When you step into Aqaba in summer, you walk straight into intense heat, endless blue skies, and sunlight that just doesn’t quit.
Daytime temperatures regularly push above 35°C (95°F), peaking in July and August. Nights barely cool down, so don’t expect much relief, and rain? Pretty much unheard of.
This kind of weather shapes how you live your days and pick your activities. The Red Sea turns warm and inviting, so swimming and diving become go-to options, but you need to think ahead—the sun and high UV index are no joke.
The details matter if you want to enjoy Aqaba without surprises. The long daylight, dry winds, and relentless sun touch every part of life and travel here.
Overview of Aqaba’s Summer Climate
Aqaba’s summer weather comes straight from its desert roots, its spot at Jordan’s southern tip, and the ever-present Red Sea. You’ll get long, hot days with barely any clouds, dry air most of the time, and steady sea temperatures that keep the coast a bit more bearable.
Geographical and Climatic Setting
Aqaba sits at the northern tip of the Red Sea’s Gulf of Aqaba, surrounded by desert plateaus and rugged mountains. Its low elevation—just 13 meters above sea level—lets heat settle in during the summer.
You’ll notice the city’s location gives it a subtropical desert climate. That means lots of sun, almost no rain, and a huge difference between summer heat and mild winters.
Summer days usually run from 92°F to 108°F (33°C to 42°C). Nights aren’t much cooler, averaging 75°F to 81°F (24°C to 27°C). Rain basically never happens, so skies stay clear nearly all the time.
Desert Climate Characteristics
Aqaba’s climate is every bit a desert’s—think endless blue skies, with overcast days dropping to just 1% of the time by late summer.
Sunshine rules, and you’ll see between 12 to 14 hours of daylight, depending on the month.
Humidity stays pretty low compared to Mediterranean coasts, though it might creep up a bit in late August. Dew points don’t get too high, so muggy days are rare—less than 15% of the time.
Winds blow steadily, about 9 mph from the north, which helps a little with the heat but doesn’t bring any moisture. Rain stays rare.
Influence of the Red Sea
The Red Sea really shapes Aqaba’s climate. Its waters warm up through the summer, from about 75°F (24°C) in June to 81°F (27°C) by August. That keeps coastal nights milder than inland deserts.
The sea also smooths out temperature swings between day and night. Swimming and water sports are always an option, since the sea hardly ever cools below comfy levels.
Still, the Red Sea doesn’t bring more rain. Sometimes it does bump up the humidity, making the air feel hotter than the thermometer says. This tug-of-war between dry heat and sea air is what makes Aqaba’s summer feel so unique.
Average Summer Temperatures in Aqaba
Aqaba’s summer means really hot days, warm nights, and almost no clouds. Temperatures stay high from June to August, and the city’s Red Sea location sets it apart from the rest of Jordan.
Typical Daytime and Nighttime Highs
Daytime highs stick between 92°F and 108°F (33°C–42°C). On average, you’ll see peaks around 101°F (38°C)—Aqaba’s one of Jordan’s hottest spots in summer.
Nights don’t cool much, either. Lows run 75°F to 79°F (24°C–26°C). That heat lingers after sunset, so evenings can feel heavy, especially compared to other parts of Jordan.
Late July and early August usually bring the hottest weather. Some days hit 103°F (39°C) in the afternoon, and nights might not drop below 80°F (27°C). If you’re out for hours, the heat really sticks with you.
Monthly Temperature Variations
You don’t see big swings between June, July, and August, but there are small changes.
- June: Highs average 99°F (37°C), lows about 75°F (24°C).
- July: Usually the hottest, with highs of 101–103°F (38–39°C), lows near 79°F (26°C).
- August: Still scorching, a bit more humid, highs near 101°F (38°C), nights at 79–81°F (26–27°C).
Unlike inland Jordan, Aqaba doesn’t cool off much at night. The low elevation and closeness to the sea mean fewer temperature swings than places like Wadi Rum, where nights can feel almost chilly.
Comparison to Other Jordanian Cities
Aqaba’s summer climate is a world apart from Amman, Petra, and Wadi Rum.
- Amman: Higher up, summer highs are 86–92°F (30–33°C), with nights around 65°F (18°C).
- Petra: Similar to Amman but a bit warmer in the day—often 95°F (35°C)—while nights drop to the low 60s°F (16–18°C).
- Wadi Rum: Days can hit 95–100°F (35–38°C), but nights cool off fast, sometimes below 70°F (21°C).
Aqaba, in contrast, stays hot day and night. The sea keeps temperatures from falling much after sunset. If you like steady warmth and don’t want big day-night swings, Aqaba’s summer is about as predictable as it gets.
Humidity and Precipitation During Summer
Aqaba’s summer is bone dry with low humidity. The city’s desert climate means you’ll face hot, dry air and almost no rain for months on end.
Average Humidity Levels
Humidity hovers low in Aqaba during summer, especially compared to Mediterranean coasts. Daytime levels usually fall between 25% and 40%, which means the heat feels less sticky but can burn a bit more.
At night, humidity creeps up a little, sometimes around 45%, but it doesn’t really cool things down. The dry air makes sweat evaporate fast, so you might not notice how much water you’re losing.
For visitors, low humidity is a mixed bag. The air feels lighter even when it’s over 35°C (95°F), but you’ll need to drink water often to avoid dehydration, especially if you’re out or on the beach.
Rainfall Patterns and Dry Spells
Rain basically skips Aqaba in summer. From May through September, rain totals are near 0 mm, and some years see none at all. These months are just dry, through and through.
No rain means you won’t get sudden storms or many cloudy days. Sunshine rules, with 12–13 hours per day on average. That’s great for the beach, but you’ll need to watch out for high UV.
