Jordan and Egypt, powerhouses of ancient treasures, fascinating cultures, incredible cuisines, and enchanting landscapes, are revered for being the safest, most rewarding, varied, and accessible destinations in the Middle East.
Given their proximity (the two countries are only divided by the Gulf of Aqaba), planning a tour through both countries is a popular option. For many who make the long trip to the Middle East, it is often a good idea to visit multiple countries on the same trip; it was a natural choice to combine them.
We love cultural travel, exploring UNESCO Heritage Sites, and exploring ancient ruins. Egypt and Jordan not only have thousands of years of history, culture, and traditions, although they are just a short distance from each other, Jordan and Egypt differ in how to travel around, independence, currency, visa policies, and ease of traveling.
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Broadly speaking, the best time to visit Jordan and Egypt is during the northern Spring (March-May) and Autumn (Sept-November). Naturally, your personal preferences might dictate otherwise.
Perhaps you won't mind donning a waterproof winter jacket to visit the magical ancient city of Petra in December with very few fellow visitors in tow. Alongside the Pyramids of Giza, Petra is the most visited highlight in the region.
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In high season, the heat and crowds can be stifling. In this guide, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the best time to visit Jordan and Egypt and the ideal time to visit each of their key highlights.
Jordan and Egypt share a few attributes with the Mediterranean climate but are primarily arid, hot, and dry due to their desert landscapes. Both countries enjoy mild winters, although, in some regions of Jordan, the temps can drop enough to entice light snowfall.
By and large, Jordan enjoys slightly cooler temps than Egypt - but we’re talking only a few degrees Celsius. The summer months of June, July, and August can be scorching in the region, making extensive sightseeing more than a little arduous.
Tours to visit Jordan and Egypt run all year round, yet your ability to 'do' much in the hottest hours of the day will be limited in summer. The weather is a crucial consideration primarily for those who are majorly heat-adverse.
Jordan and Egypt are exceptionally popular countries to visit, so international holidays like Christmas and the northern hemisphere school holidays always see bigger tourist crowds and higher prices in the region.
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Overall Best Time to Visit
October - May is the overall best time to visit Jordan and Egypt. If you don’t want to deal with rain or colder temperatures, then avoid December-March. The above is a broad overview of the best overall time to visit Jordan and Egypt but does not detail regional nuances.
Regional Nuances in Egypt
The northern region of Egypt includes Alexandria, on the Mediterranean coast, Cairo, and its marvellous Pyramids. Further south, following the Nile, is where you'll find Aswan and Luxor, home to some of the country's most extraordinary ancient Egyptian treasures. The south enters desert country and is generally slightly warmer than the north.
Over on the east is the Sinai Peninsula, the Red Sea, and some of the world's most coveted snorkelling and scuba diving destinations. The Sinai is one of Egypt’s coolest regions, thanks to its eclectic, mountainous topography.
These premium highlights of our Signature Egypt tour showcase the country’s most prominent ancient treasures, mixed in with a unique multi-cultural infusion that distinguishes the north from the south. The best time for extensive explorations of the north is between October and April.
Meandering down the length of the Nile between Aswan and Luxor on a Nile Cruise is one of the most enchanting experiences you can have in Egypt. Although the actual cruising is relaxing and laidback (the views are jaw-dropping!), the stops require quite a bit of walking, so October-April is also the best time to enjoy a cruise.
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The main exceptions to the October - April in Egypt timeline are the Red Sea and Sinai Penisula, which are year-round destinations for the most part.
Regional Nuances in Jordan
Jordan showcases a few eccentricities that set it apart from Egypt. December/January rains keep big tourist crowds away, which can be blissful in typically crowded highlights like Petra. You'll want to visit in January if you dream of photographing the Treasury's façade without a considerable tourist crowd.
The northern Levant region is best explored in Spring and Autumn when days are mild and nights temperate. It's the perfect time of year to explore Amman and Jerash's historical highlights thoroughly.
Petra
Petra is an ancient wonder explored extensively on foot. Temperatures here are usually a few degrees warmer than in the capital. Visiting in March-May or September-November is recommended for a delightful experience with perfect walking temps. This is Jordan's #1 tourist attraction, so this site sees the largest concentration of tourists in the country.
Wadi Rum
October to April is ideal for camel trekking, 4x4 desert tours, and camping under the starlit desert sky in Wadi Rum. However, a winter trip is recommended if you prefer lower tourist numbers and the incredible chance to (maybe) experience snowfall in the desert. Nights are cold, but those Bedouin blankets will keep you toasty!
In March and April, the desert flowers bloom, a magical spectacle to witness. September and October are arguably the 'best', weatherwise, although tourist groups abound. The ethereal red-rock landscapes of the Wadi Rum Desert comprise mountains, canyons, natural rock arches, caves, and watering holes.
Dead Sea
The lowest place on earth (400m below sea level) and its revered 'largest free spa' is an extraordinary place to visit. It's accessible year-round, and water temps are pretty balmy all year, but for pleasant mud baths and extensive soaks (which are usually short, to be honest, given they’re so salty), you'll want to visit the Dead Sea when the temperatures are pleasant.
In this regard, March, April, May, September, October, and November hit the spot. Don’t discount a winter trip though, when the sea temp, for once, is warmer than the air temp.
Aqaba
One of the world’s premier SCUBA diving destinations and home to an underwater haven of coral and sea life, Aqaba and the Dead Sea are popular and enjoyable to visit year-round. The height of summer might be a bit too hot for some (June-August, with temps that can reach 40C), but sun-worshippers will love it.
If forced to pin down one season when conditions are PERFECT, it would have to be Autumn (September, October, November.) The sea is still balmy from the scorching summer, and abundant marine life, yet air temps cool down quite a bit, so exploring the region (above water) is gratifying.
