Winter in Aqaba brings a unique blend of mild temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and just a little rain. Daytime highs usually land around 21–27°C (70–81°F), while nights cool down to about 10°C (50°F). It’s honestly one of the most comfortable times to get out and explore the city.
You won’t face the exhausting heat of summer. Instead, winter feels balanced, so you can enjoy the Red Sea coast and the desert surroundings without worrying about extreme temperatures.
Rain barely makes an appearance. December and January bring just a bit of light rain, but the season stays mostly dry. Sunshine sticks around, so you’ll have clear skies for outdoor plans, and the sea remains warm enough for a swim or a dive.
These conditions attract both folks looking to relax and those who want to get active. Aqaba’s winter climate offers reliability, which is a relief if you’re planning a trip.
Overview of Aqaba’s Winter Climate
Cooler temperatures, almost no rainfall, and lots of sun—that’s winter in Aqaba. The city’s spot on the Red Sea, surrounded by desert, makes the weather milder than most of Jordan, but it’s still dry and bright.
Geographical Influences on Winter Weather
Aqaba sits right at the top of the Red Sea, just 44 feet above sea level. The coast helps keep winter days warm, with highs between 21°C and 27°C (70°F–81°F) and nights dropping to 10°C to 15°C (50°F–59°F).
The Red Sea keeps both the air and water warmer than you might expect. Winter sea temperatures average 23°C (73°F), so you can still swim even if the nights get chilly.
Rain is rare, but you might see a quick shower or two in December and January. Usually, you’ll get about 1–2 days of rain and totals near 5–8 mm (0.2–0.3 inches).
Daylight sticks around for about 10 to 11 hours. Skies usually stay clear, so you get a lot of sun. Aqaba’s winter weather feels totally different from places like Amman, where winters get colder and wetter.
Subtropical Desert Characteristics
Aqaba’s climate falls under the BWh (hot desert) category in the Köppen system. That explains the hot summers and much milder winters. The desert keeps humidity low—often below 50%—so cool days feel comfortable, not clammy.
Even in winter, the sun is strong. The UV index sits between 4 and 6, so you’ll want sun protection, especially around midday.
Winds usually stay light, but sometimes gusts from the inland deserts bring even drier air. You won’t see summer’s extreme heat or sandstorms, but the air remains dry.
These desert traits—clear skies, low rainfall, dry air, and steady sunshine—shape Aqaba’s winter. You get a season that’s great for being outdoors, trying water sports, or just sightseeing, all without summer’s heat.
Typical Winter Temperatures in Aqaba
Winter days in Aqaba are mild and nights are cool. Temperatures stay comfortable, with highs mostly in the low 70s °F and lows dipping into the low 50s °F.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
You’ll usually see daytime highs around 68–72°F (20–22°C). Sometimes, the warmest days hit the low 80s °F, but that’s not the norm. Cooler days tend to hover in the upper 60s °F.
At night, it cools down to 50–55°F (10–13°C). Occasionally, it gets as low as the mid-40s °F, but freezing is almost unheard of here. If you’re out at night, a light jacket or sweater comes in handy.
There’s a noticeable difference between day and night, but it’s not too harsh. Aqaba’s spot on the Red Sea helps keep night temperatures milder than in other desert regions.
Monthly Temperature Variations
December: Highs average around 70°F (21°C), with lows near 54°F (12°C).
January: The coldest month, with highs about 68°F (20°C), and lows near 50°F (10°C).
February: Temperatures start to rise, with highs at about 72°F (22°C), and lows around 53°F (12°C).
| Month | Avg High °F (°C) | Avg Low °F (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 70 (21) | 54 (12) |
| January | 68 (20) | 50 (10) |
| February | 72 (22) | 53 (12) |
If you like mild, dry weather, Aqaba’s winter won’t let you down.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Aqaba lives up to its dry desert reputation, with very limited rainfall. Most of the rain comes in winter, and it’s usually just quick, light showers.
Rainfall Amounts and Frequency
Rain is a rare event here. Aqaba sees 30–70 mm of rainfall per year, depending on where you look. That’s among the lowest in Jordan.
Rain falls on only a few days each year. In winter, you might get 1–3 rainy days per month. In summer, you might go weeks without a single drop.
When it does rain, it’s light and over quickly. Heavy storms almost never happen. This makes the weather here a lot more predictable than in places with monsoons or long rainy seasons.
Travelers can plan without worrying about rain. Most outdoor activities go on as usual, though a quick shower in December through February might pause things briefly.
Monthly Precipitation Trends
Aqaba’s rain has a clear pattern. December, January, and February are the wettest months, but even then, it’s just 8–16 mm per month. January usually gets the most, but it’s still nothing compared to other cities.
May through September are basically bone dry, with almost 0 mm of rain. You can count on dry weather during these months.
Here’s a quick look at average monthly rainfall:
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| December | 10–15 | 2 |
| January | 11–16 | 2 |
| February | 8–12 | 1–2 |
| March | 5–8 | 1 |
| June–Sept | 0 | 0 |
So, winter is the only time you’ll see any real rain. The rest of the year stays dry.
Sea Temperature and Coastal Conditions
The Gulf of Aqaba keeps things comfortable in winter, with water temperatures cooler than summer but warmer than many other places. The sea stays calm, and the water remains clear, so swimming and diving are still on the table.
Average Winter Sea Temperatures
In winter, the sea cools down but doesn’t get too cold. December brings an average water temperature of 23.3°C (74°F). January drops a bit to 22.1°C (72°F), and February hits its coolest at 21.5°C (71°F).
That’s still warmer than most Mediterranean spots at the same time of year. The sea temperature doesn’t change much across the season, so you won’t feel a big difference month to month.
Water clarity stays high in winter, which is great if you want to snorkel or dive. The calm sea also means you’re less likely to have your plans interrupted by storms.
Swimming and Water Activities in Winter
Swimming in Aqaba during winter feels refreshing. The water might feel brisk at first, but many people find it pleasant, especially on sunny afternoons when the air warms up.
Diving and snorkeling are both popular in winter. The cooler water can actually make visibility better, and with fewer tourists, you get the reefs almost to yourself.
If you’re planning to swim for a while, you might want a light wetsuit, especially in January and February. Still, plenty of people swim without one.
The calm sea is also perfect for paddleboarding and kayaking. You can enjoy these activities safely all season.
Humidity and Wind Conditions in Winter
Winter air in Aqaba feels cool, dry, and fresh. You’ll notice dry conditions most of the time, with only small shifts in humidity and wind.
Average Humidity Levels
Humidity stays low in Aqaba during winter, especially compared to other coastal cities. Relative humidity usually ranges from 20% to 30%. December sits near 33%, while January and February are closer to 25%.
This dry air feels crisp, not sticky. Even on the coolest days, you won’t feel clammy. The dryness can make evenings feel cooler, especially with a light breeze.
Since rain is rare, there’s not much relief from the dryness. The desert air keeps visibility high. If you have sensitive skin or breathing issues, extra hydration helps.
Wind Speed and Weather Impact
Winds in Aqaba’s winter usually stay light to moderate. The average wind speed is about 7 to 12 km/h (4 to 7 mph), but sometimes gusts pick up, especially by the coast.
These breezes keep the air moving but don’t usually bother anyone. Combined with cooler temperatures, the wind can make evenings feel a bit colder than the numbers suggest.
Daytime winds are calm enough for walking, sightseeing, or relaxing by the water. At night, a light jacket helps if the wind picks up.
If you’re into water sports, you’ll find winter winds pretty predictable, with fewer surprises than in summer. That makes it a good season for planning things outside.
Winter Sunshine, Daylight, and Cloud Cover
Aqaba’s winter brings mild sunshine, longer days as the season goes on, and mostly clear skies. Cloud cover stays limited, and rain rarely interrupts the sun.
Average Sunshine Hours
Even in the heart of winter, Aqaba gets plenty of sun. The city averages 7 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day, which is actually more than a lot of places at the same latitude.
February tends to be the sunniest, with skies at their clearest. December and January still offer lots of bright days, though the days are a bit shorter.
Unlike other coasts that get gloomy in winter, Aqaba’s desert climate keeps the sky mostly open. That makes it easy to plan outdoor adventures, whether you’re sightseeing, strolling along the Red Sea, or heading out to the desert.
Daylight Duration and Sun Position
Daylight hours keep growing as winter moves along. In late December, you get about 10 hours and 15 minutes of daylight.
By the end of February, this stretches to roughly 11 hours and 30 minutes.
Early January brings the latest sunrises, around 7:30 AM. Sunsets hit about 5:40 PM then.
As February winds down, sunrise comes a bit earlier, maybe 7:05 AM, and sunset lingers until almost 6:40 PM.
You’ll notice the sun hangs lower in the sky than it does in summer. That lower angle softens the midday light and keeps things cooler.
Longer shadows fall across the mountains and valleys, making winter landscapes look a bit more dramatic.
Cloud Cover and Sky Conditions
Winter skies in Aqaba usually stay clear. The chance of overcast or mostly cloudy weather sits between 22% and 27%. December tends to feel a bit cloudier.
By February, the sky clears up about 80% of the time.
Rain hardly ever shows up, and when it does, it’s typically light and doesn’t last long. You’ll probably find yourself enjoying long stretches of sunny, dry days.
The desert air feels clean and often gives you fantastic visibility. Most winter days, you can take in crisp views of the Red Sea, the nearby hills, and even those distant mountains across the Gulf of Aqaba.