Jordan in winter at a glance
| Place | December to February | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Petra | About 5 to 15 °C; rain, snow possible a few days | Fewer crowds; warm and waterproof clothes; slippery stones |
| Amman | About 12 °C in January; frequent rain | January is the wettest month |
| Wadi Rum | Daytime around 13-14 °C, nights near 4 °C or lower | Mostly dry desert, but very cold nights |
| Dead Sea | About 20 °C | Pleasant for floating in winter |
| Aqaba | About 20 °C in January | The mildest; diving and snorkelling possible |
December: the cold begins
December brings the first rains, often as short, heavy showers. It is cool in Petra, where days are short: arrive at opening time to make the most of the light. Nights at Wadi Rum turn cold. Christmas is a pilgrimage period at the Baptism Site, see below.
January: coldest and wettest
January is the coldest month. Petra and Amman can see a few days of snow, which is rare and can only be predicted a few days ahead. If you visit Petra on a rainy day, wear shoes with good grip and follow the site's instructions: the Siq can close when there is a flash-flood risk (see the Siq). Keep fallback plans in Amman or in the south.
February: still cool, spring approaches
February stays cool, with slightly longer days. Ramadan 2027 should begin around 8 February (depending on the moon): sites stay open, but restaurant and shop hours change during the day, and alcohol is harder to find. For the other months, see Jordan weather month by month.
Petra in winter: tips
- Hours: 6:30 to 17:00 from 2 October 2026 to 1 March 2027 (official Visit Petra site).
- Clothes: several layers, a waterproof, hat and gloves in the morning; shoes with grip.
- Petra by Night: Sunday to Thursday at about 20:30, by candlelight: take a warm jacket, see Petra by Night.
- Duration: allow a full day; see how to visit Petra and the Jordan Pass.
- Where to sleep: hotels in Wadi Musa are cheaper and emptier than in spring, see where to stay in Jordan.
Wadi Rum: freezing nights, very clear sky
The desert is mostly dry in winter, with mild days around 13-14 °C and nights near 4 °C according to guides (sometimes lower). Camps provide blankets, but ask whether the tent or bubble camp is heated, see the bubble camp. Choose the option with a night under the stars in clear weather; see which tour in Wadi Rum and the jeep tour.
Dead Sea and Aqaba: winter sun
The Dead Sea is pleasant in winter, around 20 °C according to one guide, a good season for floating and a spa treatment. Aqaba is the mildest destination in the country: about 20 °C in January and very little rain, with diving and snorkelling. The Red Sea water is cool: bring a wetsuit for diving.
Christmas and Epiphany at the Baptism Site
The Baptism Site (Bethany Beyond the Jordan) is a pilgrimage place. Epiphany celebrations have been organised there in January since 2000 and brought together more than 5,000 Orthodox pilgrims in 2017 according to the press. The site is open from 8:00 to 16:00 since 1 November according to the official body. Feast dates depend on each church's calendar: ask before planning a visit around Christmas and Epiphany, as crowds and access may change on those days.
FAQ
Does it snow in Petra?
A few days of snow are possible in winter in Petra and Amman, but it is rare and hard to predict.
Is it cold in Wadi Rum at night?
Yes, around 4 °C according to guides, sometimes lower. Days are milder.
Can you swim in the Dead Sea and Aqaba in winter?
The Dead Sea is pleasant (about 20 °C air). In Aqaba the air is mild but the water is cool.
Is it a good time to visit Petra?
Yes if you like quiet, with good clothes and an eye on the weather.
Going further
Combine your stops with Jordan in 7 days, compare prices in travel budget and rent a car with car rental in Jordan.
La rédaction Jordan Authority, 24/10/2026.
