Petra - The Treasury

When is the best time to visit Jordan?

 

Amman down town

For such a small country, Jordan has an extraordinary range of climates, in which summers are hot, and winters can be cold and windy, but the good thing about Jordan is no matter how hot it gets in summer, it’s still quite bearable compared to neighbouring Gulf countries, and humidity is rare in Amman and the highlands which are almost always cool with fresh nights. Even winters tend to be relatively dry with a lot of warm areas that visitors can still enjoy.

The climate in Jordan is conditioned partly by altitude. You have the higher central and northern areas, where it can be quite cold in winter especially during December to February, but relatively cool during the summer, while the low lying areas such as the Gulf of Aqaba and the Jordan valley, are hot and humid during summer, particularly during July and August, but generally pleasant in winter.

Summer

During the peak summer months, it can get hot and is often rainless, not only in the Jordan valley and Dead Sea area, but also in the desert (including Wadi Rum), yet you need to realise that the heat in the desert is dry, so it’s a bit easier to deal with, but as in travelling to any other hot country in the summer time, a hat, protective clothes, sunscreen and staying hydrated is not to be forgotten. Summer nights tend to be a bit chilly at times, so keep a light jacket or pashmina on you.

Winter

When travelling in winter to Jordan, make sure to bring plenty of warm clothes and a waterproof jacket can be of great value. On average, Jordan only gets 30 days of rain a year in the highlands, but rain showers tend to be sharp and short. Occasional Snowfall in Amman can take place during the months of January and February, but is often short and melts away pretty quickly. Even Petra can get the occasional fall, and the desert can be cold especially during the night time, but this varies from season to season and from year to year.

Aqaba on the other hand, is a nice exception, where on average, the maximum daytime temperature is around 20°C  in January, and is quite popular with Europeans visiting from northern, deep frozen countries, where it gives them the chance to escape the harsh winter, enjoy Aqaba and soak up in the sun.

Spring and autumn, the best months to visit

When it comes to the best months to visit Jordan, March till the end of June, and September to November are probably the most suitable. In springtime, you can even enjoy the wild flowers in bloom.

Ramadan

Travellers to Jordan should be aware if they are visiting during the holy month of Ramadan. During this month, visitors should not eat, smoke or drink in public. As Muslims fast during this period, starting from the crack of dawn, up to sunset. A lot of companies and businesses operate during limited hours; working hours are decreased to six hours a day. Most tourist restaurants are also open during day, the advantage of travelling during Ramadan is that there are fewer crowds in all the major tourist sites, and hotel occupancy is relatively low, so visitors usually have better offers at this time.

Eid Al Fitr (which comes after Ramadan), and Eid al Adha holidays are to be noted, as travelling during those times, where the exact dates vary each year, is a fun time to visit, but make sure to book your accommodation and transportation ahead in time, especially when planning on visiting Aqaba and the Dead Sea, where locals head to during those holidays.

So whether you prefer travelling during winter or summer, want to enjoy the Middle eastern sun or favour the cool breeze, head to Jordan,  an all seasons destination, where each time of year guarantees you a different experience.