Knowing what to pack for Jordan can be tricky because one bag needs to cover three different experiences. Petra involves 6–10 km of walking over rocky, uneven terrain. In Wadi Rum, desert heat gives way to chilly nights, while the Dead Sea and Aqaba call for beach and pool essentials.
A carry-on or medium checked bag can handle it all. Pack versatile layers, quick-drying fabrics, and sturdy, comfortable shoes.
Your packing needs also depend on your route and travel dates. Read our Jordan itinerary guide to compare 4, 5, 7, and 10-day routes and see how much time to spend in Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea.
What Clothing to Pack for Jordan
Pack light, quick-dry layers. Jordan’s daytime temperatures range from 15 to 35 degrees Celsius depending on season and elevation. Evenings in Petra (900 meters) and Wadi Rum get cool, even in spring and autumn.
Daytime. Loose, breathable clothing in natural or performance fabrics. Long sleeves protect against the sun at the Dead Sea and in Wadi Rum. Shorts are acceptable for men at all tourist sites. Women should cover shoulders and knees in public areas outside resorts and beaches.
Evening and desert nights. A light fleece or packable down jacket is essential for Wadi Rum. Desert temperatures can drop 15 to 20 degrees after sunset. Petra evenings at 900 meters of elevation are cool from October through April. Even summer nights in Wadi Rum are noticeably cooler than the daytime.
Swimwear. Pack at least one swimsuit. You need it at the Dead Sea, at Aqaba, and at every hotel pool along the route. Normal swimwear is fine at resorts and beaches. No special modesty requirement applies in the water.
Modest Dress in Jordan — What Actually Changes in Practice
Jordan is a moderate Muslim-majority country with relaxed dress norms in tourist areas. The practical rules are simple.
Women. Cover shoulders and knees in public areas, at mosques, and at churches (Madaba, Mount Nebo). A light scarf or shawl handles this. At the Dead Sea, Aqaba beach, and hotel pools, standard swimwear is fine. No abaya or head covering is required for visitors anywhere.
Men. Shorts and T-shirts are acceptable at all tourist sites, including Petra, Wadi Rum, Jerash, and Amman hotels. Long trousers are more respectful in conservative towns and at mosques.
A light scarf. Carry one in your day bag. A scarf covers your shoulders at a church, shields your neck from the sun at Petra, and doubles as warmth at Wadi Rum.
Shoes — The Most Important Item to Get Right
Shoes are the single most important packing decision for Jordan. The wrong shoes at Petra can ruin your day.
For Petra
Closed-toe hiking shoes or trail shoes with good grip are mandatory. The Siq has smooth, worn stone. The main trail is uneven rock. The Monastery trail is 800 carved stone steps. The High Place of Sacrifice climb is steep and loose in sections. Planning to explore Petra’s main trails? Read our Petra travel guide for details about the Siq, Treasury, Monastery, walking routes, and visitor tips. It will help you choose the right footwear and prepare for a full day on the trails.
Do not wear flip-flops, sandals, or flat sneakers at Petra. The terrain punishes poor footwear. Ankle support is ideal. Break in new shoes before the trip.
For Wadi Rum
Bring trail shoes for any trekking or rock climbing. Sand gets into open shoes during Jeep tours. Sandals work at the camp for walking between tents and the dining area. Close your tent flap at night to keep sand out of your shoes. An overnight stay in the desert calls for a few extra items. Read our Wadi Rum guide for advice on desert camps, Jeep safaris, evening temperatures, stargazing, and what to expect during your stay.
For Hotels and Amman
Comfortable everyday walking shoes for Amman’s hilly streets and hotel areas. Sandals for the Dead Sea shoreline and pool decks.
Total shoe count: three pairs. Trail shoes (Petra and Wadi Rum), sandals (camp, beach, hotel), and casual walking shoes (Amman, airports).
Sun and Heat Protection
The sun in Jordan is strong. The Dead Sea sits more than 430 meters below sea level, where barometric pressure is higher, and the atmosphere filters less UV radiation. Sunburn at the Dead Sea happens faster than at sea level.
- SPF 50 or higher sunscreen. Apply before you leave the hotel. Reapply after swimming or sweating. Bring enough for the full trip. Sunscreen is available in pharmacies in Amman, but the selection is limited in smaller towns.
- Wide-brimmed hat. Essential at Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea. A baseball cap does not protect ears and neck.
- UV sunglasses. The reflected light from white limestone at Jerash and Petra is intense. Polarized lenses help.
- Lip balm with SPF. The desert air and sun crack lips within a day.
Tech and Power
Plug Adapter
Jordan uses Type C (two-pin European) and Type G (three-pin British) sockets. Voltage is 230V. A universal travel adapter covers both socket types. Bring one adapter per person. Hotels often have limited access to outlets near the bed.
Portable Charger
A portable phone charger is essential. Site days at Petra and Wadi Rum run 8 to 10 hours away from power. Your phone handles navigation, photos, the Jordan Pass QR code, and communication. A dead phone at Petra means no pass, no photos, and no map. Charge the portable bank every night.
