The Best Time to Visit Jordan

The best time to visit Jordan is between mid-March to May, when spring-like temperatures start to climb back up but it’s not too hot yet for the Middle East. Spring is a popular time for hiking in Jordan as the weather is cool with only a slight chance of rain. It is a popular time for tourists overall to visit the country and sites such as Petra and Wadi Rum. No matter when you decide to visit Jordan, this guide will help you figure out the best time for your trip.

Weather in Jordan

Jordan has four distinct seasons with varying temperatures and climates. Spring and fall are the most pleasant seasons with relaxed temperatures, being the high season for travel to the region. The winter months can bring about rain and sometimes even light snow, thus being more unpredictable for travelers. During the summer months, temperatures can get quite hot. Nevertheless, visitors can enjoy longer days to explore and rejoice in colder mornings to discover the sights.

Jordan’s Peak Tourist Season

The Spring months from March to May is the peak tourist season in Jordan due to its temperate climate and opportunity for tourists to enjoy the great outdoors while dune bashing or hiking classic trails such as Dana to Petra. Prices can be steep and you should expect big crowds during the spring months, so book excursions and hotels as early as possible.

Tourist Attractions in Jordan

Jordan is famed for more than just the Red Sea and Petra. It’s an amazing playground of a destination for adventurous globetrotters and families alike. There are a host of things to do including a tour of the historic ruins of Jerash, spending a night in a Bedouin camp out in the desert, experiencing wildlife like oryx at the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, and exploring the outback of Wadi Rum by foot, camel, or via a hot air balloon. The capital city of Amman also has plenty to keep tourists entertained.

January

In January, Jordan brings about cooler winter temperatures and occasional rain or snow showers, as January is the wettest month of the year.

Events to check out:

• Arbor Day is celebrated on Jan. 15^. It is a three-day holiday where you can find loads of Jordanians planting trees such as date palms—whose fruit is especially popular during Ramadan for its high vitamin content.

 February

February is still in the midst of winter in Jordan, offering cool temperatures and the need for warm clothing for the windier days of the month. Air temperatures gradually get warmer closer to the end of the month as spring makes its way to the region.

Events to check out:

• The annual Aqaba Traditional Arts Festival is hosted in February, where the Bedouin culture is celebrated and honored with a showcase of their traditional dance, arts, and crafts.

March

March is the start of warmer spring temperatures, seeing an average temperature of 54 degrees F (12 degrees C). The weather becomes quite pleasant after emerging from the cooler, rainy days of winter.

Events to check out:

• March is a perfect time to hike the Jordan Trail which runs from Um Qais in the north to Aqaba in the south.

April

Moderate spring temperatures make April a perfect time for a visit to Jordan. It’s right in the middle of high season, where tourists flock to the region for the warm days and cool nights.

Events to check out:

• The annual Amman Jazz Festival is an event not to be missed hosting both Arabian and international artists from around the globe performing in Arabic and English.
• The Amman International Theatre Festival also occurs in April, featuring ensembles performing acts from across the arts.

May

May is the tail end of peak tourist season. It's also the transition period from warm spring temperatures to hot summer temperatures. During this time, temperatures are a bit warmer in the main tourist region of Petra than they are in the capital of Amman.

Events to check out:

• The Jordan International Rally takes place in May, which is a popular off-road car race that draws huge crowds of thousands each year

June

Summer officially arrives in the month of June, which is the best summer month to visit as the temperatures begin to get hot, but not unbearably so.

Events to check out:  

• June 9 is King Abdullah’s Coronation Anniversary, an official holiday in Jordan. Public events are held throughout the country to celebrate the anniversary of the king’s passing in 1999.

July

July is the hottest month of the year for visiting Jordan, with its long dry summer days and hazy sunshine. It also brings about occasional sandstorms with the Khamseen winds flowing hot air into the desert.

Events to check out:

• The Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts occurs in July which is a celebration of Jordanian culture, food, dance, and music.

August

Summer winds and desert storms continue through the month of August, bringing additional hot, dry days. Luckily the low humidity means outdoor activities are still enjoyable.

Events to check out:

• Maal Hijra is the celebration of the Islamic New Year in Jordan and is often celebrated in August or late July.

September

Fall rolls into town in September, offering an excellent time to visit Jordan as temperatures drop making it a great time for discovering the outdoors and tourist sights.

Events to check out:

• The family-friendly Haya Theatre Festival is hosted in September featuring children’s puppet shows, family happenings, and interactive workshops.

October

October is the most visited month to head to the region due to its cool temperatures and serene climate. It is one of the best times to holiday in Jordan to enjoy activities like hiking.

Events to check out:

• The annual Red Bull South Sound Festival takes place in the luxury resort of Ayla, featuring international DJs and party-goers.

November

The rainy season begins at the end of November and it is gradually colder due to the impending winter months. Tourist destinations such as Amman start to become colder due to their elevation.

Events to check out:

• In November Jordanians enjoy celebrating Mawlid al-Nabi al-Sharif, which is a celebration of the birthday of the prophet Muhammad. A host of festivities and small feasts can be located around the country.

December

Winter is in full swing by December, with a bit of rain touching down in the rainy season and small blankets of snow enveloping sites like Petra. It’s a good time to visit as it is low season and places like Aqaba near the Red Sea have warmer temperatures where tourists can even enjoy swimming.

Events to check out:

• Even though Jordan is mostly an Islamic country, both Christians and Muslims enjoy the official public holiday of Christmas Day.