Monthly Breakdown for Jordan
Let's delve into a more detailed monthly breakdown to help you pinpoint the perfect time for your Jordanian adventure:
- January: Jordan in January sees the coldest month of the year, though temperatures remain at a bearable 5-10°C. Light waterproof jackets are recommended for chilly mornings and evenings - Jordan can get as much as 70 percent of its average rainfall in January, and snow is not unknown.
- February: Jordan in February remains distinctly chilly, so even though this is a desert country you should wrap up warm. Winter in the Eastern Desert, particularly, can be bitterly cold and dry. The central spine of hills can receive snowfall during winter months.
- March: With wildflowers emerging, green valleys, and temperatures in their teens, Jordan in March enjoys the start of spring. Given how busy they get later in spring, March can be the best time to visit Petra and other popular places: it’s getting warmer but there are still very few crowds around.
- April: As spring continues, even desert landscapes are beautifully draped with wildflowers. With sunny, generally dry weather, and temperatures still some way off baking hot, Jordan in April basks in the ideal conditions for both walking and cycling. The greenery in areas such as the Ajloun Forest Reserve is particularly resplendent.
- May: Many people choose to visit Jordan in May - the climate is ideal for sightseeing, walking, and other activities around the country. Consequently, popular sites such as Petra (which is typically a few degrees warmer than Amman) get very crowded, and you’ll find both flights and accommodation are expensive in May too.
- June: If you visit Jordan in June, a refillable water bottle and wide-brimmed hat are essentials. This is the beginning of summer, when temperatures can easily get into the mid-30°Cs and beyond, especially when the Sirocco, a dry southerly wind, sweeps across the desert. Sandstorms, though a rarity, can occur.
- July: Temperatures regularly top 40°C in Jordan in July. Sightseeing, hiking, cycling and even the resorts around the Red Sea are all uncomfortably hot, so July is definitely one of the worst times to visit Jordan. That being said, Amman in July is noticeably a bit cooler than Petra and Aqaba, and if you are prepared to face the heat, you will certainly find popular locations very quiet.
- August: Jordan in August gets intensely hot, and if you’re visiting then it’s best to follow the locals and seek out shady spots between midday and mid-afternoon. Staying well-hydrated is vital - even the camels have a parched look in their faces. The Jordan Valley, the area around Aqaba and the Eastern Desert, is baked under the sun and bleached of colour while the rocky walls of Petra also lose some of their beauty.
- September: Temperatures cool down a little across Jordan in September, though you can still expect it to be very hot during the day. This is the start of autumn, another peak season in Jordan. Swimmers, snorkellers and scuba divers regard September as one of the best times to visit Aqaba, on the shore of the Red Sea.
- October: October is a very popular time of year to visit Jordan, with much cooler temperatures. Occasional patches of rain give some colour to the desert landscapes, but most of the month is dry. Jordan in October has potential for everything from archaeology trips and multi activity vacations to birdwatching and scuba diving.
- November: There’s much to recommend Jordan in November, both in terms of sightseeing and getting out and about in the desert. Sunny, warm and usually dry, the climate is ideal for everything from walking to cycling to canyoning, while the beaches and dive boats of the Red Sea remain reliably busy.
- December: There’s no mistaking that winter is on the way if you’re visiting Jordan in December. Temperatures are dropping considerably, rain is likely, and higher elevations see their first dustings of snow. However, December is a good time to go to Jordan still, because while it’s chilly in the mornings and evenings, the temperatures are very manageable.
Additional Tips for Planning Your Trip
- Visa Policies: You can easily purchase visas upon arrival in either Jordan or Egypt. For approximately US$56, the visa on arrival in Jordan is 40 JOD. The visa on entry for Egypt is US$25.
- Jordan Pass: The Jordan Pass is recommended for those who plan to spend at least one week in Jordan. The Jordan Pass, a city pass, grants you access to over 40 attractions in Jordan. It costs between 70 and 80 JOD (US$99-113), depending on how many days you plan to spend at Petra Archaeological Park.
- Dress Code: Although there are no specific dress codes for major tourist attractions in Egypt or Jordan, it is best to dress conservatively to show respect.
- Water: Tap water is unsafe in Egypt or Jordan. You should bring plenty of sunscreens and a hat. Also, you need to have a refillable water bottle and wet wipes.
Festivals and Events
Consider timing your visit with local festivals for a richer cultural experience:
- Aqaba Traditional Arts Festival (February): Situated on the Red Sea, Aqaba hosts a large festival every February that champions traditional Bedouin culture.
- Amman International Theatre Festival: The Amman International Theatre Festival is a hub of artistic expression in the Middle East, attracting drama groups and audiences from around the world, giving their creative efforts a global platform.
- Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts: Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts features performances from many Jordanian and Arab artists, as well as those from further afield.
- Ramadan: The month of Ramadan is celebrated in Jordan as it is in Muslim countries throughout the world, with fasting and the spectacular banquet-feast of Eid-al-Fitr at the end. Ramadan can be a lovely time to visit Jordan as it’s such a special time for Muslim people - itfar, the sunset breaking of the daily fast, is often a communal affair to which lucky travelers might be invited.
| Month | Avg Daily High | Avg Nightly Low |
|---|---|---|
| January | 18 | 8 |
| February | 20 | 9 |
| March | 23 | 11 |
| April | 27 | 14 |
| May | 31 | 18 |
| June | 34 | 21 |
| July | 35 | 23 |
| August | 35 | 23 |
| September | 33 | 21 |
| October | 29 | 17 |
| November | 24 | 12 |
| December | 20 | 9 |
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