Jordan is hot by nature and conservative in its everyday way of life. Its capital Amman is a world away from the new-money glitz of Dubai or Abu Dhabi, but has a great cosmopolitan vibe, with cool cafes and art galleries.
So, if you're considering heading to the Middle East on a Jordan adventure, you'll need to know what to pack and how to pack - we thought we'd help you out and take the guesswork out of things with our Jordan packing checklist.
General packing tips
Jordan is considerable hot all year round and despite being dry, the temps can get quite warm even in the peak travel seasons (30+°C) - we recommend packing breathable clothing. If you pack clothes made of materials that don't breathe you're likely going to be uncomfortable in Jordan.
Jordan is well-suited for layering clothing . Although Jordan can be quite hot and humid, the night can get quite chilly in the desert so packing layers will definitely help.
Jordan can be considered to be quite an active travel destination - it entails a whole lot of walking. For example, in Jerash, at Petra, in Wadi Rum, and in Dana Biosphere Reserve - all are times you need good walking shoes.
The essentials
- Wide-brimmed hat: Your head and neck will thank you for it
- Sunglasses and sunscreen
- Lightweight linen pants: For the sake of religious modesty, short shorts are a big no-no. Pack a pair of light, breathable pants instead - we suggest going for lighter colours to reflect the heat
- A lightweight jersey - as we've mentioned before, nights in Wadi Rum can get pretty cold, so pack a couple of lightweight tops you can layer if you get chilly
- Comfortable walking shoes: Petra is big and you'll want to explore as much as possible
- T-shirts. The longer the sleeves, the better
- Your swimwear: No trip to Jordan is complete without a float in the Dead Sea, so don't forget your swimwear.
Highly recommended
- A good moisturiser (and some lip balm too) - the Dead Sea's minerals are great for the skin, but they can dry it out in seconds. Some sort of moisturiser is highly recommended
- A sleeping bag (November to April) - although blankets are provided, it can get considerably cold at night during winter, so it's a good idea to bring a sleeping bag
- Portable charger - some campsites in Wadi Rum are powered by a generator and solar power, which means power may be intermittent during periods of low light
- Mosquito repellent - there are a few mosquitos and other bitey things in Jordan. Ward them off with a good repellent
- Gloves and warm socks - for the chilly desert nights
Extras
- A good book - immerse yourself in a great novel. Some of not all desert camps don't have WIFI, so it's also a good time for a digital detox
- Tripod - if you're a photographer - and have space - keen to capture some killer shots of desert stars at night, pack a small tripod
For those spending the day in Petra
- Money - don't leave home without it and there are plenty of vendors who will want to sell you something
- Camera and extra batteries to capture the moments
- Passport or at least a copy of your passport - there are local authorities doing their jobs to protect the site and its visitors, so you may get asked to produce identification
- Water - we recommend a 1.5 litre insulated water bottle and then refill it as required from one of the vendors on site
- Snack - although there are food vendors on site, if you are off on an extended hike or a bit of budget then get your snacks before you enter the site. Remember it is likely to be hot, so pick snacks that can withstand the temperature
- High protection sunscreen and your hat
- Wear a shirt preferably with a collar and consider a lightweight long sleeve one to keep the sun off
- Lightweight Jacket - it can get cold when the sun goes down
- Scarf / Bandana - the best way to keep cool is to rinse your bandana and put around the back of your neck, catch a breeze and you have natural air-conditioning
Tips for female travellers
Jordanians are - on the whole - quite progressive toward tourism and acknowledge that Western and/or non-Muslim women will travel in their country. However, this doesn't excuse travellers from dressing modestly.
However, you can wear your typical clothes - if you love form-fitting stuff, you can still rock look and be respectfully covered.
Same goes for a swimsuit at the Dead Sea - plenty of tourists wear bikinis, but a one-piece is more appropriate.
To end off, Jordan is a breathtakingly beautiful country that you'll never forget - but don't make it unforgettable because you're wearing the wrong clothes for the climate.
If you make sure to pack the right items, mix & match them, and add a few layers, you'll be comfortable and focused on all the beauty around you.
Interested in visiting the fascinating Jordan? Have a look at our wide range of Jordan tours - perfect for all kinds of travellers!
