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Best Time to Visit Amman

Best Time to Visit Amman

Amman Jordan Travel Guide

Ideal Travel Periods

Choosing the right time for your Amman trip significantly shapes your experience. Jordan's Mediterranean climate has distinct seasons, each with its own advantages and challenges.

Amman experiences a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, rainy winters. Spring (March-May) offers pleasant temperatures (15-25°C), low rain, and blooming landscapes. Summer (June-August) brings intense heat (25-35°C), ideal for interior activities or water destinations. Autumn (September-November) sees mild temperatures (15-25°C) and comfortable sightseeing. Winter (December-February) cools to 5-15°C, with rain and occasional snow, calling for thicker layers.

Timing for Your Trip

  • Summer (June-August): Hot, dry weather (25-35°C), often over 30°C. Low rain and humidity. Midday outdoor activities become challenging.
  • Autumn (September-November): Pleasant temperatures (15-25°C). Rain gradually increases, low humidity. Good for sightseeing.
  • Winter (December-February): Temperatures drop (5-15°C), frequently close to freezing at night. Highest rain, occasional snowfall. Higher humidity.
  • Spring (March-May): Pleasant temperatures (15-25°C). Low rain and humidity. Ideal for open-air discovery, green landscapes, and wildflowers.

Season Breakdown

Peak, shoulder, and low seasons each provide unique experiences, impacting crowd levels and pricing for flights and accommodations.

High season (Spring: March-May and Autumn: September-November) sees perfect weather for sightseeing and day trips. Prices are higher and locations more crowded. Shoulder season (The Beginning of june, Late August, December, February) brings fewer crowds and potentially lower prices, though with various weather. Low season (Summer: July-August and Deep Winter: January) has the best deals and fewest tourists, but extreme temperatures may limit outdoor activities. Check local weather advisories for sudden floods during winter and drink plenty of water in summer.

Weather Considerations

Key points for your comfort.

Extreme Temperatures

Summers call for Sun protection and constant hydration. Winters can be quite cold, with occasional snowfall disrupting travel or closing roads outside the city.

Flash Floods

Heavy winter rains, especially in valleys (wadis) or low-lying areas outside Amman, can rarely cause rapid flooding. Check local weather advisories if planning excursions in winter.

Activity Timing

Best seasons for various pursuits.

Sightseeing Roman Theater, Citadel

Spring and autumn show the most convenient weather for extensive outdoor exploration.

Day Trips & Hiking

Summer is suitable for a Dead Sea visit, but other historical sites can feel overwhelmingly hot. Spring is perfect for hiking.

Tourist Volume

Crowd levels and booking requirements.

High Season Considerations

Expect higher prices for flights and accommodation. Popular tourist sites become more crowded. Plan to book well in advance.

Low Season Impacts

Some businesses might operate with reduced hours during summer. Chilly weather and a greater probability of rain or snow in winter limit activities.

Visa & Entry Overview

Visa Types for Your Journey

Most nationalities need a visa to enter Jordan. You can obtain visas upon arrival at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) or through a Jordanian embassy or consulate in your home country.

Required Documentation

Your passport must remain valid for at a minimum of six months past your intended period of stay in Jordan. Carrying spare passport-sized photos is a good habit. Immigration officials may request proof of onward or return travel; a printed itinerary or e-ticket helps.

Visa Options

  • Jordan Pass:

    For many, this offers the cheapest-friendly option. It includes tourist visa charges (for 3+ night stays) and entry to over 40 attractions. Purchase online Before arrival.

  • Voa:

    Many nationalities (EU, US, UK, Canada, Australia, GCC) can obtain a single-entry visa upon arrival. It costs 40 JOD (~$56 USD) and holds validity for 30 days. Pay at a dedicated counter before immigration.

  • E-Visa:

    Some nationalities qualify for an e-visa, applied for online in advance. Check the official Jordanian government visa portal for eligibility and the application process via VisaHQ.

  • Entry Fees:

    If you fail to use the Jordan Pass, a single-entry visa costs 40 JOD.

  • Immigration:

    Upon arrival at AMM, pay attention to signs to immigration. Present your passport and visa. The process is generally straightforward.

Important Travel Alerts

  • No specific health-related entry rules for Jordan currently. Check official travel advisories closer to your trip date.
  • Generally, no special permits for standard tourism activities in Amman or major archaeological sites covered by the Jordan Pass.
  • For specialized activities (research, volunteer work, military zones), consult the Jordanian embassy for specific requirements.

Smart Traveler Tip

Purchase the Jordan Pass online before you travel. It streamlines your entry and provides cost savings if you visit Petra and other major attractions, making it a valuable means for your trip.

Budgeting Your Amman Experience

Your daily spending in Amman varies significantly based on your travel style, from budget-conscious backpacking to luxurious experiences.

