Jordan presents an extraordinary mosaic of historical treasures and natural wonders spanning millennia of human civilization. This Middle Eastern kingdom is home to Petra, the rose-red city dramatically carved into sandstone cliffs by the ancient Nabataeans, and Jerash’s remarkably preserved Roman ruins. Beyond these archaeological marvels, Jordan offers transformative experiences from floating in the mineral-rich Dead Sea to exploring otherworldly desert landscapes at Wadi Rum, where towering sandstone mountains and crimson dunes create a photographer’s paradise. The country’s rich cultural tapestry is woven with Bedouin traditions, visible in warm hospitality, traditional music, and desert camps. Culinary explorers discover authentic mansaf, falafel, and mezze platters, while history enthusiasts trace religious narratives at Mount Nebo and the Jordan River baptism sites. With its blend of ancient heritage, dramatic landscapes, and genuine Arab hospitality, Jordan provides cultural travelers an accessible and rewarding Middle Eastern experience where tradition and modernity coexist harmoniously.
The destination guide
Jordan
Country in AsiaUpdated
- Overall6/10
- Best forBudget travelers
- PeakMar, Apr, May, Sep
- CurrencyJOD
Petra takes a full day minimum — the Treasury is just the entrance. The real site starts two hours deeper into the canyon.
Travel guides for Jordan
Destination stories (1)
More guides featuring Jordan (2)
At a glance
- Arabic
- Desert landscapes
- Dead Sea
- Wadi Rum canyon
- Red Sea coast
- Ancient History
- Desert
- UNESCO
- Archaeology
- Adventure
- Bedouin Culture
- Floating
- Stargazing
Practical basics
- Driving side
- Right
- Electrical standard
- 230V/50Hz Type C/F
- Measurement system
- Metric
- Emergency numbers
- 119
- Country code
- JO
How Jordan scores
Character
Editorial scores on a 10-point scale, weighed against destinations of the same kind.
Travel safety snapshot
SafePlace indicators use their source 100-point scale; higher is more favourable. Planning context, not a live travel advisory — check official government guidance before you go.
When to go
Best months to visit: February, March, April, May, September, October, November and December.
- January: -13 to -4.2 degrees Celsius, 25.8 millimetres of rain, best-time score 3 out of 5.
- February: -12.6 to -2.1 degrees Celsius, 29.5 millimetres of rain, best-time score 4 out of 5.
- March: -3.8 to 6.4 degrees Celsius, 61.9 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- April: 1.8 to 12.2 degrees Celsius, 98.9 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- May: 9.6 to 20.3 degrees Celsius, 123.8 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- June: 16.4 to 26.6 degrees Celsius, 113.6 millimetres of rain, best-time score 3 out of 5.
- July: 18.2 to 28 degrees Celsius, 112.9 millimetres of rain, best-time score 2 out of 5.
- August: 17.2 to 26.4 degrees Celsius, 122.9 millimetres of rain, best-time score 2 out of 5.
- September: 14.2 to 23.5 degrees Celsius, 88.5 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- October: 6.1 to 14.7 degrees Celsius, 86.8 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- November: -1.9 to 6.2 degrees Celsius, 45.9 millimetres of rain, best-time score 5 out of 5.
- December: -9.3 to -1.1 degrees Celsius, 42.7 millimetres of rain, best-time score 4 out of 5.
Month-by-month conditions and packing advice
- January
- Very cold, mostly dry January in Jordan: cold nights or building heat require careful scheduling. Crowds: January in Jordan is best for winter-ready travelers; outdoor plans need warm gear, shorter daylight expectations, and weather-aware transport planning. Pack: Pack insulated layers, warm footwear, gloves, and a serious winter coat.
- February
- Very cold, mostly dry February in Jordan: cooler winter timing can still work with layers and shorter days. Crowds: February in Jordan is best for winter-ready travelers; outdoor plans need warm gear, shorter daylight expectations, and weather-aware transport planning. Pack: Pack insulated layers, warm footwear, gloves, and a serious winter coat.
- March
- Cold, occasional rain March in Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum, Amman, Jerash, the Dead Sea, hiking, and desert nights are most comfortable in spring or fall. Crowds: March in Jordan is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack warm layers, a coat, and comfortable shoes for cold mornings and evenings.
