What to Wear in Jordan as a Woman + Full Packing List

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If you’re a female traveller planning a trip to Jordan and wondering what to pack, you’re not alone. It’s important to dress in a respectful and practical way when visiting a conservative country like Jordan.

Before my own trip, I had so many questions: What’s too much? What’s not enough? Will I stand out for the wrong reasons? Will I be comfortable in the heat?

I recently spent 8 days in Jordan exploring this gorgeous country by car. I met a lot of locals along the way and did everything from hiking in Petra to floating in the Dead Sea. I chose to dress modestly throughout my trip, and not only did I feel comfortable, but I was also complimented by Jordanian women for how I dressed.

It made a big difference in how I was treated and how safe I felt, especially as a female traveller.

This guide breaks down exactly what to wear in Jordan as a woman, with a full packing list based on real experience, so you know exactly what to pack.

Whether you’re off to explore the ancient ruins of Petra, trek through the Wadi Rum desert, or relax at a resort, you’ll find outfit tips for every situation, so you can feel confident, comfortable, and culturally aware from day one.

Zara stands on a cliff edge overlooking a vast desert plain in the Wadi Rum desert in Jordan. She is wearing long yellow linen trousers and a loose-fitting grey top and scarf, highlighting an example of how to dress modestly in Jordan as a woman.

Why Dressing Modestly in Jordan is Important

Jordan is a conservative Muslim country, and it’s important to respect their religious and social customs by dressing modestly.

By covering up, you’ll protect yourself from the strong Middle Eastern sunshine but also show the local people that you respect their culture. You’ll also attract less attention as a female traveller by covering up as much skin as possible, which is an important factor in staying safe when travelling alone.

Jordanian people appreciate it when visitors respect their culture. By nature, Jordanians are extremely friendly and hospitable, and if you show that you respect their style of dress and societal norms, they’ll be more likely to show you respect, hospitality and friendship.

Zara stands at a magnificent viewpoint overlooking the city of Amman stretching out into the distance. This viewpoint can be found at Amman Citadel, which is a must-see on any Amman itinetary. She is wearing loose-fitting green chinos and a loose white floral top, showing an example of what to wear in Jordan as a woman.

Zara sits on the steps of an archaeological site at Jerash's roman ruins in Jordan. She is wearing long loose-fitting blue linen trousers and a colourful kimono, providing an example of how to dress as a woman in Jordan.

General Clothing Guidelines for Women in Jordan

Dressing modestly for women in Jordan means covering up as much skin as possible. It also means not wearing anything tight or revealing, such as see-through or sheer clothing.

Loose-fitting tops that cover your shoulders and trousers that cover your knees, or a long loose-fitting skirt, would be ideal for most areas in Jordan, particularly in urban or residential areas.

If you’re staying in a beach resort, such as at the Dead Sea, you can wear a swimsuit around the pool or on the beach, but I would still advise covering up when walking around the hotel or dining in restaurants, even when in a tourist area.

Zara's mum Sue bathes in the Dead Sea in Jordan, while wearing a swimming costume. This photo demonstrates that wearing a swimsuit at tourist beach resorts is acceptable in Jordan.

Zara's mum Sue and another unkown man bathe in the Dead Sea in Jordan, while wearing a swimming costume. This photo demonstrates that wearing a swimsuit at tourist beach resorts is acceptable in Jordan. The coastline retreats into the distance on a sunny day.

If you want to blend in with the locals and not look too out of place, I recommend sticking to muted neutral colours and clothes without too many patterns. It’s not a problem to wear brightly-coloured, patterned clothing, but I noticed many Jordanian women tend to wear black or dark colours, and very few patterns unless it’s for a special occasion.

Loose-fitting clothing also helps to keep you cool in the heat and protects your skin from the sun. I recommend linen clothing, but make sure any linen garments are not see-through. I realised too late that my navy linen trousers were slightly see-through in the direct sunlight!

What to Wear in Different Parts of Jordan

Amman and Other Cities

When considering what to wear in Amman and residential areas with fewer tourists, it’s important to be aware of local cultural norms. So, if you’re visiting cities such as Amman, Jerash, or Madaba, be sure to wear cool, loose-fitting clothing that covers your body as much as possible.

