Jordan’s public holidays are a mix of fixed national dates and moveable Islamic holidays. Most visitors never notice the fixed ones. The moveable ones, especially the two Eids, can close banks for days and fill hotels, buses and the Dead Sea resorts. This guide lists every date we could verify for 2026 and 2027, explains what shuts and what stays open, and flags the periods to plan around.
Today is October 2026, so the 2026 holiday year is nearly done. The remaining 2026 dates are Christmas Day on 25 December and New Year’s Day follows on 1 January 2027.
How the Jordanian week works
Jordan’s weekend is Friday and Saturday. Friday is the day of congregational prayer, so many shops open after noon prayers and some stay closed. Sunday is a normal working day, which catches out visitors arriving from Europe. A holiday that lands on a Friday or Saturday may be moved or extended by the government, announced shortly before the date.
Fixed national and Christian holidays
| Holiday | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January | Government offices and banks closed |
| Labour Day | 1 May | Offices and banks closed, most tourist businesses open |
| Independence Day | 25 May | Flags, fireworks and events in Amman, offices closed |
| Great Arab Revolt and Army Day | 10 June | Listed as a public holiday by most calendars and marked by a royal armed forces ceremony; the Prime Ministry has not announced it as a closure in the circulars we found, so confirm with your hotel |
| Christmas Day | 25 December | Official holiday, mainly observed by Jordan’s Christian community |
Independence Day falls close to Eid al-Adha in some years, such as 2026, which can create one long closure window.
Moveable Islamic holidays: 2026 and 2027
Dates below are the ones published by holiday calendars in October 2026. As of October 2026 the Prime Ministry has not published an official 2027 calendar. Jordan announces each moveable holiday by circular shortly before the date, so the 2027 dates are astronomical estimates that can differ by a day.
| Holiday | 2026 | 2027 (expected) |
|---|---|---|
| Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan) | around 20-23 March | around 9-12 March |
| Eid al-Adha (with Arafat Day) | around 26-30 May | around 16-19 May |
| Islamic New Year | 16 June | around 6 June |
| Prophet’s Birthday (Mawlid) | 25 August | around 15 August |
Ramadan itself is not a public holiday, but it changes daily life for about a month. In 2027 it is expected to begin around 8 February, with Eid al-Fitr around 9 or 10 March. Read our Jordan Ramadan guide for what to expect.
Sources disagree by a day or two on several of these dates. That is normal for moon-sighted holidays. Confirm closer to your trip through Jordanian news or your hotel.
What is open and closed
Banks and government offices
Closed on all official holidays. During the Eids, closures run roughly three to five days. Exchange offices in downtown Amman are often open on the first working day after the holiday ends, and some hotels exchange small amounts. ATMs mostly keep working, but get your cash first. See our Jordan money guide for rates and withdrawal limits.
Shops and markets
Supermarkets and malls are usually open on fixed national holidays. On the first day of each Eid, many independent shops and downtown souks close, then reopen from day two. Eid evenings and days after are busy and festive, with extended opening hours.
Restaurants and cafes
Tourist restaurants in Amman, Madaba, Petra and Aqaba stay open. Smaller local places may close on the first Eid day. Hotel restaurants are the safest fallback.
Tourist attractions
Petra, Wadi Rum, Jerash, the Amman Citadel and the Dead Sea resorts open on holidays. Opening hours can be shortened on the first morning of an Eid. Jordan Pass entry still works, and our Jordan Pass guide explains the details. Expect Jordanian families at Jerash, Aqaba beaches, Wadi Mujib and Dana, especially on Eid days.
Transport
Intercity buses and the JETT service run, but schedules thin on the first Eid day and seats sell out before and after. Taxis and ride-hailing remain available in Amman but fares and waits rise. Book airport transfers and onward buses ahead. Car rental offices stay open, though the busiest vehicle types run out.
Most disruptive periods for travelers
- Eid al-Adha (about 16-19 May 2027). The longest closure, with Arafat Day and the Feast of the Sacrifice. Hotels at the Dead Sea and Aqaba fill with local families, and prices climb. Book at least a month ahead.
- Eid al-Fitr (about 9-12 March 2027). Similar travel surge, plus the weeks of Ramadan before it, when daytime dining is limited outside tourist venues.
- Independence Day (25 May). Mostly a one-day issue, but close to Eid al-Adha in 2026 and 2027, which compounds crowds.
The quietest holiday periods for visitors are the Islamic New Year and Mawlid, which are simple one-day office closures. See our best time to visit Jordan guide for weather and crowd patterns across the year.
Planning tips
- Cash first. Withdraw JOD two to three days before an Eid starts.
- Book transport and hotels early if your trip overlaps any Eid.
- Visit Petra and Wadi Rum on a weekday that is not a holiday, as local visitors flood popular sites on holidays.
- Use the Eid for culture. Many Jordanians welcome visitors, and Amman’s downtown and Rainbow Street have a festive atmosphere. A guided Amman tour is an easy way to see the city when independent options are limited.
- Keep a Friday plan. Friday morning is the quietest time at the Roman Theatre and Citadel, and shops reopen around 2pm.
Prices and opening hours are approximate as of 2026 and can change without notice. For Eid, always ask your hotel to confirm local closures a few days before arrival. Our Amman city guide has more on what to do in the capital around holidays.