Did I choose the worst time to visit Jordan?
At around step 500 of the 850 up to the Monastery, I was questioning my decision to visit Petra in June.
At that moment, it might have just been the worst time to visit Jordan!
Once I reached the top and was rewarded with one of the world’s most epic views, and with no other tourists, I changed my mind!
If you are considering visiting Jordan in peak summer months, then you need to consider the pro’s and con’s - this blog has you covered!
Read about the good and bad parts of my 4 day trip around Jordan in June 2023.
One thing is guaranteed, you will have decided whether it is for you by the end!
A selfie in the sweltering heat in Petra.
A visit to Jordan in June.
I had been wanting to visit Jordan for a while. Seeing videos of Petra online was like seeing an ancient fairy tale, so when I noticed dirt cheap flights to Amman, I had to book them straight away.
The catch was, that this was in June, when the Middle Eastern temperatures are at the highest point, however, it was a risk I was willing to take.
It can’t be that hot can it?
A visit to Jordan in June can be inhumanely hot, especially at the main sites, which require a lot of walking. The photos below show the donkeys hiding in the shade.
This was a common site in Petra, and Wadi Rum, as the animals, and locals alike sheltered from the scorching sunshine.
The donkeys and horses find any shade possible in the summer.
Another poor animal hiding from the sun.
A good time to hike the Wadi Mujib Canyon trail.
At one of the lowest points on Earth, close to the Dead Sea, lies one of Jordan’s beautiful natural spots…
Wadi Mujib!
The famous canyon trail is home to some awesome trails which follow the towering gorges around the wavy walkways. As it is a self guided tour, you head through the waterways at your own leisure.
In June, the water is lower, which makes it easier to navigate most spots, but you do still have to climb a few waterfalls, oh, slide down the famous rock slide at the end of the trail.
This is a site which was better in summer time, due to less crowds, no queues and quite frankly, a refreshing swim. A great escape from the heat that comes inland from the famous Dead Sea.
If you visit Jordan in peak months, Wadi Mujib can be closed, or fully booked, so make sure you plan ahead if the natural beauty spot is in your Jordan itinerary.
No queues at Wadi Mujib in June.
The canyoning was refreshing.
Maybe the best month to visit Petra and Little Petra?
The main highlight of our trip to Jordan was Petra, so we were delighted to see quieter crowds than expected, and zero queues.
Although we did head into the ancient city just after opening time, we had the Siq and Treasury to ourselves, which made for some awesome photos.
Posing next to a camel at the treasury is a must for any visitor!
It was awesome learning about Petra before visiting and then viewing the famous spots having already learnt about the history.
A visit to Jordan in June is also ideal for Little Petra, a much smaller site than the main Petra site. We visited Little Petra the evening before, and had the place to ourselves basically!
A summer visit to these famous sites gets a thumbs up from me!
Picture perfect with no crowds.
Little Petra - Another empty site.
Nearly burning on the Dead Sea.
Visiting the Dead Sea was the last activity on our Jordan itinerary, and boy was it HOT!
We were booked in one of the luxurious resorts on the beach, which was a great spot. In the Crown Plaza, we got an awesome buffet lunch, private pool and beach access, and towel hire.
This came to around £40 for the day, which is really good value.
We definitely underestimated the heat on this one. The temperature on the beach gets abnormally hot due to its geographical position, with it being the lowest point on Earth.
Unlike other beaches, the sea doesn’t offer any hiding from the sun, as it is really warm, and of course, you can only float on it!
Not to mention it is full of minerals which make your skin feel horrible!
It is great to experience the floating and to grab the perfect Insta shot, however, I didn’t stay in for long. My friend also got a nosebleed from the sea and whatever it is filled with!
So a summer trip to the Dead Sea gets a no from me unfortunately.
Floating on the famous Dead Sea.
It was 45 degrees at this point!
Secure your day at a resort at the Dead Sea!
Walking around a hilly city in the summer is not fun.
Amman is a city which is spread across 7 hills, making it one of the hilliest cities in the world!
This means that the summer temperatures will make your exploration of the ancient city’s landmarks much more of a task.
The famous citadel sits on top of the 850 metres high hill named ‘Jebel Al Qala’a’, towering above the downtown area of the city. If you grab an Uber or taxi to this site, then it does get easier if you walk down hill to the other famous landmarks such as the Roman Theatre of Amman, or King Abdullah I Mosque.
This downhill walkway is home to some of the most famous street art in Jordan!
If you are using taxis, make sure you negotiate a price before entering the vehicle.
We got scammed on one occasion!
Squinting in the Middle Eastern sunshine.
The sunset was spectacular in the Wadi Rum Desert!
Spending a couple of days in The Wadi Rum Desert was one of the highlights of our Jordan visit.
Although it was very high temperatures, we managed to watch a spectacular sunset, before stargazing round the campfire.
The jeep tour of the desert had protection from the sun.
June was a great month for clear skies, picturesque sunset and sunrise, and it was also really warm in the evening. If you want to climb some of the awesome mountains in the desert, then I would suggest either spring or autumn.
A beautiful sunset in the desert.
The best months to visit Jordan.
Ultimately, it is personal preference, and there are a lot of factors at play, however, the best months generally are the spring and autumn months. The weather is more pleasant, which makes it easier to explore the natural beauty spots in the country.
Spring: March - May.
You can expect consistent temperatures in the 20’s°, which makes the adventure and hiking activities much more enjoyable and accessible for visitors who aren’t as fit. The rainy season ends in March, with some blooming flowers replacing it, for some picture perfect settings.
Autumn: September - November.
Autumn is one of the busiest periods for tourists, as the cooler days and nights come in, along with some beautiful sunrise glows across the ancient wonders. Pleasant 20s°C are common throughout these months.
Unearthly views.
The benefits of a summer trip to Jordan.
The main benefits of visiting Jordan in the summer is the lack of tourists throughout the country!
We did not have to queue at any landmark, which made our experiences so much more fun. Although we didn’t enjoy walking in Amman, we did enjoy the excellent service in the coffee shops, and restaurants in Rainbow Street.
I am sure that it is always good, being one of the most popular streets for tourists in the city, but it just felt like we got served that little bit quicker, along with having more polite interactions.
We also secured very cheap rooms in Nomads Hotel nearby, which is always a bonus!
Not very crowed in the Siq.
When I almost melted in Petra.
The Monastery is one of the most famous photo spots at Petra, and an iconic feature of the ancient wonder!
But it takes effort to go and view it……. Serious effort in the small matter of climbing 850 steps.
This level of exercise in 35 degree heat isn’t for everyone, so please bare this in mind when planning your Petra trip.
I was soaking by the time I reached the top, and remember, you do have to head back down after as well.
There are other means of reaching the Monastery through the back entrance, however, the majority of visitors do have to tackle the hike upwards to enjoy the reward.
There are several refreshment stops on the way up the steps, which does help!
A lot of walking at Petra is not ideal in June.
Halfway to the Monastery and questioning my decisions.
Looking for the perfect 4 day Jordan itinerary?
Jordan is small in size, but rich in culture and history!
If you are short of time, or prefer a faster way of travel, then this 4 day itinerary will be ideal for you.
On day one, It includes the historical highlights of Amman, the holy site of Mount Nebo, and Wadi Mujib.
Little Petra, Petra, and Wadi Rum are the main highlights from the other days.
The benefit of the ‘private tour' style trip is the efficiency of travelling around the country in comfort. This reduces any logistical stress, and potential delays.
In the summertime, you will be pleased to travel in an air conditioned vehicle!
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