Amman, the capital of Jordan, spreads across a series of hills on the Jordanian plateau. To visit Amman, allow one to two days: the Citadel with its Roman and Umayyad remains, the Roman Theatre, the souks of the old downtown (al-Balad), the museums and the café districts of Jabal Amman and Jabal al-Weibdeh. The city is also a base for Jerash, Madaba and the Dead Sea. Here is what to see in Amman, how the Jordan Pass works, getting there, the month-by-month climate and the latest official safety advice for US and UK travelers.
Most trips to Jordan start in Amman: see our Jordan travel guide, our page on visiting Petra, the map of Jordan and our best time to visit Jordan calendar.
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Amman at a glance
- Safety the UK FCDO advises against all travel to within 3 km (2 mi) of the border with Syria, and reports a shooting at a church in Karak Governorate on 23 October 2026 and a volatile regional situation (GOV.UK, updated 25 October 2026)
- Visa required for US and UK citizens, available on arrival for 40 JOD (single entry); passport valid at least 6 months on arrival (travel.state.gov and GOV.UK)
- Jordan Pass 70, 75 or 80 JOD depending on the number of days at Petra, visa fee waived subject to a minimum stay (checked 26 October 2026 on jordanpass.jo)
- Currency Jordanian dinar (JOD)
- Best times March to May and October-November; winter is cool and rainy
- Altitude the weather station at Amman Civil Airport is at 779 m (2,556 ft); the western districts are higher and cooler
What to see in Amman: the highlights
The Citadel (Jabal al-Qal’a)
On the highest hill in the center, the Citadel gathers several millennia of occupation: the columns of the Roman-era Temple of Hercules, a Byzantine church and the Umayyad Palace with its reconstructed domed hall. The view over the old downtown and the Roman Theatre below is one of the best in the city, especially in late afternoon. A small archaeological museum stands on the site.
The Roman Theatre and the old downtown (al-Balad)
Set into a hillside, the Roman Theatre dates from the 2nd century, when Amman was called Philadelphia; it could hold about 6,000 spectators, according to Wikipedia. It houses two small museums (folklore and popular traditions). Around it, the old downtown (al-Balad) mixes souks, spice and gold shops, the al-Husseini Mosque and simple restaurants serving hummus and falafel. You explore it on foot, climbing up and down the stairways that link the hills.
The Jordan Museum and the King Abdullah I Mosque
The Jordan Museum, in the Ras al-Ain district, traces the history of the country from prehistory to modern times; it is a must before Petra and Jerash. Further west, the King Abdullah I Mosque, recognizable by its blue dome, can be visited outside prayer times in clothing that covers arms and legs. Check opening hours and prices locally or on the official websites before you go.
Jabal Amman, Rainbow Street and Jabal al-Weibdeh
On Jabal Amman hill, Rainbow Street and the nearby streets are lined with cafés, restaurants and shops that are busy in the evening. Quieter Jabal al-Weibdeh has old houses, galleries and the Darat al-Funun foundation, devoted to contemporary Arab art. These are the most pleasant districts for strolling and dinner.
Day trips from Amman
To the north, Jerash preserves one of the best-kept Roman cities in the Middle East (Hadrian’s Arch, the Oval Plaza, the colonnaded street). To the southwest, Madaba is known for its Byzantine mosaics, with Mount Nebo close by. The Dead Sea is also within reach of Amman; the U.S. Department of State notes that the Dead Sea Highway from Amman is narrow, winding and crowded with trucks, and advises avoiding it at night. Petra and Wadi Rum, further south, need at least two days: see our Petra guide.
The Jordan Pass: official site or reseller?
The Jordan Pass is sold by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities on jordanpass.jo. There are three packages: Jordan Wanderer (1 day at Petra) at 70 JOD, Jordan Explorer (2 consecutive days) at 75 JOD and Jordan Expert (3 consecutive days) at 80 JOD, each giving access to more than 40 sites and a waiver of the tourist visa fee if you buy the pass before arriving and stay « a minimum of two nights (3 days) » (checked 26 October 2026 on jordanpass.jo). The UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 25 October 2026) states a stay of at least 3 nights and advises buying only from the official website: check the current condition before you buy. Organized tours (Jerash, the Dead Sea, Petra) are booked through agencies or platforms; check whether entry fees are included, as they would duplicate the pass.
Itinerary: Amman in one or two days
- Morning: the Citadel at opening time, then walk down to the Roman Theatre.
- Midday: the al-Balad souks and a lunch of hummus and falafel.
- Afternoon: the Jordan Museum, or the King Abdullah I Mosque.
- Evening: Rainbow Street and Jabal al-Weibdeh.
- Day two: Jerash in the morning (before the heat), or Madaba and Mount Nebo.
