The Best Jordan Packing List: All The Essentials You Need in 2024

Wondering what to wear in Jordan? In this article, I share my Jordan packing list with all the clothes and essentials I brought with me for 10 days of travelling around the country. 

This guide covers what to wear in Jordan as a woman, outfit ideas for Petra, the type of shoes you need for the desert and what weather to expect during your visit. 

This packing list also has eco-friendly suggestions to help you be a more sustainable traveller when visiting this incredible country. 

So, without further ado, here’s the best packing list for Jordan!

Pack for the trip you’re planning 

This might seem obvious but before you put your Jordan packing list together, think about what you plan to do on your trip. It will influence what you pack. 

The packing list I’ve outlined below is primarily for women who want to get outdoors and explore. This means most of your trip will involve sightseeing, hiking, swimming and being fairly active. 

While aiming mostly for practical clothing, you still want to take some nice photos. Your hotels are budget to mid-range – aka relaxed. 

If that sounds like you, keep reading this Jordan packing guide!

Editor’s tip: If you’re staying at upscale resorts, you may need to pack smart-casual attire for evening meals. 

Packing for the seasons in Jordan 

Jordan has a Mediterranean climate towards the west which changes to a desert climate in the east and south. The landscape is mostly arid except for the green, grassy hills of the north. 

You can expect average monthly temperatures to range from 8 to 26°C in the north and 16 to 33°C in the south with mostly dry, sunny weather. 

Jordan’s short winters bring rain and cool temperatures. Some of the uplands experience snow. As for summer, the hottest month is July with highs of 33°C. 

The best times of year to visit Jordan are spring and autumn as the weather is mild and dry. 

Sightseeing and outdoor activities are much more bearable than the heat of the summer. It simplifies your Jordan packing list too. 

What should women wear in Jordan?

Jordan is a Muslim country so women generally wear modest clothing and cover their heads. However, they’re not required to if they don’t want to. 

Jordan is nowhere near as strict on dress as some of the other Middle Eastern countries like Saudi Arabia or Iran. 

In parts of Amman, some women even wear Western clothes. My local female guide also wore cargo trousers and a black T-shirt for most of the trip. 

If you’re wondering “Can I wear shorts in Jordan?” The answer is yes. I probably wouldn’t wear hotpants though…

Jordan’s more liberal attitude to dress extends to female tourists. Women can show their legs and wear tight tops if they want to. Although, you will need to cover your hair and shoulders at religious sites. 

As a solo female traveller, I chose to wear modest clothing in Jordan. This was mainly because I wanted to be respectful of the culture and not draw too much attention to myself. 

I wore loose-fitting, breathable clothes that covered the tops of my arms and most of my legs. This actually helped me stay cool and comfortable in the heat too. I didn’t even get sunburned!

How to dress in Jordan

What can you wear in Jordan? If possible, avoid dark clothes as they absorb more heat. Dust and sand will also show up more clearly – believe me, you will get covered in dust!

Aim for light-coloured clothing like beige or tan as dust won’t show up as easily. These go well with bright colours too. 

Choose lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton rather than polyester which traps heat and sweat.

Here’s how to dress in Jordan: 

Tops 

• 3-4 T-shirts – loose-fitting is key
• 1-2 ¾ length tops – these are handy for cooler days 
• 1-2 blouses – loose-fitting, dressier tops. Casual linen shirts could work too
• 1 light jumper – for just in case (I go white or black as they go with most outfits)
• 1 light jacket – I brought a denim jacket which I only wore on one or two evenings. It will come in handy during the winter from December to February
• Short kimono – my solution for practical yet dressy outfits. I bought the Moorish Burgundy Kimono from One Hundred Stars. It’s made from sustainable fabrics and it looks amazing in photos!

