Spring is in the air, with more warming sunshine this month. Temperatures are gradually rising and the winter rainfall begins to ease—perfect for hiking and camping. The first bloom of wildflowers and the passage of migratory birds make this a great time to visit the country's nature reserves. By the end of the month, Jordan’s high tourist season is underway.

Weather

In March, Jordan begins to emerge from the cold and rainy days of winter, with the rain gradually tapering off as the month progresses and the sun shining more forcefully. Nonetheless, expect some lingering cold spells, especially in Amman, where the temperature averages 54°F (12°C) for the month, rising to an average of 57°F (14°C) by month’s end. You may even see rare March snow flurries. And nights in the mountains and desert can still be quite cold. Petra is somewhat warmer, averaging 64°F (18°C) for the month, while Aqaba is comparatively toasty at an average of 75°F (24°C).

Overall, it’s a good month for visiting and enjoying the abundant sunshine, and the burst of wildflowers coloring the dun landscape in bright pastels. Pack clothing for both warm and cold conditions, and include a rainproof jacket and/or umbrella. Don’t forget a shade hat and sunscreen, especially if you plan on heading to Aqaba for beach time.

Crowds & Costs

Spring is by far the best time to visit Jordan weather-wise, and visitor numbers begin to rise sharply by the end of March. Airfares and accommodations are at their most expensive in spring, but early March is still considered shoulder season, with better rates while most of the touristic sites are still relatively quiet. Nonetheless, it’s wise to reserve your flights and accommodations well ahead, especially for Aqaba and the Gulf of Aqaba resorts.

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Where to Go

Spring is the Goldilocks season to visit the Eastern desert (bitterly cold in winter, brutally hot in summer), when the temperature is just right and the landscape is a Monet palette of wildflower bloom. To appreciate nature at its best, head to Shaumari Wildlife Reserve. Established in 1975 by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, this tiny (8 sq mil/22 sq km) reserve serves as a breeding center and protected environment for locally extinct or endangered Middle East wildlife. Take a guided safari to spot Dorcas gazelles, Arabian oryx, and Persian onagers (wild ass).

You watched Matt Damon as the stranded Martian Mark Watney driving the Rover vehicle across the desert of the Red Planet. Now visit Wadi Rum, where the movie The Martian was filmed. There’s no better place in Jordan to gain a sense for the isolation, enormity, and magnificence of the desert, with its purple mountains and burnt orange dunes.

March is a great month to roam Jerash, Jordan's largest site of Roman antiquity. Destroyed by an earthquake in 749 AD, the ruined imperial city covers a vast area and is truly imposing. Hire a guide. You can easily fill a full day while exploring such key sites as Hadrian’s Arch; the Temple of Zeus; the Forum, with its arc of 56 Ionic columns; and the Hippodrome, where you can witness reenactments of chariots racing and the clash of gladiators, as in Roman days. Take a shade hat and sunscreen.

What to Do

There’s no more challenging an active adventure in Jordan than hiking the length of the Jordan Trail, a 400-mile (645 km) trek the length of the country north to south—a chance to experience the full diversity of the country close up and personal. It starts at Umm Qais in the north and runs south to the Red Sea. You can try the entire route (plan on up to one month) or any of eight more manageable 50-mile (80-km) sections.

Count the birds at Aqaba Bird Observatory. This bird-watchers’ paradise at the northern tip of the Red Sea, is a mosaic of forest and artificially created wetlands that comprise a lush contrast to the harsh desert surrounds. It receives huge flocks of migratory birds passing between Europe, Africa, and Asia. A good percentage of the country’s 390 or so bird species can be seen here, and spring and autumn are the best time of year.

Enjoy a multi-faceted, multi-day adventure in Wadi Rum, with overnights at one of the Bedouin desert camps. Start with an early morning hot-air balloon ride for a panoramic birds-eye perspective. Then take a precipitous hike to the summit of precariously perched Burdah Rock Bridge, ride a camel to the red sand dunes that bank up against Jebel Umm Ulaydiyya, abseil in Kharazeh Canyon, and explore the narrow siq (canyon) that cuts into Jebel Khazali to admire ancient petroglyphs that include human feet, ostriches, and even a woman giving birth.

Traveling to Jordan in March? Check out these great itineraries

Desert Yoga Escape in Jordan: Wadi Rum & Little Petra - 9 Days. A camel ride in Wadi Rum, a therapeutic float in the Dead Sea, outdoor yoga at Little Petra, and sleeping under the stars are all part of this enlightening trip.

Highlights of Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea, & More - 14 Days. Travel the length of the country, from Umm Qais to Aqaba, with a full two weeks to explore Crusader-era castles, float in the dead sea, camp in Wadi Rum, and more.

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