August in Jordan is hot and dry, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a road trip. As an American tourist, the best way to explore Jordan during this season is by car. With your own vehicle, you can decide your route and plan around the day's hottest hours. It also makes it easier to stop at shaded viewpoints, cooler mountain towns, or coastal spots along the way.
Renting a car in Jordan is the first step to making the most of your trip. You’ll find many rental options at the airport or in major cities like Amman and Aqaba. Our guide highlights the top August road trips in Jordan, offering cooler elevations and routes that are comfortable despite the summer heat.
August is one of the hottest months in Jordan, but the dry air makes the heat more manageable than in tropical climates. During this time, American tourists in Jordan can benefit from fewer crowds and lower prices. But you’ll need to plan your driving schedule carefully and stay hydrated.
Driving in Jordan in August means you'll experience intense summer temperatures. In places like Amman, daytime highs can reach around 34°C (93°F). In Petra and Wadi Rum, it can go above 41°C (106°F). However, humidity stays low, especially in the eastern desert. Aqaba is the exception, where heat and humidity combine, so keep that in mind if you’re heading to the Red Sea.
Since August is a low tourist season, popular attractions like Petra and Wadi Rum are not crowded. Enjoy peaceful walks, take pictures without photobombers, and even score great hotel deals. Most tour buses skip Jordan this month, so you'll often feel like you have the place to yourself. Airfare and hotel prices also drop, so it’s more budget-friendly.
Start your Jordan road trip early in the morning or late in the afternoon. This avoids the strongest heat between 12 PM and 3 PM, which locals treat as indoor rest hours. Wear light, loose clothing, and drink plenty of water. Always have sun protection, such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Despite the heat, August offers a special way to see Jordan without large tourist groups. Each region offers something different, from cultural sites to natural wonders. Let’s explore the top stops for your August road trip in Jordan.
Petra remains a top destination for American tourists in Jordan, even in August. The best time to visit is early morning or after 4 PM, when the sun is not as intense. The Siq offers shade, and walking through this narrow canyon feels surreal when it’s nearly empty. The Al-Khazneh, or Treasury, looks even more majestic when the light hits the pink limestone during golden hour. Petra by Night is also available where you can walk through candle-lit paths. Even during the low season, the city's size and layout make exploring safe and rewarding.
Wadi Rum gets hot during the day, but the desert cools quickly at night. This makes it ideal for jeep tours, camel rides, and stargazing. August also brings the Perseid Meteor Shower, and the sky over Wadi Rum becomes a show of streaking stars. Camps in the desert are well prepared for summer travelers, with shaded tents and outdoor dining areas. Some desert winds may blow, but not the harsh khamseen that can cause sandstorms. Even if you’re not camping overnight, plan your visit late in the day to enjoy a tour followed by a starlit drive back.
The Dead Sea reaches extreme heat in August, often over 41°C (106°F). But it's still a great place to visit thanks to its water activities and resorts. Floating in the dense saltwater is relaxing and helps you cool down. Many beachside resorts offer air-conditioned rooms, shaded pools, and mud spa treatments. Unlike Aqaba, the Dead Sea area is dry, not humid, which makes the heat more bearable. The mineral content and lower altitude also make this place one-of-a-kind for August road trips in Jordan.
Aqaba is perfect for water activities if you want to stay by the coast. Temperatures can rise to 104°F (40°C) or higher, and humidity is higher here. But diving and snorkeling in the Red Sea can balance the intense heat. Underwater visibility is at its best in August. You can explore colorful coral reefs and even spot sharks with trained instructors. Most hotels in Aqaba also have pools, which means you’re never too far from a place to cool down. Avoid walking around during midday hours and stick to early morning boat trips or late afternoon swims.
Amman’s temperatures are more moderate than in southern Jordan. During the day, you can explore air-conditioned places like the Jordan Museum, the National Gallery of Fine Arts, and the Royal Automobile Museum. In the evening, visit the Amman Citadel or the Roman Amphitheater when the weather is cooler. The capital is also known for rooftop cafés, which become lively at night.
