If you spend Christmas in Aqaba, you swap snowy streets for warm Red Sea breezes. In late December, daytime temperatures usually hover between 21°C (70°F) and 27°C (81°F), while nights cool down to about 10°C (50°F).
The air feels mild compared to much of the region. You get a nice balance—warmth during the day, crisp evenings that still invite you outside.
You’ll see plenty of sunshine, though December sometimes brings short bursts of light rain. Even then, rainfall stays limited, and most days the skies look clear.
The sea keeps warm enough for swimming. Aqaba stands out as one of the few places where you can enjoy both holiday lights and a dip in the water at the same time.
With gentle winter sun, cooler nights, and hardly any rain, the setting feels inviting for exploring local markets or having fresh seafood by the water. You might even plan a day trip into the desert.
Overview of Aqaba’s December Climate
In December, Aqaba gets mild daytime warmth and cooler nights. Rain chances peak this month, but it’s still not much.
The city’s spot on the Red Sea and its desert surroundings create a climate that feels pretty different from other parts of Jordan.
Location and Regional Context
Aqaba sits at the very south of Jordan, right on the Gulf of Aqaba. Its coastal location gives it a milder winter than inland cities like Amman or Petra.
The city sits in the Middle East’s arid belt, bordered by the Sinai Peninsula and close to Israel and Egypt. If you look across the gulf, you’ll spot Eilat (Israel) and Taba (Egypt). They share similar weather, though each spot has its quirks.
Mountains rise to the east, and the sea stretches to the west. This geography helps Aqaba dodge the harsher cold of Jordan’s highlands.
Rainfall stays limited thanks to these natural barriers, but December still sees the most.
Subtropical Desert Climate Characteristics
Aqaba falls under the subtropical desert climate (BWh) category. December brings average highs between 19°C and 22°C (66–72°F), with lows often dipping to 7–12°C (45–54°F) at night.
Rain barely makes an appearance, with just 1–2 days and 5–8 mm on average. Even then, skies stay mostly clear, and you get about 10 hours of sunshine per day.
Red Sea water stays mild, around 22–23°C (72–73°F). You can still swim, even in winter.
Humidity hovers near 55–60%, which feels a lot more comfortable than the dry summer heat.
Comparison With Nearby Cities
Amman can get close to freezing in December, but Aqaba feels much warmer and sunnier. The capital gets rain and sometimes frost, but you won’t have to worry about that at the coast.
Across the water, Eilat in Israel clocks similar temperatures, though it sometimes gets a bit less rain. Taba, just south in Egypt, mirrors Aqaba’s December climate with its own twist—warm days, cool nights.
If you head inland toward Wadi Rum or Petra, prepare for colder nights, often near 0°C (32°F). Aqaba’s coastal spot makes it Jordan’s most reliable winter escape for mild, pleasant weather.
Typical Temperatures Around Christmas
Around Christmas, Aqaba gets mild winter conditions with comfortable daytime warmth and cooler nights. The Red Sea helps keep temperatures steady, but you’ll still notice the difference between day and night.
The sea stays swimmable, though it’s definitely cooler than in summer. Some folks love it, others might find it brisk.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
In late December, daytime highs usually hit 20°C to 27°C (68°F–81°F). Afternoons feel pleasant for outdoor activities, without the harsh heat of summer.
Sunshine is abundant, and most days you’ll see clear skies.
At night, temperatures often drop to 10°C–14°C (50°F–57°F). Evenings can feel cool, especially if there’s a breeze, so bring a light jacket or sweater.
Unlike northern Jordan, Aqaba rarely sees very cold nights. That makes it a comfortable winter destination.
The day-to-night contrast is noticeable, but not extreme. You can enjoy warm afternoons by the beach and still get that crisp desert evening.
Temperature Fluctuations and Extremes
Aqaba’s weather around Christmas usually stays steady, but you might catch a few quick changes. Sometimes a warm spell pushes highs close to 27°C (81°F). On cooler days, you might only see 19°C (66°F).
