Knowing the best time to travel to a country is essential for having the trip of a lifetime, and in saying that, it is also good to know when a country has its biggest celebrations, so you can get a first-hand cultural experience and not be confused when everything is closed of course.
There are many reasons to know both of these things, and we are here to give you an overview of the main seasons Jordan experiences, so you can determine which is the best time to travel there, depending on your plans.
Here are the seasons and local holidays in Jordan.
Seasons in Jordan
Jordan is a relatively small country compared to Brazil or Canada, but it has three regions with distinct climate zones, which is good to know when planning a trip to these areas. These regions are the Desert Region, The Mountain Plateau Region, and the Jordan Valley Region, with the majority being the desert area.
It is good to know that Jordan has 310 days of sunshine per year, so chances are the sun will appear no matter what time of year you go. When it comes to the seasons, there are four seasons that Jordan experiences, and here they are:
Autumn (September – November):
At this time of the year, many people opt to visit, so it is known as the other ‘high season, due to the lower temperatures, which get cooler as the Autumn goes on, making it a comfortable time to visit.
Winter (December – March):
If you thought Jordan didn’t get cold, you would be surprised to know that during the winter, the temperatures can range between 4-13C/39-55F from day until the night. However, on the coast of Jordan, you will find that the temperatures are warmer and the climate is dryer. It is the coldest month overall in January, and it is not uncommon to see snow, especially in the capital of Amman, which puts the city at a standstill.
Spring (March-May):
Spring is a perfect time to visit Jordan, considering the weather is certainly not as uncomfortably hot as in the summertime and not as cold as in the winter. However, you may experience some rain at the beginning of the spring season. Then, when April comes around, the weather starts to pick up, and you can feel the summer looming, especially in the center of the country, while you can already feel the heat on the coast.
Summer (June – August):
This is, of course, the hottest and driest time of the year in Jordan and might not be suitable or comfortable for many people, especially if you plan to do a lot of sightseeing and outdoor activity, which you probably will. There is almost no rain during this season, and sandstorms can happen, but if you plan to visit then, it is worth knowing that the Eastern resort region is a little cooler than the average 42C/108F.
Best time to travel
March to May is considered the best time to travel to Jordan. Considering it is the shoulder season, the heat of the summer has not kicked in yet, and the cold of the winter is behind you. This makes the perfect time to do the activities you have planned, hiking, visiting historical sights, floating in the Dead Sea, or strolling around busy cities.
This time of the year means that the rainfall from the winter has brought the vegetation back to life so that you will experience some beautiful scenes of color throughout the landscapes. You will also find that Jordans’ wildlife and nature are beginning to bloom wonderfully from March to May. For an in-depth look at the regions of Jordan and the best time to visit each area, why not consult your ‘Destination Expert‘ who will guide you in the right direction to make sure your trip is planned to perfection.
Local festivities in Jordan
Jordan is a country with a culture you will want to get involved in, and you can certainly do just that if you travel during these significant celebrations. Jordanians are welcoming and friendly to all foreigners, and they will be more than happy to invite you to local events or share local customs with you, so if you get the chance, you should get involved. With that being said, if you want to take part in some of the biggest and most popular local festivities in Jordan, here are a few to choose from:
Amman International Theatre Festival:
As the only one of its kind in Jordan, North Africa, and The Middle East, this is an excellent opportunity to attend if you happen to be in the capital at the end of March. This eight-day festival hosts various performances, movie days, and workshops, including sound techniques, improvisation, and dance, making it an interactive festival for arts-lovers.
Aqaba Traditional Arts Festival:
February is the time to experience one of the unique festivals in Jordan, where you will learn about the traditional Bedouin culture, or the desert dwellers as they are commonly referred to. This group of people is one of the most well-known groups in Jordan, who have learned to survive life in the desert, and endured all that this desert has, including a dry and hot climate. Therefore, the Aqaba Traditional Arts Festival cannot be overlooked as a truly authentic cultural encounter.
Azraq Festival:
This festival is a little smaller than the Aqaba festival, but it gives you a great insight into the talents of the small city of Azraq. With a theme of crafts, culture, and music on the streets, this is a festival that will open your eyes to another side of Jordan. Held in February, in Azraq, on the outskirts of Amman, this is an excellent opportunity to try local food, mingle with a small community, and witness the joys of dancing on the streets. Again, a small but unforgettable event to attend in Jordan.
Jordan Rally:
This rally competition, held each October in Jordan, is a thrilling event to witness, with the iconic Jordanian dunes being transformed into a unique racing track, drawing international spectators to watch this adrenaline-filled event. To give you an insight into what to expect from the Jordan Rally, be sure to watch this video, although, as you can imagine, it won’t compare to the real-life thrill of watching these cars in action.
Muharram:
As the first month of the Islamic Calendar, this is the beginning of the Islamic New Year, and grand celebrations can be expected. This is considered the second holiest month of the year after Ramadan and will take place in 2022 from July 29th until August 8th; it happens at different times each year depending on the moon’s cycles.
If culture is your number one thing when visiting Jordan, you might consider these tours, which revolve around the local people and traditions of Jordan: Feel Like a Jordanian Family & Immerse Yourself with Local Jordanian
