Jordan is characterized by a Mediterranean climate, and the best travel time is spring and autumn, March until May, mid of September until November. In spring some landscapes come alive with wildflowers and are especially nice for outdoor activities. Summer is hot and sunny, especially in Aqaba and at the Dead Sea. These two areas are in turn ideal for a winter break due to the mild temperatures (16-22 °C) in this season. In the rest of the country winter weather can be cool, with rain and occasional snow. Jordan is a very sunny country with average daily sunshine hours ranging from six to seven in winter and twelve to thirteen in summer. Although summer temperatures are high, the nights are rather cool. Please note that the weather can change, so it's better to check the current conditions before the arrival to Jordan. See for example Arabia Weather.
In Jordan, the dress code is generally conservative. Both men and women are expected to cover their shoulders, knees, cleavage and avoid tight fitting clothes. A modest dress code shows respect for the local culture and customs. When visiting the King Abdullah Mosque in Amman or the Sharif Al Hussein Bin Ali Mosque in Aqaba women need to cover their hair with a scarf. At the Dead Sea and in Aqaba on the Red Sea you can wear Western swimwear at private beaches and hotel pools.
What you need to bring will vary according to the season and your planned activities. Generally, you should pack as lightly as possible. You'll need comfortable walking shoes, especially for Petra, a small backpack to carry water and a camera and from spring to autumn sun protection like a hat and sun block. For stays in the desert like Wadi Rum long and loose clothes out of natural fabrics are highly recommended. When visiting the Dead Sea, please pack bathing suit and bathing shoes to protect your feet from the stoney underground. Wintertime, mid of December to February, can be cold. Please pack for this period warm clothes like jacket, pullovers and a shawl.
The official currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JD), which is divided into 100 piastres or 1,000 fils. Notes are in denominations of JD 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, as well as at ATMs. However, it's important to note that in smaller shops, traditional markets and rural areas, cash is still commonly used. There is no bank or ATM in Wadi Rum and in Dana. It is easy to change foreign currency at exchange shops in towns, and they are likely to be cheaper than banks, hotels and moneychangers at the airport. Banks are closed on Fridays and Saturdays.
To clarify a common misconception of visitors, Jordan is not a cheap destination. It is considered one of the more expensive countries in the region. The cost of accommodations, transportation, and dining in Jordan can align with European pricing. It all depends on your travel style. It is still possible to buy a tasty Falafel sandwich or a Shawarma for about 2 USD.
What adds up to your Jordan tour is the cost of the one-day pass Petra with 50 Jordanian Dinar (about 72 USD) per person. Activities and experiences will increase the price further: the Petra by Night ticket costs 43 USD, jeep safaris or hot air balloon rides in Wadi Rum desert or diving in Aqaba, to name a few. In tourist areas like Petra, Aqaba and Dead Sea prices are higher. Especially in high season or on national holidays expect to pay even more in Petra, Aqaba, and at the Dead Sea. Businesses need to cover their costs during quieter low seasons when there are fewer visitors. In the low season, you’ll often find more affordable rates. So, understanding these seasonal patterns can help you plan your trip and budget.
Tipping is part of the culture and expected in Jordan. If you were satisfied with the services of your driver, guide or activity provider then it would be a nice way to show them your appreciation. Please avoid tipping with coins or damaged notes.
Buying a SIM card in Jordan is straightforward. Decide if you want to have data only or include calls and SMS and present a passport. Popular providers are Zain, Orange and Umniah. You find SIM card kiosks at Queen Alia Airport Amman and if you arrive through a border or Aqaba Airport, you can just go to one of the telecom stores in the next larger town and purchase your SIM card there.
Jordan has the reputation to be a very safe and secure country by global and regional standards, and despite regional turmoil, Jordan remains one of the safest countries to visit in the Middle East. It is not only safe but also welcoming. The level of crime is low and not a serious risk although in crowded places visitors could be the target of pickpockets or petty thieves. Like everywhere in the world, keep important documents safe, credit cards and bags in sight at all times. For additional safety information you can check on various online forums the opinion from travelers recently been in Jordan or look at your own government’s travel advice before you go.
International hotel chains and some of the local hotels serve alcohol. In Amman and in Aqaba you find also restaurants and bars selling alcohol as well as liquor stores. Jordan produces local wines under the brands Saint George and Jordan River and beer under the brands Petra Beer and Carakale. Liquor stores are closed during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Keep in mind, drinking alcohol on the street and in public areas is illegal.
Banks and government offices are closed on Fridays, Saturdays and national holidays. On Fridays many shops open in the afternoon. Tourist sites are open from 08:00 to 18:00 in summer and from 08:00 to 17:00 in winter. Petra, the main attraction, operates on extended hours, and is open from sunrise to sunset. During the Holy Month of Ramadan tourist sites reduce their opening hours slightly. Many museums are closed on Tuesdays. If you want to visit as non-Muslim the King Abdullah Mosque in Amman avoid visiting during the five daily prayer times and on Fridays.
Yes, you can visit our county during the Holy Month of Ramadan. In the tourism industry it is business as usual. Attractions and hotels are open and restaurants in tourist areas serve lunch. Some attractions reduce their opening hours slightly, but this does not affect the overall itinerary. During this time streets and many houses are decorated with lights, people tend to stay out late until the early morning hours and in some places you can experience traditional music and cultural performances.
Yes, if your family and especially you children like the outdoors, Jordan is perfect. With concerns to the weather, April, May, October and November are the best months offering pleasant weather conditions. As Jordan is a small county, you can visit the key attractions within 7 to 8 days. Explore the Roman ruins in Jerash, spend some time in Dana Nature Reserve, visit Petra, go on a jeep or camel ride in Wadi Rum desert followed by a camp stay, and relax on the Red Sea or the Dead Sea.
As a visitor to Jordan, you can contribute with your decisions to positive impacts on the people, the economy and the environment:
● Eat where the locals do, this will give you a better insight to the Jordanian cuisine, it will also help to support the local economy.
● Respect the natural environment. Reduce, reuse, and recycle. Even though you are just visiting, dispose your garbage properly and minimize your consumption of energy and water. Keep especially in mind, Jordan has one of the lowest levels of water resources in the world. Tourism is an additional strain on the water supplies, so try to reduce your water use. Take short showers and skip the daily towel change.
● When visiting sensitive areas like nature reserves, please maintain appropriate distances from wildlife, stay on designated trails to avoid trampling plants or causing erosion, and don’t litter. Even if, unfortunately, the locals do.
● Respect caretakers of the sites. Do not remove archaeological or biological treasures as souvenir or paint graffiti.
● If you intend to buy a souvenir from Jordan look for products made in Jordan. The items are mostly handmade by Women's Cooperation, supporting with this work several families in their communities. The products are more expensive, but you support the Cooperation, and it is a unique Jordan heritage you help to survive.
● Be sensitive when you take photos or videos of local people, please ask permission to do so. Always treat local people with respect and courtesy.
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