit such as watermelon and figs, and plan some indoor activities because this is the hottest time of the year. Steer clear of Aqaba and the Dead Sea – both see temperatures above 38ºC (100ºF) during the summer.
Key event: Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts.
Go stargazing in August
Clear skies make August a perfect time for stargazing. Book in for an overnight stay under the stars in Wadi Rum or on the rooftop of Feynan Ecolodge.
The Red Sea is warm in September
Hot summers mean warm waters in the Red Sea, making September through November perfect for snorkeling and diving.
Key events: Petra Desert Marathon, olive harvesting (late September to early October) in northern Jordan.
October is great for getting outdoors
Much like springtime, fall is ideal for stepping out to enjoy the top things to do in Jordan, including its natural beauty, beaches, hikes, and historical sites. Expect higher prices and crowds.
Key events: Amman Marathon, Jordan Trail fall thru-hike is sometimes offered in October.
Hotel rates start to drop in November
Temperatures – and consequently, hotel rates – begin to drop with winter just around the corner. November could be considered a brief shoulder season, and with warm water in the Red Sea, it’s a good time for divers to visit Jordan.
December is the best time for budget travelers
‘Tis the season for budget travelers. Although December tends to be the high holiday season in many destinations, the cooler weather keeps many travelers away from Jordan. Come prepared with your cold weather gear, especially if you’ll be staying in unheated Bedouin tents.