Winter in Jordan: Weather, Adventure & Charm of Middle East

The winter month in Jordan starts in December and lasts until February, and visitors need to prepare for the possibility of rain and even occasional snowfall. During this season, temperatures in Jordan can range from around 5°C to 15°C on average. In higher elevation areas like Amman and Petra, winter can bring snowfall, creating a picturesque winter wonderland. However, snowfall is usually limited to a few days and doesn’t cause significant disruptions to daily life.

The average temperature in many parts of Jordan can drop below 9°C, and the combination of low temperatures and biting winds can make outdoor activities unappealing for many visitors. To make the most of your trip, we recommend planning a trip to Jordan around the warmer regions of southern Jordan, where the weather is more pleasant. Destinations such as the Jordan Valley and the Gulf of Aqaba have average daily temperatures above 20°C even during the winter months, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

The average winter temperatures in Wadi Rum range from 5°C to 20°C. If you are planning a trip to the region during the winter season, it is best that you explore the desert on a 4X4. This is because the desert winds can be unforgiving during the day and, worse still, dangerous at night. If you wish to enjoy a stargazing experience in Wadi Rum, winter is not the best time for it.

	December	January	February
Average high	13°C (57°F)	11°C (54°F)	13°C (55°F)
Average low	4°C (41°F)	3°C (39°F)	3°C (41°F)
Rainfall (mm)	65	76	66

For a seasonal overview, check out our guide on the best time to visit Jordan.

Other related articles:
Jordan in December
Jordan in January
Jordan in February

There are many reasons to take a tour of Jordan in winter. Here are some of them:

• Christmas celebrations: Although Jordan is a predominantly Muslim country, its historical ties to Christianity make Christmas a big deal here. Join the Christmas spirit as the shopping malls, streets, and boulevards in Amman light up to usher in the birth of Christ. Visit the Christmas village in Kan Zaman for an awesome shopping experience.
• Fewer crowds: As winter is the low season in Jordan, you don’t have to worry about crowds while visiting typically tourist-heavy sites like Petra and Jerash. Booking hotels is also fairly easy during this time, and you might even land low-season discounts.
• Warm Red Sea: If you desire some warmth during the winter, the Gulf of Aqaba is the place to be. There, you can revel in the warmth of the Red Sea, marvel at the vibrant coral fees, and have a great time scuba diving and snorkeling. Jordan is also home to many natural hot springs, including the Ma’in Hot Springs and the Hammamat Ma’in, where visitors can soak in the therapeutic mineral-rich waters and enjoy a massage or spa treatment.

Although Jordan’s weather may not be the friendliest during the winter, you can still have an awesome holiday experience if you plan your trip right. Here are top destinations of Jordan that you can visit during winter:

1. Amman

Amman, the capital city of Jordan, is home to numerous museums and archaeological sites. You can tour Amman and experience the indoor attractions if it is too cold outside, and at other times, you can explore the city’s parks and outskirts.

Major attractions: Amman’s Royal Automobile Museum boasts a wide array of motorbikes, cars, and trucks to catch the interest of anyone. You should also stop by the Folklore Museum and Hammamat Ma’in thermal mineral springs for the ultimate spa experience.

Pros: 

• Cheaper and readily available accommodation.
• Lots of indoor venues to explore.
• Presence of world-class art galleries and museums.

Cons:

• The weather can be unpredictable.
• Days are shorter with the city often experiencing less than nine hours of daylight.

2. Petra

The rose-red city of Petra is an archeological masterpiece and one of the top tourist sites in Jordan. Like most other cities in southern Jordan, winter weather in Petra is relatively temperate, with daytime temperatures hovering at around 17°C, ideal for exploring the city’s many tombs, temples, and other historical sites, and hiking up to the Monastery or the High Place of Sacrifice.

Major attractions: The Monastery, Al-Siq, and The Treasury (Al-Khazneh) are historical landmarks that will leave you in awe of what previous civilizations were able to achieve with their relatively limited resources and knowledge.

Pros:

• Relatively temperate weather is perfect for outdoor exploration.
• A trip to Petra during winter also means fewer crowds guaranteeing better views and a generally more enjoyable experience.
• Owing to the low season, tour guides would have more time to take you around the city.

Cons:

• The weather can be a tad unpredictable and you may even experience occasional rainfall.

3. The Dead Sea

The lowest point on earth, the Dead Sea is renowned for its mineral-rich waters, where visitors come to relax and rejuvenate. The water temperature of the Dead Sea rarely drops below 20°C even during the winter. While on a trip to the Dead Sea, you can take a dip in the warm waters, cover yourself up in therapeutic mud, and indulge in spa treatments at the luxury resorts along the shore. 

Major attractions: Floating in the highly saline waters of the Dead Sea is a must-have experience, while the mineral-rich mud found in the lake is believed to have therapeutic properties. You can also explore nearby attractions such as the ancient city of Jerash and the Wadi Rum desert.

Pros:

• Low crowds mean you can enjoy the natural beauty of the area in peace and quiet.
• Opportunity to witness migratory birds and snow on the surrounding mountains.

Cons:

• Sudden turn in weather can make outdoor activities uncomfortable.

• Drive along the King's Highway: If you want to get the best of Jordan on a road trip, a driving tour along the King’s Highway is an excellent option. You’ll have the chance to explore significant religious and historical sites like the Shobak Castle, Mount Nebo, and Petra on this tour.
• Scuba dive in the Red Sea: Even during the winter months, waters in the Red Sea are warm enough to enjoy swimming and other water sports such as snorkeling and scuba diving. The weather in the southern city of Aqaba is perfect to visit its beautiful beaches.
• Float on the Dead Sea: You can enjoy the experience of floating in the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea even during the winter months.
• Skiing and snowboarding: While Jordan may not have large ski resorts, there are some opportunities for skiing and snowboarding in the town of Ma’in near the Dead Sea and the Ajloun Forest Reserve. These areas offer challenging ski runs and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
• Desert safari: A trip to Wadi Rum will let you explore the stunning desert landscape that is a must-visit for adventure seekers. Winter is a perfect time to enjoy a desert safari, as the temperatures are cooler and there are fewer crowds around.

• Have a flexible itinerary and pay attention to weather forecasts. If you are confused about what the weather would look like on a particular day, you can always ask questions at your hotel’s front desk or your tour guide.
• Prepare for snow and avoid driving in hilly places like Amman when it is snowing.
• As the sun typically sets by around 5 pm during the winter, it is better to get up early and visit the local sites and attractions.
• Pack rain gear and clothing items that you can layer or peel off depending on the weather.

Despite chilly conditions and occasional rain and snow, winter in Jordan can still be fun and adventurous. Fewer tourist crowds allow you to enjoy a wide variety of cultural and outdoor activities at your own pace, and you can explore popular destinations like Petra, the Dead Sea, and Jerash in relative comfort.

Take the hassle out of organizing your vacation to Jordan by letting our travel experts customize your trip to Jordan. With our personalized itineraries, you can explore everything from the ancient wonders of Petra to the stunning landscapes of Wadi Rum, all while enjoying the cooler temperatures of winter. For more travel ideas and tips, check out our article on how many days to spend in Jordan.