Jordan in November: Weather, Snorkeling and More!

Weather-wise, November is a great time to visit Jordan as the sweltering heat of summer has waned and cooler weather is setting in, making it the perfect time for exploring ancient ruins and historic sites. Places with high elevations, like Amman, are cooler, particularly at night with average daily temperatures hanging around 21°C and nights 14°C. Biting winds begin to sweep the valleys, so it is a good idea to pack warm clothing if you are visiting the mountainous regions of the country.

Further south, both air and sea temperatures remain delightfully warm. You can still enjoy long days on the beach in places like Aqaba. Daytime temperatures tend to sit at around 27°C, however, nights are cold, so some warm clothing for the evenings is required. The waters in the Gulf of Aqaba are delightfully pleasant at 26°C and this is a fantastic time for snorkeling and scuba diving.

For a seasonal overview of the weather in Jordan, visit our guide on the best time to visit Jordan.

Even though the weather is beginning to cool, tourists still flock to Jordan to explore the ancient city of Petra, its many historic sites, and to holiday on the shores of the Gulf of Aqaba during this month. Most tourist sites are fairly busy in November and airfares and accommodation prices are still high. It’s a good idea to book flights and reserve accommodation well in advance if you are planning to travel to Jordan early in the month as it is a high-season month.

• Diving and snorkeling in the Red Sea: Despite cooling temperatures in the north, Aqaba remains warm and it’s a great time to enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving in the marine-rich waters of the Red Sea.
• Mawlid al-Nabi al-Sharif: November is the third month of the Islamic calendar and Jordanians celebrate the birthday of the Islamic prophet Muhammad with delightful festivities, ample feasts, poetry readings, and singing.
• Dana to Petra hike: Cool weather conditions make November the ideal time to tackle the Dana to Petra route – an 80-kilometer trek that begins at Dana Biosphere Reserve and winds through the arid landscapes of Wadi Araba, past the shadows of the Sharah Mountains, to the ancient Nabataean city of Petra.

If you enjoy getting out into nature, then the cool weather in November makes it the perfect month for hiking and trekking. History buffs can head into the hills above the Dead Sea and climb to the massive hilltop fortress and palace of Herod the Great, which is known as Machaerus. Located at an elevation of over 1 000 meters, the fortress dates back to 90 BC, and according to the Bible, it was here that John the Baptist was imprisoned and beheaded by the son of Herod the Great, Herod Antipas. You can also visit the site of Herod Antipas’ palace and the remains of a siege ramp built to capture the fort by the Romans in 72 AD.

After your hike to Machaerus, head to Hammamat Ma'in for a relaxing soak in the Ma’in Hot Springs. Located around 75 kilometers south of Amman, these thermal springs and waterfalls are famous for being a popular bathing spot for Herod the Great as well as the Romans. Nestled in a lush canyon at the base of the waterfalls, the mineral-rich pools are at different temperatures and promise to re-energize and revitalize!

Another fantastic hike you might want to take is the 80-kilometer trek from the Dana Biosphere Reserve to the ancient city of Petra. National Geographic rates this hike as one of the top hikes in the world. It meanders through the vast arid lands of Wadi Araba and the rugged Sharah Mountains to the ancient city of Petra, one of the world’s most striking archaeological gems.

Bird lovers will delight in a visit to the Aqaba Bird Observatory, a birdwatchers’ paradise at the northern tip of the Red Sea. November sees massive flocks of migratory birds passing through, and most of the country’s 390 species of birds are heading to the pleasant climes and warm waters down south.

The warm waters of the Gulf of Aqaba are also ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving at this time of year. While the rest of the country begins to experience colder weather, Aqaba is still balmy and warm and the best place to spend long, lazy days on the beach. You can also explore colorful coral reefs in the Red Sea that teem with marine life.

Wadi Rum comes alive with a spectacular kaleidoscope of colors and textures during this time of year when low sunlight and clean air create a photographer’s paradise. Sunrises and sunsets are nothing less than spectacular, and cooler temperatures allow for longer hours spent outdoors shooting.

The weather in Jordan in November makes it ideal for getting out and about and enjoying the country’s breathtaking landscapes, historic sites, and ancient castles and cities. Colder weather in the north is great for wandering around in cities like Amman, while warmer climes in the south draw avid scuba divers and beachgoers.

Chat with one of our travel experts in the country who can help you design a tailor-made trip to Jordan, or have a look at our guide on how many days to spend in Jordan for more information. If you want instant inspiration, check out our tours in Jordan in November.

Other Related Articles:
Jordan in October
Jordan in December
Jordan private tours