When is the best time to visit Jordan?
The short answer: spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These shoulder seasons give you warm, sunny days, manageable crowds, and comfortable temperatures for exploring Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea on foot.
Jordan packs in deserts, mountains, the Jordan Valley, and the Red Sea coast, so weather varies a lot by region and altitude. Amman sits around 800 metres and is always cooler than the Dead Sea, which is the lowest point on Earth.
Spring: March to May
Spring is arguably the finest time to visit. Daytime temperatures in Petra and Amman sit between 18 and 28 C, hillsides turn green, and wildflowers bloom across the north.
- Ideal for hiking the Petra back trails and the Dana Biosphere Reserve
- Wadi Rum nights are cool but not freezing
- Book Petra and desert camps early, as this is peak season
Autumn: September to November
Autumn mirrors spring with warm, dry days and pleasant evenings. The summer heat has broken, the Red Sea at Aqaba is perfect for diving and snorkelling, and crowds thin out after October.
Summer: June to August
Summer is hot and dry. The Dead Sea and Aqaba can exceed 40 C, and midday hiking in Wadi Rum or Petra becomes punishing. If you travel in summer, start at dawn, carry plenty of water, and use the cooler highlands around Amman as a base. Upside: lower hotel rates and fewer tour groups.
Winter: December to February
Winter is cold in the highlands. Amman and Petra can see frost, rain, and even occasional snow, and desert nights drop near freezing. The Dead Sea and Aqaba stay mild at 20 to 23 C, making them a winter-sun escape. Pack layers and a warm jacket for Petra.
Festivals and events by month
- Spring: Jerash Festival activity ramps up; the Dead Sea Marathon usually runs in spring
- July: the Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts fills the Roman ruins with music and theatre
- September: cooler weather brings ideal conditions for the Petra Desert Marathon period
- Ramadan: dates shift each year; some restaurants reduce daytime hours, but evenings come alive with iftar feasts
Quick tip on prices
The Jordan Pass covers your visa waiver plus entry to Petra and dozens of sites, paying for itself if you stay two or more nights. Buy it before you arrive.
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