Best Times to Visit Amman, Jordan
Quick Answer:
The most delightful times to experience Amman's ancient charm are during the gentle embrace of spring, from March to May, and the mellow warmth of autumn, spanning September to November. In spring, the city awakens with balmy breezes and clear, inviting skies, making it a serene joy to wander through historic sites like the Citadel or explore the bustling downtown markets. As autumn arrives, Amman is bathed in a soft, golden light, offering wonderfully comfortable temperatures perfect for lingering over a cup of tea or enjoying the serene views as the sun sets over the city's hills. These seasons provide the most pleasant conditions for discovering Amman's vibrant culture and timeless beauty without the intense heat of summer or the chill of winter.
Best Months to Visit:
Airport Code
AMM
Coordinates
31.95°, 35.91°
Top Things to Do
Sunset Serenity at Amman Citadel
Ascend to the historic Amman Citadel just before sunset to witness the ancient ruins bathed in a golden glow, offering unparalleled panoramic views of the sprawling city below. This is when the crowds thin, and the call to prayer echoes across the valleys, creating a truly magical atmosphere. Don't miss the Umayyad Palace complex and the Temple of Hercules.
A Culinary Journey with Beit Sitti
Immerse yourself in Jordanian hospitality and cuisine by taking a cooking class at Beit Sitti, a charming family home in Jabal Al-Weibdeh. You'll learn to prepare traditional dishes like 'Maqluba' or 'Mansaf' from scratch, using fresh local ingredients, and then enjoy the feast you've created on their beautiful terrace. It's an intimate, hands-on experience that connects you deeply with local culture.
Exploring the Bohemian Vibes of Jabal Al-Weibdeh
Wander through the leafy streets of Jabal Al-Weibdeh, Amman's artistic and bohemian quarter. Discover hidden art galleries like Darat al Funun, browse independent boutiques, and settle into one of the many charming cafes for a strong Arabic coffee or a leisurely lunch. Evenings here are particularly vibrant, with locals gathering for shisha and conversation.
Feasting at Hashem Restaurant Downtown
No visit to Amman is complete without a meal at Hashem Restaurant, a legendary downtown institution serving simple, delicious, and incredibly authentic Jordanian street food since 1952. Pull up a plastic chair and dive into plates of creamy hummus, crispy falafel, foul, and mutabal. It's bustling, cheap, and a true taste of local life, open 24/7.
💡 Travel Tip: For the best value on hotels during this season, check current rates on Trip.com.
Essential Travel Tips
Skip the hassle of negotiating taxi fares by relying on ride-sharing apps like Careem or Uber in Amman. They offer fixed prices, GPS tracking, and are generally more reliable, especially when navigating the city's many hills and winding streets.
When exploring Amman, especially downtown or religious sites, dress modestly out of respect for local customs. For women, this means covering shoulders and knees; a light scarf is also handy to cover your head if you visit a mosque.
Dive into Amman's incredible street food scene, but make a beeline for established local favorites. Don't miss the legendary falafel sandwiches at Hashem Restaurant Downtown, and for a sweet treat, grab a warm Knafeh from Habibah Sweets – both are local institutions.
Bargaining is expected and part of the fun in the souks and smaller shops, so don't be shy to haggle for a better price. Always carry small denominations of Jordanian Dinars (JOD) for taxis, street vendors, and tipping, as larger notes can be hard to break.
Amman is built on a series of hills, so comfortable, sturdy walking shoes are an absolute must – you'll be doing a lot of uphill and downhill trekking. Also, pack layers; days can be warm, but evenings often cool down significantly, even in warmer months.
Amman is a very safe city, and Jordanians are incredibly hospitable, but always exercise common sense, especially in crowded areas like the Downtown souk. Keep an eye on your belongings, and if approached by overly persistent vendors, a polite but firm 'la shukran' (no thank you) usually suffices.
💡 Travel Tip: If you're planning your trip, it's worth checking flight prices on Trip.com before you decide.
