Jordan in December: Weather, Tips & More
Jordan in December is at its coldest. Even though it is in the heart of the Middle East, temperatures plunge, rains become fairly common, and some parts of the country even experience snowfall.
However, the low season can be a nice time to visit Jordan if you do not mind the cold. Not many tourists are around during this time, and prices are very reasonable. Jordan’s top draw, Petra, is almost empty, and you can enjoy this incredible archeological site at your own pace. And when you tire of the cold and rain, you can always head south to Aqaba, where it is still warm enough for sunbathing and swimming.
- Lee Allred
- From USA
Jordan Weather in December
Temperatures are at their lowest during December in Jordan, and there is a fair amount of rain. Intermittent snowfalls are also common during this time, but there are also plenty of crisp, cold, and clear days that are ideal for exploring. Amman and Petra see average temperatures of around 9°C and often experience biting winds. Snow is not uncommon in Amman, so be sure to pack and dress appropriately. Further south, the weather is warmer, with sunny days and cold nights. The Gulf of Aqaba and the Jordan Valley enjoy average daily temperatures between 20⁰C and 23°C and plenty of sunshine. But temperatures can plummet below zero during the night when the icy winds blow in from the desert. The Red Sea is now about 24⁰C and still fantastic for snorkeling and scuba diving.
For a seasonal overview of the weather in Jordan, visit our guide on the best time to visit Jordan.
Weather in Jordan in December - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 12 | 13 | 16 | 22 | 27 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 26 | 19 | 14 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 4 | 5 | 7 | 10 | 14 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 17 | 14 | 9 | 5 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 54 | 56 | 61 | 72 | 81 | 86 | 88 | 88 | 86 | 79 | 67 | 58 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 40 | 41 | 45 | 50 | 58 | 63 | 67 | 65 | 63 | 58 | 49 | 41 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 50 | 50 | 40 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 30 | 60 |
| Nov | Dec | Jan | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 19 | 14 | 12 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 9 | 5 | 4 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 67 | 58 | 54 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 49 | 41 | 40 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 30 | 60 | 50 |
Why Visit Jordan in December
December in Jordan is quiet due to the cold weather. But this very fact makes this month a great time to visit the country, as the popular tourist sites like Petra and Jerash are largely free of crowds. Airfares and hotels are also at their lowest, except for Aqaba and resorts along the Red Sea, where many international tourists tend to congregate for the pleasant climes and clear blue skies along the Gulf coast. Here are some of the top things to see and do in Jordan in December:
- Christmas Day: Even though Jordan is a predominantly Muslim country, December exudes the Christmas spirit, and both Christians and Muslims celebrate the birth of Christ. Amman’s main boulevards, streets, and shopping malls are all decorated in Christmas paraphernalia. This is a great time to share the holiday with the locals.
- Warm Oasis Amid Winter: Head down to the Gulf of Aqaba for some winter sunshine and enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving in the Red Sea, popular for its rich marine life and vibrant coral reefs.
- Indoor Attractions: Explore the many indoor attractions of Jordan if the weather is acting up. There are tons of art galleries and museums to keep you engaged and entertained.
- Brush up Your Culinary Skill: Learn to cook traditional Jordanian meals under the expert guidance of top local chefs. Petra Kitchen in Petra offers nightly classes and a multi-night cooking course that includes shopping for fresh ingredients at local markets and creating sublime dishes alongside some of Jordan’s top chefs.
Where To Go and What to Do
When you are traveling to Jordan in December, do not expect the weather to be on your side all the time. But this does not mean you have to coop inside your hotel room all day whenever it rains or it is too cold outside. Take advantage of this situation by visiting warm indoor venues like art galleries and museums, and there are plenty of them if you are in Amman. Wander around the Jordan Archeological Museum on Citadel Hill in Amman and explore an array of artifacts from archeological sites around the country dating from prehistoric times to the 15th century.
Amman’s Royal Automobile Museum is another must-visit site. The repository for automobiles will intrigue everyone, even if you are not a motorhead. The museum boasts a remarkable personal collection of late King Hussein’s cars and motorbikes.
Also check out the Jordan Folklore Museum in Amman, which has an elaborate collection of traditional costumes, musical instruments, weapons, and items of daily life from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
To escape the cold winter weather, head to the Hammamat Ma'in thermal mineral springs. Located about 75 km south of Amman, these mineral-rich pools boast varied temperatures and promise to revive and rejuvenate your body and soul.
Jordan in December has a variety of adventures and experiences if you brave the country’s winter conditions. Learn to cook traditional Jordanian cuisine, explore the rose-tinted city of Petra, or wander around Amman’s amazing collection of museums and art galleries—there are many things you can see and do in Jordan during this time. And you can always head south for sunny days on the beaches of Aqaba if you ever get bored of winter cold.
Reach out to our travel experts in Jordan who can help you design a tailor-made trip to Jordan in December, or have a look at some of our Jordan tours in December for inspiration.
Other Related Articles:
Jordan in November
Jordan in January
Winter in Jordan
