Jordan is more or less a year-round destination, but hot summers and fairly cold winters make it a country best enjoyed in the spring and autumn. For budget travelers, winter is a definite option as long as you dress properly. Note that you can still enjoy the water since the Dead and Red Seas are warm year-round.

March – May: Springtime is the best time to visit Jordan. It’s warm but not unbearable and the country is covered in wildflowers. Because the climate varies widely depending on where you are, this is the best time to enjoy temperate weather everywhere.

September – November: Weather starts to cool slightly in autumn, but stays pleasant until November, when it starts to cool into the low 60s F – still temperate by most standards.

Jordanians take eating very seriously and it’s no wonder: their food is some of the best in The Middle East. The food is fresh and flavorful, influenced by spices and cooking techniques from both Africa and Central Asia.

Ask any Jordanian what the best dish is and they’ll tell you mansaf, a spiced rice dish made with lamb and fermented yogurt. It’s not for everyone but definitely worth trying.

Other delicious dishes include kibbeh bi laban (fried meatballs in yogurt), mujadara (a rice and lentil dish), and fattet hummus (a bread, yogurt and chickpea dish) amongst many other delicious eats.

If you’d like to get a true taste of the food scene in Jordan, consider taking a cooking class in Petra and be sure to check out one of many amazing food tours here!