A Jordan Winter Travel Guide: What to Expect and How to Prepare

Jordan is a beautiful country to visit all year round, but Winter is the most underrated season! If you're looking for a Winter travel guide, look no further. In this blog post, I'll tell you everything you need to know about traveling to Jordan during the Winter. I'll cover what to expect weather-wise, what to wear, and some tips on how to prepare for your trip.

Winter in Jordan is a great time to visit! The weather is cool and comfortable, and you'll avoid the crowds that come during busier times of the year. That being said, there are a few things you should keep in mind when packing for your trip.

What is the Winter Temperature in Jordan?

The average Winter temperature in Jordan is between 50-59 degrees Fahrenheit (10-15 degrees Celsius). Of course, this can vary depending on what part of the country you're visiting. In general, the further inland you go, the colder it will be. For example, in Amman (the capital city) it's typically a few degrees warmer than in Petra (one of Jordan's most popular tourist destinations). In the Wadi-Rum Desert, temperatures can drop to below freezing at night. Around the Dead Sea, Winter temperatures are usually a bit milder.

What to Wear in Jordan Winter?

Layers are key when it comes to dressing for Winter in Jordan! I would recommend packing light sweaters, long pants, and a few scarves or shawls. You might also want to bring a jacket or coat for the colder days. If you're visiting Petra, remember that it's located in a canyon, so the temperature can be a few degrees cooler than in other parts of the country. The nice thing about it is that you won't have to worry about dressing too formally. Casual clothes are perfectly acceptable, even when visiting religious sites like churches or mosques. If you're looking for a complete winter wardrobe, check out my Winter Travel Capsule Wardrobe.

What to Do in Jordan in the Winter?

There are plenty of activities to keep you busy during your Winter trip to Jordan. Here are a few ideas:

• Visit the ancient city of Petra

• Explore Wadi Rum

• Enjoy views of the Dead Sea

• Shop at the local markets

• Go on a desert safari

• Relax in a hammam (Turkish bath)

• Learn about Jordanian culture and history

7 Things to Keep in Mind for Traveling to Jordan in the Winter

It is the Off-Season in Jordan

Winter is the low season for tourism in Jordan. This means that you'll likely have many of the country's popular attractions (like Petra and the Dead Sea) all to yourself! Of course, this also means that some hotels and restaurants will be closed during the Winter months. Be sure to do your research in advance to make sure that your hotel and any restaurants you want to visit will be open during your trip.

Be prepared for Inclement Weather

Winter in Jordan can be a great time to visit, but you should be prepared for inclement weather. Jordan has four unique climate zones due to the vast altitude changes and microclimates present throughout the country. Bad weather during winter is usually predictable and expected. Petra will close if there is a high chance of rain, as the water runs off the tall cliffs and floods the area. This can be dangerous, as flooding in Jordan takes lives every year. There was actually a flash flood a week before we arrived, and luckily there was not that much damage so we didn't miss out. But we did meet several people who missed out on seeing Petra due to the floods.

In Jordan, particularly Amman, it does snow--and when it does, locals tend to freak out a little bit. Everything comes to a halt in the city. Amman is hilly, so no matter where you're going, you'll have to walk up or down a hill. Cars slip and slide on the road without snow tires. If you're driving in the desert during a snowstorm, be cautious of other drivers who may not be prepared, and make sure you are following safety protocol.

There are a Few Winter Festivals in Jordan

Although Winter is the low season for tourism, there are still a few Winter festivals and events that take place in Jordan. One of the most popular is Muharram, which marks the Islamic new year in January. The Azraq festival is another popular Winter event, which celebrates the town’s wonderful art, culture, and crafts in February.

You Can Still Visit the Dead Sea in Winter

Despite what you might think, the Dead Sea doesn't freeze over in Winter! In fact, it's actually a great time to visit. The weather is cool but nice and the crowds are much thinner than during busier times of the year. Unfortunately, you cannot swim in the Dead Sea in Winter (the water is too cold), but you can still enjoy the view. Just be sure to wear sunscreen, as the sun is still strong even in Winter.

The Days are Short in the Winter

During Winter, the days in Jordan are much shorter than they are in Summer. This is due to Jordan's location on the globe--it's closer to the Winter Solstice than the Summer Solstice. The Winter Solstice is the shortest day of the year, and after that, the days gradually start getting longer again. This means that if you're visiting Jordan in Winter, you'll want to make the most of the daylight hours. Get up early to see the sights and make sure you're back at your hotel before it gets dark - which is usually around 5:00 pm.

You Might Need a Visa

If you're a citizen of the United States, Canada, Australia, or the European Union, you do not need a visa to enter Jordan. However, citizens of other countries might need a visa. Be sure to check the requirements for your country in advance. There is a visa station when you arrive at customs and you can buy them there if you don't get one in advance.

Get Travel Insurance

I always recommend getting travel insurance, regardless of the time of year you're traveling. But it's especially important to have it in Winter when weather conditions can be more unpredictable. Travel insurance will protect you in case of cancellations, delays, or any other unexpected events. When I travel, I usually get travel insurance through Faye. It's a bit pricier but gets you great coverage for medical and travel delays, and it has a convenient app where you can chat with them if you have any questions or concerns while on your trip.

Although Jordan is lovely year-round, winter is an ideal time to visit. The weather is much cooler than the scorching summers, and there are fewer tourists crowding attractions. That said, be sure to bundle up – it gets chilly! And don't forget your sunscreen and travel insurance. If you're planning on driving in the desert and running into a snowstorm, take extra caution! Enjoy your winter trip to Jordan!