Weather Details
Monthly Weather Data Table
| Month | High (°C) | Low (°C) | High (°F) | Low (°F) | Rainfall (mm) | Rain Days | Daylight (h) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 12°C | 4°C | 54°F | 39°F | 60mm | 9 days | 10.3h |
| Feb | 14°C | 5°C | 57°F | 41°F | 60mm | 9 days | 11.1h |
| Mar | 18°C | 7°C | 64°F | 45°F | 30mm | 5 days | 12.0h |
| Apr | 23°C | 10°C | 73°F | 50°F | 10mm | 2 days | 13.0h |
| May | 28°C | 14°C | 82°F | 57°F | 5mm | 1 day | 13.9h |
| Jun | 31°C | 17°C | 88°F | 63°F | 0mm | 0 days | 14.3h |
| Jul | 32°C | 19°C | 90°F | 66°F | 0mm | 0 days | 14.1h |
| Aug | 32°C | 19°C | 90°F | 66°F | 0mm | 0 days | 13.4h |
| Sep | 30°C | 17°C | 86°F | 63°F | 0mm | 0 days | 12.5h |
| Oct | 27°C | 14°C | 81°F | 57°F | 10mm | 2 days | 11.5h |
| Nov | 20°C | 9°C | 68°F | 48°F | 30mm | 5 days | 10.6h |
| Dec | 14°C | 5°C | 57°F | 41°F | 50mm | 8 days | 10.0h |
All Things to Do in Amman, Jordan
Sunset Serenity at Amman Citadel
attractionAscend to the historic Amman Citadel just before sunset to witness the ancient ruins bathed in a golden glow, offering unparalleled panoramic views of the sprawling city below. This is when the crowds thin, and the call to prayer echoes across the valleys, creating a truly magical atmosphere. Don't miss the Umayyad Palace complex and the Temple of Hercules.
Best time: March-May, Sep-Nov
A Culinary Journey with Beit Sitti
activityImmerse yourself in Jordanian hospitality and cuisine by taking a cooking class at Beit Sitti, a charming family home in Jabal Al-Weibdeh. You'll learn to prepare traditional dishes like 'Maqluba' or 'Mansaf' from scratch, using fresh local ingredients, and then enjoy the feast you've created on their beautiful terrace. It's an intimate, hands-on experience that connects you deeply with local culture.
Best time: All year
Exploring the Bohemian Vibes of Jabal Al-Weibdeh
culturalWander through the leafy streets of Jabal Al-Weibdeh, Amman's artistic and bohemian quarter. Discover hidden art galleries like Darat al Funun, browse independent boutiques, and settle into one of the many charming cafes for a strong Arabic coffee or a leisurely lunch. Evenings here are particularly vibrant, with locals gathering for shisha and conversation.
Best time: April-Oct (especially evenings)
Feasting at Hashem Restaurant Downtown
foodNo visit to Amman is complete without a meal at Hashem Restaurant, a legendary downtown institution serving simple, delicious, and incredibly authentic Jordanian street food since 1952. Pull up a plastic chair and dive into plates of creamy hummus, crispy falafel, foul, and mutabal. It's bustling, cheap, and a true taste of local life, open 24/7.
Best time: All year
Sensory Overload in the Downtown Souks
shoppingDive into the vibrant chaos of Amman's downtown souks, a labyrinth of narrow alleys bursting with life. From the glittering gold souk to the aromatic spice market and the bustling fruit and vegetable stalls, it's a feast for the senses. Practice your bargaining skills and keep an eye out for traditional handicrafts, intricate jewelry, and unique souvenirs.
Best time: All year (mornings are less crowded)
An Evening Stroll on Rainbow Street
nightlifeAs dusk settles, head to Rainbow Street, Amman's most famous promenade, as it transforms into a lively hub of activity. Enjoy street art, browse artisan shops, grab a fresh juice, or find a cozy spot at a cafe for people-watching. Many restaurants offer rooftop seating with fantastic city views, making it perfect for a relaxed evening meal or a vibrant night out.
Best time: April-Oct (especially evenings)
Echoes of Rome at the Roman Theatre & Odeon
attractionStep back in time at the remarkably preserved Roman Theatre, a magnificent 6,000-seat amphitheater carved into the hillside. Test its incredible acoustics from the stage, then explore the smaller, more intimate Odeon nearby, often used for concerts. Don't miss the Jordan Folklore Museum and the Museum of Popular Traditions located within the theatre complex for deeper insights.