Bottoms 

• 1 desert trousers – Craghoppers does a good balance of practical yet stylish outdoor clothing. I bought the Women’s Kiwi Pro II Trousers in Desert Sand and they’re so lightweight. I found them easy to move about in and my legs didn’t overheat. 
• 1-2 culottes – wide-leg culottes look great with a T-shirt 
• 1-2 maxi skirts – midi skirts are another good option if you don’t want so much length

Full-body 

• 1-2 midi or maxi dresses – aim for lightweight fabrics so you don’t overheat. They’re a great option for what to wear in Amman or Aqaba but I wouldn’t recommend them for the desert
• Kaftan dress – this could be a pretty addition to your Jordan packing list. It’s light and floaty which is perfect for the climate. 
• Jumpsuit – this is a great alternative to dresses. Again, go for loose-fitting and lightweight

Smalls

• Enough underwear for the trip
• Enough socks for the trip  
• Enough bras for the trip
• Hiking socks 

Accessories 

• Swimwear – I packed a one-piece swimsuit and a rashguard which I wore in the Dead Sea to protect myself from the sun.  
• Lightweight scarf / pashmina – this dressed-up plain outfits and I could protect my head in the desert when it was too windy for a hat 
• Beach cover-ups 

What to wear in Petra, Jordan

Wear practical clothing that you’re comfortable walking in if you plan to spend the whole day in Petra. It’s huge so you most likely will if you want to see as much of it as possible. The walk down to the Treasury already takes 30 minutes!

Petra gets sweltering hot so light, breathable clothing is essential. If you plan to take photos of yourself you might want a dressier outfit.

You could change your clothes in theory but the bathrooms aren’t clean and you won’t want to be carrying around anything other than snacks and water. 

Here’s what I wore in Petra: 

• Desert trousers from Craghoppers 
• Baggy beige T-shirt 
• Short kimono from One Hundred Stars
• Blue lightweight scarf 
• Straw sun hat 
• Tropicfeel All-Terrain sneakers 

Find out more about visiting Petra in my complete Petra itinerary.

The best shoes to wear in Jordan 

If you plan to go sightseeing, you’ll be on your feet a lot. Petra alone covers an area of over 100 square miles so you will need practical footwear that will support your feet. 

Your shoes need to be breathable in the desert heat so I would avoid heavy walking boots. Opt for closed-toe shoes instead of sandals as they will protect your feet from the uneven pavements and gritty sand. 

Whatever you bring, your shoes will get covered in dust and sand so I recommend not bringing anything you’re attached to. Choose light-coloured footwear over black as the dust won’t show up quite as much!

Sneakers: I brought two pairs of sneakers with me so I could alternate them depending on the outfits. 

My main shoes for Jordan were all-terrain sneakers from Tropicfeel. They’re lightweight and include a mesh material to allow your feet to breathe in the heat. 

Add their reinforced padding for comfort, anti-slip rubber and quick-drying capabilities and you’ve got a great pair of travel shoes!

The Monsoon pair in Sage Khaki is a similar colour to the dust and desert sands of Jordan. They were my go-to footwear for Wadi Rum. As for what shoes to wear in Petra, Jordan, these all-terrain sneakers did the job perfectly. 

Aqua shoes: These are shoes I wish I had brought with me (I now own a pair and take them on most trips). Aqua shoes or waterproof sandals will be useful for navigating beaches that have been baking in the sun. 

In particular, the Dead Sea’s beaches are made up of a combination of black mud and crystallized salt which was burning hot on my soles. I had trainers but putting them on wet feet was painfully difficult. 

Do yourself a favour and pack aqua shoes!

Sandals: I don’t recommend sandals for everyday wear as you might spend most of the trip shaking sand out of them, but you might want a pair for evenings or lounging about. 

Opt for light-coloured hiking sandals for maximum support. 

Jordan packing list items not to forget 

These items are essential to your packing list for Jordan, no matter what – don’t forget them!

