The climate of Aqaba
Situated in a geographical region characterized by subtropical desert conditions,
Aqaba belongs to the BWh climate category as per the Köppen climate classification. This orientation of climatic parameters corresponds to the city's location along the shores of the Red Sea which heavily influences the local weather regime ensuring the prevalence of searing temperatures year-round. The vibrant city witnesses a considerable variation in different weather parameters, punctuating its overall subtropical desert climate.
Temperature peaks from
May to
October, with the mercury rising above 30°C (86°F) and reaching up to an extreme 39.4°C (102.9°F) in
July and
August. The rest of the year experiences mild temperature variations, ranging from 20.5°C (68.9°F) in
January to 30.7°C (87.3°F) in
April. Temperature lows present a similar trend, climbing steadily from a chilly 8.9°C (48°F) in January to a comfortable 25.3°C (77.5°F) in August before retreating again towards the year end.
Rainfall records an inverse pattern to the temperature curve. The precipitation remains at a minimal level with May to
September witnessing virtually no rainfall, before gradually increasing towards the end of the year to reach a high of 8mm (0.31") in
December. An interesting aspect of Aqaba's weather is that despite its desert locale, it records rainfall albeit sparingly, mainly confined to the months of December and January with as much as 1.9 days of rainfall, reinforcing the city's overall arid character.
The best time to visit Aqaba
Owing to its subtropical desert climate, the time between
November and
April brings forth the most pleasant weather conditions in
Aqaba, making it the ideal period for a visit. The temperature remains within a comfortable range of 20.5°C (68.9°F) to 30.7°C (87.3°F) and the sea water is warm enough, ranging from 21°C (69.8°F) to 23.8°C (74.8°F) for swimming or other water-based activities. However, despite the relatively cooler temperatures, with abundant sunshine of up to 10 hours and UV index of 4 to 8, it is advisable to carry sun protection during these months.
The worst time to visit Aqaba
Hot desert winds sweep over
Aqaba from
May to
September, elevating the temperature to a scorching 35.1°C (95.2°F) to 39.4°C (102.9°F). Simultaneously, sea temperatures rise from 23.8°C (74.8°F) to 29.2°C (84.6°F), contributing to the overall discomfort. Coupled with relentless sunshine for up to a harsh 13 hours a day and a UV index peaking at 12, these months can prove to be quite taxing, making them the least preferred for visiting Aqaba.
Spring weather in Aqaba
March ushers in the spring season in
Aqaba with the maximum temperature gradually rising from 25.7°C (78.3°F) to 30.7°C (87.3°F) by
April. Minimum temperatures show a similar climb, moving up from 12.9°C (55.2°F) to 17°C (62.6°F). A meager 5mm (0.2") to 3mm (0.12") of rainfall in these months does little to alleviate the arid conditions though the gradually warming sea from 21°C (69.8°F) to 21.8°C (71.2°F) offers some solace.
Summer weather in Aqaba
Summer firmly grips
Aqaba from
May to
September, pushing the temperature to a blistering 35.1°C (95.2°F) - 39.1°C (102.4°F). Even the nights offer no respite with the mercury registering between 20.7°C (69.3°F) and 25.3°C (77.5°F). Rainfall is virtually absent making these months, particularly
July and
August, extremely dry and hot. Also, sea temperatures become increasingly warm, reaching up to 29.2°C (84.6°F).
Autumn weather in Aqaba
The sultry summer grudgingly gives way to the relatively cooler autumn in
October, as temperatures start to descend with the maximum temperature dropping from 32.7°C (90.9°F) to 27°C (80.6°F) by
November. Rainfall increases to 2mm (0.08"), and sea temperature decreases from 28.4°C (83.1°F) to 25°C (77°F), mirroring the onset of winter.
Winter weather in Aqaba
The mercury plunges further in
December with maximum temperatures oscillating between 27°C (80.6°F) and 21.8°C (71.2°F), and minimum temperatures veering from 14.9°C (58.8°F) to 10.3°C (50.5°F). The sea temperature also dips to a fairly cold 23.2°C (73.8°F). Winter also ushers in the wettest period of the year with rainfall reaching a high of 8mm (0.31") across 1.9 days in December. Despite the drop in temperatures and increase in rainfall, winter in
Aqaba remains mostly sunny with daylight hours ranging between 10.3 - 10.7 hours.
Weather in January
Aqaba,
Jordan sees the first month of the year ushering in chilly conditions.
January picks up where
December left off, with the sunshine hours marginally reducing. The possibility of rainfall remains sporadic with rainfall occurring on roughly two days.
Weather in January » Weather in February
As winter continues,
February brings slight changes to the weather in
Aqaba. There is a mild increase in temperature from the previous month, while the amount of rainfall decreases slightly. With sunshine reaching total of up to eleven hours a day, the city is often bathed in sunlight.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March sees
Aqaba transition from winter to spring. With a noticeable rise in temperature from
February, the month sees tourists drawn to its temperate climate. Sunshine hours increase, as does the UV index, suggesting that Maximal sun protection is a must.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The settings of nature shift again in
April, continuing
Aqaba's progression into its warm season. Couples strolling along the beach under the increased daylight hours becomes a common sight. Although remaining on the low end, the possibility of rain retreats even further.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May in
Aqaba,
Jordan is an indication of the upcoming summer, marked by a significant rise in temperature. This gain in temperature is coupled with the highest daylight hours so far, inviting more outdoor excursions. Despite the potential heat, the heatwave is eased by the absence of any significant rainfall.
Weather in May » Weather in June
As summer sets in,
Aqaba fully embraces its warmer tones. The month of
June continues the increase in temperature from
May, displaying the city in its full summer glory. Rainbow umbrellas start peppering the coastline as people flock to the shores, taking full advantage of the 14 hours of sunlight.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July brings the arrival of the hottest month in
Aqaba, where the city truly embraces the Arabian heat. Steadily decreasing from the previous month, the daylight hours reflect a truly vibrant summer environment. The sea beckons in July, offering a refreshing escape from the inland heat.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues to sustain the spell of heat over
Aqaba, offering a distinctly summer experience. Despite a slight decrease, sunshine hours remain high, echoing the persistent heat of this month. The UV index stands firm at 12, reminding visitors to adopt necessary precautions when outdoors.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks the arrival of a slow, but refreshing change in
Aqaba's weather. A gradual decrease in daylight hours symbolizes the upcoming autumn. However, the summer heat continues to linger, reflected by the sustained high temperatures.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Aqaba represents the onset of autumn with noticeably lower temperatures. A palpable change settles in the air, invited by the reduced sunlight hours. The UV index gradually declines, allowing for comfortable outdoor activities during the daytime.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November continues the transition into a milder climate in
Aqaba, breaking away from the warmer months. While the chances of precipitation remain marginal, the city sees a dip in the UV index. November climate permits a broader range of outdoor activities without the harshness of the summer sun.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December greets
Aqaba with unmistakably cooler conditions, arguing strongly for the onset of winter. By reducing daylight hours and temperatures, December assures a crisper feel to the weather. However, not forgetting its desert climate, Aqaba avoids a harsh winter.
Weather in December » [Resources]