In short
- Best: March–May and October–November.
- Summer: go at opening time.
- The Jerash Festival usually runs in July.
Seasons
| Season | Weather | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | ≈ 18–28 °C | Green hills, wildflowers among the stones |
| Summer (Jun–Sep) | ≈ 30–33 °C | Hot, no shade; festival season |
| Autumn (Oct–Nov) | ≈ 20–27 °C | Golden light, pleasant |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | ≈ 12–15 °C | Rain, cold mornings, few visitors |
Book tours in JerashLive times, prices and free cancellation terms on GetYourGuide.
Check availabilityTime of day
Arrive at opening time in summer; in winter, midday is warmest. Jerash.com has a month-by-month guide: best time to visit Jerash.
Spring
March to May is the most beautiful time: wild flowers grow between the paving stones and on the hills around the ruins, temperatures are perfect for walking, and the light is soft.
Summer and the Jerash Festival
From June to September, midday is hot and shadeless; visit at opening time or in the late afternoon. The Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts, usually in July, adds concerts in the theatres and stalls on the Cardo — a great time to be here if you book accommodation early.
Winter
December to February can be cold and rainy, but the site is quiet and the stones glisten after rain. Bring waterproof shoes.
Month by month
| Month | Day max | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | ≈ 13 °C | Cold, possible rain; quiet |
| Feb | ≈ 15 °C | Ramadan expected from about 8 Feb 2027 |
| Mar | ≈ 19 °C | Green hills, wildflowers begin |
| Apr | ≈ 24 °C | Peak flowers; busy weekends |
| May | ≈ 28 °C | Warm; start early |
| Jun | ≈ 31 °C | Hot middays |
| Jul | ≈ 33 °C | Hot; Jerash Festival season |
| Aug | ≈ 33 °C | Hot; go at opening time |
| Sep | ≈ 31 °C | Warm and dry |
| Oct | ≈ 27 °C | Excellent walking weather |
| Nov | ≈ 20 °C | First rains; olive harvest around town |
| Dec | ≈ 15 °C | Cool and quiet |
Ramadan, Eid and weekends
Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin around 8 February and end with Eid al-Fitr around 9–10 March; Eid al-Adha is expected around 16–17 May 2027 (dates depend on the moon). The ruins stay open in Ramadan, often with slightly shorter hours, and restaurants near the entrance may open only after sunset. Fridays and the Eid holidays bring Jordanian families for picnics in the hills, so the site is busier at weekends — come on a weekday morning for the emptiest Cardo.
Photography and light
The colonnades run roughly north to south, so morning and late-afternoon sun rakes across the columns from the side — the best light for photographs of the Oval Plaza and the Cardo. The Temple of Artemis glows in the late afternoon. On clear winter days after rain, the honey-coloured limestone looks its warmest against a deep blue sky.
The Jerash Festival
The Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts, held most years in July, turns the South Theatre, the Oval Plaza and the North Theatre into stages for Arab and international music, poetry readings, folklore and crafts, with some events also held in Amman. Programmes and dates are announced each spring; check official listings before planning around it, as the festival can be scaled back or postponed. Evening concerts in the Roman theatre are unforgettable, but traffic and crowds build on festival nights, so book accommodation and transport ahead.
Frequently asked questions
Is Jerash open all year?
Yes, daily, with shorter opening hours in winter.
When is the Jerash Festival?
Usually in July; exact dates are announced each year.
What time does Jerash open?
Usually around 8 AM, closing in the late afternoon (earlier in winter); check locally.
Is Jerash worth visiting in winter?
Yes. The site is quiet, the stone glows after rain and the air is clear; bring a warm layer and waterproof shoes, and check the forecast for storms.
How hot is Jerash in summer?
Daytime highs often reach the low 30s °C in July and August, with little shade among the ruins. Arrive at opening time, carry water and a hat, and rest at midday.
Is Jerash open on Fridays?
Yes, the archaeological site opens every day. Fridays bring more Jordanian visitors, especially in spring.
Is Jerash open in Ramadan?
Yes, the site opens during Ramadan, sometimes with shorter hours; restaurants nearby may open only at sunset.
Sources and official information
Facts were checked against these official sources in November 2026. Opening hours, prices and timetables change, so confirm before you go.
JordanTravel.com is an independent guide, not the official site of the Jordan Tourism Board, the Government of Jordan or any operator. Some links are affiliate links: tours go to GetYourGuide and hotels go to Booking.com, and we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
