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Best time to visit Jordan

The weather and climate in Jordan can vary dramatically depending on location and altitude. In the summer the weather in Jordan, especially in the deserts and Jordan valley is blisteringly hot while at other times of year the deserts can be freezing and snow is not unheard of. Our guide to the best time to visit Jordan gives you all the information you need to plan your perfect Jordan holiday.

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Best time to visit Jordan

Temperature & rainfall

Locatons: Amman | Aqaba

With around 90 percent of Jordan covered by desert, summers are scorching. However, always be aware of cold nights – Wadi Rum's sands plummet to 4°C in winter. The north-west is hilly and lush, and bags most of the country's annual rainfall, especially in January. For cooler temperatures in the high teens, the best time to visit Jordan is March-May. Amman reaches a comfortable 32°C between June and September, while nights can drop below freezing from December to February. The beaches of Aqaba and the salty Dead Sea touch 40°C in July.

When to visit Jordan

A MONTH BY MONTH GUIDE

June, July and August are usually rainless and daily temperatures can reach 40°C and above, especially when the Sirocco (a hot, dry southerly wind) blows. At times, these winds can be very strong and can cause sandstorms.

In July, Jordan receives 13.1 hours of sunshine per day on average. Summers can be intensely hot in the Jordan Valley, the area around Aqaba and the Eastern Desert.

Winters in Jordan are generally short and cool. January is the coolest month, with temperatures of 5-10°C. 70 percent of the average rainfall in the country falls during this period.

Amman can be especially cold in January and February and snow is not uncommon. However, during these months the Jordan Valley and the area around Aqaba are reasonably warm during the day, with chilly evenings. Winter in the Eastern Desert, however, can be bitterly cold and dry. The central spine of hills can receive snowfall during winter months.

Spring starts in March, when wildflowers emerge, valleys are green and temperatures stay in their teens.

For diving in Aqaba, the best time is September, October and early November, when water is a warm 26°C, plus marine life is abundant during this time including eagle rays and turtles.

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WHAT HAPPENS WHEN IN JORDAN

Andrew Appleyard, qualified archaeologist as well as international sales manager for our supplier Exodus, shares his best time to visit Petra and Wadi Rum:

“Visiting Petra during the winter gives the sandstone a much more distinct colour variation whilst in the summer months of June, July and August it's virtually washed out. Also, different times of the day offer variations on light with the Treasury in shade during the morning and bathed in sunlight from around midday onwards. Getting up early, around 5am, is the best way to beat the crowds and the heat when visiting Petra.”

Festivals & events

OUR CULTURAL PICKS FROM THE JORDAN CALENDAR

Did you know about...?

Jarash Festival of Culture & Arts
In late July and early August each year, the ancient plazas, avenues and theatres provide an enchanting backdrop for the Jarash Festival of Culture and Arts, a major celebration of music, drama, dance, poetry, craftwork and fine art.

Daily events

The Roman Army and Chariot Experience: The Jerash Heritage Company has started daily ticketed performances of the Roman Army and Chariot Experience (RACE) at the hippodrome in Jerash. The show runs twice daily, at 11am and 3pm (2pm during the winter), except Fridays.

Petra by Night: This tour begins at the Petra Visitor's Centre at around 8:30pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Vistors walk through the Siq to the Khazneh along a candle-lit path leading to the centre of the historic city.

Annual events

April
Amman Dead Sea Ultra Marathon: During this test of endurance, the competitors begin at the high elevations of Amman and make their way down to the lowest point on Earth, in the desert of southern Jordan.

Amman International Theatre Festival: This annual festival is the only one in the Middle East and North Africa to be organised by an independent theatre company. Performances are mainly in Arabic and English.

May
Jordan International Rally: One of the highest profile rallies the within the Arab world entails amazing stages in and around the Jordan Valley and within the Rumman forests, providing challenging routes both above and below sea level.

July
Distant Heat: This annual concert and dance festival is held at two venues in Jordan, and starts with an all-night party of electronic dance music in Wadi Rum, within the magnificent Jordanian desert.

Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts: Jerash is one of the most well-preserved and famous Roman provincial cities in the world, and has hosted this major international festival since 1980.

October
Middle Eastern Dance Festival: Jordan Valley's Kibbutz Sha'ar Hagolan hosts the annual Middle Eastern Dance Festival - a variety of regional dance classes combined with sightseeing, swimming, shopping and dance performances.

Public holidays

Some public holidays do not have fixed dates, in particular Islamic holidays, which are based on the Lunar calendar.

New years Day: 1st Jan
Labour Day: 1st May

Independence day: 25th May
Christmas Day: 25th Dec

Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr: The month of Ramadan is celebrated in Jordan as it is in Muslim countries throughout the world, with fasting and the spectacular banquet-feast of Eid-al-Fitr at the end. The dates change each year.

Eid al-Adha: A 4 day feast at the end of the Hajj, or month of pilgrimage to Mecca

First of Muharam: Islamic New Year

The Birthday of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH)