Last updated: January 18, 2025
Ma'an, Jordan, experiences a diverse climate characterized by the Köppen-Geiger classes BWh (Hot desert), BSk (Cold semi-arid), and BWk (Hot semi-arid). The region sees a significant temperature range throughout the year, with January temperatures dipping to a minimum of -5°C (24°F), while July can soar to a scorching maximum of 43°C (110°F). The annual average temperature rests around a comfortable 19°C (67°F), contributing to the area's unique agricultural patterns and ecological dynamics.
The temperature patterns in Ma'an, Jordan, exhibit a notable seasonal progression, reflecting the region's transition from winter to summer. January and February begin with cold conditions, featuring minimum temperatures reaching as low as -5°C (24°F) and gradually warming to averages of 9°C (48°F) and 10°C (51°F), respectively. As spring approaches in March and April, the climate becomes increasingly temperate, with averages rising to 14°C (57°F) and 18°C (65°F), while maximum temperatures peak at 34°C (94°F) and 38°C (100°F). May marks the onset of summer, showcasing significantly higher averages around 23°C (74°F) and soaring maximums nearing 40°C (105°F). The peak summer months of June and July bring extreme heat, with average temperatures reaching 28°C (82°F) and maximums hitting an intense 43°C (110°F). August and September maintain high temperatures but begin a gradual decline as the autumn months approach, with averages decreasing to 26°C (79°F) by September. Finally, October sees a return to milder conditions, with temperatures ranging between cooler averages of 22°C (72°F) and maximums of 37°C (98°F), before the cycle returns to colder winter temperatures in November and December.
Wadi Musa experiences a significant range in temperatures throughout the year, with January seeing a minimum of -2°C (28°F) and September reaching a maximum of 39°C (103°F). This variation highlights the region's diverse climate conditions, making it essential for visitors to prepare accordingly for both cold and hot weather. For further details, check the monthly temperatures in Wadi Musa at monthly temperatures in Wadi Musa.
Precipitation in Ma'an, Jordan, follows a distinct seasonal pattern, with most rainfall concentrated in the winter and early spring months. January typically experiences the highest monthly rainfall, averaging 12 mm (0.5 in) over approximately two days. This is closely followed by February, which shows an increase to 22 mm (0.9 in) during about four rainy days. March sees a slight decline to 18 mm (0.7 in) across two days, while April marks a significant decrease with only 8 mm (0.3 in) falling over one day, and May drops further to a mere 4 mm (0.2 in).
As summer approaches, precipitation in Ma'an becomes exceedingly sparse, with June, July, August, and September recording virtually no rainfall, reflecting the region's arid climate. October experiences a minimal resurgence with 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain over one day, followed by November's 8 mm (0.3 in) over another day. December concludes the year with 4 mm (0.2 in) but sees no significant rainy days. Overall, the precipitation pattern illustrates a clear dry season during the summer months, contrasted by a wetter period from late fall through early spring, which supports the region's unique climatological profile.
In Ma'an, Jordan, sunshine duration demonstrates a pronounced seasonal variation, with hours of sunlight steadily increasing from winter to summer. Starting with January's 238 hours, the region gradually welcomes more daylight, reaching 286 hours in February and 340 hours in March. This upward trend continues into April with 354 hours, paving the way for May when the sunshine peaks at an impressive 387 hours. The sunnier months of June and July maintain this high, with sunshine duration stretching to 394 and 403 hours, respectively, marking the pinnacle of summer's heated embrace.
As summer yields to autumn, a gradual decline in sunshine hours becomes evident, although the reduction remains mild. August still enjoys a healthy 386 hours, followed by September's 348 hours as the days grow shorter. October sees a further decrease to 326 hours, while November and December close the year with 296 and 293 hours of sunlight, respectively. These trends not only emphasize the abundance of sunshine during the summer months but also reveal the region's relatively limited daylight during the winter, highlighting a climate that favors long, sun-soaked days for much of the year.
The UV Index in Ma'an, Jordan, exhibits a clear seasonal pattern that underscores the region's intense sun exposure, especially during the summer months. Beginning with January, the UV Index measures 6, categorized as high, allowing for approximately 25 minutes of safe sun exposure. This figure escalates rapidly in February, reaching 8 and transitioning into the very high category with a reduced burn time of just 15 minutes. The situation intensifies through the spring months, with March recorded at a UV Index of 10 and April spiking to an extreme level of 12, which imposes a mere 10 minutes of safe exposure. May and June maintain this extreme UV Index of 13, emphasizing the critical need for sun protection during this peak period.
As the summer wanes into autumn, the UV Index slightly decreases, yet it remains noteworthy. July and August sustain an extreme level of 12, followed by September, which shows a slight drop to 11. In October, the UV Index reduces to 9, classified as very high, while November declines further to 7, indicating high levels of exposure once again with a burn time of 25 minutes. By December, the UV Index finally recedes to a moderate level of 5, allowing for a safer 30 minutes of exposure. This trend indicates that while Ma'an enjoys abundant sunshine, residents and visitors must remain vigilant about sun safety during the peak UV months to prevent skin damage.
UV Risk Categories
In Ma'an, Jordan, daylight duration exhibits a clear seasonal cycle, characterized by gradual increases and decreases throughout the year. During the winter months, January offers approximately 10 hours of daylight, which slightly increases to 11 hours in February as the days begin to lengthen. March maintains this 11-hour duration, highlighting the transition into spring. By April, daylight extends to 12 hours, and as May arrives, it reaches a peak of 13 hours, signaling the approach of summer and longer days.
Summer in Ma'an sees the maximum daylight duration, with June boasting 14 hours of sunlight, the longest of the year. This abundance of daylight persists into July and August, where the duration slightly decreases to 13 hours. As autumn sets in, daylight begins to wane, dropping back to 12 hours in September, followed by 11 hours in October. The trend continues into the late fall and winter months, with daylight returning to 10 hours in both November and December. This cyclical pattern emphasizes the region’s variation in light exposure, shaping the lifestyle and activities throughout the seasons.
Wadi Musa, Jordan experiences a diverse climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. January sees temperatures ranging from -2°C to 22°C, while July, the hottest month, reaches up to 38°C. Precipitation is minimal, with the driest months being June through August, often receiving no rainfall at all. Sunshine hours are plentiful, peaking at 403 hours in July, ensuring a bright and sunny environment year-round. For detailed climate insights, visit Wadi Musa climate.
In conclusion, Ma'an, Jordan, exhibits a distinctive climate characterized by significant seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. With scorching summers and mild winters, the region experiences a pronounced increase in sunshine and UV exposure as the year progresses, necessitating careful sun protection during peak months. The notable differences in daylight duration further influence the local lifestyle and agricultural practices, aligning with the natural rhythms of the seasons. Understanding these climatic trends is essential for residents and visitors alike, highlighting the beauty and challenges posed by Ma'an's unique environmental conditions.