Jerash in March

March through May and September through November give you the perfect sweet spot. Temperatures hover around 20-25°C, wildflowers bloom among the ruins in spring, and you can explore for hours without melting into the limestone. Summer? Forget it. July and August see temperatures hitting 35°C with no shade among the ruins. I've seen tourists give up after 30 minutes and retreat to air-conditioned cars. Winter brings rain and occasional snow, which looks dramatic against the ancient stones but makes exploring miserable. Here's an insider tip: visit on weekdays if possible. Weekend crowds from Amman can triple the number of visitors, and tour groups arrive around 10 AM and stay until 3 PM. Get there at opening time (8 AM) for the best light and smallest crowds. The annual Jerash Festival in July and August brings concerts and performances to the ancient theater, but book accommodation months ahead. Hotel prices double and the town fills up with culture vultures from across the Middle East.