Jordan Weather in January: Travel Tips for First-Timers

Jordan in January is perfect for anybody who seeks the dramatic beauty of the landscape without having to deal with large murmuring crowds. If you are looking for a nice, cool trip and you don't mind an extra layer of clothes then you are in luck! January is the coldest month of the year in Jordan.

Although It rarely snows in January, but if you get lucky enough to catch it towards the higher-altitude areas, you might be able to see the rust-colored mountains of Wadi Rum and the burnt red stone carvings of Petra blanketed in snow.

Jordan also receives its first rains of the season in January, but worry not and read on, we have got you covered. There is a lot to do on a rainy day in Jordan.

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• 1. Weather in January
• 2. Best Places to Visit
• 3. Crowds and Costs
• 4. What to Pack

Weather of Jordan's Major Cities in January

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Best Places to Visit in Jordan in January

Amman-The City of Ancient Ruins

The capital city of Amman has many indoor options for those who want to dodge the chilly winds of January.

The city houses a wide range of museums where one can get in touch with multiple aspects of the Jordanian heritage. Among others, the most popular museums in Amman are;

Amman has some fantastic winter sport events that you can catch in January. There are several ski-resorts where you can go skiing and snowboarding. The most popular ski resorts in Jordan are located in the northwest in the town of Gilead.

Roman Ruins in the Middle East are an experience of a lifetime. A collision of cultures with echoes of history in the sweet air of Amman is a delight in winter rains, with less people around one can slow down and take it all in.

Amman is also known for its delicious food, you can experience both street-food and fancy, restaurant style Jordanian food there. Moreover, the city hosts various cultural events throughout the month, including exhibitions, music concerts, and theater.

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Petra- The Rose City

As large crowds of tourists leave these majestic sites, a sense of magic washes over. The landscapes come to life; the stone monuments burn a little brighter in the hazy, winter sun. If you are in luck, you may also find them adorned in an enticing blanket of soft, white snow.

The main entrance to Petra is through Siq canyon, a narrow path that winds over the towering red sandstone cliffs, January is an ideal time to make that walk comfortable and memorable with multiple insta-worthy photo opportunities.

You may also want to visit the most famous landmarks of Petra, The Treasury and The Monastery and The Royal Tombs; three marvels of stone carved architecture. In any other weather the scorching heat of the sun can make the hike to these tourist attractions quite challenging, but the merciful temperatures of January are ideal for visiting these sites.

Aqaba-The Coastal City

The beautiful terrains of Aqaba with a sublime view of the Red Sea are perfect for skiing if you are a thrill seeker.If you are lucky, you may catch the local communal ski-day events where you can experience their rich culture up close with dance, music and the delicious Middle Eastern cuisine.

Remember those cozy pictures of the Dead and the Red Sea from a basic google search? Bright smiles and an even brighter sun? Well, in January the water temperature drops to 20°C (68°F) and the breeze can get pretty cool despite the sun. So, you might not be able to enjoy the water so much but you will definitely get a chance to experience the magnitude of it without large, murmuring crowds.

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Wadi Rum

Nestled between Aqaba and Amman, another breathtaking site to visit in winter is the Wadi Rum Desert. The landscape is full of towering, marvels of nature with their burnt tones of orange and rust against a deep blue sky and a cool winter breeze, a perfect setting for a jeep ride to give you an experience of a lifetime.

Jerash City- The Yester-Land

If you are someone who loves ancient history then this one is for you. Exploring the ruins of the ancient city in winters comes highly recommended to those who want to avoid the hot weather and sandstorms. With troublesome weather out of the way one can slow down and appreciate the beauty of history preserved in time.

It also has several natural reserves and hiking trails that are fit to explore in winters. Some of the most popular reserves include, the Dibeen Forest Reserve, The Aljoun Forest Reserve and the Shomari Forest Reserve.

Jerash also houses several spa and wellness centers, the baths here are rated as the most well-preserved baths in the Middle East. Their exotic spas offer varied treatments from typical facials to special Jordanian body wraps from the biblical times. If you want to stay indoors due to a slight hiccup in the itinerary this could be perfect for you.

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Costs and Crowding in January

January is the perfect season to visit Jordan for budget-travelers. The cold, wet weather of the cities keeps the tourists away which means lesser crowds and more affordability.

You may also find the colorful local markets and souvenir shops pocket friendly off season. If you are someone who loves to collect trinkets and souvenirs on trips this may be the ideal time to visit.

However, with strong cold weather comes unpredictability. When visiting Jordan in winter you have to be prepared for flash flooding and site closure. Hiking trails that can get slippery during rain can get closed in January. Which means you may not be able to cover all tourist attractions that keep the country buzzing with tourists in the rest of the months. Have your options ready, remember flexibility is your friend. A guided tour can help you steer through such unfortunate but likely events.

In addition, Wadi-Mujib Trail is closed during winter. There are several other trails that are accessible during winters and one can go for a hike if the weather permits.

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What to Pack in January?

You will have to pack smartly because the temperatures can drop really low as you go higher. Most travel bloggers swear by the method of layering while visiting Jordan in winter. You can always remove an unwanted layer of clothes as your body adjusts to the temperatures. But one thing is for sure, a single jacket or a warm coat just won't be enough.

Don't forget to invest in a good quality hiking stick and a comfortable pair of weatherproof shoes.

With the streets breathing free of tourists, and the landscape waking up to the lazy, chilly winter days Jordan is a wonderful place to visit in January. The key is to stay prepared and well informed.

• Jordan Museums: It offers an in-depth introduction to Jordan's history, culture and heritage.
• The Royal Automobile Museum: At this one-of-a-kind museum, you can get a glimpse of the luxurious, royal life. It showcases the royal automobile collection of King Hussein.
• The Children's Museum: If you are travelling with kids, do not miss this one. It offers a wide range of interactive exhibits for children of all ages.
• Jordan Folklore Museum: Highly recommended for those who love to know about culture and art, it exhibits the colorful aspects of Jordanian culture from clothing to textiles and crafts.