The climate of Amman
The city of
Amman is characterized by a Subtropical Steppe climate according to the Köppen climate classification system, extending its influence upon the year-round weather patterns. This is identified as BSh in the classification system. Its geographical position in the arid landscapes of
Jordan leaves it susceptible to hot temperatures and minimal rainfall.
Observations across the field reveal a progressive change in weather parameters throughout the year. Amman experiences a dynamic range in temperatures from a minimum of 3.6°C (38.5°F) in the winter months to a maximum of 32.4°C (90.3°F) during the peak of summer. Daylight hours show a similar progression throughout the year, ranging from 10.1 hours during
December to a peak of 14 hours in
June and
July.
Rainfall in Amman is highly seasonal. The significant rainfall observed from December to
February, peaking at 63mm (2.48") in
January gives way to a dry period extending from June to
September wherein virtually no rainfall is observed. The frequency of rainfall days shows a similar pattern, seeing a decrease from 11 days in January to virtually nonexistent in June and July. Sunshine hours follow an opposite pattern, reaching up to 12.5 hours during the dry months.
The most distinctive aspect of Amman’s weather pattern is the total absence of rain between June and September, coupled with peak sunshine hours and warm temperatures. In contrast, winter months witness a significant increase in rainfall, cloudy days, and lower temperatures.
The best time to visit Amman
Given the subtropical steppe climate and considering the parameters of rainfall, sunshine hours, and temperature range, the optimum time to visit
Amman would arguably be between
March and
May. During these months, the rainfall is much lower in comparison to the winter months, and the temperature begins its gradual rise from 17.2°C (63°F) in March to 27.8°C (82°F) in May, without reaching the peak summer heat. Sunshine hours too see an increase consistently giving tourists ample daylight to experience the city.
The worst time to visit Amman
On the contrary, the harshest period to visit
Amman can be observed from
June to
September. During these months, the city observes its dry phase with temperatures reaching up to 32.4°C (90.3°F) coupled with a high UV index of 11 to 12. The lack of rainfall, high temperatures, and a high UV index could make sightseeing and exploration quite strenuous during this period.
Spring weather in Amman
Spring in
Amman during
March through
May brings in pleasant temperatures ranging from 17.2°C (63°F) to 27.8°C (82°F). While March sees a slight rainfall of 43mm (1.69"), the subsequent months are relatively dry. Increasing daylight hours and reducing rainfall days indicate the arrival of the drier months of the year.
Summer weather in Amman
The summer months of
June to
September in
Amman are particularly hot and dry where temperatures rise from 30.8°C (87.4°F) in June reaching up to 32.4°C (90.3°F) in
August. This period also sees the longest daylight durations in the year, with 14 hours in June and
July, along with the highest UV index of 12 in June and July.
Autumn weather in Amman
Autumn descends on
Amman from
October to
November bringing slightly cooler temperatures ranging from 27.1°C (80.8°F) to 20.4°C (68.7°F). There is a sharp rise in rainfall from 0mm (0") in
September to 28mm (1.1") in November, marking the onset of the wetter season in the city.
Winter weather in Amman
Winter in
Amman, from
December to
February, witnesses the lowest temperatures of the year. From 14.4°C (57.9°F) in December to 12.3°C (54.1°F) in February, the temperatures can dip to as low as 3.6°C (38.5°F). Winters also mark the highest rainfall in the year, peaking at 63mm (2.48") in December. Increased frequency of rainfall days and limited sunshine hours characterize this period.
Weather in January
Wintertime in
Amman,
Jordan is marked by a cool climate with an average high of 12.3°C (54.1°F) and the mercury dipping to a low of 3.6°C (38.5°F).
January is typically a time of consistent climatic conditions that make it not only one of the coldest but also one of the cloudiest months.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Amman starts seeing a subtle hint of spring during
February, with an increase in temperature to an average high of 13.7°C (56.7°F). The weather begins to gradually shift from the blustery
January chill but continues to remain comparatively wet with rainfall averaging 62mm (2.44").
Weather in February » Weather in March
By
March, the city of
Amman undergoes a noticeable shift in weather as spring begins to sprout, pushing the average high temperature to 17.2°C (63°F). A decrease in rainfall to 43mm (1.69") signifies the end of the wet winter season transitioning into drier climes.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
April, with an average high temperature of 22.6°C (72.7°F),
Amman proudly steps into spring, leaving behind any remnants of the cool climate. The drier air makes its presence known as rainfall levels drop dramatically to 14mm (0.55") which is significantly lower than in
March.
Weather in April »Weather in May
In
May,
Amman's weather turns significantly warmer with an average high temperature of 27.8°C (82°F). An evident decrease in precipitation marking only 3mm (0.12") of rainfall alludes to the arid and dry nature of the season. Consistent sunshine, longer daylight hours, and weather that enables outdoor activities are the highlights during this month.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June marks the onset of the hot summer with the average high temperature soaring to 30.8°C (87.4°F) in
Amman. The weather is typically arid, given the total absence of rainfall during this month. Longer daylight hours and constant sunshine define the city's longest days of the year.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Amman brings the summer heat to its climax. The mercury hits its peak, with an average high of 32°C (89.6°F), exhibiting a subtle increase from
June. Without a single drop of rain, the weather during this period can be described as dry and arid at its extreme.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues the warm trend with a slight increase in the average high temperature to 32.4°C (90.3°F), making it the hottest month. The persisting arid conditions, exacerbated by the absence of rainfall, contribute to the demanding summer.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September signifies the start of the transition from summer heat to milder climates with a decline in the average high temperature to 30.7°C (87.3°F). Although still arid with very minimal rainfall of only 0mm (0") recorded, the afternoons become considerably cooler.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings a noticeable difference in the weather of
Amman with an average high temperature of 27.1°C (80.8°F), thus heralding the onset of autumn. With a small spike in rainfall to 7mm (0.28"), the dry spell gradually begins to break, giving way to slightly wetter climates.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November exhibits a further decrease in the average high temperature to 20.4°C (68.7°F) in
Amman, solidifying the arrival of cooler conditions. Rainfall sees a notable increase to 28mm (1.1"), making this month fairly wetter than
October.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December marks the return of winter in
Amman with temperatures decreasing to an average high of 14.4°C (57.9°F). With a pearked rainfall of around 49mm (1.93"), December also turns out to be a significantly wetter month than
November.
Weather in December »