- April
- Cool to mild, some rain April in Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum, Amman, Jerash, the Dead Sea, hiking, and desert nights are most comfortable in spring or fall. Crowds: April in Jordan is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack warm layers, a coat, and comfortable shoes for cold mornings and evenings. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- May
- Mild to warm, some rain May in Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum, Amman, Jerash, the Dead Sea, hiking, and desert nights are most comfortable in spring or fall. Crowds: May in Jordan is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- June
- Mild to warm, some rain June in Jordan: cold nights or building heat require careful scheduling. Crowds: June in Jordan is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- July
- Warm to hot, some rain July in Jordan: summer heat makes archaeological and desert sightseeing much less comfortable. Crowds: July in Jordan is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- August
- Mild to warm, some rain August in Jordan: summer heat makes archaeological and desert sightseeing much less comfortable. Crowds: August in Jordan is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack light clothing, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- September
- Mild to warm, some rain September in Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum, Amman, Jerash, the Dead Sea, hiking, and desert nights are most comfortable in spring or fall. Crowds: September in Jordan is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- October
- Cool to mild, some rain October in Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum, Amman, Jerash, the Dead Sea, hiking, and desert nights are most comfortable in spring or fall. Crowds: October in Jordan is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack layered clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Add a rain jacket or compact umbrella.
- November
- Cold, occasional rain November in Jordan: Petra, Wadi Rum, Amman, Jerash, the Dead Sea, hiking, and desert nights are most comfortable in spring or fall. Crowds: November in Jordan is workable with normal seasonal planning; build in layers, weather checks, and a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. Pack: Pack warm layers, a coat, and comfortable shoes for cold mornings and evenings.
- December
- Very cold, occasional rain December in Jordan: cooler winter timing can still work with layers and shorter days. Crowds: December in Jordan is best for winter-ready travelers; outdoor plans need warm gear, shorter daylight expectations, and weather-aware transport planning. Pack: Pack insulated layers, warm footwear, gloves, and a serious winter coat.
- March
- April
- May
- September
- October
- November
- June
- July
- August
Know before you go
Neighbourhoods
Amman’s Jabal Al Weibdeh – Vibrant arts neighborhood blending traditional architecture with galleries, cafés, and cultural festivals; Downtown Amman (Al Balad) – Historic core featuring Ottoman – era buildings, bustling souks, and heritage sites reflecting Jordan’s layered history; Salt Old Town – Preserved Ottoman town with stone houses, ancient mosques, and a strong local artisan community showcasing Jordanian traditions
Best time to visit
March through May and September through November for mild 15–25 °C weather. October and April are ideal. June–August is scorching in the desert (40°C+). December–February is cool (sometimes snow in Petra) but uncrowded with lower prices.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May): 15–25 °C, wildflowers in Dana, ideal for Petra and Wadi Rum. Summer (Jun–Aug): 30–42 °C, extreme desert heat, Dead Sea resorts popular, lowest prices. Autumn (Sep–Nov): 18–28 °C, warm and dry, excellent for all sites. Winter (Dec–Feb): 5–15 °C, occasional rain/snow in Petra, quiet, budget-friendly.
Crowds
High at Petra in spring and autumn; moderate at Wadi Rum; low in summer heat and winter
Getting there and around
Getting there
Jordan is accessible via Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), located 35km south of Amman with direct flights from major Middle Eastern, European, and select Asian cities. Royal Jordanian Airlines provides the most extensive route network. Most visitors obtain visas on arrival or purchase the Jordan Pass for combined visa and attraction entry. Overland entry is possible via Israel/Palestine at the Jordan River and Allenby Bridge crossings, and via Saudi Arabia and Syria borders. JETT buses and private transfers connect the airport to downtown Amman.
Getting around
Navigate Jordan via JETT (Jordan Express Tourist Transport)—the country’s most reliable bus company since 1964, operating the essential Amman-Petra route departing 6:30am from Abdalli Station (4 hours, 10 JOD) with 5pm returns. Book online at jett.com.jo or call +962 6 5664141, though foreign payment processing can be tricky—easier to buy tickets at JETT offices once in Jordan. Experience authentic local transport on minibuses departing when full (9am-4pm from southern station), requiring patience but offering cultural immersion. Use ride-hailing apps Uber, InDrive, and Careem for convenient city travel (2-3 JOD within Amman), or hail traditional taxis. Rent cars from 100+ Amman companies at 25-40 JOD daily including mandatory insurance—Queen Alia Airport offers immediate pickup options for the scenic 3-hour Amman-Petra drive. Skip expensive private taxis (85 JOD Amman-Petra) unless time is critical. Jordan’s well-connected public transport serves major cities affordably, making cultural exploration accessible while JETT buses unlock the kingdom’s ancient treasures reliably.
