At a glance
Discover a country that is full of history, with a fascinating culture, and whose inhabitants are very hospitable. Visit Petra and Wadi Rum, or spend some time in the desert of this beautiful Middle Eastern country. The two best periods for going to Jordan are spring and autumn, because the temperatures are most pleasant. Between November and March there is more rain. In winter it can be very cold and it may even snow. Also, be aware of the differences in climate between different regions: although the eastern desert is bearable in summer, the southern desert is so hot that it's a real ordeal.
Sports and activities in Jordan
There are lots of walking treks possible in the region of Petra and in Wadi Rum. You can also go climbing. Sleeping in the desert at night is an extraordinary experience. The next day you can go to the south of the port of Aqaba, which is one of the world's most beautiful diving sites. You'll see fish and coral that are like nowhere else... It's best to go in spring or autumn, when the temperatures are most comfortable. In summer you will be much too hot and find it hard to make an effort. Winter is too cold and has too many rainy days.
The King's Highway
It's very hot on the King's Highway in the summer.
It's better to go there in spring or autumn, because it rains a lot more from November to March. Travel along the King's Highway, an ancient route which has seen many different travellers, towards the Wadi Mujib gorge, and along the way you can look at the perfectly peaceful landscape of hills and olive trees. Once you enter the Wadi Mujib gorge you will be surrounded by avenues of poplars and fig trees, and market towns. Don't miss the mosaics at Madaba, or the fortresses of Kerak and Shobak.
The eastern desert
Why not discover Jordan's eastern desert, and the ancient buildings decorated with frescoes, mosaics, and marble that were built there by the first Arab rulers. These castles are both oases of rest and places to celebrate in the middle of the desert, not to mention stopping places for pilgrims on their way to Mecca and for merchants. In summer the climate is less suffocating than in other regions. It's best to go there when it isn't cold, between April and November.
North Jordan and Amman
I advise you to go to Amman or the north of Jordan in spring or in autumn: the temperatures are very pleasant. If you don't mind the heat, you can also go during the summer. In winter, the temperatures are colder, there is more rain, and it can even snow. Visit Amman, which is both modern and old, has a very active cultural life, and lots of fashionable bars and cafes in the west. Discover its Roman theatre and visit the national museum, before you leave to go to the northern mountains. You will be amazed at the archaeological sites of Gadara, Pella, and Jerash.
The southern desert
You are going to be awed by Petra's theatre and its royal tombs, not to mention all the other treasures in this fantastic city. Then go to Wadi Musa and head for the southern desert, Bedouin country. There are superb oases, sand dunes and magnificent sunsets.
It has a true desert climate and the temperatures in summer can be suffocating.
So avoid going there in summer if you are not keen on temperatures of 45°C!
