The best time to visit Jordan is spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November): days are mild on the plateaus of Amman and Petra, rain is rare and the heat remains bearable at the Dead Sea and in Wadi Rum. April and October are the two most balanced months for a full tour. Amman, Petra, the Dead Sea and Wadi Rum are marked on our map of Jordan.
Summer is dry but hot: nearly 34 °C (93 °F) in the afternoon on the Petra plateau and more than 40 °C (104 °F) on the shores of the Dead Sea in July. Winter, by contrast, is colder than you might imagine: about 13 °C (55 °F) in the afternoon in Amman in January, regular rain and nights close to 0 °C (32 °F) in the southern desert. Here is how to choose your period, based on the official climate normals of the Jordan Meteorological Department and the World Meteorological Organization.
⚠️ Safety note (UK FCDO, GOV.UK, updated 25 October 2026). The UK FCDO advises against all travel to within 3 km of the border with Syria. It also reports strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran in a number of locations across the region, including Jordan, since 8 July, with renewed attacks and interceptions in and around Aqaba in early September, and advises travelers to be prepared for possible flight cancellations and airspace closures. Check the current advice from the UK FCDO and the U.S. Department of State before booking.
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When to go to Jordan at a glance
- Best overall time March to May and late September to November (ideal: April and October)
- Petra and Wadi Rum spring and autumn; in winter, pleasant days but very cold nights (about 2 °C (36 °F) in January in Ma’an)
- Dead Sea November to April, when it is 21 to 30 °C (70 to 86 °F) in the afternoon; more than 38 °C (100 °F) from June to August
- Avoid if you fear the heat July and August
- Good to know in winter rain and cold in Amman, risk of flash floods in the canyons (wadis), including at Petra
- 2026 context check the current UK FCDO and U.S. State Department advice before fixing your dates and itinerary
When to go to Jordan by priority
- Best weather: March to May and late September to November, ideally April and October
- Cheapest: winter (outside holidays) and summer, when prices are lowest
- Fewest crowds: December to February outside holidays, and summer; April and October are the busiest months at Petra
- Events: Independence Day on May 25, Jerash Festival usually in summer, Ramadan and Eid on variable dates
Jordan: the calendar at a glance
✅ Best months: March, April, may, October, November
❌ Period to avoid: July, August
Climate and weather in Jordan month by month
The table below gives the normals for Amman, the arrival point for most trips. The Petra plateau has similar temperatures but colder nights and less rain; the Dead Sea and Aqaba are much hotter (details below).
| Month | Avg. max | Avg. min | Rain | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12.6 °C (55 °F) | 4.2 °C (40 °F) | 60.6 mm (2.4 in) | Low | Low | Cold and rainy, freezing nights in the desert ⚠️ |
| February | 14.2 °C (58 °F) | 5.0 °C (41 °F) | 57.9 mm (2.3 in) | Low | Low | Cool, rain still frequent ⚠️ |
| March | 18.1 °C (65 °F) | 7.6 °C (46 °F) | 30.5 mm (1.2 in) | High | Moderate to high | Mild, landscapes still green ✅ |
| April | 23.6 °C (74 °F) | 11.2 °C (52 °F) | 8.2 mm (0.3 in) | Very high | High | Ideal for a full tour ✅ |
| May | 28.1 °C (83 °F) | 15.1 °C (59 °F) | 3.0 mm (0.1 in) | High | High | Very good, heat rising in the south ✅ |
| June | 31.1 °C (88 °F) | 18.5 °C (65 °F) | 0.1 mm (0.0 in) | Moderate | Moderate | Hot, sightsee early in the morning ⚠️ |
| July | 32.7 °C (91 °F) | 20.8 °C (69 °F) | 0.0 mm (0.0 in) | Moderate (holidays) | Moderate | Strong heat in the south and at the Dead Sea ❌ |
| August | 32.8 °C (91 °F) | 20.6 °C (69 °F) | 0.0 mm (0.0 in) | Moderate (holidays) | Moderate | Strong heat in the south and at the Dead Sea ❌ |
| September | 30.9 °C (88 °F) | 18.5 °C (65 °F) | 0.1 mm (0.0 in) | Moderate to high | Moderate | Still hot, pleasant at the end of the month ⚠️ |
| October | 27.2 °C (81 °F) | 15.4 °C (60 °F) | 5.4 mm (0.2 in) | Very high | High | Ideal, soft light ✅ |
| November | 20.3 °C (69 °F) | 10.1 °C (50 °F) | 20.7 mm (0.8 in) | High | Moderate to high | Good, first rains ✅ |
| December | 14.8 °C (59 °F) | 5.9 °C (43 °F) | 46.7 mm (1.8 in) | Low (peak at the holidays) | Low to moderate | Cold and rain; mild Dead Sea ⚠️ |
Worth noting: almost all the rain falls from November to March; from June to September, it hardly ever rains. On the plateau, pack a warm layer for the evening, even in spring.