Top experiences in Jordan
Petra (The Treasury & The Monastery)
A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Walk through the narrow Siq canyon to reach Al-Khazneh (The Treasury), carved into rose-red sandstone by the Nabataeans 2,000+ years ago. The Monastery (Ad Deir), reached by a 900-step climb, is equally impressive but less crowded. The Jordan Pass (~$70) covers entry. Allow 2 full days.
Wadi Rum Desert
A vast desert wilderness of red sandstone towers, arches, and dunes — the filming location for Lawrence of Arabia, The Martian, and Dune. Explore by 4×4, camel, or on foot. Overnight Bedouin camps offer traditional meals and stargazing under some of the world’s clearest skies.
Dead Sea
The lowest point on earth (430 m below sea level) and one of the saltiest bodies of water on the planet. Float effortlessly on the surface and coat yourself in mineral-rich black mud. Resorts line the Jordanian shore. A 1-hour drive from Amman.
Amman Citadel
Amman’s ancient hilltop fortress, containing the Temple of Hercules (Roman), the Umayyad Palace (8th century), and the Jordan Archaeological Museum. The panoramic view across Amman’s white-limestone cityscape is the best in the capital. Free with Jordan Pass.
Jerash
One of the best-preserved Roman provincial cities in the world, with a stunning Oval Plaza, colonnaded streets, temples, theaters, and a hippodrome. 50 km north of Amman. Often less crowded than Petra but equally impressive architecturally. Covered by Jordan Pass.
Editor-curated picks carried over from our original guide. Where a full place guide exists, the card links to it.
Worth booking ahead in Jordan
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Viator's full list of bookable tours and tickets in Jordan.
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Everything GetYourGuide sells in Jordan, with the cancellation terms on each listing.
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Live rates and availability for Jordan on Booking.com; filter by neighbourhood once you know where your days start.
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Where to stay
Four Seasons Hotel Amman
Al Husseiniya, Amman 11183, Jordan
A 5-star hotel overlooking the Dead Sea valley with three pools, a world-class spa, a fine-dining restaurant, and elegant marble-and-stone rooms. Jordan’s premier city hotel, 30 min from the Citadel and Roman Theatre.
Mövenpick Resort Petra
Tourism St, Wadi Musa, Jordan
A 5-star resort directly at the entrance to Petra, with multiple restaurants, a spa, Turkish baths, and rooms overlooking the Wadi Araba mountains. The most convenient luxury base for exploring the ancient city.
Memories Aicha Luxury Camp
Wadi Rum Protected Area, Jordan
A luxury glamping camp in the heart of the Wadi Rum desert, offering transparent bubble tents with air conditioning, king-size beds, private bathrooms, and unobstructed views of the Milky Way. 4×4 tours and camel treks included.
Editor-curated stays carried over from our original guide. Where we have reviewed the hotel, the card links to the review.
Tips from the field
Highlights
- Petra (Treasury & Monastery)
- Wadi Rum Desert
- Dead Sea
- Amman Citadel
- Jerash Roman Ruins
- Dana Nature Reserve
- Aqaba Red Sea
- Bedouin Hospitality
Best activities
- Explore Petra across two days (Treasury, Monastery, High Place of Sacrifice), camp under the stars in Wadi Rum, float in the Dead Sea, walk the Roman ruins of Jerash, sunset from Amman Citadel, hike the Dana Nature Reserve, snorkel in Aqaba's Red Sea coral, eat mansaf with a local family, take a 4×4 tour through Wadi Rum, and visit the baptism site at Bethany Beyond the Jordan.
Local experiences
- Share mansaf from a communal platter, sip sweet Bedouin tea in a Wadi Rum tent, float in the Dead Sea at sunset, walk the Roman colonnades of Jerash, explore Amman's Rainbow Street for cafés and art, watch Petra by Night (candlelit Treasury), hike Dana Nature Reserve, or snorkel in Aqaba's Red Sea.
