What To Wear In Jordan [Female Packing List for Jordan]
Planning a trip to one of the Middle East’s most fascinating countries, then you’re probably wondering what to wear in Jordan.
Jordan was the first Middle Eastern country that I visited. It had been on my travel bucket list for years, in particular the ruins of Petra. As much as I was excited to finally be going, I was totally unsure about what to pack for Jordan, especially as a female.
I know figuring out the dress code here might seem daunting given it’s much more conservative than the West. From a practical stance, I wanted to be comfortable in the heat and for the activities I was doing, yet I still wanted to respect the local customs.
During my trip, I honed in the perfect wardrobe to fit in and feel comfortable so I’ve put together this detailed female packing list for Jordan based on my experiences.
So, whether you’re curious about how to dress in Jordan as a woman or simply seeking practical tips, I cover it all in this article. I’ve also included a downloadable guide that you can keep for future reference. Let’s go!
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What to Wear in Jordan As A Woman
If you’re looking for a general rule on what to pack for Jordan, then opt for modest and lightweight clothing.
Linen trousers, long floaty dresses and kaftans are all great options.
Although it’s important to know how to dress in Jordan, it’s also important to know about some clothing you should avoid wearing – I’ll go into that next.
Before we carry on, don’t forget to download my packing list for Jordan to use later.
What should female tourists wear in Jordan?
Travelling as a solo female traveller to Jordan is safe and hassle-free. You’ll notice the typical dress code for Jordanian women is quite different compared to what we’re used to in the West.
The variable terrains and weather also influenced my packing decisions.
One thing I did notice here was that my wardrobe for Jordan was very similar to what I took how I dressed in Morocco.
👉 Good to know: Female tourists to Jordan are NOT required to cover their heads.
Jordan Packing List
Standard items like underwear and a toothbrush are a given for any trip, so this list below skips those.
Rest assured, I do include all of those essentials in the Jordan travel checklist which you can download and keep.
All of these items are suitable to wear in Jordan and look stylish – I recommend opting for floaty, loose-fitting, and lightweight fabrics, especially in the hot summer months.
- Maxi dresses
- Below-knee length skirts/ midi skirts
- Wide-legged trousers
- Oversized t-shirts
- Shirts
- Kaftan tops
- Poncho/Shawl
- Scarf
- Sunglasses
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Comfortable walking shoes (I opted for white trainers and my Birkenstocks)
- Secure day bag
Tips for Styling Your Marrakech Wardrobe
- I lived in my baggy gym pants with elasticated ankles. I know they’re not for everyone, but I found them super practical for a range of activities. I could have my legs covered during the cool mornings and then roll them up when it got hot.
- Another item I wore a lot was my oversized t-shirts. They look great tucked into a pair of linen trousers or jeans with a cute belt. If I wanted to add some colour, then used a large satin colourful scarf to put through the loops. If it’s chilly when you visit, add a blazer-style jacket to this outfit.
- The mornings are cold, especially if you’re in the desert or walking around Petra at 5 am. I didn’t want to carry a coat with me so instead I opted for a cozy poncho which I could put over any outfit that I was wearing.
- You’ll probably be doing a lot of walking in Jordan – especially around ruin sites where the ground is a little uneven. I didn’t even take a pair of high heels on my trip. Instead, I opted for a mix of white trainers – which go with pretty much everything – gym trainers, Birkenstocks and flip-flops/thongs. Generally, I stuck to wearing closed-toed shoes, purely to help keep my feet clean. The streets are quite dusty and dirty.
👉 One of my favourite accessories are scarves. Jordan is known for its beautiful textiles so I definitely recommend shopping for some while you’re here.
Scarves are also really useful if you plan to visit the Wadi Rum Desert – which I 100% recommend you do for at least one night while you’re in Jordan. You’ll can wrap your scarf into a turban to help keep the sand out of your nose and mouth.
What Not to Wear in Jordan
While you’re free to wear what you like in private spaces, certain clothes should be avoided in public.
As a generalisation, Aqaba, Petra, the Dead Sea and Wadi Rum are very touristy and they definitely felt more relaxed compared to other regions.