The seasons in Jordan: pros and cons
The climate is Mediterranean in the western highlands (Amman, Jerash), then desert toward the south and east. Altitude plays a central role: Amman and Petra are at about 800 m (2,625 ft) to 1100 m (3,609 ft), the Dead Sea more than 430 m (1,411 ft) below sea level, less than an hour away by road.
Spring (March to May): the best season
Temperatures climb fast: 18 °C (64 °F) in the afternoon in Amman in March, 24 °C (75 °F) in April, 28 °C (82 °F) in May. The northern hills are green and the Dead Sea offers 26 to 31 °C (79 to 88 °F). This is the ideal season for walking at Petra, Dana or Wadi Rum.
- Pros: pleasant temperatures everywhere, rain rare from April, long days for hikes
- Cons: high season at Petra, especially in April, and higher prices over the Easter holidays
- Good to know: in March, a shower is still possible; avoid the canyons in cloudy or rainy weather, as the UK FCDO advises
Summer (June to August): dry and hot
The sky is almost always clear. On the plateau, the heat is tempered by altitude (33 °C (91 °F) in the afternoon in July in Amman, 34 °C (93 °F) in Ma’an, near Petra), with nights around 17 to 21 °C (63 to 70 °F). The Dead Sea, however, exceeds an average high of 40 °C (104 °F) in July, and Aqaba reaches 41 °C (106 °F).
- Pros: no risk of rain, pleasant evenings on the plateau, fewer groups at the sites
- Cons: punishing hikes in the middle of the day, very strong heat at the Dead Sea; start sightseeing as soon as sites open
Autumn (September to November): the second high season
September is still hot (31 °C (88 °F) in Amman), October ideal (27 °C (81 °F) in Amman, about 34 °C (93 °F) at the Dead Sea). In November, it is around 20 °C (68 °F) on the plateau and the first rains arrive.
- Pros: ideal temperatures for hiking, Dead Sea still warm
- Cons: heavy crowds in October, cool nights when camping from November
- Good to know: from late autumn, heavy rain can cause flash floods in the wadis
Winter (December to February): cool, rainy, but quiet
Winter often surprises: 13 °C (55 °F) in the afternoon in Amman in January, 4 °C (39 °F) at night, about 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain. In the south, nights approach 0 °C (32 °F) (1.6 °C (35 °F) minimum in January in Ma’an). Snow is occasionally possible on the heights. The Dead Sea stays mild (21 °C (70 °F)).
