Best Time to Visit Jordan
Jordan has a varied climate — from the Mediterranean hills of Amman to the arid desert of Wadi Rum. The ideal time is March–May and October–November, when temperatures are warm but not scorching.
Jan
12°C
Feb
14°C
Mar
18°C
Apr
24°C
May
29°C
Jun
33°C
Jul
36°C
Aug
36°C
Sep
32°C
Oct
26°C
Nov
19°C
Dec
13°C
Mar – May · Oct – Nov
Perfect temperatures 18–28°C, ideal for Petra, Wadi Rum, and hiking. Book early.
Dec – Feb
Cool weather, fewer crowds. Great for Amman, Jerash, and indoor sites. Cold desert nights.
Jun – Sep
Very hot inland (35–40°C). Aqaba and Dead Sea still enjoyable. Travel early morning.
What to Pack for Jordan
Jordan requires some specific packing considerations — modest clothing for cultural sites, good shoes for Petra's rocky terrain, and sun protection for the desert. Here's the complete list:
Currency & Money in Jordan
Jordanian Dinar (JOD)
1 JOD ≈ USD 1.41 / EUR 1.30
ATMs & Cards
ATMs are widely available in Amman, Petra, and Aqaba. Visa and Mastercard accepted at hotels and restaurants. Carry cash for markets and smaller towns.
Currency Exchange
Exchange USD or EUR at airport (lower rates) or at official bureaux in Amman. Avoid hotels. JOD cannot be exported — exchange back before leaving.
Budgeting
Budget: JD 30–50/day · Mid-range: JD 80–150/day · Luxury: JD 200+/day. Jordan Pass saves you JD 50+ on Petra alone.
Local Customs & Etiquette
Jordan is one of the most welcoming countries in the Arab world. Respecting local customs isn't just about avoiding offense — it's about embracing an extraordinary culture.
Greetings & Respect
Say "Marhaba" (hello) and "Shukran" (thank you). A firm handshake is common between men; wait for women to extend their hand first. Older people and seniors are shown great respect.
Accepting Hospitality
If invited for tea or coffee, accept graciously — refusing can feel impolite. Jordanians are legendary for their generosity. Eat with your right hand when dining traditionally.
Dress Modestly
Both men and women should cover shoulders and knees in towns, mosques, and religious sites. At resorts and Dead Sea hotels, Western swimwear is perfectly acceptable.
Photography Etiquette
Always ask before photographing people, especially women. Military and government buildings should not be photographed. Bedouins at Petra and Wadi Rum often welcome photos for a tip.
Religious Awareness
Jordan is a moderate Muslim country. During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during daylight hours. Remove shoes before entering mosques.
Bargaining
Bargaining is expected in souks and markets. Be friendly and fair — never aggressive. Fixed prices apply in shops and restaurants. Always confirm taxi fares before getting in.
Getting Around Jordan
Taxi
JD 2–15Agree on a fare before you get in. Amman taxis don't always use meters. JETT buses connect major cities cheaply.
Rental Car
JD 20–40/dayBest for Petra, Wadi Rum & Dead Sea road trips. International driving licence required. Roads are generally good.
JETT Bus
JD 5–10Reliable, air-conditioned buses connect Amman ↔ Aqaba ↔ Petra. Book ahead in peak season.
Minibus
JD 1–5Local intercity minibuses are very cheap but can be crowded and have no fixed schedules. Ask locals.
Private Transfer
JD 40–100FTS can arrange private A/C transfers between all major sites. Comfortable and worry-free.
Food & Dining in Jordan
Jordanian cuisine is a glorious mix of Levantine flavours — generous, aromatic, and deeply hospitable. Don't leave without trying these:
National DishMansaf
Jordan's national dish — slow-cooked lamb in fermented yoghurt (jameed) served over fragrant rice. A must-try at any traditional dinner.
Falafel & Hummus
Breakfast staple — crispy fried chickpea balls with creamy hummus, fresh pita, and pickles. Best found at local ful shops in Amman's downtown.
Maqluba
An "upside down" rice dish with chicken, vegetables and spices — flipped dramatically at the table. Comfort food at its finest.
Kanafeh
Jordan's most beloved dessert — shredded pastry soaked in sugar syrup over stretchy white cheese. Try it in Amman's Sweifieh district.
Dining Tips
Safety & Health in Jordan
Jordan is consistently rated one of the safest countries in the Middle East
The World Economic Forum regularly ranks Jordan among the top safe destinations for tourists. Millions of visitors travel here each year without incident.
Crime
Petty crime is rare. Keep valuables secure in busy markets. The Tourism Police actively patrols Petra and major attractions.
Heat & Dehydration
The biggest risk in summer. Drink 3L+ water daily in hot months. Wear sunscreen and a hat. Rest midday.
Health Precautions
No mandatory vaccinations. Hepatitis A & Typhoid recommended. Traveller's diarrhoea can occur — carry Imodium.
Medical Care
Amman has excellent private hospitals (Jordan Hospital, Khalidi). Good pharmacies everywhere. Travel insurance essential.
Desert Safety
Never enter Wadi Rum or remote wadis alone. Hire a licensed guide. Flash floods can occur Oct–Mar after rain.
Solo Women Travellers
Jordan is one of the safest Arab countries for solo female travellers. Dress modestly outside tourist areas. Ignore verbal catcalling.
Useful Arabic Phrases
Jordanians absolutely love when visitors try even a few words of Arabic. Even a simple "Shukran" (thank you) will earn you huge smiles and often a complimentary tea.
مرحبا
Marhaba
Hello
شكراً
Shukran
Thank you
من فضلك
Min fadlak
Please
بكم هذا؟
Bikam hada?
How much is this?
أين الحمام؟
Ayn al-hammam?
Where is the bathroom?
أنا لا أفهم
Ana la afham
I don't understand
هل تتكلم إنجليزية؟
Hal tatakallem Inglizia?
Do you speak English?
الفندق
Al-funduq
The hotel
المطعم
Al-mat'am
Restaurant
الماء
Al-ma'
Water
الحساب
Al-hisab
The bill
يسار / يمين
Yasar / Yameen
Left / Right
Practical Tips
Internet & SIM
Buy an Umniah or Zain SIM at the airport for ~JD 5. Data is fast and cheap. Most hotels have free WiFi.
Opening Hours
Government offices: Sun–Thu 8AM–2PM. Shops: 9AM–8PM (some close Fri prayers). Restaurants: open late.
Power Plugs
Type B (American) and Type C (European) plugs. 220V. Bring a universal adapter.
Language
Arabic is official. English is widely spoken in Amman, hotels, and tourist sites. Learn a few Arabic phrases — locals love it.
Tap Water
Technically safe in Amman but tastes of chlorine. Buy bottled water (cheap) or use a filter bottle.
Tipping
Tip 10% at restaurants if service not included. JD 1–2 for porters. JD 5–10 for guides per day.
Healthcare
Private hospitals in Amman are excellent. Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Pharmacies everywhere.
Emergency Numbers
Police: 911. Ambulance: 911. Tourism Police (Petra): +962 3 215 0320. Always save your hotel's number.
Ready to Experience Jordan?
Our Jordan travel experts at First Ticket Store will handle everything — flights, hotels, tours, and visas — so you can focus on the experience.