Travelling in Jordan During Ramadan: What to Expect, Etiquette and Tips

Yes, you can travel to Jordan during Ramadan, and it can be a special time to visit. Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea and other sites stay open, hotels and tours run as normal, and evenings come alive with family iftar meals and late-night streets. The main changes for visitors are that eating, drinking and smoking in public during daylight hours are not allowed, many shops and offices keep shorter hours, and alcohol is only served in larger hotels.

Ramadan in 2027 is expected to begin around 8 February and end around 8 March, with Eid al-Fitr on about 9 March. Exact dates depend on the sighting of the moon and are confirmed shortly before. Here is what to expect, how to be respectful and why Ramadan can be a rewarding time to travel.

Travelling in Jordan during Ramadan at a glance

• Sites and tours: open as normal; Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea are often quieter
• In public: no eating, drinking or smoking during daylight hours
• Food: hotel restaurants and some tourist restaurants serve during the day behind closed curtains; our tours include discreet lunch stops
• Alcohol: only available in larger hotels
• Opening hours: many shops, banks and offices open late morning and close early afternoon
• Evenings: lively streets, iftar meals at sunset and late-night sweets and coffee

What changes for visitors during Ramadan

Eating, drinking and smoking in public

During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. In Jordan, eating, drinking and smoking in public during daylight hours are prohibited, and this applies to visitors too. In practice, this means drinking water discreetly, eating in your hotel, in restaurants that serve visitors behind curtains, or at a private picnic spot away from people. On our tours, your guide plans lunch stops in suitable places, so you do not need to worry about it.

Restaurants and cafés

Most local restaurants and cafés close during the day and open just before sunset for iftar, then stay open late into the night. Hotel restaurants and some restaurants in tourist areas keep serving visitors during the day, usually with the windows covered.

Opening hours

Many shops, banks and government offices open around 9 or 10 am and close in the early afternoon. Main tourist sites keep their usual hours, but a few smaller attractions and museums may close earlier. Traffic can be heavy in the hour before sunset, as everyone heads home for iftar, and the streets are then very quiet while families eat.

Alcohol and nightlife

Alcohol is not sold during Ramadan except in larger hotels, and bars and nightclubs close for the month.

How to be respectful during Ramadan

• Avoid eating, drinking, chewing gum or smoking in public during the day.
• Dress a little more modestly than usual, with shoulders and knees covered. See our Jordan packing list for what to wear.
• Be patient: people who are fasting may be tired in the afternoon, especially near sunset.
• Greet people with “Ramadan Kareem” (generous Ramadan); the usual reply is “Allahu akram”.
• If you are invited to an iftar, accept: it is an honour, and a wonderful experience.

The upsides of visiting Jordan in Ramadan

• Quieter sites: fewer local visitors during the day, especially in Petra and Wadi Rum.
• Iftar: breaking the fast at sunset with dates, soup and a shared feast is one of the warmest experiences of Jordanian hospitality.
• Ramadan nights: after iftar, towns come to life with families out late, lit-up streets and traditional sweets like qatayef.
• Mild weather: in 2027, Ramadan falls in February and March, when days are cool and comfortable for sightseeing.

Eid al-Fitr

Ramadan ends with Eid al-Fitr, a festival of two or three days when families visit each other, children get new clothes and sweets, and many Jordanians travel. Government offices and some businesses close, and hotels at the Dead Sea, Aqaba and Wadi Rum fill up quickly, so book early if your trip includes Eid.

Our tours during Ramadan

All our tours run during Ramadan, and our guides know how to make the month easy for guests: lunch stops in suitable places and timings adjusted around iftar. Popular choices for a spring Ramadan trip are our Experience Jordan Tour (see our 7-day itinerary) and the Dana to Petra Trek. You can also contact us to plan a private tour.

Planning your dates? Read our guide to the best time to visit Jordan and Is Jordan safe to travel?

Frequently asked questions

Is it a good idea to visit Jordan during Ramadan?

Yes, for most travellers. Sites and tours run as normal, daytime sightseeing is often quieter and the evenings are a great time to experience Jordanian culture. You just need to avoid eating and drinking in public during the day.

Is Petra open during Ramadan?

Yes. Petra and the other main tourist sites stay open during Ramadan.

Can tourists eat and drink during Ramadan in Jordan?

Yes, but not in public during daylight hours. You can eat and drink in your hotel, in restaurants that serve visitors during the day, or discreetly in private.

When is Ramadan in 2027?

Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin around 8 February and end around 8 March, with Eid al-Fitr on about 9 March. Dates are confirmed by moon sighting shortly before.

Is alcohol available in Jordan during Ramadan?

Only in larger hotels. Bars and nightclubs close during the month.