- Pros: uncrowded sites, lower prices outside the year-end holidays, pleasant Dead Sea
- Cons: short days, rain and cold in Amman, freezing nights in the Wadi Rum camps, risk of flash floods in the canyons
- Who is it for? Well-equipped travelers who want Petra almost to themselves
When to go to Jordan by region
Comparison of the normals for four official stations:
| Month | Amman | Ma’an (Petra region) | Dead Sea (Sedom) | Aqaba |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12.6 °C (55 °F) / 4.2 °C (40 °F) | 13.4 °C (56 °F) / 1.6 °C (35 °F) | 21.0 °C (70 °F) / 13.4 °C (56 °F) | 20.9 °C (70 °F) / 9.6 °C (49 °F) |
| March | 18.1 °C (65 °F) / 7.6 °C (46 °F) | 19.0 °C (66 °F) / 5.3 °C (42 °F) | 26.0 °C (79 °F) / 18.1 °C (65 °F) | 26.4 °C (80 °F) / 13.7 °C (57 °F) |
| April | 23.6 °C (74 °F) / 11.2 °C (52 °F) | 24.2 °C (76 °F) / 9.5 °C (49 °F) | 30.6 °C (87 °F) / 21.7 °C (71 °F) | 31.7 °C (89 °F) / 17.8 °C (64 °F) |
| May | 28.1 °C (83 °F) / 15.1 °C (59 °F) | 28.7 °C (84 °F) / 13.0 °C (55 °F) | 35.2 °C (95 °F) / 25.6 °C (78 °F) | 36.6 °C (98 °F) / 21.9 °C (71 °F) |
| July | 32.7 °C (91 °F) / 20.8 °C (69 °F) | 33.9 °C (93 °F) / 17.2 °C (63 °F) | 40.9 °C (106 °F) / 30.5 °C (87 °F) | 41.3 °C (106 °F) / 26.6 °C (80 °F) |
| October | 27.2 °C (81 °F) / 15.4 °C (60 °F) | 27.2 °C (81 °F) / 11.7 °C (53 °F) | 33.5 °C (92 °F) / 26.1 °C (79 °F) | 34.0 °C (93 °F) / 21.1 °C (70 °F) |
| November | 20.3 °C (69 °F) / 10.1 °C (50 °F) | 20.3 °C (69 °F) / 6.8 °C (44 °F) | 27.5 °C (82 °F) / 20.2 °C (68 °F) | 27.5 °C (82 °F) / 15.3 °C (60 °F) |
| December | 14.8 °C (59 °F) / 5.9 °C (43 °F) | 15.1 °C (59 °F) / 3.0 °C (37 °F) | 22.4 °C (72 °F) / 14.9 °C (59 °F) | 22.3 °C (72 °F) / 11.0 °C (52 °F) |
Amman, Jerash and the north
The northwest highlands are the wettest region of the country. The best windows are March to May and October–November. In summer, the heat is tempered by altitude (33 °C (91 °F)), but the Jerash site has little shade: visit it in the morning.
Petra, Dana and Wadi Rum
There are no published official normals for Petra itself; the Ma’an station, about 30 km (19 mi) away, gives a good idea of the plateau’s climate: little rain (less than 8 mm (0.3 in) a month in winter), but cold nights (about 2 °C (36 °F) in January). Wadi Rum, farther south at a comparable altitude, has cool to cold nights from November to March. Aim for March to May and October–November. The UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 25 October 2026) notes a risk of flash floods in Jordan’s wadis during the rainy season from November to March, and advises against traveling to a wadi after heavy rain for at least one day.
The Dead Sea
This is the hottest region of central Jordan: about 21 °C (70 °F) in the afternoon in January, 31 °C (88 °F) in April and 41 °C (106 °F) in July. It is pleasant from November to April, even when Amman is cold. The normals quoted are those of Sedom, on the opposite shore, with similar conditions.
Aqaba and the Red Sea
The Gulf of Aqaba is very hot: 21 °C (70 °F) in the afternoon in January, more than 40 °C (104 °F) from June to August. However, the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 25 October 2026) reports renewed attacks and interceptions in and around Aqaba in early September: check the current advice before planning a beach stay.
Region-by-region summary: the right month depending on the part of the country you are visiting (Aqaba is not covered here, given the situation described above).
| Month | Amman, Jerash and the north | Petra and Wadi Rum | Dead Sea |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Cold, rain ⚠️ | Freezing nights ⚠️ | Mild (21 °C (70 °F)) ✅ |
| February | Cool, rain ⚠️ | Cold, flash floods possible ⚠️ | Mild ✅ |
| March | Mild ✅ | Spring ✅ | Pleasant ✅ |
| April | Ideal ✅ | Ideal, heavy crowds ✅ | Warm (31 °C (88 °F)) ✅ |
| May | Very good ✅ | Very good ✅ | Already hot (35 °C (95 °F)) ⚠️ |
| June | Hot ⚠️ | Hot ⚠️ | More than 38 °C (100 °F) ❌ |
| July | Hot, sightsee in the morning ⚠️ | Strong heat ❌ | More than 40 °C (104 °F) ❌ |
| August | Hot, sightsee in the morning ⚠️ | Strong heat ❌ | More than 40 °C (104 °F) ❌ |
| September | Still hot ⚠️ | Milder at the end of the month ⚠️ | Very hot ⚠️ |
| October | Ideal ✅ | Ideal ✅ | Still hot (34 °C (93 °F)) ⚠️ |
| November | Good, first rains ✅ | Good, cold nights ✅ | Very pleasant ✅ |
| December | Cold, rain ⚠️ | Cold ⚠️ | Mild (22 °C (72 °F)) ✅ |
✅ favorable conditions, ⚠️ possible with reservations, ❌ to avoid. Summary based on the normals quoted on this page and the regional advice above.