Long linen trousers or loose-fitting chinos with a lightweight long-sleeve top are ideal. Not only does this respect the Jordanian culture, but it also keeps you cool and protects your skin from the sun.

Comfortable shoes are also important if you plan to do a lot of walking. Trainers or comfortable sandals are perfectly fine in Amman and other cities.

You don’t need to wear a headscarf while walking around outside unless you visit a mosque. Inside mosques, you will need to wear a head covering, so it’s best to carry a scarf with you.

Zara's mum Sue stands on the edge of an incredible city view from Amman Citadel. It's a bright, clear sunny day and Sue is wearing a long sleeved floral top and loose-fitting trousers, showing a good example of how to dress modestly in Amman.

Petra and Archaeological Sites

Don’t underestimate how far you’ll need to walk when visiting Petra – it’s huge and very spread out! I recommend wearing hiking boots or comfortable trainers, as well as lightweight hiking clothes such as walking trousers and a loose-fitting long-sleeved T-shirt.

I wore beige-coloured hiking trousers, Salomon hiking boots and a cream-coloured long-sleeved Craghoppers hiking blouse. This meant I was comfortable, cool and protected from the sun while exploring the incredible archaeological site.

Despite Petra being a hotspot for tourists, I strongly recommend covering up and wearing culturally appropriate clothing. Unfortunately, while visiting Petra, I saw too many tourists in skimpy dresses and shorts, posing for the perfect Instagram photo.

Wadi Musa, the town where Petra is located, is still a residential town for many Jordanians living and working in the area, so it’s important to dress appropriately and respectfully.

Zara sits on the edge of a viewpoint overlooking the famous Treasury at Petra in Jordan. She is wearing hiking boots, hiking trousers and a long-sleeved shirt, and has a turquoise scarf around her shoulders.

Zara's guide, Abdullah, stands at a doorway overlooking a Roman Theatre in Jerash. He is wearing a t-shirt and hiking trousers and trainers, showing a good example of how to dress while exploring historic sites in Jordan.

Wadi Rum Desert Trips

The desert can be a harsh and unforgiving environment, so it’s very important to dress properly for a trip to the incredible Wadi Rum. For our daytime desert Jeep tour, I wore loose-fitting trousers and a loose top to stay cool and comfortable.

Hiking clothes, similar to those worn at Petra, would also be fine. It’s best not to wear strappy tops and shorts, or short skirts, even though it may be very hot.

I also strongly recommend some kind of head covering – even if it’s a scarf fashioned into a traditional head wrap just like the Bedouins – to protect your head from the sun!

If you’re planning to stay overnight, the desert can get cold after the sun sets, so make sure to pack a warm jumper.

Appropriate footwear can include hiking boots, trainers or comfortable sandals.

Zara's mum Sue walks up a large sand dune in the Wadi Rum desert. It's a hot, sunny day and she is wearing long linen trousers and a blue t-shirt. The photo shows an example of what to wear in the desert to stay cool and comfortable.

Zara's mum Sue sits on top of a camel during an evening camel ride in the Wadi Rum desert. She is wearing a head scarf, a cream jumper, blue trousers and hiking boots, showing how to dress on a cool evening in the desert.

The Dead Sea and Beach Resorts

The dress code for Jordan can be slightly more relaxed while spending time in tourist resorts such as the Dead Sea and those on the Red Sea in Aqaba.

You can wear a swimsuit around the pool, or while swimming and sunbathing on the beach, but I recommend covering up while walking around the hotel, hotel grounds and the town outside the resort.

Zara swims under water in the Red Sea wearing a scuba diving tank and black wetsuit. She is swimming past a tall wooden pier which has seaweed and algae growing on it.

Zara stands on the beach in Aqaba next to a rustic beach shack which consists of blue metal poles and a roof covered in palm tree leaves. She is wearing yellow trousers and a grey top with a red scarf, showing how to dress modestly and respectfully in Jordan as a woman.

Hiking in Nature Reserves or Rural Areas

If you’re planning to visit the Dana Biosphere Reserve, Shaumari Wildlife Reserve, Wadi Mujib or Mount Nebo, be sure to come fully prepared with the appropriate clothing and footwear.

