Quick Answer
The Best Time to Visit Jordan, in One Sentence
I’d been told the Treasury at Petra was overwhelming, but nobody warned me about the cold. It was a clear morning in late November, and I’d walked the Siq at dawn with frost still on the sand in the shadows, my breath visible, a single Bedouin tea-seller setting up as the rose-red facade caught the first sun. By noon I was in shirtsleeves. By the time I reached Wadi Rum that evening, I was grateful for every blanket the camp owner piled on. Jordan, I learned, is a country of extremes, and timing it right changes everything.
Here’s the answer you came for. The best time to visit Jordan is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November): mild 20 to 28 C days, cool but bearable nights, and comfortable conditions for the hours of walking that Petra and Wadi Rum demand. You dodge both the furnace of summer and the genuinely cold desert nights of deep winter, and prices sit below the absolute peak.
If you can only travel in summer, go, but plan around the heat: dawn and dusk sightseeing, midday rest. For nearly everyone else, the shoulder seasons are the move. This guide breaks down what each month costs and feels like so you can match Jordan to your wallet and your tolerance for heat and cold.
Jordan’s Seasons and What They Cost
Jordan is small but climatically dramatic. The highlands around Amman and Petra are cool and can even snow in winter; the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea, and Aqaba on the Red Sea are far hotter and lower; Wadi Rum is classic desert, scorching by day and cold by night. Knowing the season saves you both money and misery.
Spring (March to May): The Sweet Spot
The desert blooms briefly, days warm to a perfect 20 to 28 C, and nights are cool rather than cold. This is prime time for Petra hikes and Wadi Rum camping. Prices climb to their annual peak alongside the crowds, but the conditions are worth it. Late March and April are glorious.
Summer (June to August): Hot and Cheap
The lowlands turn ferocious. Aqaba and the Dead Sea push past 40 C, Petra is exhausting at midday, and only the Amman highlands stay merely hot. Prices drop and crowds thin, so it’s cheap, but you’ll be a dawn-and-dusk traveler, retreating indoors at noon.
Autumn (September to November): The Other Sweet Spot
My season, the one of frosty Petra dawns and warm afternoons. Days settle back to a comfortable 22 to 30 C, the sea at Aqaba is bath-warm for diving, and the desert nights turn crisp but pleasant. Prices peak again with the crowds, though late November starts to ease.
Winter (December to February): Cool, Cheap, and Variable
Amman and Petra can be genuinely cold, with rain and occasional snow; nights in Wadi Rum drop near freezing. Days are mild at 12 to 16 C in the highlands and warmer at the Dead Sea and Aqaba, which become winter-sun escapes. Prices are low. Pack layers and a warm sleeping bag for the desert.
Month-by-Month Guide to Visiting Jordan
Use this at-a-glance planner before the detailed notes below.
| Month | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Cold highlands, rain | Low | Low | Dead Sea sun, bargains, fewer crowds |
| February | Cool, variable | Low | Low | Value trips, mild Aqaba |
| March | Mild, warming | Rising | Mid | Petra hikes, desert blooms |
| April | Warm, near-perfect | High | Peak | Best all-round weather, Wadi Rum |
| May | Warm, dry, lovely | High | Peak | Sightseeing before summer heat |
| June | Hot, lowlands fierce | Moderate | Mid | Aqaba diving, dawn sightseeing |
| July | Very hot | Low | Low | Cheap trips, heat-tolerant travelers |
| August | Very hot | Low | Low | Lowest prices, Red Sea by morning |
| September | Hot easing, warm sea | Rising | Mid-high | Autumn shoulder, diving, value |
| October | Warm, near-perfect | High | Peak | Ideal Petra and Wadi Rum weather |
| November | Mild days, cool nights | High then easing | Mid-high | Crisp desert camping, balloons |
| December | Cool, festive, variable | Low | Low | Dead Sea sun, quiet sights, bargains |
A few numbers worth pinning: Amman’s average highs swing from about 12 C in January to 33 C in July, while the lowlands at Aqaba and the Dead Sea run 5 to 10 C hotter and top 40 C in midsummer. April and October are the two finest months for Petra and Wadi Rum; late November keeps that frosty-dawn, warm-afternoon magic while prices start to ease.