Nighttime lows can dip to 7°C (44°F) during rare chilly spells. These drops are uncommon, but early mornings might surprise you.
The desert setting lets heat escape fast after sunset, so temperatures can swing in a matter of hours.
Rain doesn’t show up often in December. When it does, it’s usually light and brief, with just a few millimeters for the month.
Clouds rarely hang around, so even on a cool day, you’ll probably get plenty of sun.
Sea Water Temperatures
The Red Sea stays warmer than the air. Around Christmas, average sea temps sit at 22°C–23°C (72°F–73°F).
That’s cooler than summer, but still comfortable for swimming if you’re used to temperate waters.
Most visitors find the water refreshing, not cold. Snorkeling and diving remain popular, since visibility stays high and marine life doesn’t slow down.
If you prefer warmer water, you might find it a bit brisk, especially in the morning. But compared to other destinations this time of year, Aqaba’s sea feels inviting.
Precipitation and Rainfall Patterns
Aqaba has a desert climate with very little precipitation. Rain falls mainly in winter, and December is one of the few times you’ll see measurable amounts.
Rainfall Amounts in December
December counts as a wetter month in Aqaba, though the rainfall is still modest. On average, the city gets about 8–11 mm during the month.
For a place that’s dry most of the year, this is something. Rain usually arrives in short bursts instead of long storms.
Most of December stays dry, with bright days and clear skies.
Limited rainfall rarely disrupts outdoor plans, which makes Aqaba a solid pick for winter travel.
Frequency of Rainy Days
December brings just a handful of rainy days. You might see about 2 days with measurable rainfall in the whole month.
When rain does fall, it’s light and over quickly. Heavy downpours are rare, and long rainy spells almost never happen here.
You’re more likely to get sunshine than clouds. Still, it’s smart to prepare for a quick shower, but odds are your plans won’t get rained out.
Comparison With Annual Precipitation
Aqaba gets very little precipitation over the year, only about 30–36 mm annually.
Most of that falls in winter, with December and January doing most of the work. In summer, rainfall usually reads 0 mm.
So, December’s rain makes up a big chunk of the yearly total. Even a few millimeters feel like a lot in Aqaba’s dry climate.
Humidity, Wind, and Sunshine Levels
December in Aqaba brings lower humidity, light to moderate winds, and steady sunshine. These factors shape how comfortable you feel outdoors, whether you’re on the beach or exploring the city.
Humidity Trends in December
Humidity in December stays lower than in coastal Mediterranean cities. Average relative humidity runs between 45% and 55%, which most travelers find comfortable.
Mornings might feel a bit more humid with the cool air and calm start, but things dry out as the day warms up.
Unlike summer, when the heat feels relentless, December’s mild temperatures—around 21–23°C (70–73°F)—make the humidity easy to handle.
You won’t get sticky or oppressive conditions. The dry air also means you’ll see less fog or mist, so skies stay clear.
If you’re sensitive to dry climates, bring a little moisturizer or lip balm. The desert air can feel drying after a few days.
Typical Wind Speeds and Conditions
In December, winds usually stay light to moderate, around 10–15 km/h (6–9 mph).
They tend to blow from the north or northwest, shaped by desert patterns and the Red Sea.
Breezes often feel refreshing, especially in the afternoon when the sun is out. Strong gusts are rare, so outdoor dining or boat trips usually go undisturbed.
At night, winds calm down even more, making evenings pleasant and still.
You might notice a slight chill by the water after sunset, but wind rarely causes problems this time of year.
Average Sunshine Hours
December days in Aqaba stay bright, with about 10 to 11 hours of daylight and 7–8 hours of actual sunshine.
Days are shorter than summer, but clear skies dominate. You can count on sunshine most days.
The sun sits lower in the sky, so the intensity softens compared to summer. Still, the UV index can hit moderate levels (around 4–5), so sunscreen and sunglasses are a good idea if you’re outside for a while.
