Summers are merciless in the Middle-East and Jordan is no exception. August is one of the worst months to visit Jordan. But, if you can brave the heat, you may be able to enjoy the bounties of low-season and enjoy your visit in the most affordable rates possible. The key to visiting Jordan in harsh season is to know where to go and when to go there. Selecting the correct time of the day to visit all the sites can help you make the most of your trip without getting burnt out completely. In August, you can catch the best temperatures on the northern side of Jordan.
Weather of Jordan's Major Cities in August:
Average Temperatures
City | Ave. Min. Temp. | Ave. Max. Temp. |
---|---|---|
Amman | 18.6°C (65.5°F) | 32.4°C (90.3°F) |
Petra | 17°C (62.6°F) | 33°C (91.4°F) |
Irbid | 19.6°C (67.3°F) | 31.3°C (88.3°F) |
Aqaba | 25.3°C (77.5°F) | 39.1°C (102.4°F) |
Madaba | 21.2°C (70.2°F) | 33.7°C (92.7°F) |
Jerash | 23°C (73°F) | 36°C (97°F) |
Maan | 17.2°C (63°F) | 34.1°C (93.4°F) |
Ajloun | 22°C (72°F) | 36°C (97°F) |
Amman
The northern cities offer the best summer temperatures, so even in peak summer, cities like Jerash and Amman are popular among tourists who choose to visit Jordan in summer. In addition to visiting the famous historic sites like The Amman Citadel and The Roman Theatre, you can also visit The Rainbow Street, at night, with the setting sun the psychedelic street comes to life with colors and vibrant energy. The area is famous for cultural events and food, it frequently hosts cultural events and festivals, making it a hub for artistic and social activities. There are several places that offer one day cooking classes where you can learn to make a local dish of your choice. But it isn't all food, the Rainbow Street is also full of street art and street performers. It offers breathtaking, panoramic views of the entire city, the narrow-winding path of the street with all the colors, music and lighting gives a fairytale-like experience.
If you wish to stay indoors during the day, you can visit The Royal Automobile Museum. The museum features special exhibitions and events in August, providing a unique opportunity to learn about the history of automobiles and their impact on Jordanian culture.
If you wish to experience the natural beauty of the desert on-foot, you can explore many hiking trails in the landscape surrounding Amman, since the weather is warm but dry, with enough hydration and proper sun-protection, hiking is not only possible but enjoyable too.
Jerash
Jerash is catalogued as one of the best Roman sites to visit outside of Italy. It is said to be perfectly-preserved to the very last brick. Which is why it is known as the best-preserved heritage site in middle-east. Visiting Jerash in August has its bounties, you can find cheapest rates on lodging and food even though the options are few, the good thing about Jerash is that it can be covered within a single day and it is a 45-minute drive from Amman.
The city is full of temples and ruins from the Roman era which stand as a testament to the vastness of Jordanian culture. The perfectly-preserved architecture stands in contrast with the present-day inhabitants of the city, making it eerily surreal. The ruins provide an echo of the Roman past, a window into the ancient art and culture. It is an excellent stop for those who seek cultural and religious tourism.
From The Cardo Colonnaded Street, still paved with the original stones where the ruts worn by chariots are still visible to the Nymphaeum Temple where the ancient structure of water-supply, where once water flowed from springs to the city can still be seen, the city has a one-of-a-kind experience to offer.
Madaba
Madaba is a city rich in history and culture, offering visitors with a chance to explore ancient mosaics, historical sites, and traditional Jordanian cuisine. It also serves as an access point to nearby tourist attractions. Visiting Madaba in August requires some planning to handle the heat. By timing your activities to avoid the midday sun and taking advantage of indoor attractions and cooling options, you can enjoy the rich history and culture of this fascinating city.