Six Things To Avoid Wearing In Jordan
- Booty shorts, hot pants and short skirts (generally anything too far above your knee)
- Anything made in sheer fabric, if you can see your underwear through it, it’s too sheer
- Mid-drift tops or backless tops
- Figure-hugging tops and low-cut tops which expose your cleavage
- Anything that shows off your figure too much – so leave that 80s Lycra catsuit at home
- Clothes that expose a lot of skin
While I advocate for women’s right to wear what we want, I also want to be respectful and not draw unwanted attention to myself.
👉 One of my favourite experiences in Jordan was camping overnight in Wadi Rum.
There are plenty of options of places to stay from luxury bubble tents through to traditional Bedouin Camps. I highly recommend a traditional camp for the best experience – not sure what to expect? then find out what it’s like to stay at a Bedouin Camp here.
What to Wear in Jordan as a Man
Men generally have it much easier than women in Jordan, although you will find that the local men do tend to wear longer-sleeved shirts and trousers – even in the heat.
- For exploring ruin sites, opt for things like linen trousers, chinos, or shorts with a breathable shirt.
- Wear linen shirts or plain t-shirts – remember to avoid clothing with slogans and images that might be offensive.
- If you’re visiting Jordan in the colder months, pack jumpers and a jacket.
- Pack comfortable shoes, a sun hat and sunglasses for travel
- Use a secure cross-body style bag to put valuables in – try not to put things in your back pockets.
👉 Most people only visit Petra ruins for one day. Yes, you can see the highlights of the archaeological park in that time, but I do recommend opting for the 2-day pass to see a lot more of the off-the-beaten-track places and for an overall better experience. Find out all the things to see at Petra Ruins here.
What to wear to Jordan: Season by season
Jordan has seasons, but also the climate around Jordan can be quite diverse depending on where you’re visiting.
I visited during the Spring, so I experienced warm days and cool evenings.
- Jordan in Spring (March to May): Daytime temperatures range from 8°C to 24°C (46°F to 75°F). Bring light layers for the cooler mornings, comfortable walking shoes for exploring, a sunhat and sunglasses for increasing sun strength, and a light jacket or sweater for the evenings.
- Jordan in Summer (June to August): Temperatures can soar above 32°C (90°F). Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, ensure you have strong sun protection including a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen, carry a light scarf for additional sun shielding or modesty in religious sites, and keep a water bottle handy to stay hydrated.
- Jordan In Autumn (September to November): The climate cools to a comfortable range of 18°C to 27°C (64°F to 80°F). Pack layered clothing to adjust to changing temperatures, a lightweight jacket for evenings, comfortable footwear for active days, and a cap or light scarf to protect against the sun.
- Jordan In Winter (December to February): With temperatures dropping to between 5°C and 15°C (41°F to 59°F), you will need a warm jacket, long pants and tops for layering, a scarf and gloves for cold nights, especially in the desert, and sturdy shoes for wet or icy conditions.
| Jordan in January | Weather: Cold, especially at night, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 12°C. Occasional rainfall. Pack: Warm clothing, waterproof jacket, scarf, gloves, and comfortable, warm footwear. |
| Jordan in February | Weather: Similar to January with slight warming. Temperatures vary between 6°C and 14°C with possible rain. Pack: Layers for variable temperatures, warm jacket, raincoat, and sturdy shoes. |
| Jordan in March | Weather: Transition to spring. Temperatures from 8°C to 17°C with decreasing rainfall. Pack: Light jacket, layers, comfortable walking shoes, and a rain jacket for early March showers. |
| Jordan in April | Weather: Pleasantly warm with temperatures between 13°C and 22°C. Minimal rainfall. Pack: Light layers, long-sleeve shirts, trousers, sunhat, and sunglasses. |
| Jordan in May | Weather: Warm, approaching summer with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 27°C. Dry conditions. Pack: Summer attire including t-shirts, shorts, breathable fabrics, and sun protection. |
| Jordan in June | Weather: Hot, beginning of peak summer with temperatures from 20°C to 30°C. Dry. Pack: Lightweight, breathable clothing, wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, and a water bottle. |
| Jordan in July | Weather: Very hot with temperatures soaring between 22°C and 32°C. Dry and sunny. Pack: Very light clothing, UV protection, sandals, and plenty of sun protection. |
| Jordan in August | Weather: Similar to July, extremely hot with temperatures from 22°C to 32°C. Pack: Light fabrics, sun hat, high SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle. |
| Jordan in September | Weather: Very hot with temperatures soaring between 22°C and 32°C. Dry and sunny. Pack: Very light clothing, UV protection, sandals, and plenty of sun protection. |
| Jordan in October | Weather: Noticeable cooling, temperatures from 15°C to 28°C. Increasing chances of rain by the end of the month. Pack: Layers, comfortable footwear for varied temperatures, and a light jacket. |
| Jordan in November | Weather: Noticeable cooling, temperatures from 15°C to 28°C. Increasing chances of rain by the end of month. Pack: Layers, comfortable footwear for varied temperatures, and a light jacket. |
| Jordan in December | Weather: Cold, particularly in higher elevations, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C. Rain is more frequent. Pack: Warm clothing including a heavy jacket, thermal wear, waterproof boots, and a scarf. |
Packing For Jordan: By Destination
Here are my recommendations on places which are on most people’s Jordan itinerary.