Jordan month by month
Here is every month at a glance, with realistic temperatures, crowds and prices so you can pin down your window.
Jordan in January
January is the coldest month: Amman highs near 12 C, cold nights, rain, and occasional highland snow, with Wadi Rum dropping close to freezing after dark. Aqaba and the Dead Sea stay milder at 20 to 21 C. Crowds and prices are low. Verdict: a low-cost winter-sun pick if you pack warm layers.
Jordan in February
Still cool and changeable. Amman reaches about 13 C with chilly nights and some rain, though the sun strengthens and the Dead Sea and Aqaba climb toward 22 C. Prices stay low and sites are quiet. Verdict: shoulder-season value, best spent on the warmer Red Sea and Dead Sea lowlands.
Jordan in March
Spring arrives and the desert begins to bloom. Amman warms to around 17 C, days are mild and mostly dry, and Petra hikes turn comfortable. Crowds and prices start climbing toward the peak. Verdict: a strong shoulder pick, especially late March, with fine weather before the high-season surge.
Jordan in April
Arguably the finest month. Amman highs near 23 C, warm dry days, cool pleasant nights, and ideal conditions for Petra and Wadi Rum. This is peak season, so crowds and prices hit their annual high. Verdict: go, and book early; the weather is as good as Jordan gets.
Jordan in May
Warm, dry and lovely, with Amman around 28 C and the lowlands heating fast toward 35 C plus. Still excellent for sightseeing before the summer furnace lands. Peak-season prices hold. Verdict: a top month, best enjoyed early before the Dead Sea and Aqaba turn punishing.
Jordan in June
Summer bites. Amman sits near 31 C while Aqaba and the Dead Sea push past 38 C, making midday Petra exhausting. Crowds thin and prices ease to mid-levels. Verdict: doable with dawn-and-dusk sightseeing and midday rest; good for Red Sea diving before the worst heat.
Jordan in July
One of the hottest and cheapest months. Amman highs near 32 C; Aqaba, the Dead Sea and Wadi Rum routinely top 40 C. Flights and hotels sit at their lowest. Verdict: only for heat-tolerant, budget-focused travelers who sightsee at dawn and shelter indoors at noon.
Jordan in August
As hot as July and equally cheap, with the lowlands past 40 C and Petra brutal at midday. Desert nights stay warm rather than cold. Crowds are thin, prices rock-bottom. Verdict: avoid for comfort, but a real bargain if you plan around the heat and rise early.
Jordan in September
Autumn’s shoulder begins. Amman eases to around 31 C, the fierce lowland heat softens, and the Red Sea is bath-warm for diving. Crowds and prices climb back toward the peak. Verdict: a smart value window, still warm but far kinder than August, ideal for Aqaba.
Jordan in October
The autumn twin of April, and one of the two best months. Amman highs near 27 C, warm dry days, comfortable nights, and perfect Petra and Wadi Rum conditions. Peak season returns with high crowds and prices. Verdict: superb all-round weather, well worth booking ahead.
Jordan in November
Crisp and beautiful. Amman around 20 C with mild days and cool nights, frosty Petra dawns giving way to warm afternoons, and balloon flights over Wadi Rum. Crowds and prices stay high early, then ease late in the month. Verdict: a favorite, especially late November for softer prices.
Jordan in December
Cool, festive and variable. Amman near 14 C with rain and cold nights, occasional highland snow, and near-freezing desert nights, while the Dead Sea and Aqaba stay mild at 20 to 21 C. Prices are low. Verdict: quiet sights and winter-sun bargains for layered-up travelers.