The Jordanian wilderness is very unforgiving, and it’s not recommended to walk too far without a guide. Hiring a walking guide not only supports local people but also ensures you stay safe.

Proper hiking boots or walking shoes are strongly recommended, as well as lightweight, breathable hiking clothes that wick away sweat and keep you cool and covered up from the sun.

Zara sits on a large rocky boulder in front of an incredible canyon view in Dana Biosphere Reserve. She is wearing a turquoise scarf on her head and a white shirt with beige hiking trousers. She is looking up to the sky and basking in the warmth of the sunshine while taking a rest from hiking.

A local Jordanian guide walks on a trail in Dana Biosphere Reserve. In the distance, you can see rustic stone buildings and a vast canyon. The guide is wearing hiking clothes and a backpack with a Bedouin scarf on his head.

Full Packing List for Women Travelling to Jordan

This packing list is based on 7 days in Jordan and is based on what I actually took with me.

Clothing

Long, loose trousers or maxi skirts x 3
Long-sleeved loose-fitting tops and tunics x 7
Lightweight cardigan or kimono x 1
Scarf or shawl (multi-use) – you can use this as a head covering or to stay warm in the evening x 1
Maxi dress (with sleeves or to layer) x 1
Comfortable walking shoes
Hiking trousers (wicking, quick-dry, modest and functional) x 1
Long-sleeved hiking tops and shirts (lightweight, wicking and quick dry) x 2
Swimsuit or bikini x 2
Cover-up for walking around the pool and on the beach x 1
Pyjamas
Underwear
Warm jumper for cool evenings – especially in the desert x 1
Coat – if visiting in winter

Accessories

Sunhat
Sunglasses
Daypack for hiking or long days out
Crossbody bag for evenings
Reusable water bottle
Phone charger
Plug adaptor – most plugs in hotels cater to UK plugs, but take an EU adapter just in case
Camera

Toiletries

Sunscreen
Wet wipes or tissues (most public toilets don’t have toilet paper)
Insect repellent
General toiletries such as shampoo, shower gel and face wash

Zara sits at a table full of delicious food in a restaurant in Jordan. She is wearing a colourful kimono over a khaki green t-shirt. This photo highlights a fun but respectful way to dress in Jordan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to wear a headscarf in Jordan?

I asked a Jordanian person this very question when I arrived at the airport, and they were very definitive in their answer. No! As a tourist, you are not expected to wear a headscarf unless you are visiting a mosque.

On some of the warmer days, I wore a headscarf anyway, purely to protect my head from the sun, as I forgot to take a hat!

Can I wear leggings or skinny jeans?

Generally, it’s best to avoid wearing skin-tight clothing such as leggings and skinny jeans. Loose-fitting clothing will keep you cool and respect Jordanian culture, too.

Are sandals okay, or should I wear closed shoes?

It’s generally acceptable for women to wear sandals in Jordan. I wore sandals on several occasions and felt very comfortable, as the rest of my clothing was very modest and loose-fitting.

What should I wear if I’m visiting a mosque?

Women should cover up their chest, arms to their wrists and legs to their ankles, as well as wear a head covering when visiting a mosque in Jordan.

Is it okay to wear a bikini at the Dead Sea or Aqaba?

Yes – it’s generally acceptable to wear a swimsuit or bikini while by the pool or on the beach in Jordan. Make sure to cover up while walking around a hotel, hotel grounds or the town outside your resort.

What about going out at night? Do the rules change?

The dress code for women travelling in Jordan at night follows the same rules as during the day. Women should cover as much skin as possible, including knees, shoulders and chest and should avoid tight-fitting or see-through clothing.

A 4-image collage showing various scenes in Jordan including historic sites, a beautiful valley and a woman riding a camel. Each photo shows a different style of dress with the text overlay reading '7-day packing list for women in Jordan'.

A woman and a man walk along a rocky path between historic Roman columns in Jerash. The woman is wearing a headscarf, a white long-sleeved top and long red linen trousers. The text overlay reads 'What to wear as a woman in Jordan - Full Packing List'.

If you have any questions about how to dress in Jordan, I’d love to hear from you! Get in touch via the contact form!