You might be more ready for a stargazing adventure in Jordan than you think. If you’re coming from the UAE, you already know the value of calm nights and clear skies. In Northern Jordan, you can see wide open views, quiet hilltops, and night skies full of stars.
If you’ve thought about renting a car in Jordan, here’s the thing: having your own car gives you the freedom to leave the city lights behind. You can chase clearer skies, drive into peaceful countryside, and find those perfect stargazing spots at your own pace. Our guide will walk you through the best places for stargazing in northern Jordan, what it’s like to drive there, and what to expect on the road.
Northern Jordan is full of high hills, dry valleys, and peaceful forests. These areas have low levels of light pollution, which means you can see more stars in the sky. The air is also dry and clear, so it helps reduce haze and gives you a sharp view of the stars and planets. You don’t need a telescope to enjoy the night sky here. In the right place, you can see the Milky Way with your own eyes.
Many stargazing spots are away from the cities and villages. This keeps the sky dark and perfect for night sky tours in Jordan. The spring and autumn seasons are best for stargazing in northern Jordan. Nights are cool, and there is less dust in the air. During these seasons, guided night sky tours are often available in nature reserves and historical parks. These tours give you a safe and educational way to learn about the stars while enjoying the fresh mountain air.
Driving yourself is the best way to enjoy a stargazing road trip in Jordan. Public transport does not reach many remote areas, especially at night. Renting a car in Jordan lets you control your schedule. You can stop at different viewpoints and stay out as late as you like. This is important because the best stargazing happens after the moon sets.
You can rent a car at Queen Alia International Airport or in cities like Amman and Irbid. Most rental companies offer full insurance options. Choose this to stay protected, especially if you plan to drive off the main roads. A 4x4 car is ideal for forest areas or hilly paths, but a regular sedan is enough for most stargazing places.
Be careful when driving at night. Go slower than usual and avoid using high beams near camping sites or parks. Watch for animals that may cross the road. Always check the car's headlights, tires, and GPS before leaving. Bring water, snacks, and a power bank for your phone. Some of these stargazing spots are remote and have no nearby shops.
UAE drivers must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid UAE driving license. Most rental companies also ask for a passport and a credit card for the security deposit. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not always required for UAE license holders, but bring one to be sure. Make sure your license is written in English or has an English translation. Double-check the insurance coverage before signing the rental agreement and ask about fuel rules and mileage limits.
Northern Jordan offers some of the clearest night skies in the region. Whether you’re in a quiet valley or on a high hilltop, each spot gives you a unique view of the stars. These stargazing locations are easy to reach by car and are far from the city's bright lights. In this section, we will help you make the most of each stop. We’ve also included the distance from Amman Airport to help you plan which places to visit.
Distance from Amman Airport: 143 km (2 hours and 15 minute drive)
Umm Qais sits at around 370 meters above sea level and overlooks the Sea of Galilee, the Yarmouk River, and the Golan Heights. The location is ideal for stargazing because it is far from dense urban areas. You’ll see the Milky Way and many deep-sky objects without a telescope. The open fields near the Roman ruins provide wide, unobstructed views of the sky in all directions.
Nighttime conditions are stable here, with low humidity and minimal cloud cover in summer and autumn. These conditions reduce atmospheric distortion and make it easier to spot celestial events like meteor showers and planetary alignments. Some nights may also offer low wind speeds, which makes it more comfortable. Local cafes stay open late, making it easy to grab a warm drink. Many visitors spread blankets near the ruins or on the grassy hills to watch the stars without anything blocking their view.
Distance from Amman Airport: 96 km (1 hour and 44 minute drive)
Ajloun Forest Reserve sits in the highlands, around 1,100 meters above sea level. Its thick pine trees and cool, clean air make it one of the best places for stargazing in northern Jordan. The sky here is often clear, and the forest blocks city lights. One of the best nighttime activities here is the Star Gazing Night Walk.
After sunset, the reserve becomes calm and quiet. A trained astronomer leads the group on a short walk through the forest. Along the way, you stop at open areas where you can look up and see constellations through the trees. The guide sets up a telescope and explains what you’re looking at—planets, stars, and even faraway galaxies. You’ll also hear stories about how ancient people used the stars to guide them or explain the world. Some eco-lodges inside the reserve offer overnight stays. If you sleep there, you’ll wake up to bird songs and cool fog drifting through the forest. Stargazing here feels peaceful and special, mixing science, nature, and history in one quiet evening.
