The 10 Essentials You Need to Pack for Jordan (Updated for 2023)
Some destinations capture your imagination from the first time you see them. For me, Jordan jumped onto my bucket list when I saw Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (one of many movies filmed in Jordan!). As Indy and the rest of the crew ride into the “Canyon of the Crescent Moon,” I knew I wanted to see that place for myself… someday.
In 2015, I won a contest to make my dream come true: I set off in May 2016 for a 10-day trip to Jordan! Then I made a return visit to Jordan in March/April 2022. You might say I’m hooked – and I want to show off how amazing Jordan is as a destination.
As part of my preparations for my first trip, I struggled to know what to pack. Is there a dress code for tourists in Jordan? (No.) What are women allowed to wear… or not wear? (It depends.) Is it really that hot? (Yes!)
Based on my experience, I’ve put together this Jordan packing list, plus some tips I learned firsthand about what to pack for Jordan.
This post was originally published in August 2016, and was updated most recently in March 2023.
General Packing Tips for Jordan
I’m not gonna lie – I deliberated significantly about what to pack for my trip to Jordan. After having visited, here are some tips I can give you that I know are accurate.
- Pack breathable clothing – If you pack clothes made of materials that don’t breathe, or that cling to you tightly, it’s likely you’re going to be uncomfortable in Jordan. Despite being dry, the temps can get quite warm even in the peak travel seasons (30+°C) and your skin needs to be able to breathe and sweat.
- Pack deodorant, not an antiperspirant – In a hot climate like Jordan, your skin needs to breathe*. Be kind to your fellow travel companions and guide, and be sure to have deodorant in your bag.
- Pack layers – including base layers – Jordan is especially well-suited for layering clothing. Wearing a base layer during the day means you can change and sink-wash each night to have fresh clothes, while nights in the desert can get quite chilly so extra layers to add on will help.
- Jordan is an active travel destination – While I love to travel for history and culture, many of those sights require walking or hiking. For example, in Jerash, at Petra, in Wadi Rum, and in Dana Biosphere Reserve – all are times you need good walking/hiking shoes.
*I had severe heat rash in Jordan during my first trip because I wasn’t sweating properly – trust me that you want to sweat!
Specific Packing Tips for Women Traveling to Jordan
As part of preparing for my trip to Jordan, I read every post from other female travel bloggers that I could find to try and get a sense of how women might need to dress in Jordan. Here’s what I learned, and what I discovered myself during my trip.
Jordanians are – on the whole – quite progressive toward tourism and acknowledge that Western and/or non-Muslim women will travel in their country. However, this doesn’t excuse us from dressing modestly and being considerate of their cultural practices for women. In particular, it’s important to either dress each day to cover your legs and shoulders – or have a scarf or sweater you can put on to cover up.
However, you can wear your typical clothes; if you love form-fitting stuff, you can rock that look and still be respectfully covered. The same goes for a swimsuit at the Dead Sea; plenty of tourists wear bikinis, but a one-piece is more appropriate.
What to Pack for Jordan
Armed with these tips, here’s a Jordan packing list to use for your itinerary, no matter how long you’re planning to visit. Here’s what to pack for and wear in Jordan.
1. Jordan Travel Guide
If you’re planning your Jordan trip on your own (i.e. not on a tour or with an agent), having a great travel guide will help you plan and make the most of your time on the ground.
The Lonely Planet Jordan travel guide is a good one. LP also gets how special Jordan is; they named Jordan to their “Best in Travel” list for 2023, which will only make it a more popular destination!
2. Sunglasses
Jordan receives about 300 days of sunshine per year, so yeah, you’re gonna need sunglasses. Until I lost them while traveling, these gradient-tinted Ray Bans were my go-to. They grip your head well so they’re up for any adventure, plus look great on everyone.
3. Scarf
While it might sound wild to pack a scarf for a hot climate, a scarf is a fantastic multi-use item for your trip.
As a woman, you can use it to cover up when needed to enter different sites; as any traveler, you can use it to cover your head and shield yourself from the sun.
This scarf, a traditional Jordanian Keffiyeh, will help you blend right in. (It’s also one of my favorite travel scarves!)
4. Base Layer Tanks/Tees
I always pack tank tops because they’re easy to hand-wash and dry on the road – and putting on a new tank each morning is a great way to start the day feeling fresh.
I’ve lately become obsessed with merino wool; it’s a great travel fabric because it’s moisture-wicking, odor-resistant, and wrinkle-resistant.
My favorite merino company, Unbound Merino, offers a base-layer tank that’s one of my travel essentials. For men, my husband recommends the EJIS Sweatproof Undershirt
5. Short-Sleeve Tops
Whether you identify as a man or woman, your primary tops in Jordan should have short sleeves. While it’s hot and you’ll want to wear sleeveless tops, it’s more appropriate to find something that covers your shoulders.
I love these dip-dyed tops on Amazon because they’re fitted but flowy at the same time. If you don’t love this style, pack whatever you like that won’t be too hot to wear!