What to Wear In Amman, Jordan
This is the capital, so when you visit Amman you might want slightly smarter clothes compared to what you would wear in the desert.
Here’s what to wear in Amman:
- Comfortable shoes – Amman is a VERY hilly city.
- Warm jacket – The air can be cold in Amman from autumn through to springtime.
- Umbrella or waterproofs – Chances of rain from autumn to springtime are high.
What to Wear in Petra, Jordan
This is the biggest tourist attraction in Jordan so there isn’t a strict Petra dress code.
Here are my suggestions on what to wear when you visit Petra:
- Comfortable shoes – Petra is huge, so be prepared to do a lot of walking.
- A pair of walking poles -Only if you have mobility problems.
- Sunglasses
- Wide-brimmed hat or cap
- Clothing that can be layered – If you arrive before sunrise, the mornings are cold at all times of the year.
- Breathable clothing – There isn’t much shade, so it’s a good idea to keep your skin covered from the harsh sun
- Sunscreen – I always use SPF50
👉 Good To Know: A lot of people ask what shoes to wear in Petra, Jordan. Chances are you’ll be doing A LOT of walking. I visited Petra over two days, one day I was on my feet for about 18 hours – I was at the park before 6 am and also did the evening light show.
The important thing is to wear something comfortable. Also, the terrain is a little uneven in places, or they are smooth from the amount of foot traffic on them. It’s also insanely dusty. I recommend wearing shoes with a decent grip and that are closed in.
What to Wear in Wadi Rum
The Wadi Rum desert does tend to have it’s own microclimate, plus it’s very exposed.
Here’s what to pack for Wadi Rum:
- Clothing that can be layered: Even in the summer it can get cold at night. By contrast, in the winter it can feel very hot during the day.
- Windbreaker jacket:
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and cap
- Flip-flops/thongs – For walking around the Bedouin camps (which I highly recommend doing!)
- Sportswear: There are loads of adventure sports in Wadi Rum – hiking, climbing and sandboarding are all popular here.
What to Wear in Aqaba
You’ll notice stark differences between Amman, the capital, and Aqaba. Aqaba is a coastal city and feels very modern in comparison.
There’s a different vibe here which also feels a bit more liberal. I definitely noticed more tourists wearing regular Westernised clothing here
Still, it’s a good idea to be respectful but equally, it felt more relaxed.
- Long floaty sun dresses
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Beach cover-ups – There are a few public city beaches, but I prefer either the private ones attached to a hotel or the ones outside the city.
Other Handy Things to Take To Jordan
Here are some other useful things to pack, apat from clothes, for Jordan.
- Secure day bag: crossbody style is the most secure
- High SPF Cream: A high-factor sun protection cream is a must for the summer months. Even in the winter, the sun can be strong. I always wear a SPF50 and put it on as part of my morning routine.
- Local currency: The Jordanian Dinar – most places, like hotels and restaurants take cards, but for street vendors, small purchases, tipping and the souks it’s better to have cash.
- Travel Water Bottle: Although you can drink tap water in some places in Jordan, I chose not to – I didn’t want to risk getting sick during my trip. Rather than buy dozens of small bottles, I bought a gigantic 5-litre bottle, kept it in my room, and refilled my travel bottle.
- Universal plug adapter: This is a bit crazy. In Jordan, you might come across type C, type D, type F, type G and type J so it’s best to bring a universal adaptor with you to cover all eventualities.
- Medication: Especially diarrhoea and rehydration sachets
- A She-wee: Outside of hotels and restaurants, the toilets aren’t great, at the very least have a stash of toilet paper and antibacterial gel.
