The best time to visit Jordan

January is the coldest month in Jordan, with temperatures averaging 12°C in Amman, 20°C in Aqaba and 14°C in Wadi Rum. It is also one of the wettest months, with Amman receiving around 76mm of precipitation. Aqaba and Wadi Rum, however, see little to no precipitation.

January is the best time of year to visit Jordan to explore the country’s historical sites without the crowds. Wander through the ancient ruins of Jerash, or visit the Citadel and well-preserved Roman theatre in Amman. For those seeking adventure, Wadi Rum offers crisp, clear nights perfect for stargazing while camping under the vast desert sky.

February remains cool, with highs of 13°C in Amman, 22°C in Aqaba and 17°C in Wadi Rum. Light rainfall continues in Amman, though the southern and desert regions remain largely dry.

February is ideal for a trip along the King’s Highway, taking in breathtaking views of Wadi Mujib, often referred to as Jordan’s Grand Canyon. In the desert, take tea with Bedouins in their traditional goat-hair tents, learning about their nomadic way of life.

March marks the arrival of springtime, with milder temperatures and decreased precipitation. Wildflowers begin to bloom in the northern landscapes around Jerash, adding a pop of colour to the ruins.

Hike through Petra’s back trails, such as the scenic route to the monastery, and marvel at the rock-cut architecture of this majestic city. For relaxation, visit the Dead Sea for a spa retreat, floating peacefully upon its mineral-rich waters.

For those wondering when to visit Jordan to enjoy warmer weather but still avoid the scorching summer heat, April is a great option for travel. Temperatures reach 22°C in Amman, 29°C in Aqaba and 24°C in Wadi Rum, with minimal rainfall across the country. 

Explore the desert by camel or 4×4, before spending the night in a Bedouin camp beneath a star-studded sky. The Red Sea waters around Aqaba start to warm up, making it a good time for snorkelling or diving among coral reefs teeming with marine life.

In May, temperatures climb to 27°C in Amman, 34°C in Aqaba and 29°C in Wadi Rum. Precipitation remains scarce, with Amman recording just 4mm on average during this month.

This late spring period is the best time to go to Jordan for a jaunt along the renowned King’s Highway. Stop at Kerak Castle, a crusader stronghold, before heading to Wadi Mujib, where water levels are ideal for canyoning adventures. In Amman, enjoy an evening at one of the city’s many rooftop restaurants, watching the sunset over the skyline.

June sees soaring temperatures across Jordan. It’s a dry heat, however, with rain almost nonexistent across the country. A quieter period for travel, it’s easier to reserve your favourite accommodation or preferred restaurants at this time. 

Make the most of the cooler mornings with water-based activities. Head to Aqaba for diving, snorkelling or windsurfing in the Red Sea, or retreat to the Dead Sea for a refreshing spa experience.

July is the hottest month of the year, with temperatures at a high of 31°C in Amman, 38°C in Aqaba and 34°C in Wadi Rum. If you choose to visit Jordan during the summertime, it’s important to avoid being caught out by the midday sun and to drink lots of water to keep hydrated.

An early morning or late afternoon stroll around Petra is a great way to explore the ancient city while avoiding the intense heat. The Red Sea is ideal for water sports this month, while evenings in Wadi Rum offer spectacular desert sunsets followed by cooler nights perfect for camping under the stars.

August is not the best time of year to visit Jordan, due to the intense heat and potential for water shortages. Temperatures sit at around 32°C in Amman, 39°C in Aqaba and 33°C in Wadi Rum. Dry conditions persist, with no rainfall to be expected.

If you do want to go to Jordan in August, keep in mind the importance of both avoiding the midday sun and drinking lots of water to stay hydrated.

The transition into autumn in Jordan is often indistinct, though temperatures start to cool off towards the end of September.

Hike the Dana to Petra trail, one of the region’s most spectacular long-distance journeys, winding through canyons, mountains and archaeological sites. This month Wadi Rum offers ideal conditions for a camel trek through the desert, while Aqaba’s warm waters attract turtles and eagle rays.

By October, temperatures have dropped to 27°C in Amman, 32°C in Aqaba and 28°C in Wadi Rum. Rainfall begins to return, with Amman receiving around 7mm whilst the southern regions remain dry.

It’s the best time to go to Jordan after the scorching summer heat abates, with comfortable conditions allowing for a more enjoyable experience at lesser-visited sites such as Little Petra or the High Place of Sacrifice. The Dead Sea is particularly pleasant at this time of year, with the milder weather making lounging by the water even more enjoyable.

The beginning of the rainy season in Jordan, November sees chillier mornings and evenings at higher elevations. Precipitation mostly consists of short, sharp showers, with around 32mm falling in Amman.

The hiking trails in Wadi Mujib and Dana Biosphere Reserve are at their best in November, as autumn light casts a golden glow over the landscape. Amman’s museums and vibrant cafés, meanwhile, provide a chance to explore the city’s history and lively atmosphere.

December brings the onset of winter and a continued increase in average rainfall, with snow common around Jordan’s mountainous central spine. Temperatures hover around 14°C in Amman, 21°C in Aqaba and 15°C in Wadi Rum. With fewer visitors, securing your preferred accommodation and restaurant reservations is much easier at this time.

The Red Sea remains warm, allowing for diving and snorkelling in Aqaba’s vibrant waters. December offers some of the best visibility, making it easier to spot marine life, shipwrecks and vibrant coral reefs.