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Jordan Rift Valley
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The Jordan Rift Valley is a prominent tectonic valley extending from Syria to the Red Sea as part of the Great Rift Valley system. In Jordan, it forms the western border and hosts the Jordan River and the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth's land surface. This geological phenomenon resulted from the divergent movement of the African and Arabian plates, leading to a massive subsidence of the terrain. The valley is climatically diverse: while the northern Jordan Valley is known for its fertile soils and intensive agriculture, the southern portion, south of the Dead Sea in Wadi Araba, experiences an arid desert climate. Historically, the rift has been a decisive barrier and simultaneously an important corridor for human migration and trade routes between Asia and Africa. The region remains seismically active, highlighting its ongoing geological dynamics. Today, the Jordan Rift Valley is essential for the country's water supply and food production.
- Location: Jordan
- Nearby: As-Salt (20 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 11 | 13 | 16 | 20 | 24 | 28 | 30 | 30 | 28 | 24 | 18 | 14 |
| Rain mm | 63 | 58 | 32 | 15 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 29 | 52 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The valley is easily accessible via the main highway that runs longitudinally through the country, connecting major agricultural hubs and historical points of interest.
Best season
Late autumn through early spring is the best time to visit, as the valley floor becomes intensely hot and less hospitable during the peak summer months.
Terrain & paths
The landscape consists of fertile agricultural plains juxtaposed with arid, rocky escarpments rising sharply on either side of the great depression.
What to bring
Breathable clothing, high-SPF sunscreen, a wide hat, and ample water are necessary to combat the strong sun and dry heat typical of the rift valley.
Parking
Pull-offs along the highway and parking areas at various scenic overlooks or farming cooperatives provide ample space to stop and appreciate the views.
Safety
When driving, watch for agricultural vehicles and sudden drop-offs near the valley edges. Ensure your vehicle has air conditioning and sufficient coolant.
Time needed
Driving through the valley can be part of a multi-day journey, but stopping to explore specific viewpoints or agricultural sites usually takes a couple of hours.
Geography
Facts
- Lowest point is on the shores of the Dead Sea at approx. -430 meters
- The Jordan River is the primary water source in the northern rift
- Part of the larger Dead Sea Transform fault system
- Major route for autumn bird migration between Europe and Africa
- Contains numerous archaeological sites such as Pella and Gadara
- Continues southward into the Gulf of Aqaba
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Jordan Rift Valley (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Jordan Rift Valley?
Part of a vast geological rift system that contains the lowest point on Earth.
What is the climate like there?
Hot and dry; in summer, temperatures often rise above 40 degrees Celsius.
Is agriculture practiced there?
Yes, thanks to irrigation, it is Jordan's 'food basket' for fruits and vegetables.
What attractions are there?
The Dead Sea, the Baptism Site of Jesus, and ancient sites like Pella.
Is transit safe?
Yes, the main roads are well-developed and safe to travel.
Jordan Rift Valley: where is it located?
Jordan Rift Valley is located in Jordan.
Jordan Rift Valley: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
Jordan Rift Valley: why is it worth visiting?
The Jordan Rift Valley is a prominent tectonic valley extending from Syria to the Red Sea as part of the Great Rift Valley system.
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Nearby cities
Ain Basha
Ain Basha is located on the edge of the capital on fertile land.
As-Salt
As-Salt was once the most important settlement in Jordan.
Fuheis
Fuheis is a picturesque town northwest of Amman, inhabited almost exclusively by Jordanian Christians.
Mahis
Mahis is situated on the hills above the Jordan Valley.
Jericho
Jericho is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, located deep below sea level.
Taybeh Old City
Taybeh is one of the last purely Christian villages in the West Bank, famous for its well-preserved historical center.
Al-Mazra'a ash-Sharqiya
Al-Mazra'a ash-Sharqiya is in the Ramallah Governorate, known for its impressive villas and strong ties to the Palestinian diaspora.
Turmus Ayya
Turmus Ayya is a wealthy town north of Ramallah, known for its modern architecture and extensive olive groves.
History & landmarks
Monastery of Saint Gerasimus
The Monastery of Deir Hajla near Jericho is a desert oasis dedicated to Saint Gerasimus.
St. George's Monastery
This monastery in Wadi Qelt is famous for its location in a deep canyon.
Nebi Musa
This desert sanctuary is considered the burial site of the Prophet Moses.
Qasr al-Abd
A Hellenistic palace near Iraq al-Amir, built from huge stone blocks.
Nature
Jordan River
This historically and religiously significant river forms the natural border between Jordan and the Palestinian territories.
Dead Sea Coast
The lowest coastline on Earth, lined with sparkling salt crystals and mineral-rich mud beaches.
Jordan River
The Jordan River is a historically and religiously significant river that flows through the Jordan Valley and empties into the Dead Sea.
Al-Auja Spring
The Al-Auja Spring in the Jordan Valley is a vital water source for both wildlife and humans.
🗺️
Wadi el-Makkuk Nature Reserve
Wadi el-Makkuk is an isolated desert gorge with unique flora.
Dead Sea West Shore
The west shore of the Dead Sea features salt crystal formations and extreme environments.
Wadi el-Mureijat Nature Area
Wadi el-Mureijat is characterized by extreme elevation changes and rare rock-dwelling flora.
Ein Feshkha Springs
These freshwater springs on the shores of the Dead Sea create a lush desert oasis.
More places
Jordan Valley Citrus Farms
The Jordan Valley is the country's agricultural heartland where citrus fruits thrive exceptionally well.
Jordan Valley Date Palm Plantations
Jordan is globally renowned for its premium Medjool dates.
Wadi Shuaib
An important valley connecting the city of Salt to the Jordan Valley, intensively used for agriculture.
Al-Maghtas
The historical baptismal site on the Jordan River, widely recognized as the authentic location where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist.
Belqa Plateau
A fertile plateau in central Jordan, known for its agriculture and temperate climate.
Royal Botanic Garden
The Royal Botanic Garden of Jordan protects native flora while offering stunning views of the King Talal Dam.
Archelais
Archelais was an ancient settlement in the Jordan Valley founded by Archelaus.
Mount Sartaba
Mount Sartaba is a cone-shaped mountain rising steeply above the Jordan Valley.