Last Updated on March 27, 2022 by Tia
This article is a guide to visiting Jordan in Ramadan.
I will be answering common questions about visiting a Muslim country during its most important holiday so you can travel respectfully and stress-free!
Is visiting Jordan in Ramadan difficult? What is Ramadan? -Will traveling to Jordan in Ramadan affect my holiday? Are restaurants operating during that month?
Keep reading for the answers to all these common questions and extra tips so you can plan your holidays accordingly.
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Table of Contents
A complete picture of Jordan
Before we start, no trip to Jordan is complete without some essential basic knowledge of the country, a detailed guide of the best things to do in Jordan, and a perfected list of what to wear on your trip!
Additionally, if you are a vegetarian or vegan, you will find my Vegans in Jordan guide helpful to your travels!
First things first; what is Ramadan?
Similar to the fasting of meat practiced by Christians during the 50 days before Christmas and the 40 days before Easter, Ramadan is religiously practiced by devout Muslims all over the world.
It falls on the ninth month of the Muslim calendar- during which Muslims stop eating and drinking entirely during daylight hours.
By entirely, I mean they forego everything _ including water– every day between sunrise and sunset for a whole month!
For example, In Saudi Arabia, It is considered extremely distasteful for a Muslim not to fast during Ramadan.
The dates of Ramadan are not set in stone, so please visit this guide for the 2019 dates
What is the purpose of Ramadan?
The purpose of Ramadan is to resist temptation and remind us to be grateful for the things we have that we often take for granted – like food and water.
The fasting breaks as soon as the sun sets with the ‘’iftar’’ meal and it is treated as a small celebration.
Restaurants set up large tables everywhere about 15 minutes before the sun sets and as soon as the call to prayer ends, everyone tucks in.
Will restaurants be closed during Ramadan?
Not at all! Not everything will be open – but you won’t have any trouble finding places to eat and drink – especially close to main cities and tourist areas.
Amman, Wadi Rum, Petra, Karak, and Madaba all had more than enough options to choose from.
If however, you are stuck for options, you can always dine at any hotel – as they all operate as usual!
In Jordan, the city of Dana is the one place you will have trouble finding anything open during the day.
Will tourist attractions be open in Jordan in Ramadan?
Absolutely – although the internet likes to lie and suggest otherwise!
Jordan in Ramadan is no different; it’s business as usual in Jordan – as it also was in Egypt and Dubai – when I also visited during Ramadan.
Don’t forget the country’s economy relies heavily on tourism.
All attractions are operating in their normal schedule – apart from the Amman Citadel which is still open, but closes early!
Ask your hotel or driver for info on the day.
Can we find guides during Ramadan? (guided tours, Petra Tours, Desert Safaris)
Strangely enough, yes!
Guides will take you on a desert tour for the whole day and not have a drop of water – it’s insane.
I have so much respect for that!
I used to feel disrespectful hiring anyone to work during Ramadan – especially in the scorching heat. But then I realized that people also need to work and feed their families!
Can I eat/ drink and smoke in Public in Jordan in Ramadan?
Technically yes, but I wouldn’t do it too publicly out of respect and sensitivity to the local customs.
Be discreet about it, and you will be fine! Smoking is also prohibited during Ramadan so the same rules to being discreet apply here!
What are the benefits of traveling to Jordan in Ramadan?
Fewer tourists everywhere you go is a small benefit – but the biggest advantage for me is the extraordinary opportunity to truly immerse yourself in the local culture and customs of Jordan.
Hospitality is big in Jordan and that doesn’t change during Ramadan!
Simply speaking to the locals you will find them grateful for Ramadan, they feel it cleansing for the body and soul and welcome it into their lives and culture.
Taking part in the Iftar meal is a memory you will remember forever!
My Last Thoughts
My advice is, travel during Ramadan is nothing to be scared or worried about. It is actually a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in Jordan’s culture!
Jordan in Ramadan will still be a gorgeous, cultural, and awakening experience for you, and Ramadan will not ruin your travel plans!
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Thanks for reading, and I hope I have convinced you to experience Jordan In Ramadan!
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Love, Tia x
Other Jordan Articles
Jordan Travel Guide – All The Information you need to know before you visit.
The Best Things To Do In Jordan – A guide to the best activities in Jordan
Vegan Jordan – A vegan and vegetarian restaurant guide in Jordan
What to wear in Jordan – The ideal packing guide
Jordan In Ramadan – Tips to Visiting the country during Ramadan