Currency and Exchange

Jordan's currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD), often called "JD," divided into 100 Piastres (or Qirsh). The Jordanian Dinar fixes to the US Dollar at approximately 1 JOD = 1.4A SINGLE dollar.

Exchange Details

  • Find currency exchange facilities at banks, dedicated exchange offices, and hotels.
  • ATMs are widely available across Amman, especially in business districts and malls.
  • Credit cards receive acceptance in most mid-range to luxury establishments.
  • Cash remains useful, even required, for smaller purchases, street food, and traditional markets. Always carry some local currency.

Tipping Practices

Tipping is customary in Jordan, especially for good service. It shows appreciation for individuals in the service industry.

Tipping Guidelines

  • Restaurants: 5-10% for good service, particularly in mid-range to upscale places. Rounding up the bill is good for small cafes.
  • Taxis: Give the change as a tip or add 0.50-1 JOD.
  • Hotel Staff: (bellhops, housekeepers) 1-2 JOD.
  • Tour Guides/Drivers: 5-10 JOD per person per day for guides. For drivers, 5-10 JOD is appropriate, based on service duration and standard.

Cost Breakdown by Travel Style

Daily Estimates JOD/USD

  • Budget Traveler: 30-67 JOD ($42-$95)
  • Mid-range Traveler: 77-155 JOD ($109-$218)
  • Luxury Traveler: 190-500+ JOD ($268-$705+)
  • These estimates provide a general daily spending outlook. Individual habits shape actual costs.

Price Ranges for Items

  • Accommodations (Per Night): Hostels: 15-30 JOD. Mid-range: 40-80 JOD. Luxury: 100-300+ JOD.
  • Meals (Per Person): Street Food: 1-3 JOD. Local Eatery: 5-15 JOD. Mid-range: 15-30 JOD. Fine Dining: 30-60+ JOD.
  • Transportation: Bus: ~0.50-1 JOD. Taxi (short): 2-5 JOD. Uber/Careem (short): 2-5 JOD. Airport-City: 20-25 JOD.
  • Attractions (Individual): Citadel: 3 JOD. Roman Theater: 2 JOD. Jordan Pass: 70-75 JOD (includes visa & 40+ sites).

Money-Saving Strategies

  • Purchase the Jordan Pass: If you plan to visit Petra and other major sites and stay at least 3 nights, this offers considerable savings.
  • Eat Local: Enjoy meals at local restaurants and street food stalls (falafel, shawarma) for inexpensive and authentic food.
  • Utilize Ride-sharing-Sharing Apps: Uber and Careem offer transparent pricing. Require taxi meters for traditional yellow taxis.
  • Walk More: Explore walkable areas such as Downtown, Jabal Weibdeh, and Rainbow Street on foot.

Health & Safety Insights

Jordan is a reputation as a safe destination, but awareness of common concerns and community resources helps with a smooth journey. Remain vigilant and available support.

Health Measures

  • Vaccinations: No specific vaccinations for Jordan for most travelers. Ensure routine ones (MMR, DTP, Varicella) are current. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus are generally recommended. See a travel physician 4-6 weeks before your trip.
  • Traveler's Diarrhea: A common issue. Prevent by drinking only Bottled water, avoiding tap water, eating well-cooked food, and being cautious with salads and fruits with the skin on. Carry Anti-diarrhea medication.
  • Sunstroke/Dehydration: Especially in the summertime. Drink plenty of bottled water, wear a Wide-brimmed hat, use High SPF sunscreen, and seek shade during peak sun hours.
  • Heat Rash: Prevent by wearing loose, breathable cotton clothing.

Safety and Emergency Support

  • Healthcare Access: Amman has a number of modern hospitals (Al Khalidi Healthcare Facility, Arab Infirmary, Jordan Hospital). Pharmacies are widely available, often with English-speaking staff.
  • Emergency Services: For any emergency (Police, Ambulance, Fire), dial 911.
  • Crime Statistics: Jordan has a low crime rate. Petty crime (pickpocketing) occurs rarely in crowded markets. Taxi drivers overcharging is the most common scam; require meters or utilize ride-sharing-sharing.
  • Natural Disaster Risks: Jordan lies in an active seismic zone, but significant earthquakes are rare. Sudden floods occur during heavy winter rains. Heatwaves in summer pose health risks without precautions.

Travel Insurance & Emergency Contacts

Purchase comprehensive Travel insurance (like SafetyWing) covering medical emergencies, trip cancellation, personal liability, and baggage loss. Ensure your policy includes emergency medical evacuation. Keep your embassy's contact details in Amman and your travel insurance emergency line readily available, both digitally and on paper. AirHelp assists with flight compensation.