MileHacker Logo
Best Time to Visit Irbid

Best Time to Visit Irbid

Irbid Jordan Travel Guide

Climate Patterns Throughout the Year

Summer (June-August): Hot, dry conditions dominate. Average high temperatures typically range from 30°C to 34°C (86°F to 93°F). Heatwaves push temperatures beyond 40°C (104°F) on some days. Rainfall is minimal, often non-existent. Low humidity lessens the heat compared to more humid climates, but it remains intense.

Winter (December-February): Cool, damp weather prevails. Average high temperatures range from 12°C to 15 degrees celsius (54°F to 59°F), with nighttime lows between 5°C to 7°C (41°F to 45°F). Rain is common, and occasional snowfall occurs, especially in January or February. Humidity is higher than in summer.

Spring (April-May) and Autumn (September-October): These shoulder seasons present the most pleasant weather. Temperatures are mild and comfortable, ideal for outdoor activities plus touring. Fewer extreme temperatures occur during these months.

Transitional Periods (March, November): These months can be unpredictable. March might still have cool days and some rain, while November marks the shift into cooler, wetter conditions. Both months offer pleasant days interspersed with fewer favorable weather.

Seasonal Overview

  • Summer: Hot & Dry (30-34°C / 86-93°F)
  • Winter: Cool & Wet (12-15°C / 54-59°F)
  • Spring/Autumn: Mild & Pleasant
  • Transitional: Unpredictable (March, Nov)

Special Weather Notes

Summer months (June-August) regularly feature intense heat. Stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and seek shade during the hottest parts of the day (commonly NOON to 4 PM). Winter months (December-February) bring rain and cooler temperatures. Dress in warm, waterproof clothing. Rapid flooding sometimes occur in wadis (valleys) during heavy downpours, especially in rural areas, so check local weather forecasts if planning excursions outside the city. Jordan does not experience monsoon seasons or hurricanes.

Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable temperatures for extended exploration of open-air sites like Umm Qais, Pella, and Jerash. For city walks and heritage activities, spring, autumn, and cooler winter days are suitable. Hiking in Ajloun Forest Reserve is best in the spring season for green landscapes or autumn for pleasant temperatures. Spring and late autumn are ideal for visiting the Jordan Valley, avoiding summer warmth or winter rains.

Low Season Summer

June-August

Pros:

Lower accommodation prices; fewer tourists, especially at outdoor sites during midday.

Cons:

Intense heat makes daytime outdoor activities challenging; plan activities for early mornings or late afternoons.

Shoulder Season

March & November

Pros:

Milder temperatures than high season summer or winter; fewer tourists means a relaxed experience; possibly lower prices.

Cons:

Weather can be unpredictable; March may be cool with rain; November brings increasing rain chances and colder evenings.

High Season Spring & Autumn

April-May & Sept-Oct

Pros:

Delightful weather, perfect for exploring historical sites and city walks; landscapes greenest in spring.

Cons:

Accommodation and travel expenses can be higher; popular sites may see an increase in visitors.

Seasonal Activities

Optimal for Outdoor Sites

Spring and autumn offer comfortable temperatures for extensive exploration of open-air sites like Umm Qais, Pella, and Jerash. City exploration and heritage activities are also pleasant at these times.

Hiking and Valley Visits

Hiking in Ajloun Forest Reserve is best in during spring for green landscapes and wildflowers, or autumn for comfortable temperatures. Excursions to the Jordan Valley are ideal in spring and late autumn, avoiding the severe summer warmth or winter rains.

Activity Timing

  • Historical Sites

    Spring (April-May) and Autumn (Sept-Oct)

  • City Walks

    Spring, Autumn, and cooler Winter days

  • Hiking in Ajloun

    Spring (green landscapes) and Autumn (pleasant temperatures)

  • Jordan Valley

    Spring and late Autumn

  • Avoiding Summer Heat

    Outdoor activities before 8 AM or after 4 PM

Flash Flood Advisory

  • During heavy winter rains, flash floods can happen in wadis (valleys) and low-lying areas.
  • This is specifically true outside the city in rural areas.
  • Keep an eye on the local weather forecast if planning excursions into rural or canyon zones during winter.

Travel Tip: Plan Around Heat

To avoid the hottest part of summer days, plan your outdoor sightseeing for early mornings, starting around 8:00 AM, or late afternoons after 4:00 PM.

Visa & Entry Requirements for Jordan

Navigating entry requirements is an important part of your travel planning for Irbid. Jordan maintains clear regulations for international visitors, varying by nationality. Always verify the latest requirements with a Jordanian embassy or consulate, or through reputable travel information sources, before your trip.

Visa Types and Application Processes

People from many countries obtain a visa upon arrival at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) or other official border crossings. This typically grants a single-entry visa valid for 30 days. Complete a simple application form and pay the fee at the immigration counter. Some nationalities secure a visa from a Jordanian embassy or consulate in their home country before you travel.

