Fun Facts About Jordan

1. Jordan is Home to the Dead Sea

Ah, yes, the Dead Sea. This is a famous salt lake in Jordan that’s a great spot for floating around. In fact, it’s one of the saltiest lakes in the world. There’s almost ten times the amount of salt in here than the actual sea. Result? It makes you really buoyant. It was also one of the first health resorts in the world.

2. The Dead Sea is the Lowest Point on Earth (One of the Most Interesting Facts About Jordan!)

This is an amazing fact about Jordan. Yes, the Dead Sea is really, really low altitude. It’s actually so low that the shores around the lake account for the lowest point of elevation on the planet, at 480 meters below sea level. The bottom of the lake is 728 meters below sea level.

3. Jordan’s Only Real Shoreline is the Red Sea

Rhyming with the Dead Sea, which is actually a lake, the Red Sea is Jordan’s only true shoreline. And it’s a short one at that – only 16 miles long. It’s otherwise pretty landlocked. However, the town of Aqaba on the Red Sea coast offers up some prime diving among colorful reefs that makes up for the lack of long coastal retreats.

4. In 363 AD, Jordan Experienced a Huge Earthquake

A seismic event of monumental proportions damaged a lot of buildings and took a lot of lives almost 2,000 years ago across the area now known as Jordan. One of the most prominent structures to suffer was Petra, being literally carved into the rock.

5. Petra is Jordan’s Most Famous Sight

Oh, yeah, speaking of Petra – it’s got to be the most famous place to travel in Jordan. In fact, it’s one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It’s a beautiful sight to see, we have to say. First settled more than 10,000 years ago, it was established as the capital of the formerly nomadic Nabataean Arabs around the 4th century BC. It’s so famous that it’s been a filming location for loads of movies, including Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Classic.

6. Jordan is an Important Spot Between Africa, Europe, and Asia

It’s a pretty significant and strategic location in the world. That’s probably why so many empires and Kingdoms, biblical figures, Islamic rulers, crusading Christians, and modern-day powers wanted to own it or keep a close eye on it. Jordan, as a result, is a fascinating and (sometimes messed up) mix of culture and history.

7. There are Over 100,000 Archaeological (and Tourist) sites in Jordan!

This is one of my favorite facts about Jordan. Yep, that’s a ton of sights for people to come and see – from the everyday, garden variety tourists to the history buffs out there. Jordan really is packed with old stuff to see. Petra, of course, Jerash, Al-Maghtas, Mount Nebo, and Ajulun Castle are some of the best places to visit in Jordan. Tourism is a huge deal in Jordan; it employs a lot of people.

8. Jordan Makes up Part of the Holy Land

Yeah, the name Jordan sounds familiar, doesn’t it? Even if you don’t know the modern-day country, you’ve probably heard of Jordan somehow, most often through biblical stories, of which there are a TON set in Jordan. Loads of stuff happened here, and many of the religious sites are big pilgrimage destinations. There are important places and shrines for Jews and Muslims here, too.

9. Jesus was Baptized in Jordan

Well, maybe you don’t believe it or whatever, but it doesn’t matter – many people do! Al-Maghtas is the place to go if you want to see the place where Jesus himself was baptized by John the Baptist (that’s how he got his name!).

10. Jordan is Where You’ll Find the World’s Oldest Dam

A great historical fact about Jordan is that it is home to the oldest dam in the world – by a long shot. The Jawa Dam dates back to the 4th millennium BC and was built, as many dams are, for water supply. Jordan actually still struggles with water shortages to this day. 

11. Amman is a Super Old City

Founded in 7250 BC, it’s actually one of the oldest cities in the world that’s been continuously inhabited. Sorry to all the “classically” oldest cities in the world (ahem, Rome), but Amman really is pretty ancient, and we’ve got to hand it to them.

12. A Jordanian Movie was Nominated for an Oscar in 2016

This is a fact about Jordan for movie-buffs out there (who might know this already). So, yeah, the 2014 Jordanian movie Theeb follows a young Bedouin boy who has to survive in the desert. It used non-professional actors for realism and was nominated as Best Foreign Language Film at the 88th Academy Awards.

13. in 2016 Jordan Won its First-Ever Olympic medal

Any guesses for what sport they won it in? No? Ok, it was Taekwondo. The medal winner was Ahmad Abu Ghaush. He won gold in the under 67-kilo weight category. Taekwondo has become one of the most popular sports in Jordan since then.

14. The Romans Once Ruled Jordan

It’s true. It was consolidated in 63 BC in the province of Arabia Petraea. One of the most famous cities to see remnants of Roman rule is Jerash. There’s the forum, countless colonnades, public bathhouses, a hippodrome, and an amphitheater, to name just a few of the fantastic relics from the past. (The Byzantines were up next, of course.)

15. Jordan is One of the Least Forested Countries in the World

Usually, countries have forests. And Jordan, though it’s got a surprising amount of plant species, does not have much in the way of forested areas. In fact, forests account for less than 2% of the country’s ecosystems; that’s way below the international average of 15%. One of the only forested regions in Jordan is in the northern mountains, home to oak trees and wild olive trees, plus… 

16. Jordan is the Home of the Long-Eared Hedgehog

We weren’t sure if we should even mention this fact about Jordan – we weren’t sure if you’d be able to handle the cuteness. But we decided the world needed to know that there is a long-eared hedgehog in Jordan. It’s got great ears, it’s actually surprisingly fast (Sonic, anyone?), and thankfully, they’re not endangered at all. 

17. Jordan has a Royal Family

Yes, it does. And the current monarch is King Abdullah II. The same royal family has been in power ever since 1921, which is funny because… 

18. Jordan was a British Protectorate for 25 years

From 1921 to 1946, Jordan was a “protectorate” of Britain. It was officially called the Emirate of Transjordan. While it wasn’t a colony as such, being a protectorate of Britain meant that the European Power could meddle in Jordan’s affairs all it wanted to – like saying who should be king… just saying.

19. During that time, Palestine and Israel were part of the Emirate

Possibly why things are so messy in that region of the world, with some dividing lines neatly drawn on maps by British (and French) officials, many countries were often part of one so-called protectorate.

The Emirate of Transjordan included parts of Syria and yes – Israel. That meant Jerusalem too. The country is partially responsible for protecting religious buildings in the Holy Land.

20. Jordan is one of only two Arab countries to sign a peace treaty with Israel

With the “help” of the Soviet Union and the US, the two countries signed a deal on October 26, 1994. It’s called the Israel-Jordan Treaty of Peace. The other country was Egypt, and that was back in 1979.

21. Jordan was the first Arab country to allow female police officers

Way back in the 1970s, Jordan made the progressive move to allow females to train and serve as police officers. The number of female police officers in the Jordanian police force is still rising.

22. The Oldest Statues in the World Were Found in Jordan

Ok, some of the oldest statues in the world. They were naturally found in Ain Ghazal and are known as the Ain Ghazal Statues. What’s impressive about them is that they date all the way back to Neolithic times.

Way before anyone had any idea about building pyramids in Egypt or how to carry all those stones to Stonehenge. Someone made these plaster statues. They’re actually pretty good. Picasso-esque.