👉 Planning your trip to Jordan? Then steal my self-guided 10 Days in Jordan Itinerary for the best ideas on what to see and how to get around.
Practical Tips and Warnings for Visiting Jordan
My trip to Jordan was pretty much hassle-free.
The biggest annoyance was after getting off a tourist coach in a new city, I would be met with groups of guys with taxis wanting to take me to my hotel. The meaning of personal space felt non-existent while I was trying to get my luggage from under the coach. It took several very stern “NO’s” to get them to back off and stop bothering me.
Also, if you opt to use the collectivo vans, then check the price before you get in. I was travelling with a friend at this point, and we were both charged double of what the locals were. We only realised this when another passenger on the bus asked us how much we paid – he said it was too much and actually started an argument with the bus driver that he needed to refund us.
Two things to always carry on you, no matter what: a bottle of water and toilet paper.
You’ll probably get offered a cup of tea by total strangers – this is normal and part of their culture. The tea is nice – it’s usually a hot, sweet sage tea. The most memorable was while I was waiting for a bus which was late arriving. A local street vendor saw me waiting a long time and asked if I wanted to stand under his stall for some shade and offered me tea – at first I was a bit dubious, but he wanted nothing in return.
👉 Aside from Petra, the next most iconic landmark in Jordan is the Wadi Rum Desert. Considering it’s a desert, there is a lot to see here including stunning rock bridge formations, carvings on the cliffs, abandoned houses and gigantic dunes.
The best way to see it is on a 4×4 Desert Tour – you can opt for half-day, full-day or multi-day trips.
Small Group Tours in Jordan
If you’re feeling uncomfortable about travelling in Jordan and prefer safety in numbers, then opt for a small group tour.
Check out these Jordan small group tours.
What to wear in Jordan FAQs
Is Jordan Safe to Travel as a Woman?
Yes, Jordan is generally safe for women to travel to. The country has a low crime rate and incidents of violence against tourists are rare. Jordan ranks as one of the safest countries to visit in the Middle East. Due to turbulence in the Middle East, it’s advised to stay away from the country’s borders.
What Should You Not Wear in Jordan?
Some things you should avoid wearing in Jordan are revealing or tight-fitting clothing, clothing with offensive imagery or religious symbols, and camouflage clothing as it is often associated with the military.
Do You Have To Wear A Hijab In Jordan?
Female tourists in Jordan are not required to wear a hijab or any form of head covering. However, the overall dress code in Jordan is conservative, so to be respectful, it’s a good idea to dress more modestly than you might usually do.
Can You Wear Shorts In Jordan?
Yes, you can wear shorts in Jordan. This is fine in your accommodation, and also anywhere near the beach (Aqaba or Dead Sea). I wouldn’t recommend wearing very short shorts in cities like Amman. If you do want to wear shorts here then ideally they want to be knee length.
What To Wear To Petra?
Comfortable footwear a wide-brimmed hat or cap, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential.
If you’re arriving early then even in the summer it can feel chilly in the early hours so take clothing which can be layered.
What Do Women Wear In Jordan?
Traditional Jordanian clothes for women are much more modest than what we are used to in the West. Some might be wearing a hijab.
Downloadable Jordan Packing List
You can download the full female packing list for Jordan for offline viewing.
Hopefully, this article has answered all the questions you might have about what to pack for your Jordan trip. Essentially, as long as you dress modestly and respect local expectations, you should have no issues. Jordan truly is a phenomenal country, I found the people overall to be extremely warm and welcoming and there are so many outstanding places to see. I can’t wait to go back again.
If you’re planning your trip to Jordan, then check out these other useful articles.
Jordan Travel Planning
- What To Wear In Jordan [Female Packing List for Jordan]
- What to Wear to Explore Petra, Jordan
- 17 Best Things to Do in Jordan
- 7 Best Wadi Rum Jeep Tours, Jordan
- Self-Guided 2 Days in Petra Itinerary
- How to Visit Jerash Ruins From Amman
- Jordan 10 Day Itinerary [Self-Guided]
- 13 Best Wadi Rum Luxury Camp
- What To Expect On A Bedouin Camp in Wadi Rum
- What to Do in Amman in One Day
- How to Get From Amman to Petra
- 26 Reasons Petra Is Worth Visiting