Mr. V’s Pick for Men: Fruit of the Loom V-Neck T-Shirt
6. Cardigan or Sweater
Bring a light jacket layer for cool airplane rides or desert nights. Similar to the camis above, I love UNIQLO Airism hoodies because they’re ultra-soft, fit well, and keep you warm without overheating. My last one went with Mr. V and I on our extended European jaunt and came home with only minor wear and tear.
If you don’t love hoodies, I love the Everyday Twist Top from Encircled.
7. Swimsuit
If you’re going to Jordan, you’d better make sure your itinerary includes a stop at the Dead Sea! To really enjoy it, you’ll need a swimsuit so you can float in the salty water.
Like I mentioned above, I recommend a one-piece suit to be culturally respectful. I have a whole list of cute one-piece swimsuits for the Dead Sea that are appropriate for women, but a modest black one like this is a great starting point to find one that fits your body and makes you feel good.
Mr. V’s Pick for Men: O’Neill Santa Cruz Boardshorts
8. Breathable Trousers
My top mistake in Jordan was the trousers I packed – they were tight and hot and made me miserable. Since then, I’ve kept an eye out for great options, and I love UNIQLO’s drape pants. They come in both straight leg and jogger styles; their Airism leggings are also a great option for more diversity in your wardrobe.
In the event those aren’t available, the Dressy Sweatpant from Encircled is a fantastic, eco-conscious option.
Mr. V’s Pick for Men: ExOfficio Sol Cool Nomad Pant
9. Comfortable Flats
I pretty much always travel with at least one pair of flats; Tieks have been my go-to for the past four years. I wore a pair of Tieks on my first trip to Jordan – you can see I’m wearing them in the picture on a camel (below).
If you want another great option, I also love Toms Julie Flats and they’re half the price.
Mr. V’s Pick for Men: Here
10. Hiking Shoes/Boots
I love these Tevas; they’re one of the most functional shoes I own. Water-resistant (not that you’ll need it), comfy, and cute, they can handle hiking in Dana Biosphere Reserve and strolling among the ruins in Petra.
Tevas changed the style of this boot, so if you’re looking for something more modern, check the new version here.
or on Amazon
Mr. V’s Pick for Men: Salomon Men’s Hiking Boot
Final Thoughts on Traveling to Jordan
Jordan is a truly beautiful country that you’ll never forget – but don’t make it unforgettable because you’re wearing the wrong clothes for the climate. If you make sure to pack the right items, mix & match them, and add a few layers, you’ll be comfortable and focused on the beauty around you.
Have other questions about what to pack for Jordan? Let me know in the comments below!
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Um Husam
I read this article and your other article about your trip to Jordan and what surprised you. I’m glad you had a good time in Jordan, it is indeed very diverse and beautiful.
I’m wondering when you went though, because you talked so much about how hot it is. No doubt it’s hot in the summer, but spring, fall, and definitely winter can be brutally cold. It snows in Jordan. I find that the weather is almost the same as the DC area. Hot summers, cold winters. Most houses don’t have heat and are made of concrete which just makes it colder and more unbearable. I’m sure hotels have heat (I haven’t stayed in a hotel but I’m sure they do) but still everyone should be warned about the cold. No one should ever go to Jordan in the winter.. Ever. And in the fall and spring definitely bring sweaters and jackets and maybe even long underwear depending on the time of year.
Enjoyed your articles, just wanted to warn potential travellers that really the weather is like VA MD NC weather so it really gets cold outside of summer. The “middle east” is vast and not just a big desert.
Lisa Wilson
I hope you see this post before I leave on 8/27. I’ll be traveling to Jordan for almost ten days and I was wondering what travel adapters/voltage adapters I’ll need coming from the US? Can you recommend where to buy a good set since the one I purchased only had 2 of the supposed 5 outlet plugs used in Jordan.
Valerie
Great question, Lisa! Jordan uses the same plugs as the U.K. (the big squareish ones). I recommend buying something like this so you have every adapter you might need: https://amzn.to/2Z7LWMb
Sabine M
Hi Valerie,
Your Travelblog is brilliant! I was wondering whether you could give more detail on how travelling to Jordan during Ramadan is, especially when travelling with children. Does one miss out on many local restaurants and are there enough open restaurants on the long car journeys to be able to feed kids?
Thanks
Valerie
Great question, Sabine, and thanks for reading! I’m working on a guide for visiting Jordan during Ramadan but I don’t think it will be ready for Ramadan this year – are you planning to visit during this time (if you aren’t aware, it’s April 1-30)?
RITA LUCIDO
Hi Valerie.
I sent you a DM on Instagram but happy I found you here. You don’t really mention shorts. Are shorts totally inappropriate? We will be visiting the Wadi Rum and Petra in July and would love to be able to wear shorts but if that would offend then we definitely will not do.
Thanks in advance.
Valerie
Great question – you’re right I don’t recommend shorts because they are not appropriate for women. You should not show your knees or shoulders in Jordan, to be respectful.
Sam
Hi Valerie,
Is it safe for two girls to travel to Jordan?
Valerie
I’m not exactly sure what you’re planning, but generally, yes!