23. There’s a Place in Jordan Called Montreal

Nope, we didn’t get that wrong. There really is a place in this country called Montreal. And you can thank the Crusaders for that. It’s actually a castle built by Baldwin I of Jerusalem in 1115 AD. You’ll find it in Shoubak.

24. Jordan Played Host to the First Women’s Sports Tournament in the Middle East

In a country where it was once frowned upon for a woman to kick a ball around, 2016 was a great year for women’s sports in Jordan.

This is the year it hosted the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Back in 2005, it was King Abdullah II who formed the first women’s national team. The U-17 Jordanian team themselves trained with a British coach.

25. Jordan’s National Dish is Mansaf

Maybe you’ve never heard of it, but any foodie worth their salt should have their interest piqued with this flavorful fact about Jordan. Mansaf is a tasty lamb dish cooked with fermented, dried yogurt, served with bulgur wheat or rice, and topped with pine nuts.

It’s served up at important events like weddings, funerals, and holidays. That dried, fermented yogurt – jameed – is made from sheep (or goat) milk, and the city of Al-Karak is the best place to go for jameed.

26. Jordan is Pretty Small

As far as countries go, it’s definitely not one of the biggest. The land area is 89,000 square kilometers. To make it sound even smaller, that’s 34,000 square miles. And to put into a shape you’d understand, you can fit Jordan into Texas about eight times. 

27. Population Density is Insane in Jordan

Obviously, there’s a load of places you can’t live in Jordan, i.e., the desert… well, some people do live there, to be fair (Bedouin tribes, for example). But elsewhere, you get huge bunches of people in a small place. Thirty percent of the population lives in the hilly north.

Even more wild is the fact that forty percent of Jordanians live in the capital, Amman!

28. Jordan Was One of the Countries “Lawrence of Arabia” Helped Liberate

T. E. Lawrence was key in helping the Arab nations during World War I. How? Well, in a nutshell, as the Allied forces fought against the Ottoman Empire (based in modern-day Turkey), Lawrence went around convincing Arab leaders that if they cooperated with British and Allied attacks, they’d be able to help beat the Ottomans and gain independence from the empire.

This was known as the Great Arab Revolt. If you want to watch it all unfold it’s a great travel movie to tune into.

29. You Can Walk Across Jordan

You might want to do this if you’re mad about walking. The Jordan Trail stretches for 402 miles, all the way from Umm Qais in the north to Aqaba in the south.

It takes about 40 days to do and passes by some of the country’s best-known places, such as Petra, the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, and the Greco-Roman ruins at Gadara.

30. There’s No Oil in Jordan

Well, barely any oil anyway. So, unlike the rest of its Arab neighbors, Jordan can’t make money from oil – a negligible amount, maybe. What it does have are some pretty modest natural gas reserves, which are far less interesting.

31. Jordan’s National Flower is Super Rare

Usually, national flowers are pretty common, aren’t they? Jordan chose the mega-rare black iris as its shining star. It’s a common name for hotels, restaurants, and other establishments. This is one of my favorite facts about Jordan!

Quick Travel Tips for Jordan

• Currency – 1 Jordan Dinar – $1.41 USD
• Language – Arabic. However, English is spoken widely due to a good education and a strong tourist industry.
• Official Name – Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
• Capital City – Amman
• Constitutional Monarchy – King Abdullah II of Jordan
• Visa – Most visitors to Jordan will need to obtain a visa. US citizens can get a visa on arrival, payable by card or cash. If you have plans to go to Petra, it’s worth getting the Jordan Pass which includes your visa and access to all the main tourist sites in Jordan.
• Wondering What to Pack for Jordan? We got you covered here.

When is the Best Season to Travel to Jordan?

High season (March-May, September-November): Because of the intense heat that Jordan sees between June and early September, the best time to visit would be around those. March-May and September-November mark the high season in Jordan. Temperatures will be lower (but still hot), making any trip more enjoyable. However, tourism is high, and you’ll face crowds around the popular sites.

Shoulder Season (November – February): Tourism is lower during this time, but temperatures aren’t brutally hot. It’s winter in Jordan, and you may even see some snow. Nights will be cold, especially in Wadi Rum, so bring extra layers.

Low Season (June-August): This is the hottest time of the year to visit Jordan, and you won’t want to spend much time under the sun. You’ll likely always look for shade or AC if you visit during this time. However, prices are at their lowest, but you’ll also find many establishments closed for the low season.

This all leads to the idea that perhaps traveling to Jordan is not such a great idea. It’s not in a part of the world known for its stability and peacefulness. Those ideas of doubt do not last long though, in Jordan. Upon meeting the first Jordanian, they’ll dispel this with the one English sentence the entire country knows.

“Welcome to Jordan.”

During our one-week trip, we found earth-shattering landscapes, ancient history, tantalizing food, exciting experiences, and hospitable locals. Jordan, by all means, is a total package for tourists and deserves a place on every traveler’s bucket list. If you love to travel for adventure, history, beaches, or culture Jordan has something for you!

Is Jordan Worth Visiting? What You Need to Know

Is Jordan Safe to Travel?

Yes, it is safe to travel to Jordan. This is the first question that crosses many travelers’ minds when contemplating traveling to the Middle East. It’s a justified concern if you’ve seen the news in the past five years with the rise of ISIL, the bombing of a plane in neighboring Egypt, and unrest in Palestine.

Truth be told, with last-minute flights, we didn’t have enough time to get in our heads or be nervous about traveling to Jordan. We found a good flight option and a new country and booked the flight. However, any worry would not have been justified. Jordan is not a dangerous country to travel to around.

We never once felt unsafe traveling around the country. In fact, we found the people to be genuinely welcoming and happy to have us as tourists in Jordan. I’m not kidding when I say the phrase you hear the most in Jordan is “welcome to Jordan.”

Furthermore, Jordan is very progressive compared to its neighbors and stable politically. In the capital of Amman, along with the main tourist destinations, you can find bars or at the very least beer in the hotels. Even our Bedouin camp near Petra had a fridge full of beer.

Jordan reminded us why we love to travel so much!

Quick Travel Facts about Jordan

• Currency – 1 Jordan Dinar – $1.41 USD
• Language – Arabic. However, with good education and a strong tourist industry English is widely spoken.
• Official Name – Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
• Capital City – Amman
• Constitutional Monarchy – King Abdullah II of Jordan
• Visa – Most visitors to Jordan will need to obtain a visa. US citizens can get a visa on arrival, payable by card or cash. If you have plans to go to Petra, it’s worth getting the Jordan Pass which includes your visa and access to all the main tourist sites in Jordan.

Where to Travel in Jordan?

Amman

Touch down in Amman! There are two international airports in Jordan. One south of the capital of Amman and the other in Aqaba, a coastal city on the Red Sea. Arriving last minute, we had only one flight choice: the Queen Alia International Airport in Amman.

After landing, we caught a taxi to the city center from the taxi stand for a flat rate of 22 JOD. Years of traveling have built up a serious distaste for the taxi drivers that wait at the departures exit and hassle every traveler. So, we chose to stick with the regulated taxi stand. Perhaps you can negotiate a cheaper rate or try Uber.

