Jordan Travel Advice

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Jordan's Wadi Rum Protected Area
Ultimate Jordan Packing List

There are many variables to consider when packing your bags for Jordan: the variety of terrain and weather conditions, outdoor adventure activities, Arabic culture, and the transition from vibrant city life to laid-back beaches and desert escapes. Let this packing list be your guide—it covers the essential items you'll want in your suitcase when embarking on your Jordan journey.

What to Eat in Jordan (and Where to Eat It)
What to Eat in Jordan (and Where to Eat It)

Roast lamb with tart yogurt sauce, syrupy pastries, and endless sweet tea and strong coffee: a trip to Jordan is a culinary experience that will leave you craving more. Read on to learn about the distinct flavors of Levantine cuisine, and where to try it all.

Planning Your Honeymoon in Jordan
Map of Planning Your Honeymoon in Jordan
Planning Your Honeymoon in Jordan

Beautiful beaches, unique hotels, and a stunningly diverse landscape: Jordan has all the elements of a perfect honeymoon locale. After reading our take on all that Jordan has to offer for newlyweds, you'll be ready to start planning your honeymoon in this surprisingly romantic Middle Eastern destination.

Cycling the Jordan Bike Trail
Cycling the Jordan Bike Trail

There is perhaps no better way to get "off the beaten path" in Jordan than to walk or ride the trails that traverse its spectacular landscapes and diverse communities. The Jordan Bike Trail takes you behind the scenes and away from the crowds, on a challenging and rewarding journey from ancient Greco-Roman ruins in the north to refreshing Red Sea waters in the south. Here are some tips to get you started.

Explore Amman, Jordan with the whole family
Family Travel Guide to Amman

Hospitality and family are key components of Jordanian culture—so it should come as no surprise that families traveling in Amman experience a warm welcome. Looking for ways to enjoy the city with your loved ones? Here are a few of the many fun, family-friendly adventures available in Jordan’s capital city.

When to visit Jordan

Dawn over the Dead Sea Jordan
Jordan in January: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

In January, Jordan is in the midst of its cold, somewhat wet—and occasionally snowy—winter. But Aqaba, in the south, is delightfully temperate, tempting travelers to turn their attention to the south. Consider this bonus: You can explore Petra without the crowds.

Whale shark, Gulf of Aqaba
Jordan in February: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

As with January, Jordan in February is still in the midst of its cold, somewhat wet—and occasionally snowy—winter. But Aqaba, in the south, is delightfully temperate, tempting travelers to turn their attention to the south. Consider this bonus: You can explore Petra without the crowds.

Dead Sea Jordan
Jordan in March: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

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.

Petra
Jordan in April: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

By April, spring has arrived and with it high season as visitors flock to experience Jordan at the best time of year. Nationwide, the Goldilocks temperatures are just right—neither too hot nor too cold. The landscapes are briefly lush and ablaze with wildflowers. Plus, two top events occur this month, while Ramadan also falls in April in 2020.

Dana Biosphere Preserve Jordan
Jordan in May: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The transition month from spring to summer means warm to hot temperatures nationwide. Rains are mostly a distant winter memory. And the landscapes are still lush and ablaze with wildflowers. This is one of the two peak months for international visitors, reflecting that May is a great time to visit.

Amman and Roman ruins of the Citadel
Jordan in June: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The hot, dry summer has arrived. Daily temperatures will continue to rise into August, the hottest (and very hot!) month. So, if you must travel in summer, June is the best option. Plus, you’ll be able to explore the most popular sights in relative solitude. But the spring wildflowers have faded, and colors get bleached out of the landscape by the hazy light.

Wadi Mujib Jordan
Jordan in July: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The hot, dry summer is at its peak, with July being the hottest (and very hot!) month. The spring wildflowers long ago faded, and colors get bleached out of the landscape by the hazy light. But don’t let this put you off. Choose your destinations wisely and July can still be enjoyable. Plus, you’ll be able to explore the most popular sights in relative solitude. And July hosts the country’s most vibrant festival—the Jerash Festival for Culture and Art.

Aston Martin DB2 Vantage - 1952 at the exhibition in the King Abdullah II car museum in Amman, the capital of Jordan
Jordan in August: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The hot, dry summer is at its peak, with August being the hottest (and very hot!) month, when colors get bleached out of the landscape. But don’t let this put you off. Choose your destinations wisely and August can still be enjoyable. Plus, you’ll be able to explore the most popular sights in relative solitude. And in August, the dark desert nights provide a pitch-black canvas for watching the annual Perseid meteor shower.

Marine turtle in Red Sea, Aqaba
Jordan in September: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The short-lived autumn arrives in September—a lovely time to visit as temperatures fall and exploring the main outdoor sites becomes more inviting. The end of the month is especially kind for hikers and outdoor activities, and the warm waters of the Red Sea are especially tempting to divers.

The Treasury, Petra
Jordan in October: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Although regional variations are at their most extreme, perfect day temperatures in most of the country mean this is an ideal time to visit weather-wise. The rest of the world thinks the same: No other month receives as many visitors. October is especially kind for hikers and outdoor activities. And the warm waters of the Red Sea are especially tempting to divers.

