Climate & Weather Guide in Jordan

Climate zones, seasonal temperatures, rainfall patterns, and best travel times

Jordan is a mostly arid country with strong climate contrasts between its cooler, wetter northwest highlands, its hot Jordan Valley and Dead Sea basin, and its very dry eastern and southern desert plateaus. The Köppen-Geiger pattern is dominated by steppe and desert climates, with Mediterranean-influenced conditions limited to the highest and most populated uplands. Most rain falls in the cool season, especially from November to March, while summers are long, sunny, and very dry. For residents and expats, the climate is attractive for its sunshine and mild winters in some areas, but water scarcity, heat waves, and sharp day-night temperature swings are important practical considerations.

Summer Average

26-42°C

Winter Average

4-20°C

Climate Types

Mediterranean and Steppe and Desert

Annual Rainfall

50-600 mm

Sunshine Hours

3,000-3,700 hrs/yr

Average Humidity

30-60%

Regional Climate Variations

Northwestern Highlands

This upland region includes the higher elevations around Amman, Ajloun, and Salt, where conditions are the closest Jordan gets to a Mediterranean climate. Winters are cooler and wetter than elsewhere in the country, with average winter temperatures around 9-13 C and annual rainfall often in the 300-600 mm range. Summers are warm to hot but less extreme than in the lowlands and desert, making this the most comfortable zone for many year-round residents. Snow and frost can occur in colder spells, but the climate is generally dry and sunny.

Summer:25-30°C

Winter:9-13°C

Low to moderate rainfall

This is Jordan’s most temperate zone, with the best balance of livability, seasonal variation, and winter rain. It feels dry compared with coastal Mediterranean regions, but it is still noticeably greener and cooler than the rest of the country.

Jordan Valley and Dead Sea Basin

The Jordan Valley and Dead Sea basin form a low-lying heat corridor with the warmest winters in the country and some of the hottest summer conditions. Winter temperatures commonly range from 19-22 C, while summer temperatures often reach 38-39 C in the valley and around 38 C or higher near the Dead Sea. Rainfall is limited, typically around 100-300 mm annually, and evaporation is very high. This zone is appealing for people who want mild winters, but it can be uncomfortable in peak summer heat.

Summer:37-40°C

Winter:19-22°C

Low rainfall

Hot, bright, and very dry for most of the year, with winter feeling almost subtropical compared with the highlands. Summer heat is intense and prolonged, so daily life is strongly shaped by air conditioning and shade.

Eastern and Southern Desert Plateaus

This vast interior and southern zone covers much of Jordan’s Badia and desert plateau lands, where desert and desert-steppe climates dominate. Annual rainfall is usually below 50 mm in the driest areas and generally under 200 mm across much of the region, making it the country’s driest and sparsely populated climate zone. Summer daytime temperatures can exceed 40 C, while winter nights are cold, dry, and windy. The climate is harsh but stable, with intense sun, large daily temperature swings, and very little precipitation.

Summer:35-41°C

Winter:4-16°C

Very low rainfall

A classic desert environment: extremely dry air, strong daytime heating, cold nights in winter, and very limited rain. It is best suited to people who are comfortable with aridity and wide temperature swings.

Jordan has a compact but highly varied climate, ranging from cooler, wetter northwestern highlands to very hot lowlands and extensive desert plateaus. For residents and expats, the highlands are usually the most comfortable, while the Jordan Valley offers warm winters and the desert regions offer maximum sunshine with the toughest heat and dryness.

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