“What to wear in Jordan” was one of the first queries that I looked for online when I knew that I was going to Jordan for the first time. Unfortunately, a lot of articles that I read did not fully answer this question for me. When I travel, two elements are quintessential for me when it comes to packing for every trip: style and comfort. And in a religious (Christianism and Islam) like Jordan where respect is expected from travelers, I decided to even be more intentional about my dress code in Jordan.

A lot of online articles or blogs will show you examples of what to wear in Jordan, but honestly, they are not all stylish. After traveling that far (though distance is relative), and knowing that you would encounter bewildering landscapes that will create so-many photo-triggering “aha” moments, it would be a remiss for you not to make this trip fashionable. In fact, in my opinion, borderline unacceptable (just kidding). But if you are someone who loves fashion, travels in style or is looking to elevate your wardrobe for your upcoming Jordan trip (so that you can take those amazing and stunning photos against all the gorgeous background), then I’ve got you!

In this article, I will share with you recommendations for what to wear in Jordan as a woman, as well as specific recommendations at key tourist sites, like what to wear in Petra, Wadi Rum and everywhere else you might be traveling to in Jordan. 

So, prepare to pack, in respect and style: let’s start!

What to Wear in Jordan: The Practical Guide for Every Traveler

Congratulations, visiting Jordan is on your bucket list! Or better yet, you’ve already booked your ticket, secured your activities and you are preparing to pack your bags (probably my favorite part of YOUR trip!) But before you pack your bags, one question is likely top of mind: what to wear in Jordan? This guide breaks it all down by location (tourist sites), gender, season, and local customs to help you travel confidently and respectfully.

Jordan Dress Code: What is Generally Accepted

Jordan is a religious country (Christian and Islam), with deep-rooted traditions. In fact, it is part of the Holy Land. Now, this does not mean that people expect you to wear togas or medieval arabic clothing. It just means that when you are deciding on what to wear in Jordan, you have to be more mindful about respecting the religious culture. So, modesty is expected especially when you visit historical sites, religious sites and community sites (essentially, when you travel outside of hotels and resort areas).

In cities like Amman (the capital city), you’ll see everything from jeans to hijabs, but if you wear revealing clothing, you will draw a lot of attention. In smaller towns and religious sites (Mount Nebo or Madaba for instance), conservative clothing is a must. As a general rule, both men and women should avoid showing too much skin.

What to Wear in Jordan: The Easiest way to Pack “In Style” for your Jordan Trip

When I was making my packing list for Jordan in accordance with the Jordan dress code (given the considerations I made in the first section of this article), I was actually very excited. This was an opportunity for me to wear more colors, more “flowy” clothes and experiment with new styles of travel outfits. In addition, when you decide on your Jordan dress code, keep in mind the season and the landscapes. Top tourist sites in Jordan like Wadi Rum and Petra are very dramatic in terms of landscapes (and rightfully so). So when deciding on what to pack, think about vibrant, bold colors that would pop up against those gorgeous backgrounds. In terms of the travel season, going to Jordan during the spring and early summer (April – June) means that you would see more greenery, therefore pick colors that would make you and nature pop more!

What to Wear in Jordan as a Woman

Being modest does not mean “not” being stylish. Very far from it! As a general rule of thumb, consider the following:

• • Loose-fitting clothing that covers your shoulders, chest and knees. Examples: maxi skirts, wide-leg pants, long-sleeve tops, lounge sets and breathable dresses are perfect (and you will see some examples here).
  • Scarves as needed: not just as a fashion statement, but also to cover yourself when needed (especially if you are going to enter a religious site). This is very important not just out of reverence due to the history, but also because some of the religious churches and mosques are still active sites of worship today. A lightweight scarf can also come in handy for protection from sun or dust.
  • Bathing suits (as much as needed): yes, pack them! Bikinis and monokinis are acceptable at resorts and hotels, as well as at the Dead Sea (for your floating experience) and Aqaba (which is one of the largest seaports in the country where you can also do boat cruises). Nonetheless, always bring a cover-up when walking through, out of respect for other visitors (which also include locals as they tend to explore Jordan a lot). And very important: no extremely revealing swimwear or thongs. 