Find Cheap Flights to Jordan
Most visitors fly into Queen Alia International (AMM) near Amman, served by Royal Jordanian and a growing list of budget carriers. Aqaba (AQJ) on the Red Sea is a second gateway, handy if the south is your focus and sometimes reached on cheap charter or low-cost routes. From Europe, watch budget carriers and Gulf connections via Dubai or Doha.
Use the live calendar below to spot the cheapest departure dates at a glance, then compare across months.
Tips for cheaper flights:
- Book 2 to 3 months ahead for spring and autumn peaks; summer and winter can be cheaper closer in.
- Consider Aqaba (AQJ) if you’re starting in the south, then work north to Petra and Amman.
- Travel midweek and mid-season. Tuesday and Wednesday departures cut fares noticeably.
- Watch budget carriers and Gulf hubs. Connecting via Dubai or Doha can undercut direct routes.
- Buy the Jordan Pass before you fly. It waives the visa fee if you stay three or more nights and bundles Petra entry.
For more route ideas and fare hacks, browse our full flights hub .
When Prices Are Lowest: Best Time for Budget Travelers
Target these windows for the cheapest trips:
July and August are cheapest for flights and hotels, but the catch is the heat: the lowlands are brutal, so you’ll sightsee at dawn and dusk and rest at midday. Doable, but demanding.
December to February offers low prices with mild Dead Sea and Aqaba days, ideal if you treat Jordan as a winter-sun trip and pack warm layers for cold highland nights and the desert.
The spring and autumn peaks cost more but reward you with the best conditions; late November and early March sit on the edge of the shoulder with softer prices and still-good weather.
Whatever month you choose, the Jordan Pass is the single biggest saving: bought online before arrival and valid for stays of three nights or more, it covers your visa fee plus Petra and more than 40 other sites.
Where to Stay in Jordan
Where you sleep shapes both your budget and your experience, from Amman’s hillside neighborhoods to Bedouin desert camps under the stars.
| Area | Vibe | Budget room | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amman (Downtown) | Buzzing, central, value | 35 to 70 US dollars/night | First-timers, food, transport links |
| Amman (Abdoun / Jabal) | Upscale, cafes, calm | 60 to 130 US dollars/night | Comfort, dining, quieter base |
| Petra (Wadi Musa) | Gateway town to Petra | 40 to 100 US dollars/night | Early Petra entry, walking access |
| Wadi Rum | Desert camps, stars | 50 to 150 US dollars/night | Camping, jeep tours, night skies |
| Aqaba (Red Sea) | Beach, diving, relaxed | 45 to 110 US dollars/night | Snorkeling, diving, winter sun |
Amman is the practical base and cultural gateway, all hills, ruins, and great food. Wadi Musa puts you steps from Petra’s gate for that crucial early entry. Wadi Rum is the unforgettable desert night, and Aqaba is Jordan’s slice of the Red Sea. Compare current rates anytime on our hotels hub .
Daily Budget for Jordan
| Category | Budget (US dollars) | Mid-Range (US dollars) | Comfort (US dollars) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | 18 to 35 | 55 to 110 | 140 to 320 |
| Food (3 meals) | 12 to 20 | 28 to 55 | 65 to 140 |
| Transport | 8 to 15 | 20 to 45 | 55 to 120 |
| Activities | 12 to 25 | 30 to 60 | 70 to 150 |
| Daily Total | 50 to 80 | 110 to 200 | 330 to 650 |
A few notes that keep costs honest: a plate of falafel or shawarma runs 1 to 3 dinars, mansaf and mezze feasts are affordable and generous, and Bedouin tea is endless and usually free. Public buses and shared service taxis (servees) are cheap; a hired car or driver makes the south far easier. The big costs are Petra (covered by the Jordan Pass), Wadi Rum tours, and Dead Sea resort entry, so budget for those deliberately.
