What to Pack for Jordan: A Packing List for Every Season (and What to Wear)

Pack for Jordan in layers: light, breathable clothes that cover your shoulders and knees, a warm fleece or jacket for desert nights, comfortable walking shoes with good grip, a sun hat, sunscreen and a refillable water bottle. What else you need depends on the season and on your plans: winter calls for a proper warm coat, summer for sun protection and swimwear, and hiking or cycling trips for a few extra pieces of gear.

Here is our packing advice, based on years of running hiking, cycling and cultural tours across Jordan.

Jordan packing list at a glance

• Loose, breathable trousers or long skirts, and tops that cover the shoulders
• A light long-sleeved shirt for sun protection
• A fleece or warm jacket for evenings, Wadi Rum nights and Petra mornings
• Comfortable walking shoes or trail shoes with good grip; sandals for the evenings
• Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen
• A scarf or shawl (useful for sun, dust, cool evenings and visiting mosques)
• Swimwear for the Dead Sea and the Red Sea, and water shoes if you plan wet hikes
• A refillable water bottle and a small daypack
• A universal power adapter (Jordan mostly uses type C, D, F and G sockets, 230 V)
• Your passport, travel insurance details and a printed or digital copy of your Jordan Pass

What to pack for each season

Spring (March to May)

Days are mild to warm and perfect for walking, but evenings can be cool, especially in Petra, Dana and Wadi Rum. Pack light layers for the day plus a fleece and a light waterproof jacket, as spring showers are possible early in the season.

Summer (June to August)

It is hot in the south and in the Jordan Valley, and sunny everywhere. Bring light, loose clothes in natural fabrics, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, strong sunscreen and a reusable bottle. Nights in the desert are still pleasant, so a light long-sleeved layer is enough. This is the season for the Dead Sea, Aqaba and wet canyon hikes like the Wadi Mujib Siq Trail, so pack swimwear and water shoes.

Autumn (September to November)

Warm days and cooler evenings, much like spring. Pack layers, a fleece for the evenings and good walking shoes. By November, nights in Wadi Rum and Petra can be cold.

Winter (December to February)

Winter in Jordan is colder than many visitors expect. Amman, Petra and Dana can be chilly or wet, and it can occasionally snow in the highlands. Bring a warm coat, a hat and gloves for the evenings, a waterproof jacket and warm sleepwear for desert camps. Days in Aqaba and at the Dead Sea are much milder.

For more on the seasons, read our guide to the best time to visit Jordan.

What to wear in Jordan

Jordan is relaxed and welcoming, and there is no strict dress code for visitors. Dressing modestly, though, is respectful and makes you more comfortable, especially outside Amman and Aqaba. A simple rule works for both men and women: cover your shoulders and knees, and avoid very tight or see-through clothing.

• In Amman: anything you would wear in a European city is fine, though shorts are less common among locals.
• In villages and rural areas: long trousers or skirts and tops with sleeves are best.
• At the Dead Sea and the Red Sea: swimwear is fine at hotels, resorts and beach clubs. Cover up when you leave the beach.

Visiting mosques and churches

When visiting a mosque, such as the King Abdullah I Mosque in Amman, women should cover their hair, arms and legs, and men should wear long trousers. Shoes are removed before entering. Some mosques that welcome visitors lend robes and headscarves at the entrance, but it is easier to carry your own scarf. Churches, such as St George’s Church in Madaba, also ask for covered shoulders and knees.

What to pack for Petra

A day in Petra means many kilometres on sandy, rocky paths and hundreds of steps. Wear broken-in walking shoes or trail shoes, not new ones. Bring a daypack with at least 2 litres of water, snacks, a hat, sunscreen and a layer for the early morning, when the Siq can be cool. See how many days you need in Petra to plan your walking.

What to pack for a night in Wadi Rum

The desert gets cold at night for most of the year, even after a hot day. Bring a warm layer, long trousers and socks for the evening, plus a headtorch or small flashlight. Bedding is provided in camps, but in winter warm sleepwear and a hat make a big difference. Sunglasses help with the glare and the sand during jeep tours.

What to pack for hiking and cycling trips

On our active trips, such as the Dana to Petra Trek or the Jordan Active Adventure, add:

• Hiking boots or trail shoes with ankle support and good grip
• Quick-dry hiking clothes and a sun shirt with long sleeves
• A 25 to 35 litre daypack, a hydration bladder or two water bottles
• Walking poles if you use them
• For cycling: padded shorts, cycling gloves, and your own pedals or saddle if you prefer them
• Blister plasters and any personal medication
• For wilderness camping on the trek: a warm sleeping layer and a headtorch

Ask us for a detailed kit list for your trip. Wondering if you are ready for an active trip? Read how fit you need to be to hike or cycle in Jordan.

Useful extras

• Cash: Jordanian dinars (JOD) are useful for small shops, tips and taxis. ATMs are easy to find in towns.
• A local SIM card or eSIM: handy for maps and messaging.
• Wet wipes and hand sanitiser: for long days on the trail and in the desert.
• A reusable bag: to help cut down on single-use plastic.

What not to bring

• Drones: you need a permit to bring and fly a drone in Jordan, and unregistered drones can be held at the airport.
• Satellite phones: they are banned in Jordan, so leave them at home.
• Too many clothes: laundry is easy to arrange in most hotels.

Plan your trip with us

We share practical tips with every guest before they travel. See our 7-day Jordan itinerary for route ideas, browse our small-group tours, or contact us with your questions.

Frequently asked questions

Do women need to cover their hair in Jordan?

No. Women do not need to cover their hair in Jordan, except when visiting a mosque. Modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is appreciated, especially outside the cities.

Can I wear shorts in Jordan?

Shorts are fine at resorts, on beaches and on some active trips, but long trousers are more comfortable and more respectful in towns, villages and at religious sites. Lightweight trousers also protect you from the sun.

Does it get cold in Jordan?

Yes. From November to March, nights in Petra, Dana, Amman and Wadi Rum can be cold, and it occasionally snows in the highlands in winter. Bring a warm jacket even if you are travelling in spring or autumn.

What shoes should I wear in Petra?

Comfortable, broken-in walking or trail shoes with good grip. The paths are sandy and rocky, and the climb to the Monastery has around 800 steps.

Can I bring a drone to Jordan?

Only with a permit arranged in advance. Without one, your drone may be held at customs when you arrive.