Jordan

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Ajloun

Hilltop castle and green valleys

Visa & entry checker Plan a trip to Ajloun Plan a trip around Jordan

Best time to visit: Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov
Currency: JOD
Time zone: UTC+3
Country: Jordan

Photo: Salwa Farwaneh Dameh, CC0

Ajloun is a hill town in northern Jordan known for its well-preserved Ayyubid castle and the surrounding forested highlands. Visitors come for the castle views, hiking trails and a cooler, greener side of Jordan.

Largest cities

Amman
Zarqa
Irbid
Aqaba
Salt

Quick facts

Figures are rounded recent official estimates.

Country: Jordan
Capital: Amman
City population: 125,557
Population of Jordan: 10.4M
Country area: 89,341 km²
Official language: Arabic
Currency: Jordanian Dinar (JOD) · 1 USD ≈ 0.709 JOD
Time zone: UTC+3
Calling code: +962
Drives on the: Right
Elevation: 770 m
Plugs: B / C / D / F / G · 230V
Emergency numbers: 911
Best time to visit: Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov

Temperatures through the year

Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.

Temperatures through the year

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High	13°	13°	16°	23°	27°	31°	33°	33°	30°	25°	20°	14°
Low	5°	5°	7°	11°	14°	18°	20°	20°	18°	15°	12°	7°

Best time to visitOther months

Approximate daily cost

Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.

ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$40
HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$95
LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$230

Plan a trip to Ajloun

Top things to do

≈ $3
Ajloun Castle
Explore the 12th-century Ayyubid castle with its towers, chambers and panoramic views over the Jordan Valley; go early to avoid midday heat.
- Half day
- Ajloun Castle area
- Good for kids
≈ $8
Ajloun Forest Reserve Hike
Walk marked trails through oak and pistachio woodland, with chances to spot wildlife; bring water and sun protection.
- Half day
- Ajloun Forest Reserve
- Good for kids
Free
Tell Mar Elias
Visit the archaeological site believed to be the birthplace of the Prophet Elijah, with mosaic remains and wide valley views; the site is open-air and exposed.
- Half day
- Tell Mar Elias
- Good for kids
Free
Ajloun Local Market
Browse stalls for fresh produce, olives and handicrafts in the town centre; evenings are lively and good for a stroll.
- Half day
- Downtown Ajloun
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
≈ $5
Soap House
See traditional olive-oil soap being made and buy locally produced bars; a short, informative stop, especially on hot or rainy days.
- Half day
- Ajloun Forest Reserve
- Good for kids
- Indoors
≈ $5
Olive Press Visit
Tour a working olive press in season to learn about olive oil production and taste local oils; check opening times in advance.
- Half day
- Surrounding villages
- Good for kids
- Indoors
≈ $10
Jerash Day Trip
Spend a day exploring the extensive Roman ruins of Jerash, about an hour away; wear sturdy shoes and carry water as there is little shade.
- Full day
- Surrounding villages
- Good for kids
≈ $5
Pella Day Trip
Visit the ancient site of Pella in the Jordan Valley, with ruins spanning many periods; go in the morning during warmer months.
- Full day
- Surrounding villages
- Good for kids

Before you go

Entry and visas

Most visitors need a visa to enter Jordan. A single-entry visa can be purchased on arrival at Queen Alia International Airport or at the Sheikh Hussein/North Border land crossing for 40 Jordanian dinars (about 56 USD), valid for 3 months. Alternatively, if staying at least 3 nights, you can buy a Jordan Pass online before travel (70–80 JD), which includes the visa fee and entry to major sites. If you plan to stay more than 14 days, you must register with the local police station within 14 days of arrival. Always check the official UK government entry requirements page for the latest rules, as

Official website

From the airport

Most visitors arrive by road from Amman, about 1.5 to 2 hours by car or taxi. The nearest major airport is Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, with private transfers or rental cars the usual way to reach Ajloun.

Getting around

Local transport is limited; taxis and private cars are the practical way to reach the castle and nearby trails.

Local tips

Wear comfortable shoes for the castle's stone steps and uneven paths.
Dress modestly, especially when visiting local villages and religious sites.
Carry cash in Jordanian dinars; smaller shops and taxis may not accept cards.
Spring and autumn are best for hiking; summers are hot and winters can be rainy and cold.

Areas worth knowing

Downtown Ajloun
Ajloun Castle area
Tell Mar Elias
Surrounding villages
Ajloun Forest Reserve

Official travel advice

The UK Foreign Office last updated its advice for this country on September 10, 2026. The advice includes warnings against travel to some areas. Read it before booking.

Read the advice on GOV.UK