WHEN TO TRAVEL to Jordan

Location

Climate

Low and high season in Jordan

The first thing to consider when visiting Jordan is the difference between low and high season. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, but it's essential to take your personal preferences and budgetary constraints into account to make the right choice.

High season: spring and autumn

The months of spring (March to May) andfall (September to November) are generally considered the best times to visit Jordan. During these seasons, temperatures are pleasant, fluctuating between 20°C and 30°C in most regions. Spring is particularly popular with visitors wishing to admire the blooming deserts and wide-open green spaces. Autumn is ideal for enjoying the cooler days and mild nights of the Wadi Rum desert. However, these periods are also the most popular with tourists, which can lead to higher prices for flights and accommodation, as well as busier tourist sites.

Low season: summer and winter

If you want to avoid the crowds and benefit from more affordable rates, the low season is an option worth considering. The summer months (June to August) are very hot, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C, especially in the desert regions. Winter (December to February), on the other hand, is generally cooler and wetter, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C. Rainfall is also more frequent during this period, especially in mountainous regions. Although some attractions may be less enjoyable due to weather conditions, the low season allows you to discover Jordan from a different angle and enjoy a more authentic experience.

Major cultural events in Jordan

Jordan is rich in cultural events throughout the year. Here are some of the main events you can attend during your stay:

• Jordan Film Festival Amman Film Festival: this annual event, usually held in September, showcases local and international cinema. Screenings take place in various cinemas in the capital, Amman.
• Amman Music Festival July: every year in July, music lovers can enjoy free open-air concerts in various city parks. On the program: local and international artists representing a variety of musical genres.
• Jerash Festival The festival, held every summer, features a wide range of cultural events including dance, theater and music performances, as well as exhibitions of traditional Jordanian arts and crafts.
• Petra Desert Marathon The Petra Marathon: for lovers of sport and adventure, this unique marathon takes place every year in September and offers a breathtaking route through the majestic landscapes of the Petra archaeological site.

Public holidays in Jordan

Finally, it's important to take public holidays into account when planning your trip to Jordan, as they can have an impact on the opening times of tourist sites, shops and public transport. Here are some of Jordan's main public holidays:

• Independence Day (May 25): this national holiday celebrates Jordan's independence from Britain in 1946. Parades and official ceremonies are held throughout the country.
• Eid el-Fitr Ramadan: this religious festival, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, is celebrated for three days by Muslims all over the world. The exact dates vary each year according to the Islamic lunar calendar.
• Eid al-Adha Feast of the Sacrifice: also known as the "Feast of the Sacrifice", this religious celebration lasts four days and commemorates the sacrifice of Abraham in Muslim tradition. As with Eid el-Fitr, the dates vary according to the lunar calendar.
• Islamic New Year This day commemorates the migration of the Prophet Mohammed from Mecca to Medina in the year 622. Festivities are generally low-key, but some tourist attractions may be closed on this occasion.

Growing immigration to Jordan

The number of migrants in Jordan has risen sharply in recent years. According to data from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the Jordanian population now numbers more than 700,000 Syrian refugees. This represents around 10% of the country's total population. In addition to Syrian refugees, there are also a large number of migrants from other countries, such as the United Arab Emirates.Iraq and the Palestine. Jordan has also seen an increase in the number of immigrant workers, particularly from the Middle East. PhilippinestheEgypt and Bangladesh.

The challenges of integrating migrants

Promoting the integration of migrants and refugees into Jordanian society is a major challenge for the government. Among the measures taken to facilitate this integration are the provision of vocational and language training, and the creation of programs to offer employment opportunities to migrants.

Most popular visas in Jordan

Jordan offers a variety of visas to meet the different requirements of foreigners wishing to visit the country. Here are some of the most commonly requested visa types:

• Tourist visa : It is intended for people wishing to visit Jordan for tourism or to visit relatives. The maximum duration of this visa is usually 30 days.
• Business visa: This type of visa is intended for professionals traveling to Jordan for business reasons, such as attending conferences or business meetings. The duration varies according to the purpose of the trip and the documents provided by the Jordanian company inviting the applicant.
• Work visa: Foreign workers must obtain a work visa before they can legally work in Jordan. Obtaining this visa generally requires the presentation of an employment contract and a letter of invitation from the Jordanian employer.
• Student visa : International students wishing to study in Jordan must apply for a student visa. To do so, they must provide proof of enrolment in a recognized educational institution and have sufficient financial means to cover their living expenses.

How to obtain a visa

To apply for a visa to Jordan, foreign nationals are generally required to present a valid passport, recent passport photos and proof of accommodation booking or a letter of invitation. The specific conditions and documents required vary according to the type of visa requested and the nationality of the applicant. It should be noted that some countries benefit from visa exemption to enter Jordan for tourism purposes. Nationals of these countries can stay in Jordan without a visa for up to 90 days.

International tourism in Jordan: key figures

Jordan is a popular tourist destination, thanks in particular to its historical and cultural sites, such as Petra, Jerash and Wadi Rum. According to data published by the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the number of international tourists visiting Jordan has grown significantly in recent years.

• In 2010, Jordan welcomed some 4.1 million international visitors.
• This figure fell slightly in 2011 and 2012 due to political tensions in the region, but began to recover in 2013 with almost 3.8 million tourists.
• In 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of international tourists to Jordan was estimated at over 5.3 million.

This growth in international tourism has a positive impact on the Jordanian economy, generating income and creating jobs in the sector. However, it also raises challenges in terms of sustainability and the management of natural and cultural resources.

Jordan's main outbound tourist markets

The countries most represented among international tourists to Jordan are :

• Saudi Arabia
• China
• The United States
• The United Kingdom
• European Union countries