The Jordan Pass: A Smart Option

  • Combines visa fee for eligible nationalities with entry to over 40 attractions.
  • Includes sites like Umm Qais, Pella, and Jerash.
  • Waiver of an entry permit fee if you are a minimum of three nights.
  • Purchase online before arrival at IVisa or VisaHQ.

Required Documentation

Your passport must remain valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay. This is a strict requirement for entry. A completed visa application form is necessary if applying for a visa upon arrival or in advance. Two recent passport-passport-sized photos are typically required for advance visa applications. Immigration officials sometimes request proof of your departure from Jordan (e.g., a return flight ticket).

Entry Fees & Procedures

  • Visa on Arrival: JOD 40 for most nationalities (single-entry, 30 days).
  • Jordan Pass: Visa fee covered if minimum stay met.
  • Immigration Process: Straightforward; passport stamped with entry date and visa expiry.
  • Special Permits: No specific permits for standard tourism.

Health-Related Entry Requirements

Mandatory & Routine Vaccinations

  • Yellow Fever: Certificate mandatory when arriving from a a country with risk.
  • Routine Vaccinations: MMR, DTP, Polio up to date.
  • Consult WHO guidelines or travel health professional.
  • Additional recommended vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid.

Travel Insurance Importance

  • A comprehensive travel insurance policy is strongly recommended.
  • Cover medical emergencies, evacuation, and trip interruptions.
  • Includes coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged belongings.
  • Check World Nomads or SafetyWing.

Pre-Travel Health Advice

  • Consult a travel health professional 4 or MORE-6 weeks before your trip.
  • Review vaccination requirements based on your travel history and activities.
  • Receive personalized health advice for Jordan.
  • Consider your duration of stay and scheduled activities.

Lost or Delayed Flights

Flight delays or cancellations are sometimes unforeseen. For assistance with money for delayed or canceled flights, consider tools like AirHelp.

AirHelp Benefits

  • Assistance with flight compensation claims.
  • Up to 600 euros compensation for eligible flights.
  • Supports delayed or canceled flights.
  • Aids with denied boarding situations.

Claim Assistance

  • Handles complex airline negotiations.
  • Processes claims efficiently.
  • Navigates international regulations.
  • Provides professional support.

Travel Tip: Document Backups

Keep photocopies or digital pictures of your passport, visa, and Jordan Pass confirmation on your phone and in a separate email or cloud storage. This makes a backup in case of loss or theft.

Budgeting & Costs in Irbid

Jordan generally offers good value, but prices vary.

Currency & Exchange

The official currency of Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD), pegged to the US Dollar at approximately 1 JOD = 1.41 USD. This rate remains relatively stable. ATMs are widely available throughout Irbid, especially in the city center, near university campuses, and at major banks. Most international credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard) work. Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid card blocks.

Exchange offices can be found in Irbid's city center and at Queen Alia International Airport (AMM). Airport rates are sometimes less favorable but offer convenience for initial currency needs. Major credit cards are widely accepted at larger hotels, mid-range to upscale restaurants, and some larger shops. For smaller local eateries, street food, markets, and taxis, cash is the preferred, and often only, payment method. Always carry a supply of smaller JOD denominations.

Currency Reminders

  • Official Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD)
  • Exchange Rate: ~1 JOD = 1.4ONE US dollar (pegged)
  • Cash is necessary for local markets and small vendors.

Budget Traveler

Approx. JOD 30-70 / USD 42-98 daily. This covers a hostel bed, street food, local buses, and Jordan Pass-covered attractions.

Hostel dormitory, street food, local transport, free/Jordan Pass sites.

Limited dining options, less private accommodation.

Mid-Range Traveler

Approx. JOD 80-165 / USD 112-232 daily. This applies to a 3-star hotel, mid-range restaurant meals, mixed transport, and assorted attractions.

Comfortable hotel, diverse dining, private/shared taxis, guided tours.

Not all luxury amenities, occasional reliance on public options.

Luxury Traveler

Approx. JOD 200+ / USD 280+ daily. Includes 4-5 star hotels (Amman), fine dining, private car with driver, and exclusive experiences.

Premium hotels, fine dining, private transfers, exclusive tours.

Limited 4-LUXURY hotels directly in Irbid.

