When to visit Jordan: all about weather and climate

September 24, 2019

Find out when to go to Jordan: what is the best time and what to pack.

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Petra by night, Jordan

Jordan is a country in the Middle East, bordering Syria, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and Israel. Ruled by a constitutional monarchy, it is one of the most stable and safest countries of the Middle East region. Its ancient history, its fabulous landscapes and its world-famous hospitality make it a magnificent destination for a holiday.

When to go to Jordan? Find out which is the best period to visit the country and what to pack for your trip.

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Bedouins, Wadi Rum desert, Jordan.
Bedouins in Wadi Rum desert.

The climate in Jordan

The climate in Jordan is quite temperate, with hot dry summers, cold humid winters and mild pleasant spring and fall. The weather is influenced by the fact that Jordan is located on a 700-1200 mt plateau, only in the west does it descend below sea level. Consequently, the temperate weather tends to change slightly only in the west and south (where the temperatures tend to be higher).

In Jordan it rains little and only in the period from December to March; in the Jordan valley the climate is even more arid, with very few annual rains. In fact, much of the territory is desert, as evidenced by the large expanse of the Wadi Rum desert (or Valley of the Moon). During fall and springtime strong winds can blow bringing sand storms.

The best period to visit Jordan is surely spring and fall, from April to June and from September to November. This doesn't mean that it is impossible to travel in other periods: if you are travelers who can adapt to more challenging weather conditions, you can travel to Jordan all year round.

When to visit Petra

Wonderful Petra, ancient city of the Nabataean kingdom, is now an unmissable archaeogical site. This mandatory stop in every tour of Jordan is located in the south of the country, at 900 mt above sea level. The climate is desert, with very hot summers (up to 40 ° C) and cold winters.

The best period to visit Petra is spring (especially in April and May) and autumn (September and October).

What to pack for a trip to Petra? Certainly comfortable trekking shoes (the site is very large), comfortable clothes fit for walking. If you visit Petra in the summer, choose light clothes and a scarf to protect yourself from wind and sand; if you visit it in the winter, it is better to bring also a sweater with you.

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Petra, Al Deir in Jordan
Petra.

When to visit the Dead Sea

The area of the Dead Sea, being situated in a depression, is subject to a mild climate in the winter and hot in the summer. The area is very arid and it almost never rains.

The Dead Sea area is also perfect to be visited in spring and fall; in the summer, despite the high temperatures, it is pleasant to swim in the fresh waters of the lake. In winter the lows reach 19-20 °, so it is still possible to visit it.

What to pack to visit the Dead Sea? Definitely light clothes, comfortable shoes, a hat to protect yourself from the sun and a swimsuit!

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