What to Wear in Jordan as a Man

Men have a bit more flexibility, but modesty is still important. Shorts are becoming more common in tourist-heavy spots, especially if you are traveling to Jordan in the summer (June – August).  Avoid sleeveless shirts in conservative areas.

As a general rule of thumb, consider the following:

• Cotton and linen trousers
• Breathable shirts with sleeves
• Light jacket for cooler nights
• Swimwear for Dead Sea/Aqaba

Now that you have a general idea of what to wear in Jordan for your upcoming trip, let’s make it even easier with my outfit recommendations by destination. This is where we see the class, sass and style, while still being respectful to the culture!

And yes, if you have not yet done so, you can get my comprehensive packing list to make sure you don’t forget anything for this once-in-a-lifetime kind of trip. 

What to Wear in Jordan: Outfit Ideas by Destination

Based on my recent trip to Jordan, here is what I recommend wearing based on each site you’re planning to visit. These recommendations blend style, comfort and respect for the culture. 

What to wear in Jordan: Amman, the Capital City 

Jordan’s capital is modern and diverse. To stay in style and keep it cute, you can go for “simple casual” or “intentionally cutesy”.

• For Women: think cute middle to long dresses, pants with fitted blouses, or a jumpsuit with/without a coverup, and comfortable flat shoes or sandals.
• For Men: think jeans, button-up shirts, and comfortable flat shoes or sandals.  
• Smart casual is your best bet—jeans, button-up shirts, and comfortable flats or sneakers work well.

Jerash, the Ancient City 

Jerash is an archeological site, and exploring the site means there is a fair bit of walking. So, think “comfortable and cute”.

• For Women: a stylish, colorful short and pants set would work very well. Make sure you wear closed-toes shoes (I recommend walking tennis shoes) as there will be a lot of walking on even but rocky terrain. 
• For Men: think jeans, button-up shirts, and comfortable flat shoes.

What to wear in Petra, the Rose City 

Petra is the one site where everyone who travels to Jordan should stop at. At least on your first trip, this is the typical instagrammable spot, and when you get there, you want to make sure you get your shot. But when it comes to what to wear in Petra, you need to think about two things: visiting Petra in the day and visiting Petra at night. 

Petra by Day involves a lot of walking (approximately 2-3 hours) on even and rocky terrain, and there are options to do additional hikes within the site if you want to. I have heard of people switching outfits when they get there to get those scenic, instagrammable photos. I wouldn’t go that far, but if you want to, it’s up to you. Petra by night is more of a reflective, scenic walk to the Monastery. The walk (about 45 mins) is paved with candlelights, which lead you to an impressive candlelight display when you get to the Monastery. For this, you want to pack your stylish, gorgeous clothes, but also a coat/light jacket or scarf because it gets chilly at night. 

• For Women: for Petra by Day, think stylish, colorful shirt and pants set that you can easily walk in. You can also wear a flowy dress, as the walk is not challenging. Make sure you wear closed-toes shoes (I recommend walking tennis shoes) as there will be a lot of walking on even but rocky terrain. For Petra by Night, you can go for the same theme, or wear clothes that would pop up in the night (a colorful, long flowy dress for instance). You could also choose to stick to neutral colors, depending on what works best on your skin tone. 
• For Men: think jeans, button-up shirts, and comfortable flat shoes. Alternate with the colors based on Petra by Day  and Petra by night, but both looks can work for both sceneries. 

Mount Nebo, The Mountain of Prophets and Panoramas

Mount Nebo is a religious memorial site, and therefore it is wise to dress more conservatively. 

• For Women: think top and bottom set (long or short sleeves for the top), or comfortable jumpsuit with a cover-up. Also add comfortable flat shoes or sandals. (I would not recommend  flowy dress here because it gets windy due to the mountain elevation). 
• For Men: think jeans, button-up shirts, and comfortable flat shoes or sandals.  

What to wear in Jordan: Madaba, The City of Mosaics 

Madaba in Jordan is known for its ancient churches and stunning Byzantine mosaics. Like Mount Nebo, it is also a religious and cultural site where modesty is appreciated, especially when visiting churches.

• For Women: Try a lightweight midi dress with short sleeves, or a blouse paired with loose pants or a skirt below the knee. Bring a light scarf for entering churches, and wear comfortable closed-toe shoes for walking the mosaic-lined streets.
• For Men: Opt for long pants or chinos, paired with a polo or button-up shirt. Comfortable walking shoes are ideal for exploring both indoor and outdoor sites.

What to wear in Wadi Rum, The Valley of the Moon

The desert gets hot by day and chilly by night. Layering is key. Think long pants, moisture-wicking shirts, and a fleece or light jacket.

• For Women: think cute middle to long dresses, pants with fitted blouses, or a jumpsuit with/without a coverup, and comfortable flat shoes or sandals.
• For Men: think jeans, button-up shirts, and comfortable flat shoes or sandals.  

•  Smart casual is your best bet—jeans, button-up shirts, and comfortable flats or sneakers work well.

Umm Qais, the Historical City with a Panoramic View

Umm Qais is a historical city and archeological site in the north of Jordan. It is also located in a community area, so modesty is expected.

• For Women: Wear loose-fitting pants or a midi/maxi skirt with a light blouse or T-shirt. Add a light jacket or scarf in case it gets breezy, and choose sturdy flat shoes or sneakers for uneven terrain.
• For Men: Think jeans or cargo pants, a casual shirt or T-shirt, and closed shoes for walking. A hat and sunglasses are also helpful for sun protection.

What to wear in Jordan: Aqaba, Jordan’s Coastal Getaway

Aqaba is laid-back beach-vibes, and as much as you get the coastal experience, you also get the city experience.

• For Women: At private resorts, wear your swimsuit freely, but carry a light cover-up like a beach dress or tunic for walking around. If exploring the town, go for linen pants, a maxi dress or a maxi skirt with a short-sleeved top. Sandals or beach flats work well.
• For Men: Swimwear is fine at the beach, but switch to casual shorts and a T-shirt when heading into town. Flip-flops or sandals are perfect for the beach, while light sneakers work for sightseeing.

Dead Sea, The Natural Spa Experience

The Dead Sea is a resort area, more relaxed than other parts of Jordan, but modesty is still expected outside of hotel pools and beaches.

• For Women: A one-piece swimsuit or bikini is fine, but always bring a modest cover-up like a long kaftan or sarong when walking through public areas. Flip-flops or sandals are recommended.
• For Men: Swim trunks work at the beach, but wear a T-shirt or tank top and shorts when walking through common areas. Bring flip-flops or slip-on sandals.

Planning your Trip to Jordan: The Best time to Go & Seasonal Tips

As it is for any other country, what to wear in Jordan would also depend on the season when you are going. So in addition to my recommendations from higher up, here are some more considerations for your Jordan outfits packing list. If you are traveling in…

• Spring (Mar–May): the weather is mild and ideal for travel—pack light layers, and a handful of long sleeves. 
  

• Summer (Jun–Aug): the weather is hot and dry—stick to loose, light-colored clothing.
  

• Autumn (Sep–Nov): the weather is similar to spring, but with warmer evenings.
  

• Winter (Dec–Feb): the weather is cold in the desert and northern areas—bring a warm coat and jacket. For downtown and Petra, you can get away with warmer layers.

For reference (and in the photos you will see in this article, I traveled in the winter, and this was perfect because the tourist sites were not crowded, the weather was good and it just felt easier to connect with the locals and the culture, uninterrupted. 

There you have it! My complete guide for what to wear in Jordan, regardless of when you are traveling. Always remember that it is a privilege to be at someone’s home (in a different country), and when you get there make sure you respect the customs and culture. However, it doesn’t mean that you can’t add a little bit (a lot) of style to your Jordan travel outfits! Let me know in the comments what you thought of this piece (and when you are going). And to make sure you do not forget anything for this epic trip, start by not forgetting to grab my ultimate packing lists!