Travel time: Year-round
Amman, the capital of Jordan, is a city defined by its high altitude and semi-arid Mediterranean climate. Perched on a series of hills (jabals) ranging from 750 to over 1,000 meters above sea level, the city experiences weather that is significantly cooler and more varied than the low-lying deserts and the Jordan Valley nearby.
Amman is characterized by two distinct seasons: a long, hot, and bone-dry summer from May to October, and a cool, relatively rainy winter from December to March. The transition periods—spring and autumn—are brief but represent the most temperate windows of the year. Due to the low humidity and high elevation, the air is crisp, and the sun’s intensity is high, even when temperatures feel moderate.
A hallmark of Amman’s climate is the significant diurnal temperature variation. Even in the peak of summer, temperatures can drop by as much as 15°C (27°F) once the sun sets.
Spring is a fleeting but beautiful season when the normally arid hills turn vibrantly green. Temperatures are mild, but this is also the primary season for the Khamsin. These are hot, dusty winds blowing in from the Arabian Peninsula that can cause temperatures to spike suddenly and turn the sky a hazy orange.
Summers are consistently hot and cloudless. Daily highs average around 32°C (90°F), but heatwaves can push mercury past 40°C (104°F). Rain is virtually non-existent during this period. The Shammal wind from the northwest occasionally provides a steady, cooling afternoon breeze.
Autumn sees a gradual cooling. September remains warm, but by November, the first rains usually arrive. The landscape returns to a dusty brown, and the air becomes crisper as the city prepares for the winter shift.
Unlike many neighboring Middle Eastern cities, Amman gets genuinely cold. Mid-winter highs average 12°C (54°F), but nights frequently hover near freezing. Most of the annual precipitation falls now, often as heavy rain or thunderstorms.
Elevation plays a massive role in Amman's weather. The Western districts (like Tla' al-Ali and Jubaiha) are at higher elevations and are notably cooler and windier. They are often the first to see snow. Conversely, the Eastern districts and the downtown area (the "Balad") sit at lower elevations and tend to be a few degrees warmer and shielded from the strongest winds.
While it is a desert-adjacent city, Amman experiences snow nearly every year. Due to the altitude, cold fronts from Europe can bring significant snowfall that occasionally paralyzes the city for a day or two. These events are celebrated by locals, who often take to the streets for