When to go to Amman: month-by-month climate
Amman has a highland Mediterranean climate on the edge of the desert: dry, warm but not extreme summers, and cool winters that bring almost all of the rain, with occasional snow on the heights. The table gives the official normals of the Jordan Meteorological Department and, as our own calculation, the day/night temperature range and the length of the day.
| Month | High °C (°F) | Low °C (°F) | Day/night range °C (°F) | Rainfall mm (in) | Rainy days | Daylight on the 15th | Sunset on the 15th | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12.6 (55 °F) | 4.2 (40 °F) | 8.4 (15 °F) | 61 (2.4 in) | 11 | 10 h 17 min | 5:54 pm | ⚠️ Cold and rainy |
| February | 14.2 (58 °F) | 5 (41 °F) | 9.2 (17 °F) | 58 (2.3 in) | 11 | 11 h 04 min | 6:22 pm | ⚠️ Cool, frequent rain |
| March | 18.1 (65 °F) | 7.6 (46 °F) | 10.5 (19 °F) | 30 (1.2 in) | 8 | 11 h 57 min | 6:44 pm | ✅ Mild, green hills |
| April | 23.6 (74 °F) | 11.2 (52 °F) | 12.4 (22 °F) | 8 (0.3 in) | 4 | 12 h 57 min | 7:05 pm | ✅ Ideal |
| May | 28.1 (83 °F) | 15.1 (59 °F) | 13 (23 °F) | 3 (0.1 in) | 2 | 13 h 47 min | 7:26 pm | ✅ Very good, warming up |
| June | 31.1 (88 °F) | 18.5 (65 °F) | 12.6 (23 °F) | 0 (0.0 in) | 0 | 14 h 14 min | 7:43 pm | ⚠️ Hot, dry |
| July | 32.7 (91 °F) | 20.8 (69 °F) | 11.9 (21 °F) | 0 (0.0 in) | 0 | 14 h 03 min | 7:43 pm | ⚠️ Hottest |
| August | 32.8 (91 °F) | 20.6 (69 °F) | 12.2 (22 °F) | 0 (0.0 in) | 0 | 13 h 20 min | 7:20 pm | ⚠️ Hottest |
| September | 30.9 (88 °F) | 18.5 (65 °F) | 12.4 (22 °F) | 0 (0.0 in) | 0 | 12 h 23 min | 6:42 pm | ⚠️ Still hot |
| October | 27.2 (81 °F) | 15.4 (60 °F) | 11.8 (21 °F) | 5 (0.2 in) | 2 | 11 h 25 min | 6:04 pm | ✅ Ideal |
| November | 20.3 (69 °F) | 10.1 (50 °F) | 10.2 (18 °F) | 21 (0.8 in) | 5 | 10 h 32 min | 5:36 pm | ✅ Good, first rains |
| December | 14.8 (59 °F) | 5.9 (43 °F) | 8.9 (16 °F) | 47 (1.9 in) | 8 | 10 h 05 min | 5:33 pm | ⚠️ Cold and rain |
How to read it: from April to October it almost never rains (less than 10 mm / 0.4 in per month). April and October bring 24 to 27 °C (75 to 81 °F) in the afternoon and still-mild nights: these are the two best months. The day/night range reaches 13.0 °C (23 °F) in May: bring a warm layer for the evenings, even in spring. In January the high stays below 13 °C (55 °F) and it rains one day in three. The U.S. Department of State notes that the first rains of the season often cause flooding in Amman. For Petra, the Dead Sea or Aqaba, which are much hotter, see best time to visit Jordan.
Getting there and getting around Amman
Queen Alia International Airport
International flights land at Queen Alia International Airport, south of the city, where you can also get a visa on arrival according to the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated May 14, 2026). Routes vary by airline and season, and the UK FCDO warns that airspace in the region can close at short notice: check current routes with the airport or the airlines for your dates.
Airport transfer
To reach the center, a transfer booked in advance saves negotiating on arrival, especially after a night flight. Compare the price offered by your hotel, the official airport taxis and transfer platforms, and have the fare confirmed before setting off.
Getting around
The old downtown is best explored on foot, but the city is spread out and hilly: taxis and ride-hailing apps are practical between the hills. For day trips, rent a car or hire a driver. The U.S. Department of State notes that taxis and ride-share services are abundant, recommends arranging taxis through your hotel and asking drivers not to pick up other passengers, and reports that U.S. Embassy staff are advised to avoid driving at night outside the Amman metropolitan area; the Desert Highway, the Dead Sea Highway and the King’s Highway are singled out as dangerous, especially at night.
Where to stay in Amman
The old downtown (al-Balad) is convenient for sightseeing on foot, with mostly simple hotels. Jabal Amman (around Rainbow Street) and Jabal al-Weibdeh offer guesthouses and boutique hotels in quieter surroundings. The large international hotels are in the western districts (Abdali, Shmeisani and around the numbered circles). Quieter Madaba is an alternative close to the airport.
