Winter casts a special kind of magic over Aqaba, Jordan’s sun-splashed playground on the Red Sea. While much of the region shivers, Aqaba settles comfortably into a gentle warmth—think 18–24°C (64–75°F)—making it one of the Middle East’s most pleasant winter escapes. The city hums softly this time of year: quieter beaches, calmer seas, and a slower, more soulful rhythm that invites you to linger rather than rush.
Why Winter Is the Best Time to Visit
Winter in Aqaba is that sweet spot when everything feels effortless. The sun is warm but never harsh, the nights are crisp, and the sea stays surprisingly swimmable. Visibility underwater improves, too, turning the Red Sea into an enormous living aquarium. Prices are generally friendlier than peak seasons, and you’ll find fewer crowds at hotels, beaches, and dive sites.
Things to Do in Aqaba During Winter
1. Explore the Red Sea’s Underwater World
Aqaba is a diver’s paradise, famous for its coral gardens and vibrant marine life. Winter’s gentle temperatures make both scuba diving and snorkeling incredibly comfortable. Popular dive sites like the Cedar Pride shipwreck, the Japanese Garden, and the Tanks Dive Site are teeming with colorful fish and intricate corals—perfect for beginners and experienced divers alike.
2. Relax on Aqaba’s Sun-Drenched Beaches
Whether you choose a private beach at a resort or the public shoreline near the city center, Aqaba’s beaches retain their charm in winter. The water glimmers turquoise, the sand stays warm, and the atmosphere feels snuggly and serene. It’s the ideal season for lazy afternoons, seaside lunches, and sunset strolls.
3. Enjoy a Boat Trip or Glass-Bottom Cruise
With calm seas and cool breezes, winter is an excellent time to hop on a boat tour. From glass-bottom boats to luxury yachts, you can catch sweeping views of the colorful reefs without even dipping a toe into the water.
4. Wander the Streets, Cafés, and Markets
Aqaba’s city center is compact and lively, filled with shisha lounges, seafood restaurants, and small souvenir shops. Winter evenings are perfect for walking through the markets, tasting fresh grilled fish, or enjoying a warm mint tea by the water.
Perfect Winter Day Trips: Petra & Wadi Rum
One of Aqaba’s greatest advantages is its location. You can be deep in the desert or wandering through ancient ruins within a couple of hours.
Petra (About 2 hours from Aqaba)
Winter is arguably the best season to visit Petra, Jordan’s crown jewel. The cooler temperatures make the long walks far more enjoyable. You can wander the Siq without sweating, stand in awe before the Treasury, and explore the Monastery in crisp mountain air. The winter light brings out Petra’s rose-red hues beautifully.
Wadi Rum (About 1 hour from Aqaba)
Nothing compares to the stillness of Wadi Rum in winter—the sandstone mountains glow gold in the soft afternoon light, and the desert air carries a clean, cold clarity.
A winter visit pairs perfectly with:
- 4x4 desert tours across dunes and rock bridges
- Camel rides at sunrise
- Stargazing under some of the darkest skies in the region
- Overnight Bedouin camping, where you’ll gather around a fire for traditional music and zarb (underground barbecue)
The nights can be chilly, but that only makes the experience more atmospheric.
A Winter Journey to Remember
Visiting Aqaba in winter feels like discovering Jordan’s relaxed, sunlit side—one that many travelers overlook. It’s a season of warm daylight, cool adventure, and easy access to some of the Middle East’s most iconic places.
Combine the sea of Aqaba, the stones of Petra, and the sand of Wadi Rum, and you have a winter escape that is both peaceful and unforgettable.