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Aqaba, Jordan’s Red Sea resort, enjoys a hot desert climate with abundant sunshine year-round. Summers are extremely hot and dry, while winters are mild and pleasant. Rainfall is scarce, with most months seeing little to no precipitation. The city’s warm temperatures and clear skies make it a popular destination for beach lovers and divers throughout the year.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
The climate of Aqaba
Aqaba features a subtropical desert climate, characterised by long, scorching summers and short, mild winters. During summer (June to September), average daytime highs soar to 36–40°C, with July and August often exceeding 40°C. Nights remain warm, rarely dropping below 22°C. The heat is intense but dry, and the Red Sea’s breezes offer occasional relief. Winters (December to February) are mild and comfortable, with daytime highs of 19–23°C and cooler nights around 8–12°C. Even in January, the coldest month, temperatures rarely fall below 6°C at night, and days are sunny and pleasant.
Rainfall is minimal, with an annual average of just 5–36 mm, concentrated mostly in the winter months. Many months, especially from May to September, see virtually no rain. Sunshine is a defining feature – Aqaba enjoys 11–14 hours of daylight in summer and 7–8 hours in winter, with over 3,300 hours of sunshine annually. Humidity is generally low, and winds are usually light to moderate, though occasional gusts may occur. The Red Sea remains warm for swimming year-round, with sea temperatures ranging from 21°C in winter to 27°C in late summer. Snow is virtually unknown in Aqaba, and storms are rare, making outdoor activities possible throughout most of the year.
| Average climate data for Aqaba, Jordan | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 20 | 22 | 26 | 31 | 35 | 38 | 39 | 39 | 36 | 33 | 27 | 22 | 39 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 9 | 10 | 13 | 17 | 21 | 24 | 25 | 25 | 23 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 9 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 5 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 8 | 32 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 9 |
| Average water temperature (°C) | 22 | 21 | 21 | 22 | 24 | 26 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 27 | 25 | 23 | 25 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 8 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 13 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 10 |
| Average UV index | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 8 |
Travel info
- Spring (March–May): Warm and sunny, with highs of 25–36°C. Ideal for all outdoor activities, including diving, snorkelling, and sightseeing. Crowds are moderate, and rainfall is rare.
- Summer (June–August): Extremely hot and dry, with highs of 36–40°C or more. Best for beach and water activities if you tolerate heat. Stay hydrated, use sun protection, and avoid strenuous activities during midday.
- Autumn (September–November): Warm and pleasant, with highs of 28–37°C. Sea temperatures are at their warmest, perfect for swimming and diving. Evenings become cooler, and crowds return after the summer heat.
- Winter (December–February): Mild and sunny, with highs of 19–23°C and cool nights. Great for sightseeing, outdoor dining, and lower hotel rates. Occasional brief rain showers may occur, but most days are clear.
- General tips: Pack light, breathable clothing for summer and a light jacket for winter evenings. Sun protection is essential year-round. Book early for spring and autumn, the most popular seasons. Water temperatures are always swimmable.
The best time to visit Aqaba
The best time to visit Aqaba is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when temperatures are warm but not extreme, humidity is low, and the sea is perfect for swimming and diving. These seasons offer the most comfortable conditions for outdoor activities and exploring the region’s natural and cultural attractions.
The worst time to visit Aqaba
The least favourable time to visit Aqaba is during the peak summer months of June to August, when temperatures frequently exceed 40°C. The intense heat can make outdoor activities uncomfortable, especially for those unaccustomed to desert climates. However, the sea remains inviting, and crowds are smaller than in spring or autumn.
Frequently asked questions
Aqaba has a hot desert climate with extremely hot, dry summers and mild, sunny winters. Rainfall is scarce, and the city enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year, making it ideal for outdoor and beach activities.
The best times to visit Aqaba are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), when temperatures are warm but not extreme, and the weather is perfect for swimming, diving, and exploring the city.
Rainfall in Aqaba is very limited, with most months receiving little to no precipitation. The wettest months are December and January, but even then, rain is brief and infrequent.
Summer temperatures in Aqaba often reach 36–40°C, with July and August being the hottest months. The heat is dry and intense, so visitors should take precautions to avoid sunburn and dehydration.
Yes, the Red Sea in Aqaba is warm year-round, with temperatures ranging from 21°C in winter to 27°C in late summer. Swimming, snorkelling, and diving are possible in any season.
Bring light, breathable clothing, sun protection, and a hat for summer. In winter, pack a light jacket for cooler evenings. Swimwear is essential, and comfortable sandals or shoes are recommended for exploring.
Yes, Aqaba is an excellent winter destination, with mild temperatures, sunny days, and warm sea water. It’s ideal for escaping colder climates and enjoying outdoor activities with fewer crowds.
Minimum and maximum temperatures in Aqaba
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is July (39.3 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (20.5 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 30.8 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is August (25.3 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is January (8.8 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 17.7 °C.
Water temperature in Aqaba
The month with the highest average water temperature is August (29.1 °C). The month with the lowest average water temperature is February (20.9 °C). Overall, the average water temperature over the whole year is 24.8 °C.
Rainfall amount in Aqaba
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is December (7.6 mm). The driest months, with the least amount of precipitation, are June, July, August and September (0 mm). Over the whole year there are 31.5 mm of rainfall on average.
Rainfall days in Aqaba
The month with the most days of rain is January (1.9 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is September (0 days). Over the whole year there are 9.4 days of rain on average.
Daylight hours and sunshine hours in Aqaba
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 14 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 10 h). Over the whole year there are 11.8 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is July (Average sunshine: 12.9 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is December (Average sunshine: 7 h). Over the whole year there are 10 h of sunlight per day on average.
UV index in Aqaba
The months with the highest average UV index are June, July and August (UV index: 12). The months with the lowest average UV index are January and December (UV index: 4). Over the whole year the average UV index is 8.4.
- Aqaba climate overview
- Climate table
- Related travel information for Aqaba
- The best time to visit Aqaba
- The worst time to visit Aqaba
- Frequently asked questions
- Temperature summary
- Water temperature summary
- Rainfall amount summary
- Rainfall days summary
- Daylight hours and sunshine hours summary
- UV index summary
- Other recommended travel destinations