If you… then…
| If you… | Then… |
|---|---|
| Are going to Petra | Look at the Jordan Pass before you arrive: Petra entry, more than 40 sites and the visa fee included subject to a minimum stay |
| Have only one day | The Citadel, the Roman Theatre, the souks, then Rainbow Street in the evening |
| Come in winter | Expect rain and cold evenings (5 to 6 °C / 41 to 43 °F at night in January); the Dead Sea stays mild |
| Come in summer | Sightsee early in the morning; Amman stays more bearable than the Dead Sea or Wadi Rum |
| Rent a car | Avoid driving at night outside the city, as the U.S. Department of State advises |
| Are a woman traveling alone | Follow the U.S. Department of State advice: book taxis through your hotel and ask drivers not to pick up other passengers |
Entry requirements, health and safety
US citizens: according to the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated May 14, 2026), a passport valid for at least six months and a visa are required. A 30-day visa is issued for a fee on arrival at Queen Alia International Airport (40 JOD for a 3-month single-entry visa), or you can apply online through the Ministry of Interior; the Jordan Pass includes the visa cost. To stay longer, register at a police station before your permitted stay expires, or you will be fined 3 JOD per day on departure.
UK citizens: according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 25 October 2026), you need a visa, which you can buy on arrival at a Jordanian airport for 40 JOD (single entry, valid for 3 months), or obtain through the Jordan Pass if you stay at least 3 nights. Your passport must have an expiry date at least 6 months after the date you arrive.
Safety: the UK FCDO advises against all travel to within 3 km (2 mi) of the Syrian border, reports a shooting at a church in Karak Governorate on 23 October 2026, and warns that strikes linked to the regional conflict have affected Jordan, so flights can be cancelled and airspace closed at short notice. It also notes occasional protests in Amman: stay away from demonstrations and follow the advice of the local authorities. The U.S. Department of State reports that petty crime targets foreigners at tourist sites and in crowded areas, and that women have reported harassment, including in taxis. The situation can change quickly: reread both sources before you leave.
Health: the U.S. Department of State says adequate health facilities are available in Amman and advises drinking only bottled water; the UK FCDO notes that facilities outside Amman and Aqaba are basic. Emergency services (ambulance, fire, police): 911 (UK FCDO and U.S. Department of State).
Practical tips for Amman
- Money: Jordanian dinar (JOD). Cash machines are widely available in Amman and other major towns, and most places accept cards (UK FCDO). Our currency converter gives the daily rate.
- Time difference: Jordan is on UTC+3 all year, 2 to 3 hours ahead of London and 7 to 8 hours ahead of New York depending on the season.
- Dress and behavior: the U.S. Department of State notes that public displays of affection are not considered culturally acceptable; dress modestly, especially in mosques.
- Emergencies: 911 for police, ambulance and fire.
- Internet: a local SIM or an eSIM makes ride-hailing and maps easier (see our eSIM guide).
Frequently asked questions
How long do you need to visit Amman?
One day for the Citadel, the Roman Theatre, the souks and Rainbow Street; two days to add the Jordan Museum and a day trip to Jerash or Madaba.
Is Amman safe for tourists?
The UK FCDO advises against travel within 3 km of the Syrian border, warns of regional tensions that can disrupt flights and advises staying away from demonstrations; the U.S. Department of State reports petty crime in crowded areas. Reread their advice before you leave.
What does the Jordan Pass include?
70 to 80 JOD depending on the number of days at Petra, with more than 40 sites included and the visa fee waived subject to a minimum stay (jordanpass.jo, checked 26 October 2026).
What is the best time to visit Amman?
April and October: 24 to 27 °C (75 to 81 °F) in the afternoon and almost no rain. Winter is cool and rainy, summer hot but dry.
Do I need a visa for Amman?
Yes, for US and UK citizens: a visa on arrival (40 JOD for a single entry), an online visa, or the visa fee waived with the Jordan Pass under conditions.
What is there to see around Amman?
Jerash and its Roman ruins to the north, Madaba and Mount Nebo to the southwest, the Dead Sea and, further away, Petra and Wadi Rum.
Our sources
- U.S. Department of State, Jordan country information (travel.state.gov, last updated May 14, 2026), and UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Jordan (GOV.UK, updated 25 October 2026), read on 26 October 2026
- Jordan Pass (jordanpass.jo, Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities): packages and prices, checked on 26 October 2026
- Jordan Meteorological Department: 1989-2018 normals, Amman Civil Airport station (via the Wikipedia article « Amman »)
- Wikipedia article « Amman » (Citadel, Roman Theatre)
- Astronomical calculations: NOAA solar algorithm, applied by Destination de Voyage (15th of each month, year 2027)
- Our methodology
Updated October 2026.
