When I saw Petra lit by over a thousand candles, I could have stayed there all night. At one point I couldn’t tell the stars and the candles apart.
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Archaeology vacations are usually small group tours, so your tour operator will choose the best times to go on an archaeology vacation to avoid extreme temperatures as you will be out and about all day, They also know when the local expert guides are available. On top of their tips, here are some pointers to help you choose the best time to go on an archaeology vacation in some of our history hot spots.
The vast majority of Jordan is desert, and so scorching during summer months. Most archaeology trips bow out of July and August. For many, the best time to visit Jordan on an archaeology vacation is March-May, with early spring bringing green valleys and temperatures in the teens. January is cool, with temperatures between 5°C-10°C. Winter in the Desert Loop can be cold and dry, so bring plenty of layers, especially if camping out.
Although the Peloponnese is pushing for perfection when it comes to climate, archaeology vacations don’t tend to happen in January and February. Hiking through ancient Arcadia when the wildflowers come out in spring, or when the olive harvests are happening in autumn, adds the perfect aroma to any archaeological trip. Some archaeology trips avoid the height of summer heat completely.
Similarly in Egypt, many archaeology tours avoid the peak summer season, due to heat and crowds. Temperatures start to dip a little in September and cruise ship crowds dissipate around October. Between then and February, you will need a jacket or a long sleeved top to keep warm. It also gets windy during March and April due to the 'Khamsin' wind. During the month of Ramadan (dates vary each year) some sites and shops close early.
In Egypt, if you time your trip to Abu Simbel Temples for the eves of Oct 22nd or Feb 22nd, you see people gather to watch the sun illuminating three out of its four statues, leaving Ptah, God of Darkness, in the shadows.
