Clothing & Shoes
The type of clothing you'll need depends upon the season you're visiting and the activities in your itinerary. Lightweight, breathable layers are a must if you're traveling during the sweltering summer months (May to September). Natural fibers or materials with sweat-wicking properties are most comfortable in the heat. Be sure to bring a sweater or lightweight jacket for cooler evenings.
Winter weather in Jordan is typically cold and wet. Some areas even receive snow on occasion. For travel to Jordan in the months of November through March, pack rain gear, a heavier jacket, sweaters, and scarves.
Spring and fall are typically the most comfortable, with temperatures in the 50s to 80s (Fahrenheit). Breathable layers, a light jacket, and rain gear are recommended. Here are some more tips on visiting Jordan in every season.
Jordanian culture is generally quite conservative when it comes to clothing, so keep that in mind when selecting your apparel options. This is especially true for women. Low-cut or shoulder-baring tops and shorts or skirts above mid-calf are frowned upon and may attract unwanted attention.
If hiking is on your agenda, pack proper outdoor footwear with good support and traction. Sneakers or comfortable walking shoes will be perfect for exploring the cities, hiking shoes will be best for the trails, and sports sandals or water shoes will work well in the wet wadis (valleys and ravines), such as Wadi Mujib. Be sure to stash a pair of sandals as well, which will come in handy when lounging on the beach at Aqaba, staying overnight at a Bedouin camp in Wadi Rum, or enjoying the myriad other outdoor activities Jordan has to offer.
Overall, Jordanians tend to be well-dressed and presentable. Many restaurants and bars in Amman enforce a dress code, so if you're spending time in the capital city, be sure to bring clothing and footwear you'd wear out to a nice dinner in any international city.
Sun Protection
The desert sun may be stronger than what you're accustomed to. A brimmed hat, ample supply of sunscreen, long sleeves, and/or clothing with SPF technology are recommended.
Swimwear
You'll need swimwear whether you're snorkeling at the Red Sea, spending a spa day at the Dead Sea, or wading through some of the many wadis. You'll find women wearing a mix of burkinis (full-coverage swimwear complete with hijab), one-piece swimsuits, and occasionally bikinis. Two-piece swimsuits are more common and accepted in tourist areas, such as the private beaches in front of Dead Sea hotels.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Electronics
Remember to bring a camera to capture your Jordan adventures. Be sure to pack the necessary chargers, cords, and a power bank—perfect for those scenic road trip routes around the country. You may also need an electrical adaptor. Jordan uses a standard European non-grounded, two-prong plug (Type C) and a UK non-grounded, three-prong plug (Type G).
Electronics can be quite expensive in Jordan, so bringing what you need is best.
Reusable Water Bottle & Utensils
Recycling facilities are few and far between in Jordan. Rather than contributing to the plastic waste problem, we recommend carrying your own reusable filtration water bottle and reusable utensils.
Daypack or Reusable Tote Bag
Bring a daypack or reusable bag that can carry sunscreen and snacks for excursions, souvenirs when shopping, or your book and towel to the beach.
Language Book or App
While many people you meet will speak some English, it's always wise to learn a bit of the local language. A few basic greetings and phrases can go a long way in creating connections and sparking conversations. Carrying an Arabic phrasebook (Levantine or Jordanian dialect will be most useful) or downloading an app prior to travel can extend that conversation or get you out of a jam if you find yourself surrounded by Arabic-only speakers.
Personal Items
Although the pharmacies in Jordan may carry the medicines you need, it's always best to travel with your own supply of prescriptions you take regularly. If you wear contacts, bring along a few extra pairs and any supplies you use. Consider bringing some basic travel supplies such as bandages or NuSkin, antiseptics, probiotics, antihistamines, and anti-diarrheal remedies.
For travelers with medical conditions that impair speech or cause life-threatening symptoms, it's strongly advised that they wear a medical alert bracelet that clearly states their condition and an emergency contact number.
Pack some snacks if you have food restrictions—such as Celiac disease. You'll find a few health food stores in Amman, but selection is limited, and gluten-free food options and understanding are also fairly limited in Jordan.
Consider carrying an unlocked mobile phone. SIM cards and cell service in Jordan are affordable and easy to procure—you can purchase a SIM card and pre-pay plan at the airport on arrival.
Something to Share
You'll quickly learn that Jordanians tend to treat their guests like family: making you feel welcome, inviting you in for tea, offering you sweets or a bite to eat. So you'll often find yourself wanting to return the kindness. Save some space in your luggage for a few snacks or drinks from home to share with the new friends you'll undoubtedly meet on your Jordan journey.