Spring (March to May) is the best time to visit. Temperatures are warm without being punishing — 15-25°C in most areas — and the landscape, especially in the north, is green and sometimes in flower. The crowds at Petra and Wadi Rum are manageable, and outdoor activities like hiking are at their best.
Autumn (September to November) runs a close second. The heat of summer has broken, temperatures are pleasant, and the sea at Aqaba is warm — September is particularly good for diving and snorkeling. October is popular; book ahead if you plan to visit then.
Summer (June to August) is hot, especially in the desert. Daytime temperatures in Wadi Rum and Aqaba regularly exceed 40°C. Petra is exposed and uncomfortable in the middle of the day. If you do visit in summer, start early, retreat to shade by noon, and do not underestimate how much water you need. Crowds thin out and some accommodation prices drop.
Winter (December to February) is mild in Aqaba and bearable in Amman, but can be cold, wet, and occasionally snowy in the highlands. Petra in winter light has a stark beauty, and you will practically have it to yourself. Pack warm layers — nights in the desert are cold year-round, and northern Jordan in January is genuinely chilly.
Ramadan falls at different times each year due to the Islamic lunar calendar. During this month, many cafes and restaurants close during the day, alcohol is less available, and the pace of life shifts. It is not a bad time to visit — evenings during Ramadan are lively, and there is a particular atmosphere — but you need to be flexible.