Practical tips
- Jordan Pass (Essential): Buy the official Jordan Pass (jordanpass.jo) online before flying. Starting at 70 JOD, it covers admission to Petra (normally 50 JOD alone), Wadi Rum, Jerash, and 40+ attractions while waiving the 40 JOD tourist visa fee (minimum 3-night stay required).
- Currency & Cards: Jordanian Dinar (JOD) is pegged to the US Dollar ($1 USD ≈ 0.709 JOD, or 1 JOD ≈ $1.41 USD). Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels and restaurants in Amman and Petra; carry JOD cash for local souks, taxis, and Bedouin camps in Wadi Rum.
- Driving & Navigation: Rental cars are an excellent option for the Desert Highway and King's Highway; download offline maps and carry cash for highway tolls and fuel stations.
- Dress Code: Modest clothing is respectful and expected across historic towns and religious sites (shoulders and knees covered for both men and women).
Photography tips
- The Treasury at Petra is best photographed from inside the Siq at the 'reveal' moment when the canyon opens — arrive for the 6 AM opening to avoid crowds. Wadi Rum at golden hour produces extraordinary desert panoramas
- the Seven Pillars rock formation is the iconic subject. The Dead Sea's mineral-crusted shoreline creates surreal textures. Amman Citadel at sunset lights the city gold.
Timing
- Allow 7–10 days for a comprehensive Jordan itinerary: Amman (2 days), Jerash (day trip), Dead Sea (1–2 days), Dana (1 day), Petra (2 days), Wadi Rum (1–2 days), Aqaba (1–2 days). The Jordan Trail connects them all on foot for hikers.
Keeping it authentic
- Jordan's reputation as one of the Middle East's most welcoming destinations is well deserved. The Bedouin tradition of hospitality (offering tea to strangers) is lived, not performed. Mansaf (lamb, yogurt, and rice) is the national dish, shared from communal platters. The desert silence of Wadi Rum at night is profound. Jordan straddles ancient history (Petra, Jerash), faith (Bethany Beyond the Jordan), and geological wonder (the Dead Sea). The country's stability and progressive stance make it one of the most accessible destinations in the region.
Culture, customs and safety
Cultural heritage
Jordan’s cultural heritage reflects a rich confluence of ancient civilizations, including the Nabataeans, Romans, Byzantines, and early Islamic dynasties. The rose-red city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcases extraordinary rock-cut architecture and hydraulic engineering from the 1st century BCE. In the north, the ruins of Jerash offer some of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cityscapes outside Italy. Jordan’s traditions remain deeply rooted in Bedouin culture, with hospitality, storytelling, and tribal customs still central to daily life. The country’s diverse heritage is further preserved in sites like Quseir Amra and Umm ar-Rasas, both inscribed for their outstanding frescoes and archaeological significance.
Local customs & etiquette
Jordanian culture is rooted in Bedouin traditions and Islamic values, emphasizing hospitality, respect, and family honor. Jordanians are incredibly welcoming, and it is considered rude to refuse offers of tea or coffee when visiting homes or businesses. Greetings are important – use formal titles and surnames until invited to be more familiar. When visiting mosques, dress modestly with covered arms and legs, women must cover hair, and remove shoes. The right hand is used for eating and greeting as the left is considered unclean. Respect for elders is paramount, and family ties are extremely strong. During Ramadan, avoid eating or drinking in public during daylight hours out of respect.
Safety notes
As of 2026, the US Department of State maintains a Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution) travel advisory for Jordan due to regional Middle East tensions and terrorism, with strict Level 4 (Do Not Travel) restrictions within 3.5 km of the Syrian border. The major tourist corridor — including Amman, Jerash, the Dead Sea, Mount Nebo, Petra, Wadi Rum, and Aqaba — remains peaceful, secure, and actively protected by the Jordanian Tourist Police.
Key Safety & Health Rules:
• Regional Awareness: Avoid large public demonstrations, political rallies, and proximity to embassy compounds in central Amman on Fridays.
• Border Restrictions: Do not travel within 3.5 km of the Syrian or Iraqi borders.
• Hydration & Sun: Desert climate poses severe dehydration and heat exhaustion risks; carry ample bottled water.
• Tap Water: Tap water is not potable; consume only sealed bottled or purified water.
• Cultural Modesty: Dress conservatively covering shoulders and knees when outside beach resorts and hotels.
• Emergency: Dial 911 for unified police, medical, and civil defense assistance.
