Jordan is an unbelievable country filled with so much to see and do, but when is the best time to visit so you can fully enjoy everything Jordan has to offer?
Well, the best time to visit Jordan is between April to May or October to November. The spring and fall months offers milder temperatures as well as low chance of rain.
However, it’s not all about the weather. You also need to mindful of the Islamic calendar and the holy month of Ramadan which changes year to year, as well as other cultural festivals.
Article Contents:
- What is the Weather Like in Jordan?
- When is Ramadan in Jordan?
- What are the Best Months to Visit Jordan?
What is the Weather Like in Jordan?
Jordan is a vast country filled with varying ecosystems and geographies – from lush green rolling hills (jabals) in the north to low arid laying valleys (wadis) in the south. The climates in each of these areas can vary drastically throughout the year.
Jordan experiences 4 distinct seasons, however the weather can be split into two main categories: hot and dry, or cool and wet.
The northern regions of the country including the capital city of Amman experience anywhere from 0 to 80 mm of rain in a given month, with temperatures ranging from 5 oC to 30 oC throughout the year.
Alternatively, in the southern city of Aqaba on the Red Sea, the temperature ranges from 10 oC to 40 oC, with little to no rain throughout the year. And although the temperature can be high, the low humidity makes it comfortable to be outside.
When is Ramadan in Jordan?
The two major religions in Jordan are Islam and Christianity. A majority of Jordanians are Muslim therefore much of the country observes and is governed by Islamic holidays, cultural events, and laws.
One of the most significant times of the year in Jordan is the holy month of Ramadan. During Ramadan, practicing Muslims across the world fast from dawn till dusk. That means they consume no food or water throughout the day.
Ramadan lasts for 30 days which occurs on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, which means that Ramandan shifts throughout the standard Gregorian calendar by about 10 days every year.
Here are the dates for Ramadan in Jordan for the next few years [Reference].
Year | Dates |
2022 | April 1st to May 1st |
2023 | March 22nd to April 21st |
2024 | March 10th to April 9th |
2025 | February 28th to March 30th |
Should You Visit Jordan During Ramadan?
A lot of would-be visitors to Jordan would be apprehensive to visit during Ramadan, but the truth is Ramadan is actually such a great time to visit. The locals are more stoic and it’s wonderful to join in the festivities, especially at night (once everyone has eaten).
The only thing you really need to be mindful of is being respectful to locals and guides who are fasting. We find that asking them if they are fasting is a good way to gauge if you should drink and eat more discretely.
Also, since Ramadan is always shifting dates from year to year, in some years it may fall during the summer months. If that’s the case, many locals are very accepting and understanding if tourists need to openly drink water throughout the day.
Tips for Visiting Jordan During Ramadan
- Shops close from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm to allow shop keepers to break fast and eat with their families
- Traffic in the main cities peaks between 6:00 pm to 7:00 as people rush to get home or to restaurants for dinner.
- Some restaurants may be closed throughout most of the day, but supermarkets are usually always open.
- For busy or popular restaurants like Hashem in Amman, it’s a good idea to get there well before dusk to secure a seat during Ramadan.
- Some guides and locals do drink water sparingly throughout the day so they can work, especially during the summer months.
- Be respectful if you consume water or food (do it discretely) – most guides are used to tourists eating and drinking around them.
What are the Best Months to Visit Jordan?
The best months to visit Jordan are between April to May and October to November. These months correspond to spring and autumn, which means milder temperatures and little chance of rain.
- From an air quality perspective, it’s much easier to breath during the daytime and long distance visibility is high.
- The amount of daylight ranges between 12 to 14 hours. This gives you plenty of time to explore under the sun.
- Milder temperatures mean you can explore more outdoor spots for longer without feeling overheated.
- The nights are cooler but not cold, which makes sleeping a lot easier if air conditioning is an issue.
- Flowers and trees are in bloom in the spring, and grassy areas are lush and green. Also, rivers and streams are flowing clear.
I would highly recommend visiting Jordan in early April. It’s early in the peak season so crowds should be small. The weather is a lot more tolerable, and there’s ample daylight to sightsee.
Additionally, slot canyon hikes such as the Siq Trail in Wadi al Mujib should be open as water levels recede after the rainy season.
Pro-tip: Try to coincide your trip dates with a new moon (no moon) by checking the moon phases. The sky will be unbelievable on a clear night, especially in the desert with no light pollution!
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