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Visiting Aqaba in December

BySunMed Guide

Visiting Aqaba in December

# Aqaba in December: Worth the Trip?

December is actually one of the more interesting times to consider Aqaba, and honestly, it’s probably underrated as a winter destination.

The weather is mild rather than hot, sitting somewhere in the low-to-mid twenties Celsius during the day and dropping noticeably at night. You’re not going to be baking on a beach chair in the same way you would in August, and rainfall is possible though not guaranteed or particularly heavy when it does show up. Think grey skies for a day or two rather than any serious disruption. The Red Sea itself stays warm enough for snorkelling and diving, which is genuinely the main reason most people come here, and visibility underwater is often excellent this time of year.

Crowds are noticeably thinner than summer. The European package holiday crowd has largely disappeared, which means you get better access to dive boats, less competition for waterfront tables, and staff who actually have time to talk to you. That said, the period around Christmas and New Year does see an uptick, particularly from visitors coming over from Petra or doing a broader Jordan circuit, so if you want the quietest experience, aim for early or mid-December before the holiday rush.

Everything stays open. This isn’t a seasonal resort town that shuts down in winter. Restaurants, dive operators, the marine park, boat trips to Pharaoh’s Island, the souq – all functioning normally. Jordan’s tourism infrastructure doesn’t hibernate.

Is it worth visiting? For divers and snorkellers, genuinely yes. The coral and fish aren’t seasonal and the reduced crowds make the experience more pleasant. For sun-seekers wanting to lie on a beach in a swimsuit all day, you might find it slightly cool for comfort, especially in the evenings. It suits travellers combining Aqaba with Petra and Wadi Rum more than dedicated beach holiday makers.

**Practical tip:** Pack a layer or two for evenings. The temperature drop after sunset catches people off guard, and many restaurants are partially open-air.

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