Best Time to Visit Jordan | Best Time of Year for Traveling to Jordan

If you want to explore Jordan’s beguiling cities, walk around old ruined structures, or even enjoy some views, you might consider what season and month you take your trip. Spring (March to May) is widely considered the best time to go to Jordan. When temps are warmer but not too hot, wildflowers are everywhere (even in deserted areas they’re covered). However, there are different benefits to going in each season. In this article we will dive into what each season and month in Jordan has to offer to help you pick the best time to visit Jordan for your interests.

Background on the Country of Jordan:

What is the Country of Jordan

Jordan is a country located in the Middle East, bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south and east, Iraq to the northeast, Syria to the north, and Israel and the West Bank to the west. Its capital and largest city is Amman. Jordan has a rich history, with archaeological evidence indicating human habitation as far back as the Paleolithic period. The country is known for its ancient ruins, including the ancient city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Jordan is also home to diverse landscapes, including the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea, and the rugged terrain of Wadi Rum. The official language of Jordan is Arabic, and the majority of the population is Muslim.

What is the History of the Country of Jordan?

The history of Jordan dates back to ancient times, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Paleolithic period. Over the centuries, the region has been home to various empires and civilizations, including the Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans.

In the 7th century AD, the Islamic conquest brought the region under Muslim rule, and Jordan became part of the Arab Caliphate. During the 16th century, the Ottoman Empire took control of Jordan, ruling the region for several centuries until the end of World War I, when the British took over as the colonial power.

In 1921, the Emirate of Transjordan was established under British protection, and in 1946, it became an independent kingdom, with Abdullah I as its first king. Since then, Jordan has faced various challenges, including conflict with Israel and neighboring Arab countries, and the country has struggled with political and economic instability.

In recent years, Jordan has made significant progress in areas such as education, healthcare, and economic development, and it has become a relatively stable and prosperous country in the region. The current monarch of Jordan is King Abdullah II, who has been in power since 1999.

When is the Best time to visit Jordan?

Lets jump into why you clicked on this article:

When is the best month to visit Jordan?

The best months to visit Jordan are April or May. It seems the rainfall has cleared and temperatures are currently at the lowest point of the summer. It would be an ideal time to take hiking tours in Jordan as wildflower blooms in the lush forests of this region. The nighttime is still cooler though, especially in the northwestern Amman region.

Hot tip: The Jordan Pass

If your plan includes going to dozens of sights in Jordan, acquiring the Jordan Pass will be an absolute must! The program gives the visitor free entrance on more than 40 sites in 57 cities including Petra. Not only does this pass save you time at boarding gates it can also waive your visa for arrival. Jordan Passes have some restrictions for them. The first thing to do is to apply for a visa at the Jordanian border. Your travel should be 3 nights or 4 days, and you must purchase a Jordan Pass before you enter if your visa will be waived.

Spring in Jordan

During the spring and summer season Jordan is blooming—literally! Wild flowers come out in huge numbers around Wadi Rum. The weather was perfect, with a relaxed cooling down in the evening. Thanks to the dry desert conditions, spring arrives earlier, so the month of March is already very hot. Beginning on April 1, swimming is also permitted in the Red Sea too!

Visiting Jordan in April

April may seem especially busy in famous tourism places like Petra, because April is the best and most popular month in Jordan for tourists. The temperature is good with the weather not very hot.

Visiting Jordan in May

May is a good month to visit Aqaba at sea. Temperature has reached an impressive level. Whether diving or snorkeling, the visibility is great and the conditions and current are calmer in early summer.

Summer in Jordan

Summer means high temperatures. Particularly on the Red and Dead Sea beaches the temperature can reach very uncomfortable levels and can be dangerous. A summer trip to Jordan can provide almost non-existent crowds and exceptional prices. And unlike in winter, everything remains open.