Steady sunshine makes December great for sightseeing, water activities, and relaxed walks. You get long daylight hours without the harsh glare or heat of summer.
Weather Impact on Holiday Activities
Mild daytime temps, cool evenings, and little rain shape how you spend your time in Aqaba at Christmas. The Red Sea stays warm enough for swimming, while shorter days and cool nights influence what you pack and how you plan.
Outdoor and Water Activities
In December, daytime highs reach around 21–22°C (70–72°F). Outdoor sightseeing feels comfortable.
You can walk along the marina, wander the city center, or visit nearby desert landscapes without battling summer’s heat.
The Red Sea stays pretty warm at about 23°C (73°F). Lots of travelers still snorkel and dive, even if the water feels cooler than in summer.
Wetsuits aren’t mandatory, but they help if you want to swim for a while.
Rainfall is rare, usually less than 10 mm for the month, so it probably won’t mess up your plans.
With about 7 hours of sunshine each day, you have plenty of daylight for outings, but you’ll want to start activities earlier since evenings cool off fast.
Packing Recommendations for December
Pack a mix of light clothes for daytime and warmer layers for evening. During the day, short sleeves work, but after sunset, lows can hit 10°C (50°F)—that’s chilly by the water. A light jacket or sweater is a must.
For water fun, bring swimwear. If you plan to snorkel or dive for long stretches, a thin wetsuit makes things more comfortable.
Good walking shoes help for both city strolls and desert trips.
Don’t skip sun protection. Even with a UV index of 4, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat matter. Sand and water reflect sunlight, especially midday.
Travel Tips for Visiting Aqaba at Christmas
Try to plan your sightseeing with the shorter daylight hours in mind. In December, the sun dips below the horizon before 6 p.m., so it’s better to head out for outdoor adventures earlier in the afternoon.
Evenings work well for dinner, shopping, or checking out indoor attractions.
Holiday travel bumps up demand for hotels and tours. If you book your accommodations and diving trips ahead of time, you’ll have more choices.
Local transport usually runs on time, but honestly, walking feels pretty nice in the cooler weather, especially if you’re strolling along the waterfront.
Thinking about a desert trip? Definitely bring an extra layer since temperatures drop fast after sunset.
Regional Weather Influences in the Middle East
Southern Jordan sits where desert plateaus, mountain ranges, and the Jordan Valley all meet. The climate here gets shaped by altitude and how close you are to the Red Sea, which creates some pretty clear differences between inland areas and coastal Aqaba.
Weather Patterns Across Southern Jordan
If you travel inland from Aqaba toward Petra or Ma’an, you’ll quickly notice how the elevation changes the weather. The plateau rises above 900 meters, so winter nights get colder and sometimes even frosty, though days usually stay sunny.
Rain hardly ever shows up in these parts, often less than 100 mm per year, but every now and then a brief winter storm rolls in. These storms can cause flash floods in dry riverbeds, called wadis by locals.
Snow doesn’t happen often, but higher spots like Petra might see a dusting in colder years. Aqaba, on the other hand, stays much milder, with January daytime highs around 22–23 °C (72–73 °F), while the plateau sits about 10 degrees cooler.
So, you’ll probably want to pack both light clothes for the coast and warmer layers for inland trips, all in the same suitcase.
Influence of the Red Sea and Surrounding Areas
The Red Sea shapes Aqaba’s winter weather in a big way. Its water stays pretty moderate, so the air along the coast doesn’t get too chilly, and frost is rare.
You’ll hardly see much rain along the coast—usually less than 50 mm a year. Most days, the sky’s clear, and you can count on a lot of sunshine. Aqaba probably gets more sun in December than almost anywhere else in the Middle East.
Humidity tends to stay lower here than in most coastal spots, sitting at about 40–45% during winter. When you mix that with all the sunshine, it feels just right for spending time outside.
Deserts in Egypt and Saudi Arabia also play their part. Winds sometimes sweep in from those areas, bringing dry air or even dust storms, though honestly, you’ll run into those more in spring than winter.