Jordan holidays

Think of Jordan and the image of camels sauntering through the desert will likely spring to mind. But there’s so much more to this Middle Eastern country than scorching dunes. From ancient sandstone kingdoms to coral reefs and a cuisine deeply rooted in Bedouin culture, a holiday to Jordan is a top choice for anyone with a spirit of adventure.

Top destinations in Jordan

Amman

With its towering Bronze Age citadel, Roman ruins and bustling alleyways filled with markets, Jordan’s colourful capital is a hotspot for history and culture.

Aqaba

Towering sandstone peaks meet the shimmering Red Sea in the ancient city of Aqaba. Come for its beachfront resorts, but stay for its epic coral reefs and desert landscapes.

Jordan: fast facts

Language

Arabic

Currency

Jordanian dinar (JD)

Time zone

UTC+2 (EET) and UTC+3 (EEST)

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Jordan holiday highlights

Jordan
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Ancient wonders

You could easily spend two days exploring UNESCO-listed Petra, one of the world’s most famous archaeological sites. If you’re short on time, hike through the Siq to reach the Treasury facade, which you may recognise from the movie ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’. For less crowded ancient sites, check out the Roman ruins of Jerash or Madaba, the ‘City of Mosaics’.

Desert adventures

One of the best things to do in Jordan is to experience the UNESCO-listed Wadi Rum Protected Area, Jordan’s desert of red sand valleys, canyons and dramatic rock formations. Tour the desert in a 4x4, or try your hand at sandboarding. Another popular way to experience the landscape is staying overnight in a Bedouin camp, often accompanied by authentic Jordanian meals and stargazing.

City breaks

The Dead Sea and Petra may be the country’s headliners, but Jordan’s cities have plenty of excitement to offer too. Spend time in the capital city, Amman, with its hilltop citadel and ancient Al-Balad bazaar. And dive into Jordan’s Roman history around Jerash’s archaeological sites. Need a break from the tourists? Visit Zarqa’s lively bazaars and quaint teahouses.

Things to do in Jordan

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Top attractions

Jordan’s most epic attraction is the ancient city of Petra, with its impressive sandstone monuments and tombs. And the Dead Sea’s famously salty waters and mineral-rich mud invite you to enjoy a relaxing day of wellness. Movie fan? Wadi Rum’s otherworldly desert landscape was featured in iconic films like ‘Star Wars’ and ‘Lawrence of Arabia’.

Beaches

If floating on the Dead Sea’s salty waters tops your Jordan to-do list, head to Amman Beach or treat yourself to the day resort at O Beach. Jordan also borders the Red Sea — Berenice Beach in Aqaba is a popular choice for swimming, scuba diving and jet-skiing. Out of respect for the country’s conservative culture, women should bring a beach cover-up.

Nature

Despite being mostly desert, Jordan’s natural landscape is more than just sand. Hike the Siq Trail through Wadi Mujib, known as the country’s Grand Canyon. For water sports, the Aqaba Marine Park’s pristine reefs are ideal for snorkelling and diving. If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, visit the Shaumari Wildlife Reserve, which protects endangered species like the Arabian oryx.

Culture and museums

Some of the best museums in Jordan are located in Amman. The Jordan Museum features one of the Dead Sea Scrolls and traces 1.5 million years of Jordanian history. There’s also plenty of culture to explore at the Jordan Archaeological Museum in the Citadel of Amman. Love cars? Check out former Jordanian ruler King Hussein’s collection at the Royal Automobile Museum.

Cuisine

You’ll find your fair share of Middle Eastern staples like hummus, falafel and shish kebabs here. But expect traditional restaurants in Jordan to serve dishes like ‘mansaf’ (lamb in yoghurt sauce with rice) and ‘zarb’ (Bedouin barbecue prepared in underground pits). Tea is a popular drink in Jordan, as is ‘qahwa,’ a black Arabic coffee flavoured with cardamom.

Family friendly

In Amman, the Children’s Museum Jordan brings history, art and science to life through interactive exhibits and hands-on learning. You can expect squeals of excitement as kids spot Red Sea fish from a glass-bottom boat in Aqaba. If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, try a cycling safari through the Shaumari Wildlife Reserve, home to the rare Arabian oryx.

Find the best time to visit Jordan

Weather in Jordan

March – May: Warm temperatures and blooming wildflowers make spring a beautiful season to visit Jordan. It’s a great time to enjoy a beach break in Aqaba before the summer heat hits.

June – September: Expect very hot days and dry winds in summer. Though the temperature regularly tops 38°C in the desert and around the Red Sea, Amman stays cooler.

October – November: Sunny, warm and dry, autumn’s comfortable temperatures are ideal for outdoor activities. You’ll want to pack a light jacket for the cooler evenings.

December – February: Winter temperatures drop considerably, often hovering around freezing. Rain is also likely, and there’s a possibility of snow in the mountains. It’s the best time to visit Jordan for fewer crowds.

Events in Jordan

Aqaba Traditional Arts Festival (February): Held in the coastal city of Aqaba, this annual cultural festival celebrates Bedouin people and their unique heritage. Handcrafted goods share the spotlight with traditional music and dance.

Jordanian Independence Day (May): Jordan celebrates its independence from British rule with parades, official ceremonies and fireworks displays across the country.

Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts (July and August): All eyes turn to the ancient city of Jerash for its annual cultural festival. Look forward to folk dances, ballet performances, concerts, plays and stalls selling traditional handicrafts, all in the shadow of Jerash’s floodlit ruins.

Know before you go

Local etiquette

Jordanians are known for their politeness and hospitality. Greet people of the same sex with a handshake and accept an Arabic coffee when offered. Dressing modestly is important, especially when visiting religious sites and rural areas. Opt for loose-fitting clothes that cover your legs, arms and chest. During religious holidays such as Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public spaces.

Health and safety

Many countries recommend getting hepatitis A and B and tetanus vaccinations before visiting Jordan. Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) is also a risk and can best be avoided by limiting contact with camels. Extreme temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke in the summer. Drink plenty of bottled water and wear thin, loose-fitting clothes to stay cool.

LGBTQ+ travel

Jordan is generally safe for LGBTQ+ travellers. That said, it’s a Muslim country with a conservative culture, so discretion is advised. Public displays of affection for any couple are highly frowned upon and risk causing offence. In the capital city of Amman, you’ll find gay-friendly bars, cafes and restaurants, especially in the Jabal al-Weibdeh neighbourhood.

Budget

While it’s not generally considered a budget destination, a cheap holiday to Jordan is still doable with some careful planning. You can easily find an inexpensive meal for five Jordanian dinars (JOD) and a coffee for less than JOD3. Taking a taxi? A short taxi fare is usually around JOD5.

Getting around Jordan

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Public transportation

Buses: While there are city buses and intercity minibuses in Jordan, the country’s public transport system is limited in reach. Timetables are generally unreliable, and buses don’t tend to run between popular tourist locations. You can opt instead for more comfortable air-conditioned JTT or JETT coach services, which serve tourist-friendly routes like Amman to Petra and Aqaba to Wadi Rum.

Domestic flights

Given Jordan’s relatively compact size, flying isn’t always efficient. While most visitors opt to travel between Amman and Aqaba or Wadi Rum by car or tour bus, Royal Jordanian Airlines services domestic flights between Amman and Aqaba. The flight time is generally under an hour, but you’ll need to factor in traffic to the airport and check-in times.

Find domestic flights

Driving

Hiring a car will give you the most flexibility, but driving in Jordan has its challenges. Traffic can be aggressive and road quality is variable. You’ll find potholes and speed bumps even on motorways, including the long Desert Highway between Amman and Aqaba. Standard cars are fine for most journeys, but if you plan on visiting remote ruins or exploring desert terrain, a 4x4 is best.

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FAQs about Jordan holidays

Check with your local government for the latest Jordan travel advisories. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas, so keep an eye on your belongings and avoid displaying your valuables in public.
Guided tours, attraction fees and dining out can add up quickly here. To save money, consider travelling in the winter and buying a Jordan Pass, which includes entry to top attractions like Petra.
Jordan’s currency is the Jordanian dinar (JOD). You’ll find ATMs throughout the country, and major credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops. Tipping in Jordan isn’t compulsory, but it is appreciated. Plan to leave a 10% gratuity at restaurants for good service.
Jordan’s official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken in larger cities and within the hospitality sector. Still, attempting to speak a few Arabic words is a good way to break the ice with locals. ‘Marhaba’ (hello), ‘shukran’ (thank you), ‘na’am’ (yes) and ‘la’ (no) are
For warm weather that isn’t scorching hot, the best time to visit Jordan is spring and autumn. These are peak tourist months, so if you’re trying to avoid crowds in Petra and Jerash, consider visiting in the winter. Just know that the cooler months can bring flash floods that cause travel disruptions.
Few Jordanian cities match the buzz of Amman, with its ancient ruins, fascinating museums and rich cafe culture. For a more relaxed scene, head to Aqaba for Red Sea beaches and water sports.