When to go to Jordan by trip type
| Your trip | Best time | Where? |
|---|---|---|
| First trip (classic tour) | April, May, October | Amman, Jerash, Madaba, Dead Sea, Petra, Wadi Rum |
| Hiking | March to May, October–November | Petra, Dana Reserve, Wadi Rum |
| Night in a desert camp | April–May, late September–October | Wadi Rum |
| Dead Sea and relaxation | November to April | Jordanian shore of the Dead Sea |
| Small budget | Winter (outside holidays) and summer | Amman, Petra |
| Family trip | Spring and autumn | Amman, Dead Sea, Petra, Wadi Rum |
| Honeymoon | April, October | Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea |
Major events to plan your trip around
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Lunar month, moves about 11 days earlier each year | Ramadan: reduced daytime hours, lively evenings | Nationwide |
| End of Ramadan | Eid al-Fitr (public holidays, many local journeys) | Nationwide |
| About 70 days after Eid al-Fitr | Eid al-Adha (public holidays) | Nationwide |
| May 25 | Independence Day (public holiday) | Nationwide, especially Amman |
| Usually in summer | Jerash Festival (music, theater, crafts) | Ancient site of Jerash |
| December 25 | Christmas, celebrated by the Christian communities | Amman, Madaba |
Traveling during Ramadan? It is possible: sites remain open, sometimes with modified hours, and hotels serve meals. Avoid eating, drinking or smoking conspicuously in public during the day.
Jordan month by month: what to expect
Jordan in January: The coldest month: 13 °C (55 °F) in Amman, nights close to 0 °C (32 °F) in the south. Petra is quiet, the Dead Sea mild (21 °C (70 °F)).
Jordan in February: Still cool and damp in Amman (58 mm (2.3 in) of rain). Warm clothes for Petra and Wadi Rum; beware of flash floods in the canyons.
Jordan in March: Spring arrives: 18 °C (64 °F) in Amman, 19 °C (66 °F) in Ma’an, 26 °C (79 °F) at the Dead Sea. Green hills in the north. A few showers still possible. A good month for a full tour.
Jordan in April: One of the two best months: 24 °C (75 °F) in Amman, rare rain, Dead Sea around 31 °C (88 °F). It is also the peak of crowds at Petra: book early. To compare with other destinations, see our picks for where to go in April.
Jordan in May: Very pleasant on the plateau (28 °C (82 °F)), already hot at the Dead Sea (35 °C (95 °F)). A good month to combine hiking and relaxation. May 25 is Independence Day.
Jordan in June: Summer sets in: 31 °C (88 °F) in Amman, more than 38 °C (100 °F) at the Dead Sea. Sightsee early in the morning.
Jordan in July: The heart of summer: 33 °C (91 °F) in Amman, 34 °C (93 °F) in Ma’an, 41 °C (106 °F) at the Dead Sea. Do hikes at dawn. The Jerash Festival is usually held in summer.
Jordan in August: Same heat as in July. Avoid long walks in the middle of the day.
Jordan in September: Still hot early in the month (31 °C (88 °F) in Amman), milder afterward.
Jordan in October: The other ideal month: 27 °C (81 °F) in Amman, about 34 °C (93 °F) at the Dead Sea, cool nights in the desert. Heavy crowds at Petra and in Wadi Rum.
Jordan in November: Mild by day (20 °C (68 °F) in Amman), first rains, cold nights when camping (about 7 °C (45 °F) in Ma’an). The Dead Sea becomes very pleasant again (28 °C (82 °F)).
Jordan in December: Cold and rain return to Amman (15 °C (59 °F), 47 mm (1.9 in)). Quiet sites outside the year-end holidays; mild Dead Sea (22 °C (72 °F)).
When to book your trip to Jordan
For April, May and October, book your flights and your accommodation at Petra and in Wadi Rum 2 to 4 months ahead. In winter and summer, 1 month is generally enough. Given the 2026 context, favor changeable or refundable tickets and bookings, and check your flight status with the airline before departure: the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 25 October 2026) advises travelers in the Middle East to be prepared for possible flight cancellations and periodic airspace closures.