Since summer is so dry, the area depends on winter and early spring for its water supply. If you’re visiting, you can plan outdoor fun without worrying about rain, but you should always prepare for the dryness and carry sun protection.
Sunshine, Daylight, and UV Index
Aqaba’s summer means long, sunny days and some of the region’s highest UV levels. You’ll get loads of daylight, strong sun, and conditions that really demand sun protection.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight Duration
Aqaba averages 12 to 14 hours of daylight per day in summer. June’s the longest, but July and August aren’t far behind. This gives you plenty of time for outdoor adventures, but it also means more hours under the sun.
Sunshine hours stay high—12 to 13 hours of clear sun is normal. Unlike many coasts, Aqaba hardly sees clouds in summer, so shade is something you’ll have to hunt for.
Long daylight and strong sun make mornings and late afternoons your best bet for outdoor time. The midday stretch, especially from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., is intense and can overheat you fast.
| Month | Avg. Daylight Hours | Avg. Sunshine Hours |
|---|---|---|
| June | 14 | 12–13 |
| July | 13.5 | 12–13 |
| August | 13 | 11–12 |
UV Index and Sun Protection Recommendations
The UV index in Aqaba during summer runs from 10 to 12—that’s very high to extreme. Unprotected skin can burn in under 20 minutes, so don’t take chances, even if you’re used to desert weather.
You’ll want to use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and reapply every couple of hours, especially if you’re swimming. Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and a wide-brimmed hat help a lot. Sunglasses with UV protection are a must for your eyes.
Try to do outdoor stuff early or late in the day, when the UV isn’t at its worst. If you have to be out midday, find shade whenever you can. Always have water with you, since high UV usually means peak heat.
Even if there’s a breeze or a bit of haze, UV rays stay strong in Aqaba. Don’t count on clouds to protect you—sunlight bounces off sand and water, making things even brighter.
Seasonal Weather Patterns and Extremes
Aqaba’s summers are all about high desert heat and endless clear skies. You’ll see sharp heat spikes in July and August, while the sky stays mostly cloudless. It’s predictable, sure, but also seriously intense.
Heatwaves and Temperature Peaks
Summer in Aqaba often means temperatures well above 35°C (95°F), with July and August hitting average highs near 39°C (102°F). Nights don’t cool off much, usually staying above 25°C (77°F).
Heatwaves aren’t rare—they can push things close to 40°C (104°F) or even a bit higher. The dry desert air and relentless sun make it feel hotter than you’d expect.
Hot spells tend to last, too. Unlike coastal cities with cooling breezes, Aqaba’s desert influence keeps the heat going for weeks. Sea surface temperatures climb to about 29°C (84°F) in August, so even at night, the air stays warm.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, it’s best to avoid the hottest hours between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Early mornings and evenings are way more comfortable for exploring.
Cloud Cover and Sky Conditions
Aqaba barely sees any clouds during summer. Most days feel clear or mostly clear, and the sun sticks around for up to 13–14 hours in June and July. Honestly, it’s one of the sunniest spots you’ll find in the region.
Because the sky stays open, UV levels get really high—Index 11–12 isn’t unusual. You’ll need strong sun protection. Even when the air’s dry, the sun can burn you fast if you’re not careful.
Humidity usually sits under 30%, so the sky looks bright and visibility is great. Sometimes, dust or haze will sneak in and blur the view, but that doesn’t happen as much as it does in other desert places.
If you’re traveling here, you can pretty much count on good weather for swimming, diving, or anything outdoors. Just be ready for the intense sun from morning to evening.
Impact of Summer Weather on Activities and Travel
Aqaba’s summer heat really changes how you plan your days. The dry desert air and the warm Red Sea bring both perks and a few hassles for anyone visiting.
Outdoor Activities and Tourism
There’s a lot to do outside in Aqaba, but you’ll want to plan ahead because of the heat. Daytime highs often hit 40 °C (104 °F) or even more. Most people find it easier to get out in the early morning or wait until late afternoon.
The Red Sea draws a lot of attention, and water temperatures hover around 27–28 °C in July and August. Snorkeling, diving, and swimming feel great. Aqaba’s coral reefs have a solid reputation, and the sea usually stays calm and clear during summer.
If you’re thinking about desert hikes or excursions, just know the heat can get brutal. There’s not much shade, so most folks keep outdoor time short during midday. Guided tours help by offering water, shaded stops, and transport.
Evenings cool off, making it nice for a stroll along the waterfront, grabbing dinner outside, or checking out the markets. With so much daylight, you’ve got options to dodge the hottest hours.
Tips for Staying Safe in the Heat
You really have to get ready for that strong sun and high temperatures. Sun protection matters a lot, so throw on a wide-brimmed hat, grab your sunglasses, and keep reapplying high-SPF sunscreen.
Wear light, breathable clothes. That’ll help cut down on heat stress.
Always carry water with you. Aqaba’s dry climate can make dehydration sneak up on you fast.
Try to drink before you even feel thirsty. Skip alcohol during the hottest parts of the day, since it just makes you lose fluids faster.
If you’re out for a while, take breaks in the shade or pop into an air-conditioned spot. Plenty of hotels and cafes by the coast have cool areas where you can chill for a bit.
Swimming or diving in the Red Sea? The sun bounces off the water and hits you with even more UV. A long-sleeved rash guard helps protect your skin and means you won’t need to slather on sunscreen so often.
Pace yourself. Even if you think you’re used to the heat, Aqaba’s summer sun really doesn’t mess around.
Try shifting your plans to avoid the midday peak. Trust me, you’ll have a much better—and safer—time.