The Best Time to Visit Jordan

Understanding the Seasons of Jordan

Jordan experiences extremely hot summers and chilly winters. The shoulder seasons have moderate weather. Here's a summary of the average temperatures in each season.

A Guide to the Regions of Jordan

Jordan is a small country, and 90% of it is desert. But it does manage to pack a whole lot of geographical diversity and wonders into such a small area. Let's look at important regions and their geography.

Best Time to Visit Popular Cities and Destinations in Jordan

Jordan is famous for its spectacular desert scenery, deep canyons, the Dead Sea and ancient historic ruins. Because the weather can be slightly different depending on where you are, the best time to visit each famous city or landmark will be different, so here's a quick rundown of the best times to see them.

Best Time to Visit Petra

This ancient city is Jordan's national treasure, recognised as one of the 'New Seven Wonders of the World' in 2007. It is also called 'Rose City' because of the red sandstone structures found there.

• Ideal Time to Visit: The transitory seasons, spring and autumn, are ideal for visiting Petra. The weather is mild, allowing you to stay outdoors during the day and explore the monuments.
• Weather Conditions: The temperature is between 25°C and 30°C in the shoulder seasons. The weather is mostly dry.
• Best Places to Visit: Al-Khazneh (The Treasury), the Royal Tombs, the Great Temple, the Street of Facades (canyon), and the Roman Theatre.
• Travel Tip: Consider buying 'The Jordan Pass', a government tourist pass that allows you to explore 40+ tourist attractions in Petra and other cities.

Best Time to Visit Amman

It is the capital of Jordan, located in a hilly area between the fertile Jordan Valley and the country's desert. The city has lovely art galleries, busy markets, traditional coffee shops and heritage sites.

• Ideal Time to Visit: March, April, May, and September are ideal for visiting Amman.
• Weather Conditions: Amman has scorching summers and frigid winters. In the months mentioned above, the climate is neither too hot nor too cold. The sky is clear, and the city is quite green.
• Best Places to Visit: The Citadel, the Jordan Museum, Souq Jara (street market), Nabad Art Gallery, and Nymphaeum (an ancient complex built in 191 AD).
• Travel Tip: Dress respectfully here; avoid shorts or overly revealing tops. When visiting a religious place, both men and women are expected to cover their knees and shoulders.

Best Time to Visit the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is a geographical marvel, located 427 metres below sea level and rich in chloride salts of sodium, potassium, magnesium, etc. The mineral-rich waters offer many health benefits, but you can visit just to see the natural wonder and enjoy it with your family.

• Ideal Time to Visit: The best time to float in the salty waters of the Dead Sea is in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). However, you can also visit in winter, as the water temperature does not drop below 20°C.
• Weather Conditions: Temperatures are moderate in spring and autumn, ranging from 20°C to 30°C. In winter, the temperature is pleasant, but there is a risk of rain and flash floods.
• Best Places to Visit: The baptism site, the 'Lowest Point on Earth' Museum, Ma'in Hot Springs, and Lot's Cave.
• Travel Tip: Plan your trip for April to witness the Amman Dead Sea Ultra Marathon. Runners start in Amman and head towards the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth.

When is the Best Time to Visit Jordan for Popular Activities?

Jordan is a land of extraordinary experiences. From exploring ancient monuments to stargazing in the desert and hiking through canyons, you can have many magical experiences. The best time for each activity depends on the activity itself, so here's a quick reference to help you plan accordingly.

1. Outdoor Exploration

   There are two windows between Jordan's scorching summer and harshly cold winters when you can visit outdoor attractions in pleasant weather. March and April are ideal months for pleasant weather and wildflower blooms in the northern part of the country. From May, the weather begins to warm up.

   In September, temperatures begin to drop again, making it an ideal time to visit outdoor attractions such as beaches, hikes, and heritage sites. However, as this is the peak tourist season, hotel and activity prices may be high.

2. Adventure Activities

   Jordan is a haven for adventure seekers, offering plenty of opportunities for diving, rock climbing, snorkelling, and trekking. The Red Sea has excellent conditions for diving and snorkelling from September to November.

   If you wish to go hiking in Jordan, March and April are great, as the landscape turns green after winter rains. September and October (the autumn season) are also amazing for trekking. If you want to participate in marathons or try activities like rock climbing, you can visit from March to May or September to November.

   If you wish to try adventure sports in Jordan, make sure you get international travel insurance with an adventure sports add-on. The add-on covers injuries caused by risky activities, which standard coverage often excludes.

Best Time to Visit Jordan for Budget Travel

Ideal Time to Visit

Technically, the low tourist season is summer, from June to August, or winter, from December to February.

Weather Conditions

You can plan a trip in summer if you don't mind sightseeing in the early morning, sticking to indoor attractions for the most part, and taking care of your health. The temperature surpasses 38ºC this time. Winters are cold and rainy, and you may need to stay indoors for the most part.

Budget Estimates

• Accommodation: Hostel dorms cost JD 18 to JD 40 (₹2,400 to ₹5,300), while hotel rooms cost JD 75 to JD 150 (₹10,000 to ₹20,000).
• Transport: Some hostels and hotels organised tours with shared transportation for their guests, including airport shuttles. These can help you save a lot of money.
• Flights: You can fly from New Delhi to Amman and back for ₹50,000 to ₹60,000, depending on the season and the airlines.