Aqaba Jordan
Country: Jordan · Region: Middle East
Aqaba is Jordan's only port city on the Red Sea, located at the extreme south of the country adjacent to Israel's Eilat. It serves as a gateway to Red Sea diving and snorkeling with improved modern infrastructure.
Top sights
Aqaba Castle, Sheik Zayed Mosque, Marine Science Center Aquarium, Aqaba Church, Ayla, Aqaba Flagpole
Things to do
- Aqaba Castle
- 14th-century castle at the southern end of the city beach, built by Mamluke sultan Qansawh el-Ghawri, costs 3 JD or free with Jordan Pass.
- Sheik Zayed Mosque
- Mosque east of the highway offering great overview of Aqaba and the surrounding area.
- Aqaba Heritage Museum
- Simple museum at the southern end of the city focused on local history and people.
- Marine Science Center Aquarium
- Small aquarium 5 km south of Aqaba with local and exotic fish, costs 7 JD.
Beaches
- Al-Ghandour Beach
- Public beach near downtown Aqaba with eating and showering facilities.
- Public beaches south of Aqaba
- Several public beaches south of the city with eating, showering facilities, and sometimes watersports available.
Where to eat
- Abu Baker for Fish
- Most famous traditional fish shop on Al-Afran street offering fresh catch of the day or fixed menu meals like sayadieh for 5-10 JD.
- Captain's Restaurant
- Prestigious seafood restaurant with a standard menu or specialties like Captain's Salmon, priced at 10-15 JD per dish plus service fee.
Bars and nightlife
- Ali Baba
- One of few restaurants outside resorts serving alcohol, though prices are notably high.
Forecast for Aqaba
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Weather in Aqaba by month
Averages from 2015 to 2024, not a forecast. Within about two weeks of a date, the live forecast above is the one to trust.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rainfall | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 69°F | 51°F | 0.2 in | 2 |
| February | 72°F | 53°F | 0.4 in | 3 |
| March | 79°F | 58°F | 0.4 in | 2 |
| April | 88°F | 64°F | 0.1 in | 1 |
| May | 96°F | 71°F | 0.1 in | 2 |
| June | 101°F | 76°F | 0.0 in | |
| July | 104°F | 80°F | 0.0 in | |
| August | 104°F | 80°F | 0.0 in | |
| September | 99°F | 77°F | 0.0 in | |
| October | 91°F | 70°F | 0.1 in | 1 |
| November | 81°F | 62°F | 0.1 in | 2 |
| December | 72°F | 54°F | 0.1 in | 1 |
Getting around
Taxis are readily available throughout the city with rides costing 2 JD within town or 5 JD to nearby beaches; walking is also practical for most points of interest.
What to eat
Local seafood dominates dining at the Al-Afran Street fish market and masmakeh shops where fresh catch can be grilled or fried (5-10 JD), while budget meals including falafel, hummus, and shawarma are available throughout the city center.
Tips
Negotiate taxi prices upfront and clarify whether quoted fares are per-person or total to avoid surprises at the end of your ride.
Best for
Scuba diving and snorkeling