Price Ranges for Specific Items

Category Item Price Range (JOD)
Accommodation Hostels/Budget Hotels 15-40 per night
Meals Street food (falafel, shawarma) 1-3
Attractions Jordan Pass (covers visa & ~40 sites) 70-75

Tipping Culture Baksheesh

  • Restaurants:5-10% for good service
  • Taxi Drivers:Round up fare or JOD 0.50-1 for brief trips
  • Hotel Staff:JOD 1-2 per service
  • Tour Guides/Drivers:JOD 5-10 per person per day

Accommodation Costs

  • Hostels/Affordable Hotels:JOD 15-40 / night
  • Mid-range Hotels (3-star):JOD 40-80 / night
  • Higher-high-end Accommodations (4-star+):JOD 90-150+ / night (limited in Irbid)
  • Local Restaurant Main Dish:JOD 5-15

Meal Costs

  • Mid-range restaurant (per person):JOD 15-30
  • Fine dining (per person):JOD 30-60+

Transportation Costs

  • Local "serwis" (shared taxi):JOD 0.25-0.50 / ride
  • Private taxi (short city ride):JOD 1-5
  • Ride-sharing (Careem/Uber, short city ride):JOD 2-7

Money-Saving Strategies

Eat Local:Prioritize local eateries and street food.
Utilize the Jordan Pass:Savings on entry fees and visa.
Public Transportation:Travel on local buses or shared taxis.
Bargain Respectfully:Common in souks, not fixed-price stores.
Budget Accommodation:Hostels, guesthouses, apartment rentals.
Filtered Water:Use a Water purification bottle or buy large Bottled water.

Travel Tip: Carry Small Denominations

  • Always carry small denominations of Jordanian Dinars for street food, local transport, and small purchases.
  • Many vendors may not have change for large bills.

Health & Safety Considerations for Irbid

Jordan is generally a safe a nation for travelers, but informed planning remains a valuable practice.

Required & Recommended Vaccinations

  • Yellow Fever:

    Certificate mandatory if arriving from a a high-risk country.

  • Routine Vaccinations:

    MMR, DTP, Varicella, Polio should be current.

  • Other Recommended:

    Hepatitis A, Typhoid, possibly Hepatitis B & Rabies (consult travel health professional).

Common Health Concerns

Traveler'indigestion:

Drink bottled or purified water, steer clear of ice from tap water, eat well-cooked hot food, peel fruits yourself, wash hands frequently with soap or use Alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Heatstroke/Dehydration (in Summer): Drink plenty of fluids with plenty of bottled water, wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, seek shade during midday (MIDDAY - 4 PM), avoid strenuous movement during hottest parts of day.

Sunburn: Use High SPF sunscreen, wear a Wide-brimmed hat and Sunglasses. Insect Bites: Use Insect repellent, especially at dusk/dawn.

Access to Healthcare & Emergency Services

  • 1
    Hospitals:

    King Abdullah University Medical center (KAUH), Princess Basma Teaching Hospital, Irbid Specialty Hospital.

  • 2
    Pharmacies:

    Widely available, marked by a green cross, pharmacists offer advice for minor ailments.

  • 3
    Emergency Services:

    Unified emergency number: 911 (Police, Ambulance, Fire).

Crime & Safety Concerns

Irbid is generally a safe city with relatively low crime rates. However, small-time crime like theft from pockets or bag snatching might take place in crowded areas like the central souk or busy bus stations. Stay aware of your environment, keep valuables safe, and avoid openly displaying large amounts of cash or expensive electronics. No distinct districts are known for significantly higher crime rates, but general caution is always advisable in all public spaces, especially at night. Solo women travelers consider exercising extra caution at night.

Natural Disaster Risks

  • Earthquakes: Jordan lies in an active seismic zone; minor earthquakes occur, but severe ones are rare.
  • Flash Floods: During heavy winter rains, flash floods could occur in wadis and low-lying areas outside the city.
  • Extreme Heat: Seasonal hazard during summer; take precautions against heatstroke and dehydration.

Drinking Water & Food Hygiene

  • Drinking Water: Tap water is not safe for drinking; always use bottled water for drinking and cleaning teeth.
  • Food Hygiene: Select trustworthy, clean, and busy establishments.
  • Street Food: Look for stalls with high turnover where food is cooked fresh and served hot.

Travel Insurance & Emergency Contacts

A comprehensive travel insurance policy is strongly recommended for all travelers. Keep emergency contact information readily available. This includes the unified emergency number and your country''s foreign office in Amman.

Travel Insurance Policy

Ensure coverage for medical emergencies, evacuation, trip cancellation, and personal belongings. World Nomads, SafetyWing are options.

Emergency Numbers

Unified Emergency Number (Police, Ambulance, Fire): 911. Visitor Police: +962 6 560 9235. King Abdullah University Hospital (KAUH): +962 2 720 1000.

Embassy/Consulate

Keep contact details of your country's embassy or consulate (located in Amman) handy for assistance with lost passports, legal issues, or other emergencies.

Travel Tip: Save Emergency Contacts

Save emergency numbers in your phone before you travel. Also, write them down on paper and keep them separate from your phone, in case your phone battery dies or gets lost.