Generally speaking, the best time to visit most countries in the Middle East is from October to April when the weather is mild and moist, averaging 25°C (77°F). This would vary depending on your weather preferences and desired activities.
The Middle East is a vast area that consists of diverse countries with varying climates. However, they all share the same hot summers when it barely rains — from June to August, average temperatures are above 35°C (95°F), which means that if you are a sunseeker, then the Middle East has year-round travel destination options for you.
It should be noted that most travelers would choose to visit the Middle East in a season other than summer. As most tourists' visit during the winter period (to escape colder weather in their home countries), especially at Christmas, December to February is the peak tourist season in the Middle East.
Content preview
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
|
|
Vietnam and Thailand
We used Jason from Asia Highlights as our consultant. He was phenomenal! He mapped out every detail of our trip and listened to everything that we had to say to help make our trip spectacular.
We loved every minute of our trip and I can’t thank Jason enough. He is an excellent resource and should be commended for his attention to detail!
More
Louisa, Feb 2025
|
Amazing trip to Thailand
From start to finish, everything was smooth and stress-free. I truly appreciated the attention to detail and the effort put into making this trip unforgettable. If you're thinking about traveling to Thailand (or anywhere in Asia), I 100% recommend Asia Highlights—they really know how to create an incredible experience!
More
Maria, Feb 2025
|
Northern Thailand with Jinny
We had an absolutely wonderful time touring Chang Mai and Chang Rai in Northern Thailand with Jinny as our guide. Jinny was not only incredibly kind and thoughtful but also went above and beyond to make our experience memorable. Her deep knowledge of the area, combined with her personal connection to Northern Thailand—having grown up in a nearby town—added a special and authentic touch to the tour.
More
Katie, Jan 2025
|
1. Best Times to Avoid the Crowds in the Middle East
Riding camels near the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt
Considering the winter season from December to February is the peak season for travelers and the summer season from June to August is the peak season for locals (school summer vacations), the best times to avoid crowds in the Middle East are from March to May and September to November.
During these periods, the weather is pleasant with highs of around 28°C (82°F) and most people don't spend their vacations traveling to the Middle East, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploring attractions with fewer crowds.
If you decide to visit the Middle East during the peak seasons, visiting the popular attractions at less popular times of day would effectively help you to avoid the crowds. For example, big tourist groups tend to have breakfast at 8am and lunch between 11am and 1pm, leaving small private groups like yours a window to avoid the crowds and indulge in attractions before the swarm.
In any case, it is helpful for you to accurately plan your itinerary by confirming the weather forecast of your destination before departure. When you travel with Global Highlights, we will plan a hassle-free customized private tour for you and you won't need to worry about how to make the best of the climate and conditions.
2. Worst Times to Visit the Middle East
Attending a cooking class in Egypt
All in all, the summer months between June and August are considered to be the worst times to visit the Middle East due to the hot temperatures, dry air, and scorching sunlight.
It is worth noting that June is the coolest month in the summer season and, in countries such as Jordan and Israel, it can still be a good time to make a trip with an average temperature of about 28°C (82°F) before the real summer heat arrives.
However, if you can tolerate the heat or prefer indoor activities, such as cooking classes and visiting air-conditioned museums, you could still make the most of your vacation in the Middle East during the summer.
3. Travel Guide by Month in the Middle East
Click the link for each month to check out detailed travel guide information for the month.
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- November
- December
Travel in the Middle East in January
The Atlas Mountains are covered by snow in Morocco
January is one of the best months to visit most countries in the Middle East, such as Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Oman, with mild weather averaging 15°C (59°F) and moist air. You could choose to spend your New Year vacation on a Nile cruise in Egypt or have a shopping trip to Dubai in the UAE to experience the exotic festive atmosphere.
If you don't like snow or cold air then avoid places like Cappadocia in Turkey and the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, where snow can decorate the mountains into a silvery wonderland.
Travel in the Middle East in February
Shepherd leads his sheep through the pastures of Israel
February is the last month of the winter season in the Middle East, averaging 19°C (66°F) during the day. Since the winter high season ends and spring break is yet to come, you could visit most countries at a reasonable cost and with fewer crowds, such as Israel, Jordan, Morocco, and Tunisia.
It should be noted that there is a large temperature difference between day and night in February, so remember to take some clothes to keep you warm if you want to engage in activities in the evening or early morning.
Travel in the Middle East in March
A little boy is praying alongside his father during Ramadan
The weather becomes warmer and sunnier in the Middle East in March, averaging 22°C (72°F) during the day. You could witness the beautiful spring scenery of wildflowers blooming and greenery returning to the vegetation by trekking into the Dana Biosphere Reserve in Jordan or visiting the Sea of Galilee in Israel.
March and April are usually the time that the Ramadan festival is celebrated(which falls between March 1st and March 30th in 2024). Countries in the Middle East will be influenced by this important Muslim observance. Muslims fast during the daylight hours, reflect on themselves while doing prayer, and engage in communal activities and celebrations to strengthen family bonds.
As a visitor to the country and if a non-Muslim, you won't be expected to fast, but it's important to be aware that most local shops and attractions close for about 2 hours before sunset and for 2 hours after sunrise. Therefore, you would need to find non-Muslim businesses to meet your needs then or simply reach out to us to personalize a private tour for you.
Travel in the Middle East in April
Modern Muslim families have a Ramadan feast
April is a good time to visit the Middle East because of the generally comfortable temperatures in the region, averaging highs of 26°C (79°F).
During this time, Middle Eastern countries offer fabulous activities for you to choose from, such as sunbathing on the beach of Djerba in Tunisia, camping in the moon-like Wadi Rum desert in Jordan, and taking a Nile cruise to feel the warm spring wind in Egypt.
