Bring comfortable shoes for Amman's hills, desert boots for Wadi Rum, and snorkel and flippers for Aqaba. Pack sun block and a handful of cheerful Arabic greetings.
Jordan Year
Get in training for the low-level Amman Dead Sea Ultra Marathon in April, then recover at the city's International Theatre Festival straight afterwards. You can party in the desert for July's techno Distant Heat Dance Festival in Wadi Rum. Enjoy traditional music performed in the Roman Amphitheatre during the Jerash Festival in August. Finally, spot the fake snow and Christmas lights decorating Amman's modern malls in December.
Public Holidays
New Year's Day (1 Jan), King Abdullah II's Birthday (30 Jan), Eid al-Adha – Feast of Sacrifice, celebrating the last day of Hajj, the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca (Dec/Jan), Al-Hijrah – Islamic New Year (Jan), Eid Milad Mnabi – Prophet's Anniversary (Mar/Apr), Labour Day (1 May), Independence Day (25 May), Eid al-Fitr – Festival of the Breaking of the Fast (Oct), Anniversary of the Late King Hussein (14 Nov), Christmas Day (25 Dec). Based on the lunar calendar, Islamic holidays move forward approximately 11 days every Western year.
Weather
With around 90% of Jordan covered by desert, summers are scorching. However, always be aware of cold nights – Wadi Rum's sands plummet to 4°C in winter. The north-west is hilly and lush, and bags most of the country's annual rainfall, especially in January. Amman reaches a comfortable 32°C between June and September, while nights can drop below freezing from December to February. The beaches of Aqaba and the salty Dead Sea touch 40°C in July.
Electricity
230V AC, 50 Hz, two-pin round plugs are standard.
Dialling Code
+962 (Jordan).
Money
Jordanian Dinar (JD) is the currency.
GMT
GMT +2 (GMT +3 in summertime).
Fit In
Cool, comfortable cottons are essential, with a decent sunhat. Cover up at night in the desert when it gets cold, and for mosque visits. And avoid heated discussions on Middle Eastern politics!
