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Dead Sea

Dead Sea travel guide

Salt lake in the Levant

Best time to visitNovember to March
Nearest airportJRS · 28 mi from centre
Time zoneUTC+3

About Dead Sea

The Dead Sea, also known by other names, is a landlocked salt lake bordered by Jordan to the east, the West Bank to the west and Israel to the southwest. It lies in the endorheic basin of the Jordan Rift Valley, and its main tributary is the Jordan River.

Places to visit in Dead Sea

  1. Dead Sea

    Dead Sea

    Nature

    A salt lake at the lowest point on land, so dense with minerals that you float effortlessly. Avoid shaving beforehand, keep the water out of your eyes, and swim at a resort or public beach with freshwater showers.

  2. Bethany Beyond the Jordan

    Bethany Beyond the Jordan

    Religious · 22 mi from centre

    The site on the east bank of the Jordan River identified as the place where Jesus was baptized, with remains of ancient churches. Visits are by guided group from the visitor center, so allow time for the shuttle.

  3. Mount Nebo

    Mount Nebo

    Religious · 22 mi from centre

    A hilltop where Moses is said to have viewed the Promised Land, with a modern church protecting Byzantine mosaics. On clear days you can see across the Jordan Valley; haze is usually lightest in the morning.

  4. Madaba Map

    Madaba Map

    Historic · 23 mi from centre

    A sixth-century floor mosaic in Madaba's Church of Saint George, showing the oldest surviving map of the Holy Land. Visit early to avoid tour groups, and pair it with Mount Nebo, just a short drive away.

  5. Wadi Mujib

    Wadi Mujib

    Nature · 6 mi from centre

    A deep sandstone gorge flowing into the Dead Sea, where the popular Siq Trail has you wading and climbing up small waterfalls. The trail is seasonal and needs a reservation, so bring shoes that can get wet.

  6. Ma'in Hot Springs

    Ma'in Hot Springs

    Nature · 10 mi from centre

    A series of hot waterfalls and pools in a desert canyon in the hills above the Dead Sea. Soak in the cooler pools downstream, and avoid the water right at the source, which is uncomfortably hot.

  7. Amman Citadel

    Amman Citadel

    Historic

    A hilltop site in central Amman with the Temple of Hercules, an Umayyad palace and a small archaeological museum. Go near sunset for views over the city's hills; it is about an hour's drive from the Dead Sea.

Top experiences in Dead Sea

Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays.

See all things to do in Dead Sea

Where to stay in Dead Sea

Popular hotels in Dead Sea, out of 11 properties you can book.

See all hotels in Dead Sea

Best time to visit Dead Sea

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Dead Sea is November to March, when average daytime highs are around 70–84°F and rain falls on about 3 days a month.

MonthTemperature (°F)Rain days
Jan 57° – 72° 3
Feb 55° – 70° 4
Mar 62° – 82° 3
Apr 70° – 91° 1
May 74° – 96° 1
Jun 82° – 106° 0
Jul 86° – 107° 0
Aug 86° – 105° 0
Sep 81° – 99° 1
Oct 74° – 91° 0
Nov 67° – 84° 2
Dec 58° – 72° 5

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Dead Sea weather forecast

  • Wed 11 Nov 78° 67° 0%
  • Thu 12 Nov 82° 72° 0%
  • Fri 13 Nov 85° 75° 0%
  • Sat 14 Nov 85° 78° 0%
  • Sun 15 Nov 84° 76° 0%
  • Mon 16 Nov 82° 73° 0%
  • Tue 17 Nov 81° 73° 0%

Know before you go

Currency
Jordanian dinar (JOD)1 US dollar ≈ د.ا0.71
Language
Arabic
Calling code
+962
Driving
On the right
Time zone
Asia/AmmanUTC+3
Capital
Amman

Getting to Dead Sea

These are the airports closest to central Dead Sea. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

  • JRS Jerusalem International Airport28 mi (46 km) from the city centre
  • AMM Queen Alia International Airport33 mi (53 km) from the city centre
  • ADJ Amman City Airport43 mi (69 km) from the city centre
Search flights to Dead Sea

Dead Sea travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Dead Sea?

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Dead Sea is November to March, when average daytime highs are around 70–84°F and rain falls on about 3 days a month.

What is the weather like in Dead Sea?

July is usually the warmest month in Dead Sea, with average highs of 107°F (41°C). February is the coolest, with average lows of 55°F (13°C). The wettest month is typically December, with about 63 mm of rain.

Which airport is closest to Dead Sea?

Jerusalem International Airport (JRS) is the closest airport, about 28 miles (46 km) from the centre of Dead Sea. Other nearby airports include Queen Alia International Airport (AMM, 33 mi) and Amman City Airport (ADJ, 43 mi).

What currency is used in Dead Sea?

Dead Sea uses the Jordanian dinar (JOD). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ د.ا0.71.

What time zone is Dead Sea in?

Dead Sea uses the Asia/Amman time zone (currently UTC+3). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.

What are the best places to visit in Dead Sea?

Top sights in Dead Sea include Dead Sea, Bethany Beyond the Jordan, Mount Nebo and Madaba Map. A salt lake at the lowest point on land, so dense with minerals that you float effortlessly. Avoid shaving beforehand, keep the water out of your eyes, and swim at a resort or public beach with freshwater showers.

What are the top things to do in Dead Sea?

Popular experiences you can book in Dead Sea include Baptism Site, Madaba and Mount Nebo - Half-Day Tour, Baptism Site, Madaba, Mount Nebo and Panoramic Driver in Amman and Petra, Madaba, Mount Nebo and Kerak. Destina Holidays offers 10 tours and activities here.

Where should I stay in Dead Sea?

Popular areas for hotels in Dead Sea include Dead Sea. Well-reviewed options include Kempinski Ishtar Dead Sea and Movenpick Resort & Spa Dead Sea.

How many hotels can I book in Dead Sea?

Destina Holidays currently lists 11 properties in and around Dead Sea, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.