In short
The best time to visit Jordan is generally March to May and September to November. Temperatures suit walking in Petra and a night in Wadi Rum; summer is very hot and winter cooler, with occasional rain.
- Best timeMarch–May, September–November
- Avoid if possibleJuly–August (intense heat)
- WinterCool, quieter, rain possible
- Suggested length5 to 6 nights for a first trip
What is the best month to visit Jordan?
Spring and autumn are the clear favourites. From March to May, days are generally mild and the countryside is still green; from September to November the summer heat eases and the light on the sandstone cliffs is superb. These are also the periods our trip pages list as the best ones, and the ones we recommend first.
- JanCold
- FebPossible
- MarIdeal
- AprIdeal
- MayGood
- JunPossible
- JulHot
- AugHot
- SepGood
- OctIdeal
- NovIdeal
- DecPossible
Treat this as a guide: Jordan is small, but the differences are real between the Amman plateau, the desert and the shores of the Red Sea or Dead Sea, which are much hotter in summer.
Can you travel to Jordan in summer or winter?
In summer (June to August) days are generally very hot in the desert, at Petra and especially in Aqaba and by the Dead Sea. Travel is still possible if you visit very early and rest in the shade, but hikes are less comfortable.
In winter, from December to February, temperatures are cooler, sites are often quieter and rain may fall; nights in a Wadi Rum tent can be cold. Aqaba, on the Red Sea, is usually milder.
| Period | Feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| March–May | Mild, green landscapes | Petra, hiking, first trip |
| June–August | Pronounced heat | Red Sea, early-morning visits |
| Sept.–Nov. | Heat eases, lovely light | Wadi Rum, desert, Dead Sea |
| Dec.–Feb. | Cool, fewer visitors | Culture, Jerash, Aqaba |
Our experts' tip
For Petra, start at sunrise: the Siq is calmer and the light on the Treasury is better. We plan your timings around the season.
Which trip should you choose by season?
For a first visit, Amman to Petra and Wadi Rum covers the essentials: the Nabataean city of Petra, the hike up to the Monastery and a night in a Bedouin camp. It is best enjoyed in spring or autumn.
If you have already seen Petra, Jerash and the Red Sea at Aqaba pairs a very well-preserved Greco-Roman city with coral reefs, which suits cooler seasons. For wellbeing and nature, the Dead Sea and Dana Reserve combines floating with hiking.
Good to know
Conditions vary from year to year: we advise on exact dates when we design your trip.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to see Petra?
Generally April, October or November, when temperatures allow long walks without too much heat. Early morning is best all year round.
Can you swim in the Dead Sea all year?
Generally yes: bathing is possible in winter and summer alike. Floating comes from the salinity, not the season.
How long should a first trip to Jordan last?
Our trips run from 5 to 6 nights. To combine Petra and Wadi Rum, Amman to Petra and Wadi Rum offers 6 nights.
Your tailor-made trip to Jordan
Tell us your dates and wishes: our team replies with a tailor-made proposal within 24 hours.