With limited time we chose a city center hotel near the old town since we had all of five nights in Jordan. With only a few hours to spare, we went to the main attraction in Amman, the ancient Roman Theatre. It dates back to the second century and can hold up to 6,000 people. The theatre has undergone restoration and is an amazing site in the city center. Above this are the former ruins of citadel hill, the major tourist attraction in Amman.

When it came time for dinner, we made our way to a local institution in town, Al Hashem. The vegetarian restaurant is tucked away in an alley full of tourists and locals. There is no menu, and they serve a meal of hummus, falafel, and some healthy sides.

Our favorite Jordanian dish is moutabel, similar to hummus, except it contains roasted eggplant. All together with two teas, the meal came to 7  JOD for two people – 3 JOD a meal and .50 for tea. One of the cheapest and most delicious meals we would have in Jordan!

Petra

Petra was once the capital of the ancient Nabataean Kingdom and sheltered nomadic Arabs for many centuries. Eventually, the city was conquered by various superpowers, including the Romans and Saracens. Over the years, Petra was forgotten and remained hidden until its rediscovery by the western world in the 19th century. Now it’s one of the most incredible vacation spots in the world.

We’re not big on major tourist attractions; however, some great ancient ruins in the world are well worth their reputation (Hello – Machu Picchu!). Petra, by every mark, precedes its much-loved reputation.

It’s a spectacular site, and no matter how much reading you do beforehand, nothing will prepare you for seeing it in person. We didn’t know what to expect, but Petra is much more than the Treasury that you see in all the Instagram photos.

Once you pass through the gates, you begin your journey through the Siq, a long winding narrow slot canyon. On its walls, you see small glimmers of what is to come with ancient Nubian carvings and a few mausoleums. When you finally reach the Treasury or Al-Khazneh, it takes your breath away. Yet, it is only the beginning of the full site of Petra.

We had one day to see all of Petra, and we were there from about 7:00 in the morning until 6:30 after the sunset. Despite almost twelve hours in Petra, we still failed to see everything we wanted. At that time, we also walked about 15 miles. It would be a good idea to bring comfortable shoes to walk around all day. Tasha wore Teva’s and said she was comfortable. I only had flip-flops and would have preferred walking shoes.

You’ll likely get asked 200 times if you want a donkey ride. The locals know your feet hurt, it is hot, and you are most likely tired of walking. We personally didn’t ride a donkey. I felt bad knowing they were working the entire day to carry tourists around who were too lazy to walk (sorry). It’s also possible to ride a camel, but this is more of a novelty and photo op than an actual mode of transportation.

In addition to the camels and donkeys, we were approached by many young children offering to take us around. This is a big no-no for us as these kids are skipping out on school and learning to make a few bucks off tourists. It may seem okay now, but these kids will grow up and will then lack the vital education that they need. If you want to have someone show you around, I recommend going with a licensed guide.

If you have the time, I would recommend at least two days to see Petra. There are many hiking trails to get away from the main sites and tourists and delve a little deeper.

Where to stay in Petra?

Seven Wonders Bedouin Camp

This is where we stayed near Petra. It’s a cool place to stay as the setting is wild, and it’s run by Bedouin people. Don’t expect five-star luxury, but you do get a comfortable tent with twin beds and lots of blankets to fight the desert night chills.

Bathrooms are shared and kept extremely clean, with hot water always flowing. There is a massive feast served every night for dinner costing 10 JOD a person. For two people with breakfast, dinner, tea, and fire, it comes to around $85 USD a night.

Movenpick Resort Petra

We seriously considered staying at this property as we’ve had good experiences with Movenpick in the past. It’s right at the entrance to Petra, so guests have a prime advantage of being the first ones through the gates.

However, we really wanted the Bedouin experience and to get out of a hotel. If tents and sleeping under the stars isn’t your thing, the Movenpick is a fantastic choice.

Wadi Rum

If there was one destination in Jordan that is an absolute must for travelers, it is Wadi Rum – at least in my opinion. This stems from my all-time favorite travel movie, Lawrence of Arabia.  It’s a great movie to watch if you plan to visit Jordan as it shows off the beauty of the country, and culture and it’s based on important historical events (*warning, it’s almost four hours*).

Wadi Rum is a wild desert that is home to nomadic Bedouins who have lived here for centuries, if not millennia. It is a place of extremes with scorching hot summers and biting winters. Unlike the previous deserts we visited in Namibia and Morocco, Wadi Rum contains towering monoliths, mountains, and canyons. It is a unique place in the world and staggeringly beautiful.

Many visitors to Wadi Rum take a day trip or half-day trip from Aqaba. This is one of the greatest travel mistakes you can make in Jordan, as spending a night in Wadi Rum is a must. It leaves time for exploration of the desert and sleeping under the stars.

After a jeep tour into Wadi Rum, we made our way to the camp, where we waited out the hottest part of the day before setting off on a hike.

Hiking in Wadi Rum on our own was surreal. We saw a few people doing the same and watched the tones of the desert shift from white to orange to red.

Far from the humdrum of the modern world, a night in the desert is soul-stirring in its silence. Night creeps across the desert, temperatures drop, the sky fills with stars, and all you can hear is the crackling of the fire stoked by your Bedouin guide.

There are several desert camps you can check out. However, the one with the most amazing views and the best reviews would be the Wadi Rum Bedouin Camp. You can check out the rates below.

Wadi Mujib

This is one of the most unique activities to do in Jordan, nor is it what you would expect to find. Wadi Mujib is a long slot canyon operated by The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, (RSCN). It’s an adventure center that is built around connecting visitors with nature.

It’s a great example of eco-tourism and a fantastic stop to get active. You can book a canyoneering tour that involves equipment, waterslides, waterfalls, and natural pools. You also have the ability to hike on your own if you’re looking to save some money or don’t like tours.

We made the stop and hiked up the canyon to cool off and stretch the legs. Make sure to wear a bathing suit and water shoes/sandals.

Dead Sea

Out of all of our stops in Jordan, this is the one that surprised me the most. The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth and one of the world’s saltiest bodies of water. It’s so high in salinity, 33%, that visitors are said to float easily. I had my doubts.

While the physics and the idea of floating in the Dead Sea are by no means a surprise, the sensation your first time is wild. It puts an instant smile on your face as you find your legs wanting to float right to the surface.

There is so much buoyancy it’s actually difficult to tread water with your legs in the water. After all these years, I finally understand the novelty of reading a newspaper in the Dead Sea, it’s truly possible.

The mineral content of the water, lack of allergens in the atmosphere, reduced UV rays, and high atmospheric pressure of the Dead Sea are believed to have tremendous health benefits. This is why beauty products are sold worldwide using its mud, and you’ll see every visitor wallowing in the stuff.

Due to the high salinity, most people will find the water irritating to the skin if you stay in too long, and it’s best to rinse off after being in the water. This was our primary reason to head to a resort to enjoy the Dead Sea. That said, it didn’t bother us too much. Even my toe that I had sliced open climbing a mountain that morning in Wadi Rum felt fine.

