Find out exactly what to pack for Jordan with this in-depth packing list and travel guide.
Plan your Jordan itinerary here and find out when the best time to visit Jordan is here.
What to Pack for Jordan
Jordan is becoming more and more popular among travellers from all over the world and it’s no surprise why. This country is chock-full of interesting tourist attractions and ancient cities that have witnessed the rise and fall of many empires. The best things to do in Jordan include the Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Petra and Jerash and more.
Besides the historical monuments, Jordan is also famous for its beaches and resorts along the Dead Sea, the unique Jordanian food culture and sprawling desert wilderness.
While traveling to such a beautiful country requires preparation (such as reading up on the visa policy for Jordan!), this article will go over everything you need to know before travelling to Jordan. And, crucially, what to pack for Jordan.
Your Jordan Packing List
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Warm jacket
- Hiking boots
- Layered, long sleeve, long legged clothes
- Prescription medication
- Credit cards
- Buy an e SIM Card before you land
- International travel adapter
- Personal medication
- Scarf
- Reusable water bottle
- Head torch
- Toiletries
- Swimwear
- Passport, travel insurance, itinerary
Download our free ultimate packing list here for a full list of everything, absolutely everything that you could need.
Dress Codes in Jordan
What Should Women Wear in Jordan?
Jordan is predominantly a Muslim country, which means there are a few special considerations that you should keep in mind before visiting. While the local culture and dress code varies across the country, in general, women are encouraged to dress conservatively and cover their shoulders, legs, and necklines.
For this reason, it is best to pack light and loose fabrics, as well as long dresses, scarves, and comfortable yet roomy clothing. It’s a good idea for female travellers to mix up long skirts with trousers and to pack a scarf in case you wish to visit a mosque or other religious sites.
Jordanian women tend not to cover their faces and not everyone covers their hair. However, it’s always better to be a little more conservative than necessary rather than not conservative enough. Especially on your first trip.
In general, you don’t need to worry about unwanted attention from local people as long as you dress appropriately and walk with confidence. Read more about solo female travel in Jordan here.
What Should Men Wear in Jordan?
Similarly, men should also avoid packing shorts and short-sleeved T-shirts with them. As noted above, it is better to take light clothes that cover the entire body. Long sleeves also protect from the sun and the sand. They fit better with local customs and may possibly make local women feel more comfortable in rural areas and conservative areas.
What Everyone Needs to Know About the Dress Code in Jordan
When traveling to Jordan, it is worth remembering to pack a light jacket, long trousers, and at least one long-sleeve shirt. Due to the desert climate, temperatures can suddenly drop once day turns into night — and it’s best to be prepared. Pack a sweater and hat just in case.
Loose-fitting clothing in breathable materials is what you want to be wearing for visiting holy sites and city centres. Avoid exposing too much skin and observe the customs of Jordanian culture. Skinny jeans are uncomfortable in this middle eastern country in the heat and not that practical in the cool evenings either.
Nothing to wear? No problem! There are plenty of shops across Jordan that sell local clothing: just look for a dishdasha for men (a long white robe) or a shirsh for women (a dress with stitching that denotes where the wearer is from).
Similarly, pack sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat to ward off damage from the sun. It’s the best way!
Renting a Car in Jordan
Jordan has an extensive network of roads, which are well-paved and have signs in English – good news for those who like to travel by car.
An average car will typically cost around $40 to 50 per day, and if you rent a car for several days, the price will be even lower. Likewise, a litre of gasoline costs about $1.50.
Before planning your road trip across Jordan, it is worth noting a few of the local rules. In order to rent a car, you will need to obtain an international driver’s license. This document is especially important to have, as the police will ask for it if they decide to stop you for a check.
Likewise, it is worth being careful on the road and keeping an eye out for speed bumps, as Jordan has many more of these ‘roadblocks’ compared to other countries.
Even more importantly, make sure you know exactly where you are going. Jordan borders some, well, high tension borders with Israel, Syria and Saudi Arabia and you do not want to accidentally stray into them. Read more about that in these articles on how to plan a Jordan itinerary and Jordan: is it safe for solo female travelers?
When to Visit Jordan
When to go to Jordan depends entirely on your purpose and itinerary. In order to better prepare for the trip, think in advance about what you want to do and, based on this, choose the season. Here’s a full guide on when to visit Jordan.
What to Pack for Jordan in Winter
Winter months are suitable for travellers who want to spend time exploring the many museums in the capital, then going on sightseeing tours or visiting Petra without the crowds and heat. In fact, the temperature hovers around 13 C (55 F) during the day and falls to about 5 C (42 F) during the evening. However, it’s important to note that winters may come with biting winds and rain — and you might even be able to see snowfall in Petra. Due to low demand, hotels and tours are often discounted so you can avoid several extra costs.
Pack extra layers for winter as you’ll get quite warm hiking in the day but very cold at night.
What to Pack for Jordan in Spring
Travelers who love hiking and/or relaxing on the beach should plan to travel to Jordan in the spring. The period from April to May is considered the peak season for beach holidays, as temperatures are a pleasant 20 to 30 C (68 to 86 F), while the water temperatures are around 21 to 25 C. When packing for Jordan in spring, load up on maxi skirts and hiking boots and always remember to pack a hat.
What to Pack for Jordan in Autumn
Likewise, autumn is the perfect time to visit Jordan for any type of activity. Similar to spring, the temperatures in autumn fluctuate from 21 to 26 C (70 to 79 F), while areas along the Red Sea coast can rise up to 30 C (86 F) — perfect for underwater diving and other fun water activities.
Autumn is considered to be the best season to visit Jordan since the weather is mild and outdoor activities are easily accessible. Enjoy long days with a lot of walking and so make sure that you have packed your hiking boots, sunscreen and water bottle.
What to Pack for Jordan in Summer
On the other hand, summer is not the best season to travel because the weather in Jordan can quickly reach sweltering numbers. During the summer, temperatures fluctuate wildly: it can be as hot as 40 C (104 F) during the day to a chilly 10 C (50 F) during the evening — especially in the desert and other natural terrains. Travellers who are sensitive to high temperatures should avoid a summer trip to Jordan and, instead, plan for another season.
If you are planning your Jordan adventure for the summer months, make sure to load up on sun protection like sunglasses, sunscreen, long clothes and a sun hat. Take a reusable water bottle and seek out the shade!
More on Travel in Jordan
After reading this Jordan packing guide, check out our travel guide to the best things to do in Jordan and then browse through the articles below:
- Jordanian Food: the 21 dishes you need to know
- What is it like to visit Petra?
- Is Petra at night worth it?
- Why Bedouin coffee means more than you think
- How the Madaba mosaics show the pathway to peace
- How to plan the perfect Jordan itinerary
- When is the best time to visit Jordan?
- Is Jordan safe for solo female travellers?