Weather
The virtually rainless summer begins in June. This month is typically cooler than July and August but can still be very hot, with temperatures exceeding 105°F (40°C) in places, especially when the khamseen blows. This dry and sometimes gale force desert wind can whirl in from the Arabian Peninsula, causing sandstorms that can last for days. Although it darkens the skies, the hot wind rapidly raises the temperature by as much as 20°F (10°C).
Logically, the higher elevations will be cooler. Amman averages a delightful 75°F (24°C), with pleasantly cool evenings. Petra now averages 83°F (28°C), with some days reaching into the nineties. And Aqaba is already close to its summer peak, averaging 99°F (37°C) accompanied by a hot summer wind, and humidity is high.
Fortunately, the summer air is dry and can still be comfortable. Pack a lightweight wardrobe, bring your shade hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses, and be sure to drink lots of water. If heading into the mountains, you’ll need a warm jacket for cool evenings and early mornings.
Crowds & Costs
The crowds of spring have gone home and visitor numbers diminish into the summer months. The most popular tourist sites, such as Petra and Wadi Rum, can now be enjoyed in relative solitude without the tour-bus hordes.
As this is the low season, airfares come down and hotels decrease their rates. Although prices are now at their best, note that many restaurants and other places that rely on the tourist trade close for the low season.
Where to Go
Aljun, in northwest Jordan, is quite literally one of the coolest places to visit. Head into the sprawling pine forest nature reserve to hike the trails. Then visit the 12th-century hilltop Muslim castle, built during the rule of Saladin, to marvel at the genius of medieval military architecture that confounded the Crusaders eight centuries ago. The town has a lovely 15th-century mosque.
Visit the rose-tinted lost city of Petra, Jordan’s foremost ancient site. In June, there’ll be much fewer people than in springtime at this stunning city of sandstone carved into the mountain in the 3rd century BC by the Nabataeans. Get there as early as possible (start with the 5am sunrise) to take advantage of the cool morning hours, and spend an entire day exploring this treasure trove of amazing structures, hidden along hiking trails of various difficulties and distances. Photographers should stick around until sunset, when the rocks glow an incredible ruby color.
The hilltop village of Umm Qais, tucked into the northwestern corner of Jordan, offers one of the finest views in all Jordan. Visit for a panoramic perspective over three countries (Jordan, Syria, and Israel) plus the Palestinian Territories of the Jordan Valley, including the Golan Heights and the Sea of Galilee. You can also explore the windswept Roman ruins of the Decapolis city of Gadara, many in among scattered the weathered façades of a long-abandoned Ottoman village. Visit on a weekday to avoid the weekend bedlam of visitors.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
While visiting Petra by day is an incredible experience, it can be extremely hot by late June. Visit by night when it’s cool to experience a magical new dimension. Candles will light your way through the Siq, guiding you to the Treasury to experience a traditional Bedouin performance in a breathtaking setting lit by more than 1,500 candles.
If you’ve always wanted to float in the salt-laden Dead Sea, June is as good a month as any, despite the heat. During summer, the water temperature is cooler than the air temperature, so a dip feels pleasantly refreshing. Don’t forget to bring a book or newspaper to read while you float on your back. Supposedly, the low elevation of the Dead Sea reduces exposure to harmful UV rays, but you’ll still need to apply a non-harmful sun-lotion.
To escape the heat, cool off by canyoning at Wadi Mujib. In the hills east of the Dead Sea, Wadi Mujib features cascades tumbling now a narrow defile. You can thrill to a rappel down the waterfalls and plunge down natural waterslides like a log down a flume to swim in the pools. Then trek the canyon, which stretches 40 miles (70 km) to the Dead Sea. The area is enshrined in the Mujib Biosphere Reserve—home to many rare wildlife species.
June Events
King Abdullah’s Coronation Anniversary. June 9 is a public holiday and events are held throughout Jordan to celebrate the anniversary of King Abdullah's coronation in 1999.
Traveling to Jordan in June? Check out these great itineraries
3 Days in Northern Jordan. Immerse yourself in Amman, Jerash, Ajloun Castle and other top sites of the relatively cool northern highlands.
Jordan: Petra & the Dead Sea - 3 Days. Curated for travelers with limited time, this short-but-sweet itinerary highlights two of Jordan’s most iconic sites: the Dead Sea and the rock-carved metropolis of Petra. You'll also immerse yourself in local culture with an authentic cooking class.
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