To visit the Dead Sea in Jordan is pretty expensive – at least if you want to do so comfortably. We chose to spend the night in a resort as we had to catch a flight the next day and wanted to have the amenities and comfort of a resort.

We had a search around with only a few options. We landed at the Holiday Inn Resort, which cost about $100 a night with a buffet breakfast. The room was modern and comfortable, while the resort grounds were well maintained and clean. 

To top it all the resort employees were very friendly and attentive. The only complaints we would have were regarding the expensive dining options and the fact they have a hard close on the beach at sunset and rushed everyone out of the water before the sun hit the horizon.

If we wanted to splash out a bit and stay somewhere special, the Kempinski would have been the place to go. Either way, we had a great time at the Holiday Inn Resort and enjoyed this special place on earth.

Aqaba

With little time, we only made a quick stop in Aqaba to see what the city was like. It has great access to the Red Sea, where you can go for a swim in the ocean, snorkel, or even go diving. Sadly, we couldn’t go scuba diving but heard it’s an amazing place. They even offer sunset dolphin cruises. We’ll update this when we finally make it to the Red Sea properly.

Historical Sites

There are historical sites throughout Jordan that we failed to visit. The main site we missed due to a lack of time is Jerash. It’s a city in Jordan and North of Amman. It’s been inhabited since the Bronze Age and is well known for the Greco-Roman site here. It’s one of the most extensive Greco-Roman cities still standing and an outstanding site for those interested in history. You can see an ideal Jordan itinerary here.

The Cost to Travel in Jordan

Jordan is a moderately priced country if not a little on the high side, which surprised us. That being said, the average traveler will find okay value. I have seen a few misguided posts on the internet that gave some bad information about prices being very cheap and that’s the wrong information for backpackers.

Make no mistake, it’s not a cheap country for the average traveler. Including flights, our five-day trip for two people cost about $1,350. That covers our flights (from Cyprus), car rental, food, visas, accommodation, coffee, and activities.

Get the Jordan Pass

All travelers to Jordan should get the Jordan Pass before arrival if they plan on going to Petra. The pass cost is 70 JOD and includes your visa fee and Petra ticket, which would come to 80 JOD if bought individually. Plus, the pass comes with free entry into a bunch of other sites and museums around Jordan. You can buy it online and show it right to the immigration officials on arrival.

Transport

This is often your largest expense when it comes to travel around countries. Jordan has several options, with the most popular one being group tour buses. It’s an understandable decision. The public transport is there, but often painful and limited in its ability to service travelers in Jordan. A car rental is also daunting for many travelers who have never driven in a foreign country.

Bus

There are large tourist buses that connect the major tourist sites. It’s a great service that is known for being reliable and comfortable. JETT is the national bus service and operates routes between Amman, Petra, and Aqaba. They run nice air-conditioned buses and even luxury buses with entertainment systems.

They run daily timetables, with most buses operating out of their two Amman hubs of Abdali and Wahdat. The Abdali station services most of the destinations around Amman and to the North. Suppose you plan to head South on a long journey like Aqaba or Petra, then Wahdat station will offer bus routes with JETT. The average bus from Amman to Petra or Aqaba costs about 8 JOD.

The alternative would be the independent minibusses. These can be super cheap; however, by no means comfortable. Minibusses do not operate on a time schedule and only depart when full. It’s the local way to travel, so it’s often a colorful way to travel. We’ve used minibusses in other countries, but prefer our comfort when traveling too much these days.

Car Rental

This is the way we decided to travel around Jordan, and we’re happy we did! Driving in a foreign country can seem daunting, but there is no real need to worry. I’ve driven in probably 30-40 countries now and find little to no difference. Read all our rental car tips here. 

Jordan is a particularly easy country to navigate and drive to as there are only a few roads and no traffic outside of Amman. You just need to be mindful of the potholes, goats, and the occasional camel (not joking). There are regular police stops and checkpoints; however, whenever they saw we were tourists, they smiled and said, “Welcome to Jordan.”

We picked up a car from Dollar for $125 for five days and spent about $100 on gas.

Taxi

The last option would be to opt for taxi drivers, which isn’t bad. Around Amman, taxi drivers are cheap and easy to find, with most knowing the major sites in English. If you’re short on time you can rent out a taxi for the day, and they’ll take you where ever you like for around 80 JOD.

Accommodation

I’d be lying if I said that Jordan is a cheap country to travel around; however, it is affordable. Overall we found everything to be within reason for our budget, which may raise some backpackers eyebrows. We stayed in a private room hostel in Amman for around 30 JOD a night.

Dessert accommodation is basic and has no frills, but with our desert camp outside of Petra with dinner, we still spend 60 JOD a night or $85 USD. At the same time, camps in Wadi Rum come in at a similar price point. At the high end for resorts like bubble tents or name-brand hotels, expect to pay around $200 a night. It’s all fairly reasonable but out of the realm of the typical budget traveler or backpacker.

How Long Should You Travel to Jordan For?

A sufficient tour around Jordan and stopping at all the major points of interest can be done in a week, give or take. We had six days/five nights and left wanting to see more, but covered a fair amount of ground and stayed pretty busy.

However, if we’d spent two weeks, we may have gotten a little tired of the food and desert life. In an ideal world, I would say eight days is a fair amount of time to cover the main points.

Food to Try When You Travel Jordan

Coffee

This is true for much of the Middle East, but you have to try some of the coffee. The traditional coffee here is infused with cardamom and then heated to a rolling boil in a hot sand pan. It’s a very finely ground roast with no coffee filter, so a thick sludge of grounds is left at the bottom of your cup.

It’s similar to Turkish coffee if you’ve ever tried that! Expect to pay 0.50 JOD to 1 JOD for a cup. We did pay 2 JOD in front of the Treasury in Petra, but with a view like that, we couldn’t complain.

Falafel

We’re no stranger to falafel as we’re mainly vegetarians; however, some of the best falafel I ever ate was in Amman. Falafel is made from patties of ground chickpeas and spice that is then deep fried. The best ones have a fresh taste to them from herbs with a crispy outside and fluffy inside. You can eat them any way you like, but I love a little bit of chili and hummus.

Moutabel

I mentioned this earlier. It’s a staple throughout Jordan; we found it at almost every meal. Very similar to hummus, except it has the addition of smoked eggplant/aubergine. It’s amazing!

Things to Know About Travel in Jordan

Arabic Hospitality

Until recent years and post 9/11, the Arabic world was known for its warm hospitality – there are many parts of it where this is still the case. Jordan is a country that welcomes tourists and visitors with open arms. We found locals to be helpful, friendly, and genuinely interested in us during our time in Jordan. This occurred even in random towns where a shopkeep would start a conversation asking where we were from and about our time in Jordan.

Delicious Food

I mentioned the food earlier, and that remains to be true. You have to eat your way through Jordan. They have delicious salads and great roasts, and amazing falafel. It had been a while since we traveled to a country and wanted to eat our way around.

There is a major trash problem

One negative we have to say about Jordan is the state of its waste management. We found plastic and trash strewn about everywhere in the country to a really alarming degree. The trash problem even extended out to Wadi Rum, where we found all sorts of plastic bottles and knick-knacks in a protected desert landscape. It was all very disheartening from what would otherwise be a gorgeous country.

To make matters worse, the culture does not seem to have much regard for the waste problem. We witnessed countless Jordanians throw the trash from their vehicle windows, drop trash on the street, or throw it right out of their front door. I would go so far as to say it’s sadly one of the dirtiest countries we have traveled to ever. If you want to know more, read our tips on eco-friendly travel or the ethos behind The World Pursuit.

Prepare to disconnect

It is possible to stay connected in Jordan through data providers with convenient tourist SIM card packages. However, we chose to forgo the SIM card and enjoy a bit of a digital detox in the desert. Most of the camps and hotels have free Wifi, but in the more remote locations like Wadi Rum, it is limited and slow.

When is the Best Season to Travel to Jordan?

High season (March-May, September-November): Because of the intense heat that Jordan sees between June and early September, the best time to visit would be around those. March-May and September-November mark the high season in Jordan. Temperatures will be lower (but still hot), making any trip more enjoyable. However, tourism is high, and you’ll face crowds around the popular sites.

Shoulder Season (November – February): Tourism is lower during this time, but temperatures aren’t brutally hot. It’s winter in Jordan, and you may even see some snow. Nights will be cold, especially in Wadi Rum, so bring extra layers.

Low Season (June-August): This is the hottest time of the year to visit Jordan, and you won’t want to spend much time under the sun. If you visit during this time, you’ll likely always look for shade or AC. However, prices are at their lowest, but you’ll also find many establishments closed for the low season.

Our Recommendation For Travel Insurance

We don’t travel without travel insurance, and neither should you. You never know what can happen in a foreign country, and it’s best to be prepared. HeyMondo offers excellent short and long-term travel insurance policies.

HeyMondo

Although a Middle Eastern and predominantly Muslim country, Jordan is the most liberal in the region. Western fashions have become popular here, and the dress code is not as strict as in other Middle Eastern countries. However, being respectful in conservative areas and religious sites is still important. Here’s our Jordan packing list with photos to prepare you for your first trip to the ancient ruins of Petra, the Dead Sea, the desert, and everywhere!

How Conservative is Jordan?

There isn’t much reason to stress about travel in Jordan as the country is a wonderful introduction to Middle Eastern culture. Jordan is likely one of the most liberal countries in the Middle East, but it is still very conservative compared to the rest of the world. Cities like Amman and Aqaba are mixed, with many Jordanians forgoing traditional dress for Western clothes. Women may still wear a hijab but pair it with modest clothes. The photo below is from one of the city’s most popular restaurants, and you’ll see that it’s a nice mix of clothing styles.

Tourists are generally free to wear whatever they please. You’ll see shorts, tight pants, bikinis, high heels, and short dresses at tourist sites. However, as soon as you step out of these tourist sites and into the streets, you’ll see women in hijabs and beautiful dresses unique to Jordan, often called shirsh. Men in Jordan outside of the cities will also cover their heads and often wear a traditional thawb or dishdasha.

We recommend that you dress to match the culture as you are a guest in their country. We view it as a sign of respect. This means no shorts, tight short dresses, or cleavage showing. If you dress provocatively, you’ll likely feel more out of place than you didn’t.

It’s easy to dress cute, comfortably, and modestly without disrespecting or offending cultural norms. Covering your knees and shoulders is best as a sign of respect. The exception to this is at the beach or hotel pools. Here, it’s perfectly acceptable to wear bathing suits, cover-ups, and shorts. It’s a tourist spot, not entering locals’ everyday lives, and that’s how we see the difference.

What Should A Woman Wear?

Although Jordan is more liberal than many other Middle Eastern countries, it is best to respect the local culture and cover up a bit. Most Jordanian women cover their legs, arms, and chest, and many locals also cover their hair with headscarves.

As a visitor, you aren’t expected to cover up your hair, though doing so may garner less attention from onlookers (particularly men). This is especially true if you are a blonde, as they are more of a rarity in Jordan. That being said, I am blonde and never covered up my hair. Traveling with a male made this easier as females traveling alone typically get more attention.

Generally, women should cover their legs with long skirts or pants and, at the very least, their chests. I love wearing flowy skirts, pants, and a loose white blouse. Pack plenty of scarves, as they can cover your head and shoulders and look great in photos! This combination is perfect for traveling to Jordan as a female.

Climate

Jordan enjoys a mild climate for most of the year. It is an arid desert biome for most of the country, so temperature shifts throughout the day can be vast. Summers are long, hot, and dry, while winters are cool, short, and see mild precipitation. The climate mixes the Arabian desert’s subtropical aridity and the eastern Mediterranean’s subtropical humidity.

January is the coldest month, with temperatures from 5°C to 10°C. August is the hottest month, with temperatures from 20°C to 35°C. The summer can bring southern winds called Shirocco, raising temperatures past 40°C with strong sandstorms. We recommend you visit in the spring and fall. During this time, you’ll find pleasant daytime temperatures and cool evenings. You’ll want lightweight clothes for the day and a jacket to cover up at night. We have an article on the weather in Jordan throughout the year to give you an idea of what to expect.

What to Wear in Jordan

Lightweight Sneakers

When you think about what to wear in Jordan, start with a pair of breathable shoes. It shouldn’t be a surprise, but the heat during the day can be intense, so we recommend a shoe with good air circulation. These can be lightweight sneakers or a casual shoe. Our favorite shoe for hot weather is Allbird’s “Tree” line of shoes. It is sustainable and offers excellent ventilation for your feet as it utilizes eucalyptus fiber construction.

As city streets and tourist sites in Jordan can be a little dirty, dusty, and sandy, most travelers will appreciate the protection of shoes. Of course, you can wear sandals if you choose. While certain Western fashions are not as welcome in Jordan, locals wear sandals, too.

Sandals

You’ll find many people wearing sandals in Jordan, and they are great for relaxing by the pool, Dead Sea, Aqaba, or on easy days. You don’t want to live in your shoes your whole trip, and sandals are perfect for letting your feet breathe.

We travel with leather sandals or hiking sandals. They get me through anything and are great for comfort while walking. If any women would like a cute travel sandal recommendation, we love the Sanuk Yoga Sling, as it’s comfy and affordable. We spend 75% of our time in a pair of sandals traveling around Jordan. We only opt for our shoes in certain city neighborhoods, long days hiking, or destinations like Petra.

Hiking Shoes

Of course, you can easily go to sites like Petra and get around with sandals. However, there is some great hiking and trekking around Jordan, and it would be a shame to miss out on the opportunity because you weren’t prepared with proper footwear. If you plan to hike for a few days, we suggest a pair of hiking shoes or boots, as the hiking terrain is pretty rugged.

They are also great for visiting other religious and cultural sites. Most of the sites and activities in Jordan are desert/outdoor-based, so a nice pair of dress shoes is unnecessary. We recommend you pack two pairs of footwear: sandals and hiking shoes or breathable sneakers.

Windbreaker

Since Jordan is a desert climate, temperature shifts here can be drastic. In the winter months, along with spring and fall temperatures, the weather can be cool, if not bone-chilling. Amman, the capital of Jordan, remains mild year-round and only reaches an average high of 26.5 °C in the summer months.

We suggest you pack a light windbreaker to help cut out the wind no matter the season. We love to travel with a lightweight windbreaker that can pack easily in a suitcase. We have several recommendations for travel jackets.

Warm Fleece/Down Jacket

It can be pretty cool in Jordan, so given the season, it’s a good idea to pack some warm clothes. We visited Jordan in October, and the weather was pleasant. Days were warm, but nights were chilly, so a warm fleece or a down jacket was helpful. We suggest you check the seasonal weather before heading off on your trip to understand what to bring.

We love Patagonia’s Better Sweater as a comfortable fleece for travel. The fleece has a classic, relaxed cut and a timeless look, perfect for a walk or sitting around an evening bonfire. Pack a lightweight down jacket if you face cooler evenings in the middle of winter — desert nights can be near freezing!

Linen Shirt or Tunic

Due to the cool mornings and hot sunny days, we found the protection of a long-sleeved shirt helpful. We wore them on desert walks in the Wadi Rum and Petra. We generally suggest traveling with a technical shirt or one made from organic materials like hemp, linen, or rapeseed. These are practical because they have antimicrobial properties and will stay fresh longer when you sweat. Linen is an excellent option because it has a timeless look for your trip.

Pair a linen shirt with sandals, shorts, chinos, jeans, or shoes. It will always work. Linen shirts are versatile clothing that looks good for both sexes and works at the beach, museum, archaeological site, or safari. It’s tough to find decent linen shirts online, but I love the quality of J. Crew’s or Everlane’s linen shirts. You can often score a deal, so it won’t be the end if you stain or snag the shirt.

Short-Sleeve Shirts

A classic tee will never go out of style. We suggest sticking with solid colors like white or grey. T-shirts are cheap, and we like to order a new pack before each trip, as old shirts look slobbish. Some regular cotton tees are great, but pack a few athletic shirts for a hot destination.

Sundress

For a more feminine look in Jordan, wear a cute dress to walk around the Ancient sites and snap photos. I loved wearing light and flowy dresses in Jordan, but they needed not to be too revealing. I find it’s best to wear a dress that goes past the knee and shows no cleavage or shoulders. One of my favorites for this trip is the Scotch & Soda safari dress. It’s perfect for Jordan and all-around Africa travel! The photo is from a recent trip to Egypt, but it has a climate and culture similar to Jordan.

Loose Pants

Jordan is a conservative country, and pants are more respectful than shorts. I walked around almost every day in one of my many pairs of loose pants. Best of all, the pants are lightweight and weigh nothing in a carry-on bag. They have a relaxed boho style, which works for Jordan but may not be everyone’s cup of tea. You’ll often walk along the city streets and sights, usually dusty. Harem or relaxed pants are fantastic, but if you want pants where the bottom won’t get filthy, wear cuffed pants.

Scarf, shemagh, Or Bandana

A shemagh or keffiyeh is the perfect travel accessory for men and women. It provides warmth, protects the face from the elements, covers the head, and even doubles as an eye mask. It’s a staple piece of the region’s wardrobe and super useful.

Women may want a headscarf for some religious sites. They are lightweight and easy to travel with, so there is no reason not to have one. Scarves or shawls are always good when you need to cover your head before walking into a Mosque. They also serve as a superb protection from desert winds and dust.

Sports/Travel Underwear

Pack several pairs of sports underwear. Generally, we’ll pack five to seven pairs of underwear for a typical trip. We recommend several pairs of underwear made from wool or synthetic material. These materials are antimicrobial, so they stay fresh longer and can dry quickly overnight if you hand wash them.

Swimsuit

Just because you’re in a Muslim country doesn’t mean you can’t wear a bathing suit at a beach resort in Aqaba or the Dead Sea. I would recommend bringing a few different ones. You don’t care much about an old one ideal for the Dead Sea, as the dark minerals can stain and ruin a bathing suit. Seriously, we both wore an old one and threw it away after.

For women, Tasha’s favorite bathing suits lately have been made by Andie Swim. Cameron loves Quicksilver’s Amphibian shorts. The material looks like heavy cotton, but they’re lightweight and durable. Best of all, they look great on the beach or in town.

Sunglasses

Jordan has a lot of sunshine, and you’ll need sunglasses to protect your eyes. We’ve had our Smith Chromapop sunglasses for a while and can’t recommend them enough. The Chromopop lens technology is like seeing the world with fresh eyes. They enhance contrast, reduce glare, and reflect light for superb vision while driving, walking around town, or out on the water.

Sun Hat

If you are considering what to pack for Jordan, we recommend picking a stylish sunhat! You’ll want a hat for walking around in the hot sun all day, and I recommend a hat with a wide brim. We’re both partial to a classic ball cap, but a large hat offers far more protection from the sun.

Accessories to Pack For Jordan

Daypack

Our daypack was handy every day in Jordan. When traveling, you’ll need something to stash your photography gear, hand sanitizers, papers, phones, and anything else you need for a full day out.

Travel Camera

A high-quality camera is an essential packing item for Jordan if you want some great shots during your vacation. We travel with many cameras, but the one we recommend to everyone who wants to take their photography seriously is the Fujifilm X-T4.

Hand Sanitizer

Walking around and participating in everyday activities in Jordan can get pretty dirty. It was also a reoccurring theme to find hand soap nowhere. Traditional dining in Jordan is with your hands and bread. Although, you’ll find cutlery at most establishments that cater to tourists. You can’t go wrong with bringing some hand sanitizer and eco-friendly baby wipes in your bag.

Sunscreen

Skin cancer is for real! Don’t forget your SPF when traveling around the Middle East, as you’re close to the Equator. We recommend ordering some online before leaving the house as you will need it underneath the desert sun, and it can be tough to find in grocery stores in Jordan (and when you do find it, the pricing will be insane).

Electrolyte Tablets

Dehydration in Jordan is a genuine concern. These tablets should have your body back to normal if you fall sick. You may not need a whole bottle, so take a few in a bag or pill holder to save luggage space.

Adapter

You’ll find that Jodan uses both the Europlug and the British three-prong plug. Ensure you find a good adapter like mine to keep you charged. Otherwise, you may be paying for a cheap one once you land.

Grayl Ultralight Water Purifier

We switched to the Grayl Ultralight Purifier as our top travel water bottle. It’s a simplistic design that is a purifier, not a filter. The Grayl water bottle system purifies water vs. filters, removing viruses and virtually all threats of waterborne illnesses.

Headlamp

A headlamp is always in our suitcase as we never know when we will need it. It’s come in handy more than a few times. Especially in Jordan, where we walked to and from the bathroom in the Wadi Rum desert at night!

So, to help you figure out the best time to visit Jordan, we’re giving you a month-by-month rundown, including some of the best festivals that Jordan has to offer, so you can plan your trip to a T.

When is the Best Time to Visit Jordan?

Weather in Jordan in January

Let’s sum up January in one word – cold. We’re talking average temperatures of 5-10°C, so not exactly the best time to visit Jordan. This is also the rainiest month, with most (around 70%) of Jordan’s rainfall occurring during January. The capital of Amman is pretty windy this time of year too, with cold winds whipping through the city.

Surprisingly, there’s also some snowfall in the most famous of Jordanian sights, Petra. Looking for warmer weather? The Dead Sea and Aqaba are the places to go; temperatures at both these destinations are around 21°C.

Weather in Jordan in February

Guess what? February continues to be pretty cold. Even Aqaba, on the usually sultry Red Sea, has chilly evenings, but it’s still a good destination if you’re looking for mild to warm days. Up in the hills in the center of the country, there can even be some snow.

The Eastern Desert, being a desert, has that classic climate of warm in the day, cold at night – that goes for February, too. Amman’s average temperature during the second month of the year is 9°C (dropping to around 5°C after dark). 

Weather in Jordan in March

Spring starts to bloom in March and we’re beginning to see the start of the best time to travel to Jordan. This is when you will see Jordan’s valleys become (more) lush with greenery, and wildflowers begin to open around the place. The cold, chilly days of winter are behind Jordan at this time of year.

Temperatures are around 16°C in Amman, and ancient Petra is around 18°C; the most famous sights of Jordan are relatively quiet, with far fewer tourists than you’ll see later in the year. Nights, however, can still be pretty chilly. The Dead Sea is really starting to warm up, with daytime temperatures pushing 26°C.

Weather in Jordan in April

April is when spring properly begins in Jordan – even the desert offers up a view of myriad wildflowers. This is an excellent time of year to visit Jordan; temperatures aren’t too warm and even the nights aren’t that cold anymore.

Being such a “perfect” time of year to visit weather-wise, this also means that it’s popular with tourists, and sights begin to get busy. Amman is a comfortable 22°C, as is Petra; the Dead Sea and Aqaba are reaching temperatures of 30°C by now. It’s not the driest time of the year yet, with a fair bit of rainfall expected, but it shouldn’t ruin anything.

Weather in Jordan in May

It’s an awesome time of the year in Jordan in May. The winter (and early spring) rains have watered the nature of Jordan to such an extent that the country is popping with verdant flora and colorful flowers. It’s not too hot – it’s a great time of year!

However, this is obviously going to be high season – you’re going to want to reserve rooms in advance if you want your first pick at Jordan’s top sights. There are still chances of rain, but only around 5mm of rain falls for the whole month – not much at all. Temperatures in Petra and Amman hover around 27°C; the Dead Sea and Aqaba are a steamy 35°C – great if you like the heat.

Weather in Jordan in June

Did we mention the heat? Well, June is a lot hotter than May. It’s going to make exploring the sights of the country not all that fun if you don’t like the heat. This, of course, is the start of the low season for tourism, as temperatures are so hot in the desert. How hot?

Petra sees average temperatures of 38°C throughout the month. The one saving grace is that this is a dry heat, it’s not humid. As long as you cover up and stay out of the sun, it’s bearable. You can get some pretty good deals! So it’s not the best time to visit Jordan temperature-wise, but price-wise it’s not bad.

Weather in Jordan in July

So… if you thought June sounded hot, wait till you hear about July – it’s super hot. July features no rain and temperatures hovering around a scorching 40°C. There’s actually a reason for this – the sirocco – a dry, hot wind that blows from the south; it can even cause sandstorms!

The coolest place to head to at this time is Amman, which is only around 30°C; Petra, too. This stifling heat keeps the tourists away in July. To be honest, it’s hard to escape the heat.

Weather in Jordan in August

No rain. The sirocco wind continues to blow. It’s very, very hot. Believe it or not, the average temperature increases across Jordan, seeing temperatures of 32°C in the capital, 31°C in Petra, the Dead Sea is 39°C, and Aqaba is around 38°C.

Evenings and nights are also warm, making it hard never to be hot, but at least it’s a dry heat. Remember all those flowers that filled up the valleys earlier in the year? All those beautiful flowers? Yeah, they’re gone. Sandstone and sand dominate the landscape. 

Weather in Jordan in September

Though technically still a summer month, temperatures do actually begin to drop a little bit in September; finally, a little bit of respite from that scorching summer sun. This is the start of the best time for diving in Aqaba. The water is 26°C, and marine life – from rays to turtles – is in abundance. Daytime temperatures here are still around 35°C.

In Amman, the temperature has decreased (30°C) and Petra is also cooler (29°C). Towards the end of September, things actually do start cooling off much more, and something of a shoulder season comes into play; less heat means exploring Jordan’s sights is much more viable.

Weather in Jordan in October

You might think of October as fall, but in Jordan, fall isn’t particularly distinct – it’s just less hot. Temperatures have dropped by now, as the summer heat begins to wear off, but the temperature is still warm and pleasant. This is when we went to Jordan last, and found it one of the best times to visit Jordan.

The capital is 27°C, Petra is a breathable 26°C, but the Dead Sea is still pretty hot (34°C). October usually marks the first rains after summer, with around 7mm falling during the whole month. The Red Sea diving to be had at Aqaba is still top-notch, with the sea positively bursting with creatures, critters, and color pops of coral.

Weather in Jordan in November

November sees a rise in rainfall, meaning all that parched, thirsty ground gets to drink up and re-hydrate. Life starts to flourish again. Amman alone sees around 32mm of rain during November, and the temperature has really dropped.

We’re talking 20°C, with night temperatures of 10°C or colder. Petra as well. Even the Dead Sea has fallen below 30°C. Diving is still an option at Aqaba; the sea is reasonably warm. Sunlight hours across the board also fall, with more clouds and less daylight as winter begins.

Weather in Jordan in December

And here is where winter starts properly – December. Temperatures drop across the country, and rainfall drastically increases; it’s one of the wettest months in Jordan. Amman is a relatively chilly but actually quite pleasant 14°C. But seeing 65mm of rain throughout the month, the possibility of getting caught in a downpour is definitely a thing.

The capital also sees just six hours of sunlight a day, making December the darkest month of the year. It’s a quiet time to visit Jordan, with far fewer crowds than in springtime, and more affordable accommodation. Nights, however, can get quite cold – especially in the desert (temperatures can hit 4°C). Snow can even fall during December. 

Festivals in Jordan

Winter Festivals in Jordan

December in Jordan means Christmas! What? Yes, December 25 is a national holiday. There are hundreds of thousands of Jordanian Christians, part of a larger group of Arab Christians whose ancestors decided not to convert to Christianity; these clans eventually settled in Syria and Jordan. Christmas means family time and a much-needed day off, of course.

Islamic New Year falls in early January. Like Chinese New Year, it depends on the cycle of the moon. It’s called Muharam, and it’s a lot of fun, with gatherings of families and feasting.

Up in Aqaba, the Red Sea city hosts the Aqaba Traditional Arts Festival every February. The festival, celebrating Bedouin people and their culture, features a lot of crafts on sale. Bedouin people show off their skills to make sure their traditions stay alive.

For more crafts, there’s Azraq Festival. Also taking place in February, there are arts and traditional crafts galore – as well as food, music, and dancing in the streets, of course!

Spring Festivals in Jordan

March marks the start of spring, but in Amman, things are getting cultural. The capital plays host to the Amman International Theater Festival. This is a time when independent theater companies come together to show off their best talents in a multi-day extravaganza; the actors can either perform in English or Arabic, and there’s definitely a competitive edge. It’s actually the only festival of its kind in the Middle East or North Africa.

If you’re a keen runner, you might want to get yourself over to Jordan in April. This is when the Amman Dead Sea Ultra Marathon takes place. It’s pretty cool, since it starts at over 900 meters above sea level and ends at the shores of the Dead Sea at 480 meters below sea level – the lowest point on Earth.

May sees the Jordan International Rally take place. The stages for this epic race run through Jordan Valley and Rumman Forest. Also in this month is Independence Day; every year on May 25, expect parades and celebrations in the street commemorating freedom from the British back in 1946.

Also in May – Ramadan. Jordanian Muslims fast through the daylight hours, but special delicacies are eaten when the sun goes down.

Summer Festivals in Jordan

The end of Ramadan is in June and is marked with the festival of Eid Al Fatr. This is a time of celebration, feasting, and partying for Muslims. Expect disruptions to trans

port and opening hours; accommodation will also be booked up. Eid will definitely be a fun time to visit, though.

In July, there’s a music festival called Distant Heat that takes place in Wadi Rum, which is pretty much in the middle of the Jordan Desert. It’s hot, so there’s music and dancing late into the night.

The Jerash Festival is one of the biggest festivals in Jordan. This well-loved event, taking place for three weeks through July and into early August, is a huge celebration of music, dance, poetry, and art. It started in the 1980s and has been a hit ever since.

Catch some traditional concerts and performances in August, held at the Odeon and Roman Theater in Amman (yes, the last one really is a 2nd century AD Roman Theater). For some real craziness, the Petra Desert Marathon (also in August) really pushes marathon-running to the limit. The clue is in the name.

The end of Hajj – the traditional annual pilgrimage to Mecca (Islam’s holy site) – means Eid Al Adha. Usually falling at the end of July or sometime in August, this is a time to return to family homes for meals and celebrations. Being a four-day feast, stores around towns may be shut.

Fall Festivals in Jordan

Fall isn’t really a thing in Jordan, but we’ll honor this season by name anyway. It starts with September, and though there’s not a lot going on in this month culture-wise, the Amman International Book Fair begins at the end of this month and goes on for two weeks.

For more goodness in the capital during October, there’s Amman Design Week. Supported by Queen Rania Al Abdullah, this is a week of conferences, talks, workshops, and various other things aimed at celebrating the creativity and design flair of the capital. Good for design-heads.‬

Also in October is the Middle East Dance Festival. Taking place in Jordan Valley, it features performances by local groups and classes, so you can learn how to dance like a real Jordanian.

There’s also more running on the cards in October, with the Jordan Running Adventure Race. This one is also crazy: it’s a 160-kilometer ultra-race from Petra to Wadi Rum. It’s just one single stage, meaning no breaks.

In November, it’s the perfect time to go for a float in the Dead Sea. There’s not much else on, so go and enjoy the cooler temperatures as you experience one of the saltiest seas around. November is the best time to visit Jordan for decent and comfortable temperatures so just enjoy it!

When is the Best Season to Travel to Jordan?

High season (March-May, September-November):

Due to the intense heat that Jordan sees between June and early September the best time to visit would be around those. March-May and September-November mark the high season in Jordan. Temperatures will be lower (but still hot), making any trip more enjoyable. However, tourism is high and you’ll face crowds around the popular sites.

Shoulder Season (November – February)

Tourism is lower during this time, but temperatures aren’t brutally hot. It’s winter in Jordan and you may even see some snow. Nights will be cold, especially in Wadi Rum so bring extra layers.

Low Season (June-August)

This is the hottest time of the year to visit Jordan, and you won’t want to spend a ton of time under the sun. If you visit during this time you’ll likely always be looking for shade or AC. However, prices are at their lowest, but you’ll also find many establishments closed for the low season.

When is the Absolute Best Time of Year to Travel to Jordan?

We personally visited Jordan in October, and although it was hot it was never too hot. We stayed in Wadi Rum comfortably, walked for hours around Petra, and swam in the Dead Sea. Crowds were high at the main sites, but we were still able to get last-minute accommodation deals. I would suggest visiting Jordan during the high seasons (March-May and September-November)

When is the Cheapest Time to Visit Jordan?

The cheapest time to visit Jordan is in the low season. This is from June-August when the temperatures are brutal. If businesses are not closed they will be competing for the few tourism dollars they can. However, Jordan is not an expensive country to visit and personally, my comfort outweighs the price. Although this time may be the cheapest I would avoid traveling during this heat.

When is the Best Time to Visit Petra?

Petra is going to be amazing any time you visit! Crowds will be at their highest during the high season, but an early start will grant you empty views of the Treasury. Once you keep walking past this main site you’ll notice crowds thin out a lot!

Quick Travel Tips for Jordan

• Currency – 1 Jordan Dinar – $1.41 USD
• Language – Arabic. However, with good education and a strong tourist industry English is widely spoken.
• Official Name – Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
• Capital City – Amman
• Constitutional Monarchy – King Abdullah II of Jordan
• Visa – Most visitors to Jordan will need to obtain a visa. US citizens can get a visa on arrival payable by card or cash. If you have plans to go to Petra it’s worth it to get the Jordan Pass which includes your visa and access to all the main tourist sites in Jordan.
• Wondering What to Pack for Jordan? We got you covered here.

What to Pack for Jordan

Our Recommendation For Travel Insurance

We don’t travel without travel insurance, and neither should you. You never know what can happen in a foreign country, and it’s best to be prepared. HeyMondo offers excellent short and long-term travel insurance policies.

HeyMondo

Travel Shoes

I love the Allbirds Tree Runners for their breathability in situations like this. I’ve been going strong in them for two years! Check out my other recommendations on women’s shoes, and the best men’s travel shoes.

Get a Pair for Jordan!

Shemagh

Just throwing this into your bag is going to make packing for Jordan a breeze. A Shemagh is the perfect travel accessory for both the men and the women travelers out there. This can be worn for just about anything. It will keep you warm, cover your face, protect valuables in your backpack, and even double as an eye mask the shemagh has tons of different uses.

It’s perfect for anyone heading into the Sahara wanting to keep the sand out of their face. I would personally recommend buying this before you land because once you travel to the desert there will be plenty of touts willing to sell you a cheap one at an exorbitant price.

Get a Shemagh

Sunscreen

Skin cancer is for real! Don’t forget your SPF when traveling around Jordan. We recommend ordering some online before leaving the house as you will need it underneath the sun in the summer.

We highly recommend getting an eco-friendly sun cream that does not contain harmful chemicals.

Travel Towel

Most hotels will provide you with a towel, but for those times when they may not, I like to have a backup travel towel. I like to travel with a microfiber towel because they are light and fold up small, and they also don’t cling to sand or dirt. Here are a few of our favorite travel towels.

Best Travel Towels

Adapter

Remember that Jordan uses the Europlug. Make sure you find a good adapter like the one I have to keep you charged. Otherwise, you may be paying for a cheap one once you land.

Travel Adapter