Best time: March-May, Sep-Nov
Unearthing History at The Jordan Museum
culturalEscape the heat and delve into Jordan's rich past at the modern and well-curated Jordan Museum. Home to significant archaeological finds, including some of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Ain Ghazal statues (among the oldest human statues ever found), it offers a comprehensive journey through the country's history from prehistoric times to the present day. Allow at least 2-3 hours.
Best time: All year (great for hot or cold days)
Getting Around Amman, Jordan
Uber & Careem
These ride-sharing apps are your most reliable and convenient way to navigate Amman's sprawling, hilly landscape. You'll hail a car via the app, see the fare upfront, and pay electronically, which is fantastic for avoiding language barriers and price negotiations.
Yellow Taxis (Metered & Negotiated)
The traditional yellow taxis are ubiquitous and can be flagged down almost anywhere. They're good for spontaneous, shorter trips when you don't want to wait for an app-based car, but require a bit more savvy from the traveler.
Servees (Shared Taxis)
These white, usually older, shared taxis run on fixed routes, picking up and dropping off passengers along the way. They're incredibly cheap and offer a truly local, albeit sometimes confusing, experience for the adventurous traveler.
JETT Buses (Inter-city & Airport Express)
JETT is Jordan's premier private bus company, offering comfortable, air-conditioned coaches for inter-city travel (e.g., Petra, Aqaba) and a dedicated express service to Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA).
Walking
While Amman is famously hilly, many of its most charming neighborhoods and attractions are best explored on foot. Downtown (Al-Balad), Jabal Amman (Rainbow Street), and Jabal Weibdeh are particularly pedestrian-friendly and reveal hidden gems.
💡 Travel Tip: This season usually means better deals — check what's available on Trip.com.
Similar Destinations
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the absolute best time to visit Amman to truly enjoy the city?
For the most pleasant experience, aim for spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). Spring blankets the hillsides with wildflowers and offers comfortable temperatures perfect for exploring on foot, while autumn provides a gentle warmth without the intense summer heat. You'll avoid the scorching summer sun and the surprisingly chilly, sometimes wet, winter months.
How should I navigate Amman's hilly terrain and bustling streets without getting lost or overpaying?
Taxis are plentiful and affordable, but always insist on the meter ('addad' in Arabic) or agree on a price *before* you start your journey to avoid inflated fares. For transparent pricing and ease, download a ride-sharing app like Careem or Uber; they're widely used and incredibly convenient. While walking is fantastic for exploring specific neighborhoods like Rainbow Street, be prepared for steep inclines – Amman is built on many hills!
What are the key cultural considerations, especially regarding dress, for women traveling in Amman?
Amman is a modern city, but modesty is always appreciated, particularly when visiting religious sites or more traditional areas. For women, covering your shoulders and knees is a good rule of thumb; a light scarf is your best friend for quickly covering your head if needed, or simply for an extra layer. You'll find that dressing respectfully often leads to even warmer interactions with locals.
Beyond the Citadel and Roman Theater, what's a unique, less-touristy spot in Amman that offers a real local flavor?
For a truly authentic experience, head to Souk Jara (open Fridays from May to September). It's a vibrant pedestrian market near Rainbow Street where local artisans sell crafts, you can sample delicious street food, and often enjoy live music. Alternatively, explore Darat al Funun – The Khalid Shoman Foundation, a stunning complex of historic buildings dedicated to contemporary Arab art, offering breathtaking views of downtown Amman and a peaceful escape.
Is Amman safe for solo female travelers, and what should I keep in mind?
Amman is remarkably safe, even for solo female travelers, with Jordanians renowned for their hospitality and kindness. Common sense applies: dress modestly, especially at night, and be aware of your surroundings. You might receive friendly greetings or curious glances, but harassment is rare; a polite 'la shukran' (no thank you) is usually sufficient if you feel uncomfortable.
What's the tipping etiquette in Amman, especially in restaurants and for taxi drivers?
Tipping isn't strictly mandatory but is certainly appreciated for good service. In restaurants, if a service charge isn't already included, a 10% tip is standard. For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare to the nearest dinar is common practice. For tour guides or hotel staff, a small amount (e.g., 5-10 JOD for a guide, 1-2 JOD for porters) is a kind gesture that goes a long way.
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