What's more, April is usually the end of the Ramadan month. While each country may have its own unique traditions and customs associated with Eid al-Fitr, the festival which marks the end of Ramadan, the core purpose remains the same, which is to celebrate the completion of Ramadan and to express gratitude to Allah.
If you visit Middle Eastern countries during Eid al-Fitr, you may see the streets and shops decorated with colorful lanterns and lights, which boast a joyful and festive atmosphere to enjoy.
Travel in the Middle East in May
Camping in the Wadi Rum desert of Jordan
May is the last month before the summer season in the Middle East and the temperatures are starting to rise, reaching average highs of 30°C (86°F).
Some countries, such as Egypt, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates, experience even hotter temperatures in May, with average high temperatures reaching up to 37°C (99°F). If you are not accustomed to the heat, these temperatures can be quite intense.
However, May can still be an excellent time to visit countries like Jordan and Israel, where the weather remains pleasantly warm, with high temperatures averaging around 29°C (84°F). This is also the time when wildflowers start blooming, adding to the beauty of the region. Don't forget to pack sunscreen and wear lightweight clothing to protect yourself from the sun.
Travel in the Middle East in June
Young couple swimming in the Red Sea by a yacht
June is the first and coolest month of the summer season in the Middle East, with daily high temperatures averaging 35°C (95°F) and dry air in non-coastal/mountainous areas.
Jordan and Israel can be good destinations where you would encounter far fewer crowds in the attractions in June, and temperatures won't have reached their July/August peak.
There are very hot and sunny days throughout June in the Middle East, making participating in outdoor activities during the daytime an exhausting experience. To beat the heat, you could try to visit the attractions in the windows before 8am or late in the day and stay in the shade as much as you can to avoid the direct sunshine.
Travel in the Middle East in July
Butterfly fishes in the Red Sea
The Middle East in July can be extremely hot with highs averaging about 38°C (100°F) and even exceeding 41°C (106°F) with scorching sun and dry air in desert-climate areas. Most travelers won't choose this time to visit the Middle East.
The Mediterranean and Red Sea beaches are incredibly popular with locals, which means that although summer is the off-season for foreign travelers, it is the peak season for locals.
However, if you are comfortable in the summer heat and looking for holiday resorts, the beaches of Bodrum in Turkey or Tel Aviv in Israel for example offer fabulous watery activities, such as snorkeling, diving, and surfing.
What's more, after nightfall, they boast excellent nightlife, such as bars at the beaches, parties around campfires, and nightclubs with dancing.
Travel in the Middle East in August
Nile Cruise in Aswan on the Nile River Egypt
August is the hottest month of the year in the Middle East as temperatures average highs of 41°C (106°F). Sunbathing could be inadvisable, causing dehydration and heatstroke, and you could still get sunburned even if you are well-prepared for the sun.
If you want to spend your vacation in the Middle East, diving in the Gulf of Aqaba in Jordan or doing some indoor sightseeing in Dubai with air-conditioning would be a better choice.
Travel in the Middle East in September
Hot air balloon rises from the ground in Luxor Egypt
Although the summer season is ending and temperatures cool down, September in the Middle East may still be hot for you, averaging highs of 35°C (95°F) in inland desert areas.
Before the peak season in the Middle East arrives, the prices and costs remain lower when traveling in September and it can be the best time for budget travelers and backpackers to explore this historical region.
You could engage in excellent experiences in the Middle East, which are not limited to strolling around to experience the religious atmosphere of the holy city of Jerusalem in Israel, camping in the unique moon-like landscape of the Wadi Rum desert in Jordan, and admiring the panoramic view of Luxor from a hot-air balloon in Egypt.
Travel in the Middle East in October
Gazing starry night sky in Petra by Night Jordan
As October arrives, temperatures in most Middle East countries become pleasantly warm, averaging 30°C (86°F) during the hottest times of the day. This makes it one of the best times to visit the Middle East.
With sunny days and warm temperatures, you could easily appreciate the sandy dunes of the Sahara Desert in Egypt or Morocco, observe the Hajar Mountains in Oman, and hike in Petra, known as the Rose City, in Jordan.
In addition, gazing at the starry night sky and being woken up by a moist cool breeze on a Nile cruise would be an experience worth remembering.
Travel in the Middle East in November
The snow-white terraces in Pamukkale Turkey
Temperatures in November keep dropping to an average of 26°C (79°F) during the hottest time of the day in the Middle East, which is great for outdoor activities without worrying about the sunshine.
You could pay a visit to Pamukkale in Turkey to watch the shimmering white terraces before the real snow falls, marvel at the Atlas Mountains of Morocco in autumn, and take a jeep tour deep into the Wadi Rum desert in Jordan before it's too cold to travel to.
Travel in the Middle East in December
Snow covered the mountains in Cappadocia Turkey
December becomes a little cooler in the Middle East with an average high temperature of 20°C (68°F). In some places, such as in Cappadocia in Turkey, the average high is lower than 5°C (41°F).
To celebrate Christmas and New Year, you could enjoy a warm welcome at the lowest point on Earth — the Dead Sea in Israel and Jordan — by bathing in a natural hot spring. Alternatively, you could take a Nile cruise in Egypt and join a dancing party with the crew and your family to welcome the New Year together.
To create some special memories, you could check in to a cave hotel in Cappadocia, Turkey, to witness the stunning snowy landscape, toast the Arabic songs sung by locals on the bustling streets of Amman in Jordan, or have a romantic and thrilling ultimate dinner in the sky in the Burj in Dubai.
Would you like some help to plan your vacation in the Middle East? Contact us at Global Highlights to enjoy a hassle-free private and personalized tour, making the best of the conditions whenever you want to go.
4. Travel Guide by Country of the Middle East
Click the sign of country to check the travel guide information.