Dead Sea Jordan
Jordan in November: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

November marks the approach of winter, with Amman and higher elevation tourist sites increasingly cold. The rainy season also begins at the end of November and continues through March. But Aqaba feels still like a perpetual summer, the Dead Sea is bathtub warm, there’s great hiking throughout the country, and no end of cultural activities.

Snow at Petra, Jordan
Jordan in December: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

By December there’s no doubt that winter has arrived. Jordan is at its coldest, the rainy season has begun, and even the first flurries of snow can blanket the land. However, this is the quiet low season, making a visit all the more personal. And Aqaba, on the shores of the Red Sea, is still warm enough for sunning and swimming.

Snow at the Monastery, Petra
Petra in January: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

For a tourist-free experience in Petra, button-up and visit in January. Petra is in the midst of its cold, somewhat wet—and occasionally snowy—winter. But you can explore Petra without the crowds, rainy days are relatively few, and the infrequent and short-lived snows add a dramatic element.

Camels at the Treasury, Petra
Petra in February: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

As with January, Petra in February is still in the midst of its cold, somewhat wet—and occasionally, yet rarely, snowy—winter. Although temperatures and visitor numbers are rising, Jordan’s most popular attraction is still far less crowded than in spring and autumn. And while cold, most days are bright and sunny.

The Treasury, Petra
Petra in March: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

Spring is in the air, with plenty of warming sunshine. Temperatures are gradually rising and the winter rainfall is now but a rare trickle. The wadis are seamed with the first bloom of wildflowers—spears of flowering aloes, bursts of pick oleander, and masses of purple-black iris. But by the end of the month, Jordan’s high tourist season is well underway and you’ll have to share Petra with plenty of other tourists.

Spring greenery enlivens the Monastery, Petra
Petra in April: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

By April spring has arrived and with it, high season as visitors flock to experience Petra at the best time of year weather-wise. The Goldilocks temperatures are just right—neither too hot nor too cold. And the landscapes are briefly lush and ablaze with wildflowers. The down side is that Jordan’s most popular attraction is, well… Jordan’s most popular attraction!

The Monastery, Petra
Petra in May: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The transition month from spring to summer means warm (even very warm) temperatures. And rains? Not in May! The desert landscapes are still lush and ablaze with the last gasp of wildflowers--including the exquisite Jordanian black iris (the national flower). But Jordan’s number one attraction is still crowded, especially in the early part of the month.

The Monastery, Petra
Petra in June: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The hot, dry summer has arrived. Daily temperatures will continue to rise into August, the hottest (and very hot!) month, so June is a great time to visit Jordan’s most popular attraction before the broiling heat of mid-summer. By now, the gorgeous colors begin to get bleached out of the landscape by the hazy light. But you’ll be able to explore Petra in solitude.

Petra candlelit at night
Petra in July: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The hot, dry summer is at its peak, with July being one of the two hottest—and very hot!—months. The spring wildflowers long ago faded, and colors get bleached out of the landscape by the hazy light. But you’ll be able to explore sun-soaked Petra in virtually tourist-free solitude, as visitors to Jordan thin to avoid the searing heat. And this is one of only two months to view the sensational Perseids Meteor Shower.

View of monuments from ruins of ancient church, Petra
Petra in August: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The hot, dry summer is at its peak, with August being the hottest--and very hot!--month, when colors get bleached out of the landscape. But don’t let this put you off. You get to explore Petra in virtual solitude, as the tourist hordes shun the heat. Plus, the dark desert nights provide a pitch-black canvas for watching the annual Perseid meteor shower.

Al Kazneh Temple in Petra
Petra in September: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

The short-lived autumn arrives in September—a lovely time to visit Petra as temperatures fall, rain remains totally absent, and you can still take advantage of off-season prices. The end of the month is especially kind for hikers, with neither too hot nor too cold Goldilocks temperatures. But visitors numbers begin to surge.

The Monastery, Petra
Petra in October: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

October weather is as agreeable as any time of the year in Petra, with mild temperatures, although you may want to put a warm jacket back in your bag for cool evenings. And the first light rains of autumn often add a splash of much-needed green. Savvy travelers also know to come now, and the trails can crowded. But there are still fewer visitors than in springtime.

The Treasury, Petra
Petra in November: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

November marks the arrival of winter, with relatively high-elevation Petra now distinctly chilly, especially at night. The rainy season also begins at the end of November and continues through March, although chances of it raining on any given day are still slim. But the "Pink City" still holds plenty of charms, with great hiking to keep you warm, and a last chance to hike certain routes before increasing rains make them off-limits.

The Monastery, Petra
Petra in December: Travel Tips, Weather, and More

By December, there’s no doubt that winter has arrived. Jordan is at its coldest, the rainy season has begun, and even the first flurries of snow can blanket the land. However, on most days the sun shines brightly in a deep-blue crystal-clear sky. And this is the quiet low season, making a visit to Jordan’s most popular attraction all the more personal.