Jordan captivates travelers with its blend of ancient history, dramatic desert landscapes, and warm hospitality. From the rose-red city of Petra to the otherworldly wadis and the therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea, this Middle Eastern kingdom offers unforgettable experiences. Whether floating effortlessly in the Dead Sea, camping under stars in Wadi Rum, or exploring Roman ruins at Jerash, Jordan rewards visitors with authentic culture and timeless beauty.
Jordan has a Mediterranean climate in the north and west with hot dry summers and mild wet winters, transitioning to arid desert conditions in the east and south. Amman (850m elevation) experiences genuine seasons with occasional winter snow, while Aqaba on the Red Sea enjoys warm winters and extremely hot summers. The desert regions of Wadi Rum and eastern Jordan are significantly hotter and drier year-round.
Best time to visit
Best: March to May, September to November
Peak Season: March to May, September to November
Shoulder Season: February, June
Avoid: December to January, July to August
Best Reason:
Avoid Reason:
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
January
4-12°C / 39-54°F
Cold in Amman with possible snow; Aqaba mild and sunny; low crowds across all sites
February
5-14°C / 41-57°F
Still cold in highlands; almond trees blooming; Dead Sea at comfortable temperature
March
9-18°C / 48-64°F
Spring begins with wildflowers; perfect for Petra and hiking; Jordan Rally motorsport
April
13-23°C / 55-73°F
Ideal temperatures across all Jordan; peak spring season with lush green landscapes
May
18-28°C / 64-82°F
Warm and dry; some crowds; late spring blooms in Dana Reserve
June
21-32°C / 70-90°F
Summer heat building; early mornings still comfortable for Petra; Aqaba diving excellent
July
23-35°C / 73-95°F
Hot across Jordan; Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts; best with early starts only
August
23-36°C / 73-97°F
Hottest month; Amman International Film Festival; avoid midday outdoors
September
21-33°C / 70-91°F
Cooling begins; Petra Desert Marathon; excellent for Wadi Rum camping
October
16-27°C / 61-81°F
Ideal travel conditions; Amman Design Week; low crowds, comfortable temperatures
November
11-20°C / 52-68°F
Getting cooler; first rains possible; Dead Sea and Aqaba still warm
December
6-14°C / 43-57°F
Cold in Amman; Christmas celebrations in Madaba and Christian towns; quiet tourist season
The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
Spring
Months: Mar-May
Jordan's finest season with mild temperatures (18-25°C), wildflowers across the highlands, and all sites at their most beautiful. The best time for Petra, Jerash, and hiking in Dana Reserve.
Summer
Months: Jun-Aug
Very hot (35-40°C in Amman, 40-45°C in Wadi Rum and Aqaba) making daytime sightseeing exhausting and potentially dangerous. Aqaba's beaches and Dead Sea are most popular in early morning.
Fall
Months: Sep-Nov
Excellent conditions as temperatures become comfortable (20-30°C) and summer crowds thin out significantly. September-October is ideal for Wadi Rum desert camping and the Dana-Petra trek.
Winter
Months: Dec-Feb
Amman can be cold with occasional snow (5-10°C average) while Aqaba and Dead Sea remain pleasantly warm (18-22°C) and virtually crowd-free. Petra is dramatic under occasional snow dusting.
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- High Season
- March-May and September-October when Petra, Jerash, and Wadi Rum are packed with international tourists
- Shoulder Season
- February, June, and November offer manageable crowds with reasonable prices and decent weather
- Low Season
- December-January and July-August when extremes of temperature deter most visitors; Dead Sea and Aqaba remain popular in winter
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts
Jordan's largest cultural festival transforms the ancient Roman ruins into performance venue with local and international artists. Music, dance, theater, and poetry events. Evening performances against illuminated ruins create magical atmosphere.
Amman International Film Festival
Week-long celebration of Arab and international cinema with screenings, workshops, and industry events. Focuses on emerging filmmakers and regional stories. Various venues across Amman.
Al-Balad Music Festival
Free outdoor concerts showcasing Jordanian and Arab musicians in downtown Amman. Multiple stages, street food, and cultural activities. Celebrates local music scene and heritage.
Jordan Rally
Dead Sea region hosts World Rally Championship with stages through dramatic landscapes. Spectators watch high-speed action against stunning desert backdrops. Attracts international motorsport fans.
Petra Desert Marathon
Unique marathon through Petra archaeological park and surrounding desert. Full marathon, half marathon, and 10K options. Runners experience world wonder from unique perspective. International participation.
Amman Design Week
Celebration of regional design with exhibitions, installations, workshops, and talks. Showcases emerging and established designers from Jordan and broader region. Various venues in creative districts.
Jordan Festivals - Fuheis
Traditional festival in Christian town of Fuheis near Amman. Food, music, dancing, and cultural activities. Great chance to experience local community celebrations and traditional foods.
Aqaba Traditional Arts Festival
Celebrates traditional Jordanian and Bedouin culture with music, dance, crafts, and food. Beachfront setting in Aqaba. Family-friendly with workshops teaching traditional skills.
Orthodox Christmas & Easter
Jordan's Christian communities celebrate with special services in Madaba, Fuheis, and Amman. Visitors welcome at churches. Special foods and traditions. Madaba particularly festive.
Islamic Holidays - Eid al-Fitr & Eid al-Adha
Major Muslim holidays bring family gatherings, feasts, and celebrations. Eid al-Fitr ends Ramadan with sweets and gifts. Eid al-Adha involves animal sacrifice and charity. Businesses closed 2-4 days.
Souk Jara
Weekly summer market on Rainbow Street with handicrafts, food vendors, live music, and street performers. Most popular weekly event in Amman. Great atmosphere and local products.
Wadi Rum Nomads Festival
Celebration of Bedouin culture with traditional music, poetry, crafts, camel races, and desert activities. Authentic cultural experience in stunning Wadi Rum setting.