Plan the hotter midday hours exploring indoor attractions such as the Madaba Mosaic Map in St. George's Church and the Madaba Museum. To avoid peak heat, plan to visit outdoor sites like Mount Nebo and the Archaeological Park early in the morning or later in the afternoon. If you need a break from the heat, consider spending some time at Ma'in Hot Springs. The area has both hot and cold pools, where you can enjoy and unwind.
Petra
Temperatures in Petra begin to drop within the first week of August. While it is still considerably hot in August, the temperatures are still better than July. The long days of summer provide ample room for exploring the site without getting burnt out. If you catch the early sun-rise, you may be able to take it all in without having to struggle through crowds and long queues.
You may also want to explore Petra at night which is the ideal thing to do in summers to avoid the daytime heat. Petra hosts the event, Petra by Night on selected days every week so it is a good idea to plan ahead and check for the right day and time. The clear, starlit skies of August, in the light of a rosy, candlelit path make the whole experience surreal. The ethereal beauty of Petra can be best enjoyed in low-season, and August is one of those months where you can find Petra to yourself. Whether it is a walk on the shaded, narrow-winding paths of The Siq during the day or along the rosy towering cliffs dunked in ambient candlelight at night, one thing is for sure, Petra will take your breath away.
Wadi-Rum
The weather in Wadi-Rum in August is typically hot and dry. Starting your day early and avoiding the midday sun, or avoiding the day time temperatures altogether is advisable when visiting sites like Wadi-Rum.
The desert's lack of light pollution makes for some of the best stargazing opportunities. Many camps offer stargazing sessions where you can learn about the constellations and enjoy the night sky in the comfortable evening temperatures in the otherwise hot August. You can make the most of your time and stay in a traditional Bedouin camp to experience local culture. Enjoy Bedouin music, stories, and cuisine around a campfire. Some camps even offer cooking demonstrations, allowing you to learn how to prepare traditional dishes.
Costs and Crowd in August
August is part of the summer vacation period in many countries, so international flights to Jordan might be moderately priced, but not at their peak. August, being a summer month is part of the low-season in Jordan which means you will find best costs everywhere. From accommodation to entrance-fee to all famous sites, everything will be cheaper than usual.
Owing to hot temperatures, you are bound to see less crowds and save more time in queues and transportation services. You will also be able to enjoy all the popular sites of Jordan in relative solitude.
Events in August
Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts typically takes place in late July to early August. It is a month-long event that showcases a diverse range of cultural performances and activities in the ancient city of Jerash, hence the name. It is a vibrant celebration of music, dance, theater, and art, drawing visitors from all over the world to experience the rich cultural heritage of Jordan. Venues include the sublime Roman ruins.
What to Pack in August?
Pack lightweight modest clothing and modest swimwear for visiting Jordan in August. A good quality sunscreen, comfortable and sturdy footwear for hiking, a wide brimmed hat and even an umbrella to provide shelter from the sun can come in handy too. You may also want to invest in appropriate footwear for visiting beaches in August because the sand can get extremely hot for one to explore it barefoot.
Make sure to check local weather advisories when visiting any place during extreme weathers, a quick look at the weather forecast can help you navigate through the day while avoiding the merciless sun and minimize the possibility of any unpleasant events.
The key to enjoying your trip to Jordan in August with all that summer heat is preparation. Know your destination, a quick search on what to wear and where to go can come in handy. Remember, in summers staying hydrated, starting your day early and avoiding the sweltering heat of the mid-day sun are the three simple measures that can save your trip.
Shorts and short skirts are frowned upon particularly on religious sites. Keeping a stole or scarf may also come in handy when visiting mosques and for extra protection from the sun.
Visiting Jordan off season, particularly in summer can be challenging, while most tourists avoid it, some favor these months for their low costs and lesser crowds. While major tourist attractions like The Dead Sea or Wadi-Rum may not be as explorable as they are in other months, visiting them after sunrise may still provide you with an opportunity to enjoy them in solitude. When visiting Jordan in August, planning ahead of time according to the hourly temperatures may allow you to make the best of your time there.