Planning your trip to Jordan
- Entry requirements: rules depend on your nationality; see our guide to the entry requirements for Jordan.
- Currency: the Jordanian dinar (JOD). Carry cash for small purchases and tips. Our currency converter helps you estimate your budget.
- Health: the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated May 14, 2026) advises drinking bottled water in Jordan.
- Climate: in summer, a hat and plenty of water; in winter, warm clothes for the plateau and the desert.
What to pack depending on the season
- All year: closed walking shoes for Petra, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, water bottle, clothing covering shoulders and knees.
- Spring and autumn: light clothes for the day and a warm layer for evenings on the plateau and in Wadi Rum.
- Summer: loose, covering clothes, enough to keep drinking constantly; start visits when sites open.
- Winter: warm jacket, rain gear and, for a night in a camp, a warm sleeping bag (minimums close to 2 °C (36 °F) in January in Ma’an).
- Dead Sea: water sandals and something to rinse off with fresh water.
To go further, see our complete Jordan travel guide (what to see, 7- to 14-day itineraries, budget). Torn between another destination of ancient sites and desert? Also see when to go to Egypt.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Jordan?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November). April and October are the most balanced months: 24 to 27 °C (75 to 81 °F) in the afternoon in Amman, little or no rain, and heat still bearable at the Dead Sea and in Wadi Rum. Also check the current UK FCDO and U.S. State Department advice before you go.
What is the best month to visit Petra?
April and October, for walking all day on the site. March, May and November are also good choices. In summer, start as soon as the site opens; in winter, nights are cold and the canyons are to be avoided in rainy weather.
Is it cold in Jordan in winter?
Yes. In January, it is about 13 °C (55 °F) in the afternoon in Amman and 4 °C (39 °F) at night, with around ten rainy days. In the south, nights approach 0 °C (32 °F). The Dead Sea stays mild (21 °C (70 °F) in the afternoon).
Can you visit Jordan in summer?
Yes, if you can stand the heat. The plateau stays at 33 to 34 °C (91 to 93 °F) in the afternoon thanks to altitude, but the Dead Sea exceeds 40 °C (104 °F) in July. You then need to visit Petra and Wadi Rum early in the morning and drink plenty of water.
When can you swim in the Dead Sea?
From November to April, when it is 21 to 31 °C (70 to 88 °F) in the afternoon. In summer, the heat exceeds 38 °C (100 °F): swimming is best in the morning or late in the day.
Can you travel to Jordan right now?
The UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 25 October 2026) advises against all travel to within 3 km of the Syrian border and reports strikes and retaliatory attacks by Iran in a number of locations across the region, including Jordan, since 8 July, with renewed attacks and interceptions in and around Aqaba in early September. Check the current UK FCDO and U.S. State Department advice before booking.
What is the weather like in Jordan in March and April?
In March, it is about 18 °C (64 °F) in the afternoon in Amman, 19 °C (66 °F) in Ma’an and 26 °C (79 °F) at the Dead Sea, with a few showers still (30 mm (1.2 in) in Amman). In April, expect 24 °C (75 °F) in Amman and about 31 °C (88 °F) at the Dead Sea, with very little rain (8 mm (0.3 in)).
What is the weather like in Jordan in October and November?
In October, about 27 °C (81 °F) in the afternoon in Amman and 34 °C (93 °F) at the Dead Sea, almost without rain. In November, around 20 °C (68 °F) in Amman and 28 °C (82 °F) at the Dead Sea, with the first rains and cool nights in the desert (about 7 °C (45 °F) in Ma’an).
Our sources
- Jordan Meteorological Department: 1989–2018 normals for the Amman Civil Airport station and 1991–2020 normals for the Aqaba station
- World Meteorological Organization, climate normals (NOAA archive): Ma’an station (1961–1990, data supplied by Jordan) and Sedom station, Dead Sea (1991–2020, Israel Meteorological Service)
- UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Jordan (GOV.UK, updated 25 October 2026, read on 26 October 2026), and U.S. Department of State, Jordan country information (travel.state.gov, last updated May 14, 2026): safety, flash floods, drinking water
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.
