The best time to hike the Jordan Trail is spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) 2026, when daytime temperatures across the 675 km route sit between 18 and 28 degrees Celsius. Summer desert heat exceeds 40 degrees Celsius and makes the southern sections dangerous, while winter brings cold, rain and occasional snow to the northern highlands.
When is the best time to hike the Jordan Trail?
The Jordan Trail has two clear hiking seasons, and the choice between them depends on which direction and sections you walk. Spring offers wildflowers, flowing seasonal streams and green northern hills, but afternoons warm quickly by May. Autumn brings the most stable, predictable weather with warm days and cool nights, ideal for the desert south. A full 36-day thru-hike is best started in early March northbound or early September southbound to chase moderate temperatures as you move between the country's climate zones.
| Season | Temperature | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Mar–May | 18–28°C | Best — wildflowers, green north |
| Jun–Aug | 35–45°C | Avoid — dangerous heat |
| Sep–Nov | 20–30°C | Best — stable, dry |
| Dec–Feb | 5–15°C, rain | Cold and wet in north |
Why avoid summer on the Jordan Trail?
Summer is genuinely hazardous on the southern Jordan Trail. From June to August, the desert around Wadi Rum and the Dana to Petra section regularly exceeds 40 degrees Celsius, with little shade and water sources kilometres apart. Heat exhaustion and dehydration become real risks within hours, and the long daylight does not compensate for the danger. Even fit hikers carrying several litres in a ventilated pack like the Osprey Atmos AG 65 struggle to walk safely in midsummer desert heat. If you can only travel in summer, restrict yourself to the cooler northern highlands and water-based canyon routes.
What is spring like on the trail?
Spring is the most visually rewarding season. From March to early May the northern hills around Ajloun turn green, wildflowers carpet the Dana reserve, and seasonal streams flow through canyons that are bone-dry by summer. Temperatures climb steadily through the season — pleasant in March, warm by late May — so southbound hikers benefit from tackling the desert south early before the heat builds. Spring is also when the Jordan Trail Association runs its supported group thru-hike, a useful option for first-time visitors who want logistics handled.
What is autumn like on the trail?
Autumn is the connoisseur's choice for the desert sections. From September to November the fierce summer heat fades, leaving warm, stable, rain-free days perfect for Wadi Rum and the Dana to Petra trek. Nights cool noticeably, dropping toward 10 degrees Celsius by November, so a warm layer and a properly rated sleeping bag matter for desert camps. A high-capacity load-hauler such as the Deuter Aircontact Lite 45+10 carries the extra water and insulation that autumn desert camping demands. Autumn sees fewer wildflowers than spring but more reliable weather, which many thru-hikers prefer.
How do the seasons affect water and logistics?
Water availability swings dramatically with the seasons, and it is the single biggest planning factor. Spring streams that flow in March may be dry by May, while the desert south has no natural water in any season — you cache or carry it. The Jordan Trail Association publishes section-by-section water notes that change year to year, so check current data before each leg. For lightweight water carries on shorter sections, a frameless ultralight pack like the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Windrider keeps base weight low while still hauling 4–5 litres. Plan around the official Jordan Trail Association route notes, and confirm entry requirements through the national tourism authority at Visit Jordan before booking flights.
Which direction should you walk for the best weather?
Direction matters as much as month on a route that spans this many climate zones. A northbound thru-hike starting at Aqaba in early spring lets you tackle the hot desert south while it is still cool, reaching the green northern highlands as they hit their wildflower peak in April. A southbound hike from Umm Qais works better in autumn: you start in the mild north in September and arrive in the desert south in late October or November once the worst heat has broken. Matching your direction to the season keeps you in the comfortable 18–28 degree Celsius band for as much of the 675 km as possible.
Within a season, daily timing is its own discipline. Even in spring and autumn the desert sun peaks brutally between 11:00 and 15:00, so seasoned Jordan Trail hikers walk from first light, rest through the worst heat in whatever shade they can find, and walk again toward evening. This split-day rhythm is the single biggest factor in walking safely and enjoyably, and it shapes how much water you carry between sources. A breathable, supportive pack such as the Deuter Aircontact Core 50+10 makes those long, water-laden morning sessions far more bearable. Whichever direction you choose, build in a rest day around Petra — it is worth a full day of exploration rather than a rushed arrival.
Festivals and holidays also affect logistics. Ramadan shifts dramatically each year, and during it many village shops and restaurants keep limited daytime hours, so check the 2026 dates before planning resupply on a thru-hike. Outside Ramadan, village hospitality along the route is one of the trail's defining pleasures. Travellers building a broader regional trip sometimes pair the Jordan Trail's spring window with other warm-climate treks such as the jungle-bound Lost City Walking Track in Colombia, which shares a similar dry-season-only rhythm for 2026 departures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What month is best to hike from Dana to Petra?
March, April, October and November are the best months for the Dana to Petra trek. These months offer daytime temperatures around 20 to 28 degrees Celsius with little rain, avoiding both summer desert heat above 40 degrees Celsius and the cold, wet winter weather that can affect the higher start at Dana.
Is it too hot to hike the Jordan Trail in summer?
Yes, summer is too hot for most of the Jordan Trail. From June to August the southern desert sections regularly exceed 40 degrees Celsius with minimal shade and scarce water, creating a serious risk of heat exhaustion. Only the cooler northern highlands are advisable in summer, and even then early starts are essential.
Can you hike the Jordan Trail in winter?
Winter hiking is possible on the southern desert sections, where days stay mild, but the northern highlands turn cold and wet from December to February, with temperatures of 5 to 15 degrees Celsius and occasional snow. Winter is a poor choice for a full thru-hike but workable for short desert legs around Wadi Rum.
How many days do you need for the Jordan Trail?
The full Jordan Trail takes about 36 days to walk its 675 km. Most hikers with limited time choose sections instead — the four-day Dana to Petra trek is the most popular, while a one-week trip can combine Dana to Petra with a couple of days in Wadi Rum.
Does it rain on the Jordan Trail?
Rain is mostly confined to the winter months of December to February and falls almost entirely in the northern highlands. The spring and autumn hiking seasons are largely dry, and the southern desert receives very little rain in any season, which is why water must be carried or cached rather than collected.
