The best time to travel in Jordan

The best two seasons for going to Jordan are spring and autumn. In summer the temperatures can get very high, especially in the desert. Winter can be quite cold, and some months are very rainy, so in order to have the best chance of having good weather you should go during the months of April and May or September and October.

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.
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 travelers, 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.

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.

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.

Desert Landscapes

Take a ride through Wadi Rum at sunset, and it’s easy to see why TE Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia) was so drawn to this land of weathered sandstone and reddened dunes. But Jordan’s desert landscapes are not confined to the southeast: they encompass a salt sea at the lowest point on earth, canyons flowing with seasonal water, oases of palm trees and explosions of springtime flowers scattered across arid hills. Minimal planning and only a modest budget is required for an adventure.

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.

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!

reasons to travel to Jordan

Although you obviously need to avoid the Syrian and Iraqi frontier zones, that’s not a reason to give up on a trip to Jordan. The inhabitants are very welcoming and the sites are so amazing that you won’t regret having dared to go.

Delicious food

It’s no use going to Jordan if you are in the middle of a diet. Mezze, falafel, shish kebab, not to mention the rich array of sweet pastries influenced by Turkey, Lebanon, and Egypt – I’m afraid it’s impossible to resist them.

Ancient Hospitality

The Jordanians have an innate sense of welcome. You will often be surrounded by people wanting to talk to you or even offered a mint tea out of the blue. Some people will even pay for your bus journey, discreetly! You’ll be amazed.
Jordan has a tradition of welcoming visitors: camel caravans plied the legendary King’s Highway transporting frankincense in exchange for spices while Nabataean tradesmen, Roman legionnaires, Muslim armies and zealous Crusaders all passed through the land, leaving behind impressive monuments. These monuments, including Roman amphitheaters, Crusader castles and Christian mosaics, have fascinated subsequent travelers in search of antiquity and the origins of faith. The tradition of hospitality to visitors remains to this day

Floating on the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is legendary, so-called because the high salt levels mean nothing can live in it. The salt levels are so high that as soon as you dive in you rise back to the surface. There’s no need for a rubber ring or lilo, you’ll float by yourself. Lie on your back, let yourself float effortlessly on the surface and read your book or magazine!

Following the steps of adventurers in the desert

Spend a few days in the marvelous Wadi Rum desert. On foot, in an off-road vehicle or by horse like Lawrence of Arabia, its red sand and peculiarly shaped rocks await you.

Petra, one of the Wonders of the World

One of the 7 Wonders of the World, Petra is one place you must not miss during a trip to Jordan. They are typically crowds of people but if you get there early in the morning, as soon as it opens, you might be lucky enough to see Petra’s jewel, Al Khazneh, almost alone. Higher up, the monastery is also spectacular.
Petra, the ancient Nabataean city locked in the heart of Jordan’s sandstone escarpments, is the jewel in the crown of the country’s many antiquities. Ever since explorer Jean Louis Burckhardt brought news of the pink-hued necropolis back to Europe in the 19th century, the walk through the Siq to the Treasury (Petra’s defining monument) has impressed even the most travel weary of visitors. With sites flung over a vast rocky landscape and a mood that changes with the shifting light of dawn and dusk, this is a highlight that rewards a longer visit.

What to put in your suitcase when travelling in Jordan

Your thirst for adventure in Petra and Wadi RumAn international driving license so you can rent a vehicleA camera for your beautiful photosA credit card to get some cashA phrase book so you can communicate with the localsA photocopy of your passport in case you lose itSomething to repel mosquitosA first-aid kit for cuts and scrapesDiving equipment (snorkel) for exploring the sea bed.A swimming costume if you are going to the beach (a one-piece for women)Warm clothes for cold desert nightsClothes that cover you up in the townLight clothes for high temperatures

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE

The official language is Arabic, and English is the first foreign language.

REGIME

Regime in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan parliament heritable Royal. Sits Majesty King Abdullah II on the throne of the Kingdom of the top three authorities, also serves as the supreme commander of the armed forces.

JORDAN FLAG

Flag symbolizes the roots of the Kingdom strike in the Great Arab Revolution (1916), As it adapted from its flag. Represent the colors black, white and green of the Abbasids and Umayyads and the Fatimid’s of Arabs, while the red triangle, which combines parts of the flag represents the Hashemite family. The Islamic Seven star in the middle of the red triangle symbolizes to Fateha in the Holy Quran.

DIVERSITY OF THE POPULATION

According to statistics of the population, in 2011 the number of Jordan’s population of six million and 249 thousand people. Arabs make up the vast majority (98%) of the population, and are located in Jordan other ethnicities of Aacharx (1%) and Armenians (1%). Population density is concentrated in the center and north of the country. The official religion is Islam so that accounted for Sunni Muslims (92%). While not exceed followers of other Islamic sects of the Druze (2%). The Christian (6%) of the population, most of which follow the Orthodox Church.

AREA AND CLIMATE

The total area of the Kingdom up to 92.300 square kilometers, land 91.971 sq km, and water 329 sq km. And total length of 1,635 km border divided as follows 744 km shared with Saudi Arabia, 375 with Syria, 238 kilometers with the 1948 Green Line, 181 km with Iraq, and the least 97 with the West Bank. The border water amounts to 26 km. Jordan has a port on the Red Sea through the city of Aqaba, located in the far north of the Gulf of Aqaba. The lowest point is the surface of the Dead Sea and of -408 m below sea level. The highest point stands at 1854 m on the summit of Mount Umm Al-Dami . .

OFFICIAL CURRENCY

The country’s official currency is the Jordanian Dinar, which is equal to 1000 fils, or 100 piasters. It is available in the form of paper currency of 50 dinars, 20 dinars, ten dinars, five dinars and one dinars. Also available in the form of coins of half a dinar categories and quarter dinars and 100 fils and 50 fils and 25 fils and ten fils and five fils.

WORKING HOURS

Government departments and offices, banks and most of its other offices close on Friday and Saturday of each week. The working hours in the remaining five days (Sunday – Thursday) are from 8.30 am to 3.30 p

LANGUAGE

Arabic, the official language of Jordan, is not a homogenous tongue: the Arabic spoken in Morocco, differs hugely from that spoken in Yemen, which differs again from that spoken in Egypt, and so on. English is very widely spoken, and the drivers and guides you encounter will speak it very well indeed. Most other Jordanians will be able to communicate effectively in English – the exception being some of the Bedouins in places like Wadi Rum.

TIPPING

Tipping is an accepted part of life in Jordan and will be expected by drivers, guides and other people who look after you or offer you some service during your trip. For porterage and other small services such as attendants at monuments etc., allow about JD 2. For drivers allow JD 10-15 per transfer or half day, or JD 20-35 per full day, although drivers can usually be tipped at the end of your time with them. For guides allow around JD 40-50 per day. These figures are total amounts based on couples and very small groups of under 5 travelers. In restaurants a tip of 10% is normally expected, At Petra, the horse boys expect a tip of about JD 2 per person. At Wadi Rum, the Bedouin jeep drivers expect a minimum of JD 5 per trip. Ultimately the above suggestions are nothing more than guidelines. Tipping is discretionary, but it is also is an accepted part of culture. With the drivers and guides, please do not feel obliged to tip to this level if you felt the service was substandard.

COMMUNICATIONS

The international dialing code for Jordan is +962. There is a good telecommunications network in Jordan covering most of the country including the majority of the camps in Wadi Rum – although the remote Feynan Lodge in Dana Reserve does not have a phone. As with many places in the world, there is a hefty premium to pay when making international calls from hotels: be aware of this and if you want to keep costs down there are a couple of options. You can buy a phone card to use at the public phones that are to be found in most towns and cities – although this is still a fairly expensive method. There are also private telephone agencies operating in the major towns and cities – if you shop around you should be able to find one with reasonable international rates. The local mobile phones run on GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most major operators: check with your mobile phone operator before you go to make sure your phone will work in Jordan. Internet cafés are widespread and most major hotels also have access either in the rooms or through public machines.

MONEY & EXPENSE

Jordan’s currency is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). I USD = 0.708 JOD. Dinars come in JD 1 coins and notes of JD 0.5, 1, 5, 10 .20 AMD 50 There are 1000 fils in a dinar, and there is an informal denomination of a piaster which is 10 fils. Fils come in coins of 50, 100, and 500. They have the amount written in English on the coin, although the numbers are Arabic. Try to establish and keep a good supply of lower denomination coins and notes, as they are best for tipping with, and for many of the smaller purchases you will make. Credit cards are widely accepted, although in remote rural areas and the desert you might struggle with them. There are ATMs in all towns and cities of any size. Credit cards can be used at nearly all banks for a cash advance, and banks, Hotels and bureau de change will change both money and travelers Cheaques.

SUGGESTED CLOTHING

Bring comfortable shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather coat if travelling between about November and February. Sunscreen and a hat or sunglasses are also recommended. Dressing a bit conservatively. Resort beaches are an exception.
Shorts and Light T-Shirts are not recommended in General except On Beaches Conservative shorts are okay in hot places in the desert like Petra.
Recommended to wear a Long pants, Capri’s, and skirts layered with three quarter length sleeved tops and t-shirts. when Entering Holy Places , Mosques and Churches , it is more likely to over women’s shoulders and Hair , Wearing Long dresses or Pants , pack some stylish sandals for warm days, hiking boots or shoes for adventurous days in the dessert, and a dressy pair of shoes for the city. If you have those three, you’ll be set to go. Maybe throw in a pair of flip flops too if you’re visiting the coast or the Dead Sea.

BEFORE YOU TRAVEL:

Check the validity of your passport. (Needs to be at Min of 6 Months Prior to Entry Date )Keep your medicines and prescriptions with you always.Traveling to Jordan with a licensed tour guide is a great way to ensure travel safety in Jordan

DO’S

Do shake hands when meeting people conservative veiled women may not reach out.Do stand up when greeting others.When finished with your cup of Arabic BEDOUIN coffee, shake your cup from side to side in order to let your host know that you do not wish to drink more. If more coffee is desired, then simply hold your cup out to the person carrying the coffeepot.Do accept when Arabic BEDOUIN coffee is offered to you by your host, as coffee is an important cultural symbol of hospitality, simultaneously extended and accepted as an act of reciprocated goodwill.Do carry plenty of loose change with you,Do tip waiters approximately 10% gratuity in addition to the billDo round your taxi fare up to the nearest tenth when paying your driver.Do haggle with merchants when shopping.Do dress conservatively when exploring public areas of Jordan.Do be aware that Arabs tend to stand a fraction of the distance closer when conversing than people do in the West.Do feel free to consume alcoholic beverages, but not in outside public areas.If you are travelling within a group , you need to commit to Pick Up / Drops off Times that your tour guide (s) fix for you, as this is necessary so all group Members can enjoy the whole program of daily basis in a smooth way.

DON’TS

Don’t interrupt, or pass in front of, a Muslim who may be praying in a public place.Don’t openly consume food, beverages, or cigarettes in public places during the holy month of Ramadan.Don’t dress provocatively when walking outdoors.Don’t panic if an acquaintance “pecks” you on the cheeks when greeting you, as Arabs have traditionally kissed each other on both cheeks as a warm gesture of welcome and affection.Don’t feel uncomfortable if your host insists on “over feeding” you during a meal, as Arabs traditionally view food as an important symbol of hospitality, generosity, and goodwill – the more the better!Don’t feel that you are required to tip your taxi driver, as tipping in such a scenario is not necessary, but is certainly appreciated.While Swimming in Dead Sea, Try to Avoid dipping your Head and face into water due to high salt condensation, which could burn your eyes painfully.