Distance from Amman Airport: 76 km (1 hour drive)
Jerash is known for its Roman ruins, like the Temple of Artemis, the big stone theater, and the Oval Plaza. During the day, you can walk through the old streets and imagine how people lived many years ago. But as the sun goes down, the place feels even more special. The ruins glow in the soft light,.
If you drive just 10 to 15 minutes outside the city, you will find small hills and quiet country roads. The air is dry, especially in summer and autumn, so the sky is often clear. That makes it perfect for stargazing. You can sometimes see planets or shooting stars. You can sit near the ruins by the Oval Plaza or the Temple of Zeus, and watch the stars slowly appear. The mix of old stones and the night sky feels peaceful and deep. It’s a quiet place to think, dream, and enjoy the beauty of both history and space.
Distance from Amman Airport: 101 km (1 hour and 50 minute drive)
Wadi Al-Rayan is a quiet valley in northern Jordan with almost no traffic or artificial lights. It is not very well known, which makes it great for travelers who want a calm and private place to watch the stars. The valley is wide and open, with no trees or buildings to block your view. You can see the whole sky from horizon to horizon.
The area is around 500 meters above sea level. At night, the air is clean and cool, especially during spring and autumn. The strong breeze keeps the air clear of dust, which helps you see the stars better. Because there is no nearby city light, the sky is very dark. Bring a mat or blanket, a flashlight with a red filter, and warm clothes. Nights can get windy and cold, even in summer. Since few people come here, you may have the whole place to yourself. It’s one of the best spots for stargazing in Jordan if you want to be alone with the stars.
Distance from Amman Airport: 77 km (1 hour and 15 minute drive)
Dibbeen Forest Reserve is close to Jerash and is known for its high hills, thick trees, and quiet paths. Light pollution is low here, especially if you follow the upper trails away from the roads. The sky is dark enough to see bright stars and constellations without a telescope. On some nights, you might even catch a meteor or a passing satellite.
You can park your car at the main gate or one of the smaller entries. A short walk along the trails will take you to open clearings where you can see the stars through the tops of the trees. These spots feel safe and private, and they are not crowded. The forest is full of wildlife, so you may hear animals moving or calling in the distance. The air in Dibbeen stays cool at night, even in summer. There is no city noise, so the silence is deep and calming. If you want to stargaze in a forest setting and enjoy a peaceful night away from crowds, Dibbeen is a great choice.
Distance from Amman Airport: 104 km (2 hour drive)
Pella, also called Tabaqat Fahl, is in northwestern Jordan and is one of the oldest places in the country. People have lived here for thousands of years. The site lies in the fertile Jordan Valley and has ruins from many different times, including Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic periods. It’s a great place for people who enjoy both history and nature. At night, Pella becomes a quiet and peaceful stargazing spot. The valley has wide, open fields and almost no lights from nearby villages. The flat ground makes it easy to set up a camera or lie down and watch the sky without anything blocking your view.
Distance from Amman Airport: 141 km (2 hours and 20 minute drive)
Yarmouk Nature Reserve is in the far northwest of Jordan, near the Golan Heights. It covers more than 20 square kilometers and includes both mountains and valleys. The mountain areas are covered with oak trees and rise up to 500 meters above sea level. Between the hills, small and medium valleys stretch down toward the Yarmouk River. Most of these valleys carry water during the rainy season, except for one called Shag Al-Bared.
This mix of hills and valleys gives you many ways to enjoy the night sky. Some hilltops let you see wide, open skies, while the valleys are quieter and protected from the wind. The trees on the hills help keep away lights from nearby towns, so it’s easier to see the stars. The area is calm at night, and the air feels cool, especially during spring and autumn. The reserve is also rich in plant and animal life, so you might hear birds or small animals in the dark. It’s a quiet place where you can enjoy the stars while feeling surrounded by nature. Bring warm clothes and a flashlight, and choose a hill or open field for the best view.
Northern Jordan is full of peaceful places where you can watch stars and enjoy the calm of nature. Each spot offers something different from the hills of Umm Qais to the forests of Ajloun. If you love nature, history, and the night sky, a stargazing road trip in northern Jordan is the perfect choice for your next travel experience.
Wondering how to reach these quiet and remote spots? Final Rentals is a trusted car rental service in Jordan. You can pick up your car from locations across Amman, like Queen Alia International Airport, Abdali Boulevard, or Downtown Jabal. Whether you prefer a simple ride or a more comfortable option, there’s a wide range of vehicles you can choose from.
