Top 10 best winter activities in Jordan - Experience Jordan Adventures

Visit Jordan during winter, and enjoy these top 10 best things to do while on a winter trip to Jordan, to be precise, we’re talking about December, January & February here:

Living like a king or queen at the Dead Sea & Ma’in hot springs.

1- Premium Dead Sea Cordiality: Even in winter, the mineral-rich waters of the Dead Sea are still warm enough for a quick dip- or rather float, particularly for those coming from countries like UK, Ireland, USA, Canada or most of the EU. The perceived air temperature due to it being the lowest point on earth, makes winter season a prime time to get the therapeutic benefits of the saline waters. Also if you happen to be lucky enough booking few nights in winter at a Dead Sea resort, grants you world class spas, indoor (and in some hotels even outdoor) heated pools, sauna and Jacuzzi at your disposal, with luxurious treatments, such as mud wraps, massages, and Turkish bath, utilizing the healing properties of the sea’s minerals, you will feel pampered for sure.

2- Extraordinary Ma’in Hot Springs: A 30-minute drive from Jordan’s Dead Sea tourist beach, resides an exceptional hot spring, where you get to relax in warm sulfuric waters, surrounded by stunning background. The springs are explicitly soothing in winter, offering a tranquil experience above and beyond what is typical of normal winter endeavors, whether in or outside of Jordan.

Indiana Jones is fictional. You are the real adventurer of Petra.

3- Unique Exploration of Petra’s Historical Monuments: Winter offers slightly cold temperatures when hiking through Petra trails, making it more comfortable than summer for westerners to sightsee the ancient Nabatean city midday. Visit iconic sites like the Treasury, Monastery, and the High Place of Sacrifice with neither the intense crowds nor heat. You can venture on longer routes like Al-Madbah and Wadi Farasa trail or even the full hike from Little Petra to Petra Visitor Center in one go.

4- Authentic Food Sampling at Locals of Wadi Musa: Presenting the AAA, ahem 😅, triple-M smashers of our cuisine: Starting with Mansaf (but not literally) – the traditional Jordanian main course made with lamb chunks in boiling yogurt sauce, and rice sprinkled with crisped nuts. The second option is Musakhan – a dish of roasted chicken over taboon bread, topped with onions, olive oil, and sumac. Last of which is Maklouba – a flavorful dish made with layers of vegetables, then meat (often chicken or lamb), then rice, all spiced, cooked upside down, eventually flipped once serving. Tastes befitting the season, made by the hands of local Bedouin chefs, guarantee more than enough calories to burn in a single march.

Don’t underestimate the power of silence, at least not inside the nature retreat that is Wadi Rum.

5- Calm Desert Trekking: In the coldest time of the year, after sunrise until sunset treks and camel rides are not only possible but noiseless, pollution levels are even lower than what’s already incredibly low during the rest of the year. Walk through the diverse landscape of Wadi Rum’s vast desert and contemplate on those mighty stunning mountains. Conditions for pure reflection, meditation and inner peace.

6- Disconnect at a Bedouin Camp: “No news is good news”, right? So, why not take it another step! Here’s an ideal place to get away from the load of internet & communications, just book a cozy stay in one of the better Bedouin camps, or simply wear extra layers of clothing if you know you can handle a bit of cold weather, since snow and frost are rare to happen in Wadi Rum anyway. Chilly desert evenings are perfect for gathering around a fire, eating BBQ meals. Plus if astronomy clicks, stargazing tends to be clearer under a wintry night sky,

Daring to defy the norm is hilariously “normal” in Aqaba.

7- Combat by Wetsuit Thickness: To all of us who love nature, the warm water of the Red Sea, and the investments by officials & supporters aiming to preserve marine life in the Gulf of Aqaba, offer some of the best diving opportunities. There is the underwater museum of military vehicles as an artificial reef, where instead of tanks firing shells you get to witness cute little sardines come out of the barrel, heartwarming! Or the chance to watch a sea turtle take over the cockpit of a helicopter, splendid! Or board an aircraft while a shoal of fish are already stationed in the plane, exquisite! Then there’s the Japanese Garden with vibrant coral reefs, immense visibility down to 30m deep, pleasant to both beginners and technical divers. Moreover, there’s the South beach Gorgon I, Gorgon II, and the Seven Sisters bursting with spectacular ocean animals & plants. Ask a dive center here they’ll ensure you’re well-equipped for the task.

8- Counter with Tools and Science: Let’s say it was too cold for swimming or snorkeling, that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun outside, the Marine Science Station (Aquarium), which initially was an exhibit intended to house aquatic wildlife being studied by researchers at Jordanian universities, is open to the public’s growing curiosity, kids included. Or hop on a glass-bottom boat enabling passengers to observe the underwater environment while staying dry. No magic tricks involved!

Truth be told, freedom, creativity, happiness are just a few words describing Amman.

9- Vacation in a Downtown Area: The cooler winter months make it extra special for exploring Amman’s historical sites, take your time walking the alleys of “Wast Al-Balad” in between its main attractions, here’s the plan; if you start at Amman Citadel & the Umayyad Palace you’ll have an easy descend to reach the Roman Theatre, then crossing many old shops, restaurants & bazaars make your way to the Jordan Museum, combined distance is about 8 kilometers – that’s 5 miles for you Brits & Americans out there. A path I like to stroll myself when it’s snowing or rainy bar the touristic spots.

10- Popular Markets, Cafés & Venues: Winter is a great time to explore Amman’s colorful local markets like Rainbow Street area, the Paris square vicinity, or stop by Abdali Boulevard. To warm up choose between traditional Jordanian coffee, Shay Bil Maramiya tea, or Sahlab with a pinch of Cinnamon in any local café.