Aqaba Fortress
Old fort beside the Red Sea, rebuilt under the Mamluks and used later by the Ottomans. Its square towers and courtyard recall Aqaba's long role as a port.
Aqaba
Both Wadi Rum and Petra are handy to reach from this Red Sea port town, where the coral reefs offer snorkelling and diving.
Attractive locations
Aqaba Archaeological Museum
Small museum showing finds from the nearby ancient town of Ayla and the surrounding area, including pottery, coins and objects from early Islamic times.
Aqaba Church
Remains of an early church uncovered in the ancient town of Ayla, regarded as one of the oldest known purpose-built Christian churches.
Aqaba Marine Reserve
Protected stretch of Red Sea coast south of town, with coral reefs and clear water. Diving and snorkelling are the main activities.
Tell el-Kheleifeh
Low mound near the Gulf of Aqaba with the remains of a fortified Iron Age settlement, excavated in the 1930s. It is of interest mainly to history enthusiasts.
Airports
King Hussein International Airport AQJ
It is about 9 km in a straight line from Aqaba.
Scams and safe taxis
Weather by month
Each month shows its average temperature in °C and its mm of rain per month.
- Jan10.7 °C9 mm
- Feb12.5 °C10 mm
- Mar15.9 °C5 mm
- Apr19.7 °C4 mm
- May24.1 °C1 mm
- Jun26.7 °C0 mm
- Jul28.3 °C0 mm
- Aug28.2 °C0 mm
- Sep26.1 °C2 mm
- Oct22.7 °C3 mm
- Nov17.1 °C6 mm
- Dec12.5 °C5 mm
Driest months: Jun, Jul, Aug. Wettest months: Jan, Feb, Nov.
Costs
Prices here are about 42% of US prices (World Bank, 2025). This compares a country's overall prices, not the cost of a trip.
Who can help
Emergency
911 for emergencies (ask your hotel for the local police and ambulance numbers).
local government
Tourist Police hotline (Jordan Government portal)
Helps with: Tourism Police hotline listed on the government portal. The Tourism Ministry also announced 117777 in March 2026. For any emergency, dial 911 for police, ambulance and fire.
Who qualifies: Tourists and other visitors in Jordan who need police assistance.
Phone: +962 79 550 5755
local government
Jordan Tourism Board
Helps with: Jordan's national tourism promotion body. Its website lists a phone number and an email address for visitor enquiries.
Who qualifies: Anyone travelling to Jordan or planning a trip there.
Phone: 0096265678444
Email: info@visitjordan.com
ngo
Jordan National Red Crescent Society
Helps with: Jordan's national Red Crescent society. Its website describes a hospital, first aid and disaster risk reduction training, and a vocational training centre.
Who qualifies: People in Jordan who need its medical, first aid or training services.
un agency
International Organization for Migration (IOM) Jordan
Helps with: The UN migration agency, working in Jordan since 1994 to promote humane and orderly migration. Its Amman office lists a phone number and email for enquiries.
Who qualifies: Migrants and organisations working on migration in Jordan. It is not a help service for ordinary tourists.
Phone: +962 7 9362 5080
Email: iomamman@iom.int
Address: Al Sharif Abdul Hamid Sharaf St., Buildings 62-64, Shmeisani, Amman
local government
Emergency number 911 (police, ambulance and fire)
Helps with: Reaches the police, ambulance and fire services in Jordan. The number comes from UK government travel advice.
Who qualifies: Anyone in the country, including visitors, can call this number.
Phone: 911