Offline Maps
Download Jordan maps on Google Maps before you arrive. Mobile data coverage is good in Amman, Petra, and Aqaba. Coverage in Wadi Rum and on the King’s Highway is patchy. Offline maps work without a signal.
Health and Pharmacy Items
Jordanian pharmacies are well-stocked in Amman and major towns. But bringing your own basics saves time and ensures you have the right brands.
- Stomach medication: Anti-diarrheal tablets and a basic antacid. Changes in water, oil, and spice levels can upset stomachs during the first two days.
- Motion sickness tablets. The King’s Highway between Amman and Petra has switchback descents into the Wadi Mujib gorge. The road drops 900 meters in tight curves. Passengers prone to car sickness should take medication before the drive.
- Rehydration salts—essential after the Dead Sea float and long walking days at Petra. The combination of heat, salt water, and exertion dehydrates you faster than you expect.
- Basic first aid. Adhesive bandages, antiseptic wipes, and blister patches. Blisters on the Monastery steps are common for travelers in new shoes.
- Personal medications. Bring a full supply from home. Carry a copy of prescriptions. Jordanian pharmacies stock the most common medications, but brand names may differ.
Money and Documents
Jordan Pass
Download your Jordan Pass to your phone as a PDF before leaving home. Print a backup copy. The Jordan Pass is your entry ticket to Petra, Jerash, Wadi Rum, and 40 additional sites. A dead phone without a printed backup means you cannot enter. Purchase the pass at jordanpass. jo before arriving in Jordan. Review the official Jordan Pass FAQs before purchase. They explain the included attractions, pass validity, entry conditions, and the requirements for exemption from the tourist visa fee.
Cash
Carry JOD 100-150 in cash for the entire trip. ATMs are available in Amman, Wadi Musa (Petra town), and Aqaba. Smaller sites, Bedouin camps, and taxis may not accept cards. Keep small bills (JOD 1, 5, and 10) for tips, market purchases, and taxi fares.
Travel Insurance
Carry a printed or digital copy of your travel insurance policy. Peregrine requires travel insurance with a minimum medical coverage of USD 100,000. Keep your insurance company’s emergency contact number accessible on your phone.
What Not to Pack for Jordan
Drones. Flying a drone in Jordan requires a special permit from the Civil Aviation Regulatory Commission. Customs officers can confiscate undeclared drones at the airport. Do not bring one unless you have pre-arranged the permit.
Revealing clothing for conservative areas. Tourist sites and resorts are relaxed. Conservative town centers and mosques are not. A light scarf solves most situations.
Alcohol from outside Jordan. Licensed hotels and restaurants serve alcohol throughout the country. Importing your own is not worth the risk of customs. The duty-free allowance is limited.
The Complete Jordan Packing List
Clothing
- Trail shoes (broken in, ankle support preferred)
- Casual walking shoes
- Sandals (camp, beach, pool)
- Light fleece or packable down jacket
- Swimwear (at least one set)
- Modest day clothing (shoulders and knees covered)
- Quick-dry t-shirts and trousers
- Light scarf or shawl
- Quick-dry travel towel
Sun Protection
- SPF 50 or higher sunscreen (full-size bottle)
- Wide-brimmed hat
- UV sunglasses (polarized preferred)
- Lip balm with SPF
Tech
- Universal plug adapter
- Portable phone charger (fully charged)
- Phone or camera
- Offline Google Maps downloaded
Documents
- Jordan Pass (phone and printed backup)
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Travel insurance policy (printed or digital)
- Emergency contact numbers
- Hotel confirmation printouts (optional backup)
Health
- Stomach medication (anti-diarrheal, antacid)
- Motion sickness tablets
- Rehydration salts
- Basic first aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, blister patches)
- Personal prescription medications with copies of prescriptions
Money
- JOD cash (100 to 150 for the full trip)
- Visa or Mastercard (accepted at hotels and most restaurants)
- Small bills for tips (JOD 1, 5, and 10 notes)
Frequently Asked Questions
What shoes should I wear to Petra?
Closed-toe trail shoes or hiking shoes with good grip. The Siq has smooth, worn stone. The Monastery trail has 800 uneven rock steps. The High Place of Sacrifice is a steep climb. Flip-flops and flat sneakers are not suitable. Break in new shoes before you travel.
Do I need to dress modestly everywhere in Jordan?
No. At resorts, beaches, and hotel pools, standard swimwear and casual clothing are fine. In public areas, women should cover shoulders and knees. Men can wear shorts at all tourist sites. Carry a light scarf for mosques and churches.
What plug adapter do I need for Jordan?
Jordan uses Type C (European two-pin) and Type G (British three-pin) sockets at 230V. A universal travel adapter covers both. Bring one adapter per person.
Our Jordan Tours — Everything Else Is Handled
On a Peregrine Jordan tour, you handle the packing. We handle everything else. Your private vehicle, guide, hotels, Jordan Pass, site entries, and transfers are all pre-arranged. Pack smart and show up.
Email sales@peregrinetreks.com or message WhatsApp +977 985 105 2413.