Stay Connected and Safe: eSIM and VPN
Skip the airport SIM counter. A travel eSIM gives you fast data the moment you land at AMM or AQJ, which matters when you are coordinating a Wadi Rum pickup, finding your Wadi Musa guesthouse, or translating a menu in Amman. Jordan has solid 4G across the populated areas, though signal thins deep in the desert.
- Activate before you fly: data works on arrival
- Plans for 200+ countries from a few dollars
- Keep your number; no physical SIM swap
Jordan offers open Wi-Fi in many hotels and cafes, and a VPN keeps your banking and logins private on those public networks while letting you reach your usual streaming and home services. Set it up before you fly.
- Encrypt public Wi-Fi, protect cards & passwords
- Access your bank, streaming & sites from anywhere
- Dodge price discrimination on flights & hotels
For the full rundown, see our guides to the best travel eSIM and VPN .
Tours & Activities: Jordan
Skip the ticket queues and pre-book the best local tours, day trips and skip-the-line attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Jordan?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are ideal: mild 20 to 28 C days, cool nights, and comfortable conditions for walking Petra and camping in Wadi Rum. These shoulder seasons avoid both the summer heat and the cold desert winter nights.
What is the cheapest time to visit Jordan?
Mid-summer (July and August) and deep winter (December to February) are cheapest, with flights and hotels well below the spring and autumn peaks. Summer is brutally hot in the desert, while winter days are mild but nights are cold and Petra can be wet.
When is the best time to visit Petra and Wadi Rum?
Spring and autumn are perfect for both. Petra involves hours of walking and climbing, punishing in summer heat, and Wadi Rum desert nights are pleasant in spring and autumn but cold in winter and stifling in summer days. Aim for March to May or September to November.
How hot does Jordan get in summer?
Very hot. Amman sits around 30 to 33 C, but Petra, Wadi Rum, and especially the Dead Sea and Aqaba can hit 38 to 42 C. Sightseeing is best done at dawn and dusk in summer, with the middle of the day spent resting.
How much does a trip to Jordan cost per day?
Budget travelers manage on 50 to 80 US dollars a day; mid-range travelers should plan for 110 to 200. The Jordan Pass, covering Petra and most sites plus the visa, saves serious money. See the cost table above.
Do I need a visa to visit Jordan?
Most visitors need a visa, but the Jordan Pass is the smart move: bought online before you fly and valid if you stay at least three nights, it covers the tourist visa fee plus entry to Petra and over 40 other sites, paying for itself almost instantly.
Is August a good time to visit Jordan?
August is the cheapest but harshest month. Amman sits near 32 C, while Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea and Aqaba routinely top 40 C, so sightseeing means dawn starts and midday rest indoors. If you can handle extreme heat the low prices are a real draw; otherwise aim for spring or autumn.
What is Jordan like in November and December?
November is one of the best months: mild 20 C days, cool nights, frosty Petra dawns and warm afternoons, with prices easing late in the month. December turns cooler and variable, around 14 C in Amman with rain and cold desert nights, though the Dead Sea and Aqaba stay mild near 20 C and prices drop to winter lows.
Is January a good time to visit Jordan?
January is Jordan’s coldest and cheapest month. Amman highs hover near 12 C with cold nights, rain and occasional highland snow, and Wadi Rum can drop close to freezing after dark. But Aqaba and the Dead Sea stay mild around 20 C, making it a low-cost winter-sun trip if you pack warm layers.
Start Planning Your Jordan Trip
The best time to visit Jordan comes down to your priorities. The spring and autumn shoulders (March to May, September to November) give you the perfect balance of mild days and comfortable nights for Petra and Wadi Rum; summer is cheapest but demands dawn-and-dusk sightseeing in the heat; and winter trades cold highland nights for low prices and Dead Sea sun. I came in late November and got frosty Petra dawns, warm afternoons, and starlit desert nights, all just past the peak. Match the month to your wallet and your tolerance for the thermometer, buy the Jordan Pass, and the country delivers like few others.
Compare prices now and lock in your dates: