The climate in Jordan is conditioned partly by altitude, the lowest areas such as Gulf of Aqaba and the Jordan Valley suffering the most from the summer heat and humidity. From November to February, Jordan's coldest months, the higher central and northern areas can be quite cold by contrast.

Jordan has an extraordinary range of climates, considering the small size of the country. The recommended time to visit Jordan is in the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), as this is when the daytime temperatures are not too extreme. April is considered the best time to go and visit, temperatures are warm and the wild flowers are in bloom.

Average daytime maximum temperatures range from 12.6 degrees Celsius in January to 32.5 degrees Celsius in August in Jordan's capital, Amman. The winters can be quite cold, snow in Amman is not uncommon and the deserts can be freezing, particularly at night. It is wise to have plenty of warm clothes and a waterproof or wind proof jacket. Aqaba is the exception with average daytime temperatures of around 20 degrees Celsius and it has become quite popular with the northern Europeans looking for warmth during winter.

In the summer months of July to August the weather is humid in the Jordan Valley and is extremely oppressive, with overwhelming daytime highs well in excess of 36 degrees Celsius. It is equally hot in the desert but it is a dry heat and is therefore easier to cope with. The tourist authorities normally plan festivals, such as the Jerash festival for the summer period. If you are planning on visiting in the summer, make sure you are well prepared with a hat, sunscreen and protective clothing.

The general weather conditions all year round are similar to the climate in Syria. Approximately 90% of Jordan is desert, with an annual rainfall below 200mm or 8 inches, some areas even expecting as little as 25-50mm/1-2 inches, which occurs in winter and spring usually as heavy showers.

The hottest weather is that which is brought over by dry winds from Arabia. These winds are most likely to blow in early or late summer and usually last for a day or two and it is under these conditions that heat stress may be felt. Visitors who are not used to high temperatures should be aware of the risks of sunstroke and take appropriate precautions.