• Passport – at least a minimum of 6 months validity before arrival
• Tourist visa – you can buy an entry visa on arrival (it costs 40 Jordanian Dinars)
• Driver’s license – for ID or if you want to hire a car
• SIM card – I had WIFI in all hotels except for Wadi Rum. I recommend buying an eSim card before you travel if you want to stay connected
• Cash – Most places I went to preferred cash. I was caught short a few times and had to use the ATM which became expensive. Bring as much cash as you can (don’t keep it all in one place though!)
• Debit / credit cards – There are ATMs all over Amman but be warned, there are high transaction fees 
• Travel insurance – always a good idea to be protected whenever you travel. I used Holiday Extras for Jordan
• Hotel addresses – they may ask to see this at border control. I print the first one out

The best bags for Jordan 

Day pack: While Jordan is generally safe, it’s a good idea to keep your essentials close to you. I travel with a Pacsafe Metrosafe bag. 

It’s made from anti-slash material and contains RFID protection. I can keep my wallet secure with a lockable zip. Pacsafe also does a backpack version. 

Money belt: The lightweight sleeve fits around your middle and keeps essential items like your money, passport and phone even closer. 

Its slim shape allows you to tuck it under your clothes for more security. Full disclosure, I didn’t take it to Jordan but I did bring it with me on a trip to Costa Rica. 

Carry-on: I used my Osprey Fairview 40 as my main bag in Jordan. It’s super lightweight and has a lot of different compartments (including a laptop sleeve) so I could fit plenty in. I’ve used it on rips for up to three weeks. 

This bag is suitable if you’re travelling carry-on only for most airlines except for budget ones like Wizzair. I flew with Royal Jordanian so my bag met the requirements. 

Suitcase: For something bigger, Osprey Sojourn 60 is a backpack with wheels. I recommend bringing a bag that has both wheel and backpack capabilities as streets are uneven in some parts of the country.

Editor’s tip: I’ve gotten packing down to a fine art with packing cubes. I use the Travel Dudes compression packing cubes which allows me to fit so many clothes in. They’re made from recycled bottles too and I can separate clean from wet and dirty. Add them to your packing list for Jordan!

Eco-friendly toiletries for Jordan 

If you’re travelling carry-on only or want to limit liquids, pack solid toiletries. They’re zero-waste and they last longer!

• Solid shampoo bar – I’ve started using Beauty Kitchen as it makes my fine, flyaway hair squeaky clean without leaving behind oily residue
• Solid conditioner bar – This time it’s KinKind! I use a moisture-intensive bar to help my hair in the dry desert heat 
• Soap bar – I use Dr Bronner’s as a body wash 
• Soap tins – save soapy mush from getting all over your bag 
• Reusable travel bottles – fill up your liquids from full-sized bottles to reduce plastic
• Sunscreen – I use Green People as it’s organic and reef-safe. It blends into the skin beautifully and doesn’t leave behind a sticky residue 
• Mineral powder sunscreen – a useful hack to up your face if you’re wearing makeup. You can also dust it over your scalp to stop it from burning 
• Aftersun 
• Moisturiser – Beauty Kitchen’s moisturising oil leaves your skin soft and smooth
• Cleanser – I use Beauty Kitchen’s beauty balm as it’s a great all-rounder
• Lip balm – for soothing dry lips in the desert 
• Bamboo face cloths
• Razor – these biodegradable razors are suitable for hand luggage as the blade is attached 
• Bamboo toothbrush – bamboo helps you reduce single-use plastic 
• Bamboo toothbrush case – keep your toothbrush clean 
• Toothpaste tabs – an easy way to cut down on liquids 
• Natural deodorant – compact and effective, nuud is perfect for travel. Read my full review to find out more
• Hairbrush 
• Microfibre towel – they’re super quick-drying and lightweight 
• First aid kit – painkillers, blister plasters and rehydration sachets may be useful
• Hand sanitiser – Beauty Kitchen has an organic hand sanitiser which smells lovely
• Insect repellent – bring a bottle of Incognito to keep those biting bugs at bay 
• Your fave makeup and remover – you probably won’t want to wear heavy foundation in the heat…

