Jordan in January: All You Need to Know
Jordan is fast becoming one of the most popular Middle Eastern holiday destinations due to its rich historical and natural sights and favorable weather conditions. Despite its location, Jordan in January is surprisingly chilly. But travelers can still enjoy the sights of the ancient city of Petra and explore the otherworldly desert of Wadi Rum at a comfortable pace.
January is also a perfect time to take a road trip in Jordan, bathe in the warm waters of the Dead Sea, stop at historical castles on the King’s Highway, or go snorkeling in the southern city of Aqaba. It is also the perfect time to experience the friendly hospitality of the Jordanian people, taste the delicious cuisine and explore Amman’s bustling indoor markets.
- Neetu
Jordan Weather in January
Jordan in January sees cold winds and rains across much of the country including in Amman, Wadi Musa, and around the Dead Sea. Daytime temperatures hover at around 14°C while at night they can drop to 4°C or lower. While Amman sees strong winds and rains, the temperatures are a lot more comfortable for sightseeing as opposed to the sweltering summer heat.
As you travel further south of the country, you will find more mild climates. In the desert of Wadi Rum, temperatures will be slightly warmer but not too much, with chances of occasional snowfall. The Dead Sea is relatively cold since it is close to Amman. Just a short distance away in Aqaba, Jordan’s southernmost city, expect a pleasing daytime temperature of about 20°C.
For a seasonal overview, go through our guide on the best time to visit Jordan.
Weather in Jordan in January - 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 |
| Dec | Jan | Feb | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 14 | 12 | 13 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 5 | 4 | 5 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 58 | 54 | 56 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 41 | 40 | 41 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 60 | 50 | 50 |
Why Visit Jordan in January
January is the low season in Jordan and sees the least number of visitors. But this does not imply in any way that January is not a good time to visit the country. In fact, winter in Jordan has the perfect weather to explore its many attractions and rich cultural heritage. Here are some reasons why it is a good idea to visit Jordan in January.
- Better rates: Low tourist season means not only are airfare cheaper but the hotel and tour rates as well. These deals will allow you to take advantage of luxury hotels and normally expensive activities such as scuba diving in Aqaba at lower prices.
- Fewer crowds: In the summer, Jordan’s popular tourist sights can become overrun with visitors. In winter, you will be able to discover the country’s attractions, like Petra, Kerak Castle, and Jerash without queuing for tickets or being surrounded by crowds. Fewer crowds also mean you have most of the attractions to yourself. Capture beautiful photos of Amman’s Citadel or Roman Theater avoiding the hassle that usually comes along with the high season.
- Foodie heaven: Even if you are faced with rain and wind on your January trip to Jordan, you can turn it into an opportunity to taste the country’s delicious cuisine, such as falafel, hummus, and labneh, by visiting some local restaurants. You can even take part in a cooking class.
- Hiking and walking: Although you will need to dress warmly, winter provides cooler temperatures perfect for walking and hiking in Jordan. Petra has many different hikes, which would be uncomfortable in the summer heat, but not during the winter. Mount Nebo, Amman Citadel, and Jerash require a few hours of walking, but your hike will be amply rewarded with spectacular sights and monuments.
Where to go and What to do
If you visit Jordan in January, you will find there are a multitude of things to do. You could make your base in Amman to explore the city's archaeological sites such as the Blue Mosque and Citadel, or to go souvenir-hunting in the bustling souks of Downtown Amman.
Amman is also the perfect starting point for day trips to nearby attractions like the Dead Sea, where you can float in the salt waters and buy some mineral-rich mud, and Madaba, which is home to Umayyad and Byzantine-era mosaics. If you have only a week to spend in Jordan, one way of exploring the country is to drive along the King’s Highway, which has many significant historical and religious sites such as Mount Nebo, Shobak Castle and the ancient city of Petra.
If you prefer warm weather, head to the port city of Aqaba, which has many pretty beaches and clear waters for scuba-diving. Nearby is Wadi Rum, where there are plenty of accommodations that will allow you to explore its otherworldly desert landscape. You can also take part in jeep tours and camel safaris to explore the region.
January is an underrated month to visit Jordan. Although the weather can be cold with chances of rain showers, you will find fewer crowds and more affordable tour and accommodation rates. This will allow you to enjoy this amazing country to its full extent. Whether you visit the balmy beaches of Aqaba, hike through ancient Petra or soak up the sights and tastes of Amman, you will surely get the most authentic experience of Jordan in January.
If you need help with planning a customized trip to Jordan in January, you can always reach out to our local travel experts who can devise a tailored itinerary for you.