Some smaller or lesser-known places in Jordan are also worth visiting in August. These places offer quieter settings and often have indoor or shaded attractions.
The Dana Biosphere Reserve is a rewarding stop if you enjoy hiking and dry landscapes. It is the largest nature reserve in Jordan and has multiple trails that take you through the desert, rocky hills, and valleys. Most of the time, you won’t see another person for hours. This is perfect if you want true silence and solitude. While the trails can get hot, early morning hikes have peaceful views. Desert wildlife lives here, but stay alert and bring water. The area also has local lodges where you can rest in the shade.
About 31 km from Amman is Madaba, a quiet town known for its ancient mosaics. Because of its elevation, the weather here feels slightly cooler. The Church of St. George holds a large mosaic map of the Holy Land from the 6th century. There are many smaller churches with well-kept mosaics from the Byzantine period. You can also explore the old streets and stone houses, many dating back to Ottoman times. It’s a slower-paced stop, ideal for travelers who want cultural sights without too much walking under the sun.
Mount Nebo is famous for its views over the Jordan Valley and Israel. According to tradition, this is where Moses saw the Promised Land. The mountaintop church has beautiful mosaic murals, and the view from the ridge is peaceful. Even during August, the higher altitude means it’s less harsh than the lower regions. You can combine Madaba and Mount Nebo for a one-day trip, as they are 15 minutes away.
Near the Dead Sea and part of the Mujib Biosphere Reserve, the Ma’in Hot Springs offer a relaxing break after a long hike or road trip. These warm springs are set against the dramatic rock cliffs of the reserve. Even in August, the pools feel soothing rather than hot due to the surrounding shade and cool air that rises from the water. You can stop here after finishing the trails in Mujib. The hot springs can unwind tired muscles.
For a cooler indoor break in the capital, the Royal Automobile Museum is worth visiting. It houses King Hussein’s collection of vintage cars, bikes, and even racing vehicles. The exhibit layout is modern, with air-conditioned halls and easy walking paths. Many displays tell stories about Jordan’s history, significant events, and royal family milestones. Visiting this museum is a great way to enjoy Amman during midday, when outdoor sites get too hot. You’ll also find it close to other indoor attractions like the Jordan Museum and fine arts galleries.
August in Jordan may limit your plans, but you can still enjoy some activities. When temperatures are lower, many are better experienced in the evening or early morning.
August is the best time to watch the Perseid Meteor Shower, especially from Wadi Rum or the eastern desert. These areas are far from city lights and offer clear, dry skies. Expect to see dozens of fireballs an hour on nights without a full moon. Camps often organize stargazing sessions. The Milky Way is visible across the sky even without the meteor shower. This is one of the most peaceful and humbling activities you can enjoy in Jordan.
Located near the Dead Sea, the Mujib Biosphere Reserve includes rugged trails and natural springs. The 9-mile (15 km) Mujib Trail is popular but challenging, so it’s best to start at dawn. Inside the reserve, you might see desert cobras or, rarely, striped hyenas. You’ll hike through gorges and wadi systems, sometimes crossing water or rocky paths. After the trek, many travelers head to Ma’in Hot Springs for a warm soak, which feels soothing after a challenging walk.
Many operators now offer night tours to beat the heat. In Petra, the entire route through the Siq is lined with candles at night. The quiet of the canyon and soft lighting make it feel very different from a daytime visit. A traditional Bedouin performance happens near the Treasury.
An August road trip in Jordan is not for everyone. But for American tourists in Jordan who want better prices, fewer crowds, and special natural experiences like meteor showers, this is a great month to go. Be smart about timing, stay cool, and plan your days around the heat.
Final Rentals is a trusted car rental platform in Jordan. You can choose from many vehicles, from small economy cars to comfortable luxury options that fit your trip. The booking process is quick and straightforward. Select your pickup location in Amman, pick the car that suits your travel needs, and enter your details.