Sustainable travel essentials for Jordan 

• Water filter bottle – in general, the water in Jordan is safe to drink but it can have an odd taste. A reusable water bottle like Water-to-Go filters out any impurities and cuts down on single-use plastic 
• Reusable cutlery set – handy for street food or lunch on the go
• Menstrual cup / organic tampons – bring these as tampons are hard to find in Jordan
• Period pants – they’re a handy extra level of security when travelling on a period. Find out how I use them for travel in this WUKA review
• Cotton tote bags – always useful and much better than plastic bags 
• Sunglasses – the desert landscape is bright in the sun so you will want to bring some eye protection 
• Sun hat – I wore my bendy straw hat as it’s the perfect balance between style and practicality. I can fold it up when I’m not using it and it has a drawstring tie around the chin to keep it secure in the wind. It looks great too 

Electronics for Jordan 

• Smartphone – make sure it has a good camera as you’ll want to take photos of places like Petra and Wadi Rum 
• Camera – always nice to have! I use a Sony a6000 and the Sony E 35mm f/1.8 prime lens
• Portable power bank – an essential for travelling. Especially if you’re relying on your phone 
• Phone / camera stand – this is useful if you don’t have someone to take photos of you. In some popular sites like Petra, you’ll find people willing to take your photo in exchange for cash. The photos are pretty good and I would much rather support this business model than ride exhausted donkeys
• Hairdryer – not something I usually pack but wet hair symbolises sexual availability in Jordan so I brought a travel hairdryer just to be safe 
• Universal travel adaptor – there are several different power outlet types in Jordan so it’s best to get one adaptor to rule them all to be on the safe side!
• Earphones  / headphones – House of Marley do great affordable, eco-friendly ones 
• Chargers – for all your electronics!

Optional extras to pack for Jordan 

• Sleeping mask – I always wear one 
• Earplugs – handy if you’re staying in a hostel 
• Flip-flops – again, handy if you’re staying in a hostel and don’t want to put your bare feet in the communal showers 
• Pacsafe bag protector – essentially chain mail for your bag which turns it into a makeshift locker if your hotel room doesn’t have one
• Padlock – if there isn’t a safe in the room, you can lock your passport and money in your bag 

Editor’s tip: I’ve started bringing a doorstop with me when I’m travelling alone. I jam it under the door so no one can get in when I’m sleeping. I’ve never felt unsafe, but it gives me extra peace of mind as a solo female traveller. 

What NOT to pack for Jordan 

What should you not wear in Jordan? Here are some items that are best left at home: 

• Tight-fitting clothes – this isn’t just because Jordan is a Muslim country. Tight clothing is uncomfortable in the heat. You’ll be much better off wearing loose, breathable clothing instead
• Umbrella – it’s highly unlikely you’ll need it and if it does rain, you’re better off wearing a rain jacket as umbrellas are just impractical and get in the way
• High heels – cobblestone streets, uneven pavements and dirt tracks are common in Jordan. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting covered in dirt and sand
• Expensive jewellery – it’s best to not make yourself a target
• Expensive electronics – yes, there’s the theft factor, but another problem is dust and sand. Unless you have ways to protect against sand, don’t bring expensive laptops etc. Of course, bring a good camera (phone will do) to take photos of Petra!
• Mini travel toiletries – opt for refillable containers or solid toiletries rather than single-use plastic minis. 

Jordan packing list: Final thoughts 

My last bit of advice for what to pack for Jordan is to think about the trip you’re planning. Have a look at my Jordan itinerary to see what kind of activities you’ll be doing. 

Don’t worry too much about the dress code in Jordan as there isn’t one except for at religious sites. Wear what makes you feel most comfortable. For what to wear in Jordan as a female traveller, that meant loose-fitting clothes made from breathable fabrics. 

Finally, be a sustainable traveller by keeping single-use plastic out of your suitcase and wearing mineral-based sunscreen. 

If you have any questions about what clothes to wear in Jordan, drop them in the comments below and I will be happy to help.

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Looking for more Jordan travel tips? Check out these posts!

• Jordan 10-Day Itinerary: An Awe-Inspiring Desert Road Trip Adventure
• An Easy Slow Travel Guide to Mastering the Art of Experiencing More
• 27 Eco-Friendly Travel Products You Need For Your Packing List
• A Complete Petra Itinerary: How To Spend A Day In Jordan’s World Wonder