Backpacking in Jordan
The country of Jordan not only offers incredible sights, but also impressive landscapes. If you are looking to find out the best time to visit Jordan, this climate guide will assist you in picking the perfect time for your trip.
Jordan is one of the most beautiful and unique travel destinations in the world. It is full of historical UNESCO World Heritage sites. Additionally, Jordan is home to a millennia-old history that can be seen in its monumental ruins, temples, and many other places.
Of course, there are other worthwhile things to do in Jordan. For example, a stroll through the lively streets of Aqaba or a visit to downtown Amman. You can also go diving in the sea or enjoy the legendary view on Mount Nebo.
In Jordan, the winter and spring seasons are shorter than in other countries. However, the summer lasts longer with extremely hot temperatures. Nevertheless, the weather cannot be compared to that of other Gulf states. That is because the days are warm, and the nights are relatively cool. From the end of November until March, there is continuous rainfall. In some parts of Jordan, like Amman and Petra, you can even experience snow.
At a Glance:
| Peak Season | March to September | |
| Off-Season | October to February | |
| Desert Safari | March to May | |
| Hiking | April to June and September | |
|
Sightseeing | March to May and September to November |
- Peak Season: March to September
- Off-Season: October to February
- Desert Safari: March to May
- Hiking: April to June and September
- Sightseeing: March to May and September to November
What is the Climate Like in Jordan?
The climate in Jordan is very diverse, so it can be roughly divided into four regions:
The northwest is dominated by a Mediterranean climate, so the summers are warm and dry, while the winters are mild and humid. During the day in summer, you can expect 30 °C (86 °F), while at night it is more like 20 °C (68 °F). Winter, on the other hand, gets to around 16 °C (61 °F) during the day, while the temperature drops to around 7 °C (45 °F) at night.
In the Jordan Valley and the Red Sea, you can expect almost tropical temperatures. During summer, it is far more than 30 °C (86° F) and in winter even up to 18 °C (64 °F). Even then, the water cools down to only 20 °C (68 °F).
A continental climate prevails in the east and south of the country. The temperatures daily exceed 40 °C (104 °F) in summer. Temperatures of up to 20 °C (68 °F) are measured here, even at night. The winters are also quite warm, with temperatures between 14 °C (57 °F) and 20 °C (68 °F).
The rainfall in Jordan is also very special. The amount decreases continuously from north to south and from west to east. In the west, there is about 800 mm of precipitation per year, whereas in the southwest it is just 50 – 250 mm.
Seasonal Climate Guide for Jordan
Off-Season (October to February)
Since the summer temperatures aren’t for everyone, the Jordanian winter is ideal for outdoor activities. You can discover the many sights this country has to offer in pleasant temperatures. You can also go swimming in winter, as the sea will still be around 21 °C (70 °F) here. If you are lucky, snow will even fall in the higher elevations of Jordan, so you can pursue winter sports activities.
Peak Season (March to September)
While we leave you to decide when is the best time to visit Jordan, there is a lot of exploration to do in Jordan. You can go on desert safaris from March to May or go hiking between April and June or in September. July and August are extremely hot, and in general, it gets warmer the further south and east you travel. Therefore, we recommend taking a beach vacation during these months rather than planning sightseeing or hiking.
We especially recommend sightseeing in the cooler months of March to May and September to November. Then it is not too hot, and you can enjoy your trip to the fullest. If you still want to do outdoor activities in the hottest months, you should not forget sunscreen and maybe a sun hat.
Exception: The Crusader Kerak Castle
Since you probably already know the sandstone city of Petra, Wadi Rum, Amman, the Mujib nature reserve, etc., we share a rarity that not many people know about. There is a crusader fortress called Kerak in Jordan. This former crusader’s castle is 1,000 meters above sea level.
Furthermore, it is representative of the war between Christians and Muslims at that time. Here, you can experience this part of history up close and trace it back. When you step over the threshold, you will get a feel of what life was like back then. This fortress is a must-see on your trip to Jordan!
Conclusion: The Best Time to Visit Jordan
Although Jordan can be visited at any time of the year, keep in mind that cold weather and snow can limit your activities. According to our guide, the best time to visit Jordan is spring, from March to May. You can also plan your trip from late September to mid-November if you want to enjoy the breathtaking autumn weather. During these months, you can explore various places and hike in the mountains.
On the other hand, the summer months get extremely hot, with temperatures of up to 40 °C (104 °F). If the heat does not bother you, you can also come here in the summer months. If you enjoy hiking in the snow and winter sports, winter would be the best time to visit Jordan.
Whatever you choose, this guide will help you plan your trip better. Enjoy a fantastic vacation in Jordan!