Visiting Jordan in June, July, & August

Compared to May, June is certainly warmer, although conditions are still terribly hot. June is excellent for diving and snorkeling and you’ll have more opportunities to dive in the red sea as visibility increases.

The hills are ripe with nature reserves refreshing winding vistas. Amidst the peak season, the sunshine will provide 13 hours of sunshine. Despite a hot weather the main Jordanian festival is during summer. Jerash Cultural Arts Festival is worth visiting. The Festival will be held in Jerash in July and focuses on Jordanian dancing local traditional arts and music.

Visiting Jordan in September

In Jordan the month of September can be the most popular month to see the rays as the Red Sea is the most visible.

Winter in Jordan

Although it is situated in the desert, Jordanian winters are unusually hot and humid. At night temperatures hover below freezing. The temperature also reflects notoriously fierce winds and often precipitous weather. Jordan actually has about 80% annual snowfall during the winter. Generally it is pleasant to explore city landmarks, museums or other cultural attractions.

The cold season can make Amman miserable in December or February with wind gusts sweeping across the valley. Short days, dark skies with chilly temperatures and freezing nights are a problem for Petra winter. Wadi Rum is milder but Aqaba provides a nice place for relaxation with sunshine, even at deep winter depths.

Visiting Jordan in October

The October season in Jordan can be the most suitable for hiking, sight seeing or just walking, because it provides an enjoyable autumnal atmosphere with fewer heat or cooler temperatures. It’s busy during the season but it’s great if you want to explore Wadi Rum and explore the Desert.

Visiting Jordan in November

You may get a bit of rain during this month and the nights can be extremely cold, particularly in the deserts. It’s a good time to avoid the crowds in the high season but enjoy the warm weather during daylight, and this is the best time ever to really go scuba diving on the coast.

Visiting Jordan in December to February

Maybe it is winter, but this may be a good time to go to Jordan. For example the South Aqaba area on the northern coasts of the Red Sea are hot with plenty of sunlight and a pleasant ocean climate that is suitable for a comfortable holiday. Amman and the Petra have higher elevations and the snow is rarely encountered there. This choppy wind was what everyone said was the worst part.

January marks a winter month here in Jordan. Although you may initially believe this is not such a challenge compared to its location on the Mediterranean coast, this is actually a country which experiences extreme cold weather often. The capital Amman is often very cold due to its relatively high elevation and sometimes sees snowfall. Desert areas, which are ideal for exploring in January, become cold as soon as the sun goes down. January however is a perfect time for hiking and an excellent chance to visit Petra.

Jordan FAQ:

How many days do you need for Jordan?

For truly seeing the best of Jordan, it will take ten days. This allows you plenty of time for all the top sights like Amman, Petra and Wadi Rum and also spending some days unwinding at the beaches of the Dead Sea.

What is the hottest month in Jordan?

The summer months most warm in the most desert regions are July.

Does Jordan have a rainy season?

The average Jordanian average is 290 days of sunlight each year. Rains start around November and last until March. Snow occasionally occurs in Petras and other western peaks.

Is Jordan a cheap country to visit?

In general, Middle East travel hasn’t been cheap, so Jordan is no exception. A strong currency, cheap flights and no services for lower budget travelers make Jordan an expensive holiday destination. At the time of writing this 1 Jordanian Dollar is $1.41 USD. This means that it is a lot more expensive in Jordan than in the USA.

What months are winter in Jordan?

The coldest month of the year is December and January when temperatures can reach around 5C at average temperatures.

What months are spring in Jordan?

Spring in Jordan starts in March and last through May. Spring has lower temperatures than the looming summers. It’s an ideal time for hikers due to warmer winter temperatures which also brings with it an abundance of wildflowers and green rolling hills.

What is the best time to visit Amman Jordan?

The best time to see Jordan in the spring is April – May or autumn (August to December). The days are hot with temperatures hovering around 90° F. The Nighttime is cool. It isn’t too hot to visit sites or hike through natural parks, where flora is abundant.