Last updated August 13, 2026 · Editorial policy
Best time to visit Jordan: at a glance
Short answer: March–May and September–November — mild and ideal for Petra & Wadi Rum.
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Peak | Mar–May, Oct | Comfortable, perfect for sightseeing; busiest |
| Shoulder (best value) | Sep, Nov | Warm, fewer crowds |
| Low | Jun–Aug (hot), Dec–Feb (cold) | Desert heat or chilly nights |
Best Time to Visit Jordan: Month-by-Month Guide
Quick take: Planning a trip to Jordan? The difference between going in the right month versus the wrong one can mean half the cost, twice the sunshine, and a fraction of the crowds.
Knowing the best time to visit Jordan can transform your trip — saving you hundreds on flights and hotels while putting you in better weather with fewer crowds. This guide breaks down each season, key events, and what to expect month by month so you can pick the right travel dates.
| Season | Months | What to Expect |
|---|
Festivals & Events in Jordan
If you’re planning around a specific event, book early — major festivals spike hotel prices 50-200% and sell out 3-6 months ahead.
- Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts (Jul-Aug)
- Amman International Theatre Festival (Nov)
When to Visit by Travel Goal
- Fewest crowds: Just outside peak season — first 2 weeks before peak begins or last 2 weeks after peak ends.
- Festivals & culture: See the events list above. Book 3-6 months ahead for major dates.
- Budget travelers: Mid-week flights in off-season offer the best deals. Set Google Flights alerts 6-8 weeks ahead.
What to Avoid
- Major holidays: Local school holidays and religious festivals drive domestic travel surges — popular spots fill up.
- Closures: Some sights and restaurants close during deep off-season. Verify business hours before booking.
Booking Tips
- Book flights 8-12 weeks ahead for peak season; 4-6 weeks for off-season usually works.
- Set Google Flights price alerts for your target dates.
- Watch shoulder weeks: the week just before/after peak season often has near-peak weather at 30% lower prices.
- Check local school holidays — these spike domestic travel and crowd major sites.
- Travel insurance is wise for any peak-season trip given high prices and harder-to-rebook flights.
Late October to November: The Shoulder Sweet Spot Most Visitors Miss
Spring and autumn both qualify as shoulder season, but they are not equal. May skews busy and warm, while late October into November delivers the same comfortable 20-25C sightseeing weather at Petra with thinner crowds and softer hotel rates as numbers taper toward month-end. If you have to pick one window, weight toward November.
One detail that should pin your exact dates: Petra by Night runs only Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, roughly 20:30 to 22:30, walking the candlelit Siq to the Treasury. Build your itinerary around those evenings rather than hoping to catch it on a whim.
Two periods to handle with care:
- December and January bring most of Jordan’s rain. The Siq sits in a flood channel, and flash floods that close Petra recur every few years; Wadi Rum daytime highs near 17C plunge toward 0C after dark.
- Ramadan (around February 8 to March 9 in 2027) leaves the major sites open and quiet, but daytime cafes outside tourist zones close and opening hours shorten, so plan mornings and carry snacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there major festivals in Jordan?
Yes — Jordan hosts notable events including: Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts (Jul-Aug), Amman International Theatre Festival (Nov). Major festivals can spike hotel prices 50-200% — book 3-6 months ahead if attending.
What should I pack for Jordan?
Pack for the season you’re visiting and the climate zone. Summer in Jordan: lightweight breathable clothes, sunscreen, hat, comfortable walking shoes. Winter: layers, waterproof jacket, warm accessories. Check the 10-day forecast 1-2 weeks before departure and adjust.
Related Jordan Travel Guides
- Best Things to Do in Jordan
- Where to Stay in Jordan
- Best Food in Jordan
- How Much Does a Trip to Jordan Cost?
- Jordan Itinerary Guide
Torn between destinations? See our honest, first-hand comparisons: Egypt vs Jordan, Cappadocia vs Jordan.
Plan the practical side: Jordan Visa Guide.
Jordan weather & climate by month
Best months to visit: April, May, October, November. Jordan’s warmest month is August (avg 34°C / 93°F), the coolest is January (low 4°C / 40°F). The wettest is February (45 mm) and the driest is June.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12°C / 54°F | 4°C / 40°F | 42 mm | 8 |
| February | 14°C / 56°F | 5°C / 41°F | 45 mm | 7 |
| March | 16°C / 62°F | 7°C / 45°F | 41 mm | 7 |
| April | 23°C / 74°F | 12°C / 53°F | 11 mm | 3 |
| May | 29°C / 84°F | 16°C / 61°F | 6 mm | 1 |
| June | 31°C / 88°F | 18°C / 65°F | 0 mm | 0 |
| July | 34°C / 92°F | 21°C / 69°F | 0 mm | 0 |
| August | 34°C / 93°F | 21°C / 70°F | 0 mm | 0 |
| September | 32°C / 90°F | 20°C / 67°F | 0 mm | 0 |
| October | 27°C / 81°F | 16°C / 62°F | 4 mm | 1 |
| November | 21°C / 69°F | 11°C / 52°F | 18 mm | 4 |
| December | 15°C / 59°F | 7°C / 45°F | 24 mm | 5 |
Climate source: Open-Meteo ERA5 reanalysis (2019–2023). Compare destinations in the Best Time to Visit Index.
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Written by
Drew Treasury is a contributing travel writer at Packzup, specialising in city culture, food markets, street art, and neighbourhood-level travel.
