Last updated: January 18, 2025
Amman, Jordan, features a semi-arid climate classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as BSk and BSh. The city experiences a wide temperature range, with winter lows plunging to a minimum of -3°C (27°F) in January, while summer peaks can soar to a scorching 44°C (111°F) in August. The annual average temperature hovers around 19°C (67°F), reflecting the region’s distinct seasonal variations and characterizing its unique atmospheric conditions.
Amman, Jordan, exhibits distinct seasonal temperature patterns throughout the year. Winter months, particularly January and February, are characterized by chilly conditions, with minimum temperatures dipping as low as -3°C (27°F) and averaging around 9-11°C (49-51°F). As spring approaches in March and April, temperatures begin to rise significantly, with maximums reaching up to 39°C (103°F) by April, ushering in warmer days. By the time summer arrives in June, the heat intensifies, peaking in August where maximum temperatures soar to 44°C (111°F), creating a stark contrast to the cooler winter months. Cooling gradually occurs in September and October, with temperatures remaining warm but more moderate, averaging around 22-26°C (72-79°F). As the year transitions into winter again by December, a notable drop in temperatures is observed, reflecting Amman's dynamic climate and the significant fluctuations between seasons.
Amman and Umm ar Rasas experience similar temperature ranges throughout the year, with both locations recording a minimum of -3°C (27°F) in January and maximum temperatures reaching 41°C (107°F) in August in Amman and 41°C (105°F) in Umm ar Rasas. For more information, visit the monthly temperatures in Amman here and in Umm ar Rasas here.
Amman, Jordan, experiences a Mediterranean climate marked by a distinct wet season predominantly occurring during the winter months. January leads the precipitation chart with 38 mm (1.5 in) of rainfall over an average of 6 days, followed closely by February and March with 36 mm (1.4 in) and 37 mm (1.4 in), respectively. As spring progresses, precipitation significantly declines, dropping to 18 mm (0.7 in) in April and further to a mere 6 mm (0.3 in) in May, marking the transition to drier conditions.
The summer months, particularly June through August, see virtually no rainfall, with recorded precipitation falling to 1 mm (0.0 in) in June and August, while July remains entirely dry. The return of minimal rainfall occurs in the fall, with October witnessing 6 mm (0.2 in) and November bringing 16 mm (0.6 in) over 4 days. December concludes the year with 24 mm (0.9 in) across 4 days, indicative of the seasonal rainfall patterns that define Amman’s climate and its reliance on winter precipitation for water resources.
In Amman, Jordan, sunshine duration demonstrates a clear seasonal trend, with notable increases as the year progresses. The year begins with 229 hours of sunshine in January, gradually rising to 275 hours in February. As spring unfolds, the amount of solar exposure significantly escalates, peaking in May with 390 hours as the days grow longer and sunnier. June sets the stage for summer with 398 hours, leading into the peak month of July, which boasts an impressive 408 hours of sunlight, providing residents ample opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities.
Following the peak summer months, sunshine hours begin to taper off in August to 388 hours, and a gradual decline continues into the fall. September still retains a respectable 348 hours, but by October, this figure drops to 323 hours, setting the stage for the shorter days of winter. November and December see further declines, with 287 hours and 281 hours respectively. Overall, Amman experiences a pronounced shift from the shorter days of winter to the abundant sunshine of summer, revealing a delightful contrast that characterizes the city's climate.
The UV Index in Amman, Jordan, reflects significant seasonal variations that influence sun protection needs throughout the year. Starting in January with a UV Index of 5, the exposure is categorized as moderate, allowing for 30 minutes of burn time. As winter transitions into spring, February sees a notable increase to a UV Index of 7, categorized as high with a reduced burn time of just 25 minutes. March and April escalate dramatically into the very high range, reaching indices of 9 and 10 respectively, requiring vigilant protection as burn times decline to 15 minutes.
During the peak summer months of May and June, the UV Index hits extreme levels, peaking at 12 and 13 respectively, necessitating protective measures within just 10 minutes of exposure. As summer continues into July and August, the UV Index remains exceedingly high, though slightly decreasing in August to 11. A gradual decline begins in September with a 10 index, transitioning into the very high category. October and November still maintain significant UV exposure, with indices of 8 and 6, but by December, the index drops to a moderate 4, allowing for 30 minutes of burn time once again. This pattern emphasizes the importance of sun safety measures, particularly during the intense summer months when UV exposure poses the greatest risk.
UV Risk Categories
In Amman, Jordan, daylight duration exhibits a predictable seasonal progression, strongly influenced by the changing tilt of the Earth. January begins with just 10 hours of daylight, gradually increasing to 11 hours in both February and March as spring approaches. This trend continues into April with a full 12 hours of sunlight, and as May unfolds, daylight extends to 13 hours. The transition into summer is fully realized in June, where the longest days are enjoyed with a total of 14 hours of daylight, allowing ample time for outdoor activities and exploration.
As summer peaks in July and August, daylight remains consistent at 13 hours, gradually tapering off into the fall months. September witnesses a decrease to 12 hours, while October sees a drop to 11 hours. This trend towards shorter days continues through November and December, where daylight returns to 10 hours by the year's end. This pattern underscores the importance of adapting daily routines to harness the maximum sunlight available, particularly during the long summer days when opportunities for outdoor engagement are at their highest.
Amman, Jordan experiences a Mediterranean climate with distinct seasons. Winters (December to February) can be chilly, with average temperatures ranging from 8°C (47°F) in January to a maximum of 24°C (76°F) in February, along with moderate rainfall peaking in January at 38 mm. Summers (June to August) are hot and dry, with average highs reaching up to 41°C (107°F) in August and virtually no precipitation. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in the summer months, with July seeing about 408 hours of sun. For more detailed information, visit Amman climate.
Umm ar Rasas, Jordan, experiences a diverse climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -3°C (27°F) in January to a maximum of 41°C (105°F) in August. Precipitation is relatively low, peaking in the winter months at around 29 mm (1.1 in) and dropping to negligible amounts during the summer. The region benefits from ample sunshine, with July enjoying the highest hours at 408. This arid climate supports warm summers and cool winters, making it a unique ecological zone. For more details, visit Umm ar Rasas climate.
In conclusion, Amman's climate reveals distinct seasonal variations that significantly impact temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The city experiences a wide temperature range, characterized by hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters, alongside a notable drop in precipitation during the warmer months. As sunlight increases from winter to summer, the extended daylight hours and high UV Index necessitate careful sun protection during the peak months. Understanding these climatic patterns is essential for both residents and visitors, enabling them to optimize their outdoor activities, manage sun exposure, and effectively prepare for the varied weather throughout the year in this vibrant Jordanian capital.