Jordan Travel Information

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When to Go to Jordan

To get the most out of your next adventure it makes sense to consider some of the very local factors that combine to make up what you feel is the best time to travel to a destination. Many of these factors are very personal - some people prefer to travel when the weather is not too hot, or sites too crowded - others prefer to travel when a traditional local event is taking place. Taking into account the dates of public holidays can also make sense as these may have an impact on opening times of attractions, shops and restaurants, or might affect public transport or other services. Conversely public holidays can be a time of great local festivities and celebrations providing a feast of local expressionism and culture.

Climate

Jordan’s climate is characterised by mild winters and hot summers, however there are differences depending on where one travels.

Summer temperatures are high throughout the country, ranging from the low to mid 30’s°c in Amman, up to as high as 45°c in Wadi Rum and Aqaba, where humidity is high.

Snow is not uncommon in winter in Amman and the north, but as one travels south the climate gets warmer, with Aqaba often enjoying winter temperatures in the low 20’s°c. As 90% of Jordan is classed as desert expect cold and crisp winter nights, indeed even in summer some campers in Wadi Rum have been surprised at how rapidly the temperatures drop.

Most rain falls in sharp and heavy downpours in the north, usually between November and March. Unusually during Christmas 2006 Petra experienced a large snowfall with over 30 cm snow falling, disrupting access to the area.

Seasonality

Jordan is nominally a year-round destination with only the hottest summer months of June to August being quiet: spring and autumn are the best times to visit.

Spring brings a profusion of wild flowers to the north and areas such as the Wadi Mujib and Dana Nature Reserves.

Summers are hot and to be avoided if possible, but visitor numbers are lower at this time, whilst the winter months are generally mild it can be cold and rain usually falls in short sharp showers. If you are prepared for the chill it is also a good time to visit.

Easter and Christmas/New Year are extremely busy – avoid these times if possible for fewer crowds and lower prices.

National Holidays

Date	Description
20 Jul 09	Prophet's Ascension
22 Aug 09	Ramadan begins
20 Sep 09	Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
27 Nov 09	Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)
18 Dec 09	Islamic New Year
25 Dec 09	Christmas Day
01 Jan 10	New Year's Day
26 Feb 10	Mawlid al-Nabi (Birth of the Prophet)
02 Apr 10	Good Friday
05 Apr 10	Easter Monday
01 May 10	Labour Day
25 May 10	Independence Day
10 Jun 10	Army Day
09 Jul 10	Prophet's Ascension
11 Aug 10	Ramadan begins
10 Sep 10	Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
16 Nov 10	Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)
07 Dec 10	Islamic New Year
25 Dec 10	Christmas Day

National Events

Event	Occurs	Description
Jerash Festival	Anually July/August	The renowned Jerash Festival takes place each July/August in the ancient city and locations around Amman and is the country’s premier cultural festival.
Global Village	Annually in July	Global Village is an annual festival, which takes place throughout the month of July. It includes, many different ‘Country Pavilions’, built to reflect the individual country’s heritage, folklore and tradition. See www.globalvillagejo.com.