Looking for a packing guide for traveling to the Middle East? This list will give you the “musts” to bring to Egypt, Jordan, and beyond. Read the blog to find out more!
The Middle East has a mostly hot, desert climate with some Mediterranean and mountainous areas. There is a lot of sunshine and warm weather all year round; making the winter months the best time to visit. Wearing the right clothes can save a lot of miserable travel days! After reading through this guide, you will be thoroughly prepared to tackle the Middle East weather.
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Packing is always a bit of a challenge for me. I want to anticipate every situation, and in doing so I tend to over-pack. I like to be prepared for any season or adventure, no matter where I was going.
One of the things that helped me most is packing in layers. Also, outfits I can mix and match. If you have ever had the same struggles as I have, or just would like to know what to pack for visiting the Middle East, this packing guide is for you!
Climate In The Middle East
So when is the best time to visit Middle Eastern countries? In the low season, you will battle with hot sunny days, but fewer tourists. In the high season, it may be cooler, but there will be more tourists. Middle Eastern countries are more conservative so keep in mind your clothing must cover your shoulders and avoid wearing shorts and tank tops.
High Season (March-May & September-October)
Traveling to the Middle East in the springtime is a wonderful time to visit. The temperatures range from the mid-70s to mid-90s in the spring. I recommend wearing layers, the evenings will still be cool. Ramadan occurs during this time also, so it is a good idea to plan around that time. Most restaurants will be closed during the day and open only at night.
Temperatures cool down gradually in the fall, so September is still very pleasant, with an average of around 77F.
Shoulder Season (November-February)
Prices rise for Christmas and New Year’s. It can be busier in UAE, Qatar, and Oman at this time, due to western holidays.
Usually, average temperatures can be mild in places such as Turkey and Saudi Arabia to cold in mountainous countries, such as Iran. Every few years there might even be snow in Isreal!
Low Season (June, July & August)
With temperatures getting up past 100F, makes for pretty uncomfortable sightseeing around the historic and religious sites. Egypt and Israel’s Mediterranean beach resorts are packed out in June and July, with high prices to match.
Carry On VS Checked Bag
The suitcase I use most is the Away Carry-On or Away Medium. I have been able to pack a few weeks’ worth of clothes in both suitcases. However, sometimes the larger, overnight flights can get a bit full. If you want to save money, but don’t want the hassle of bringing your bag on board, take your carry-on bag through security. But have the airline check it at the gate! Here is a list of everything you need to pack for the Middle East:
Tops and Bottoms
Since it is a conservative part of the world, I recommend long, linen pants or maxi skirts, and loose-fitting shirts that cover the shoulders for women (Lulu’s has some great options!). Be sure to check the weather on a day-to-day basis. Bring outfits to mix and match as well (this will save space in your suitcase too). Also, bring a scarf to cover your hair, if you plan to enter any religious areas.
Socks and Shoes
If you plan on exploring the cities, I recommended bringing comfortable close-toed walking shoes. They are great for the airport as well! You can also bring a more stylish, but perhaps less comfortable shoe for a night out or an inside kind of day.
Jacket
Temperatures in the Middle East can be warm during the day but cool in the evenings. It is best to wear some sort of a cooler, lightweight base layer. And then bring a light jacket for the cooler evenings. My favorite is this one from North Face!
If you plan on doing any outdoor excursions, I recommend bringing a hat as well. When visiting the Pyramids in Egypt, there is little to no shade.
PJs and a comfortable airport outfit are the last articles of clothing I pack in my bag. (I typically wear the same outfit on the flight there as well as on the flight home). I usually freeze in hotel rooms, so I pack warmer lounge clothes.
Last but not least, to keep all my clothes and outfits organized I use packing cubes! These are my favorite ones!
Hotel Items
To feel like I am at home and to be absolutely comfortable in a hotel room, here are the essential items I pack:
Slippers (I have smaller footies I pack if I am just using my carry-on)
Pillow Case (Always buy a king size to fit any hotel pillow)
Washcloth (I pack this, so I don’t have to put my face or mouth on any hotel towels)
Antibacterial foam soap (I cannot stand those bars of soap used in hotels, so I bring my own!)
Laundry bag (This one explains itself, keep those dirty clothes separated from your clean ones)
Toiletry Bag
No packing list is complete without the toiletries! If I am only bringing my carry-on, I use this bag. However, if it is a longer trip and I am bringing a checked bag, I use a larger one. The list below is everything I pack:
Shampoo
Conditioner
Body Wash
Razor (Only if I am bringing a checked bag)
Face lotion (I use this at night, but I always pack one with SPF for the day)
Body lotion (Especially after a long flight, you want to moisturize as much as possible)
Toothbrush/Toothpaste/Floss
Contact case/Solution/Glasses case (If needed)
Deodorant
Brush (I use a mini Wet Brush)
Hair products (Buy travel size when you can)
Makeup (I buy travel size, it makes it easier to pack plus it saves a few pennies!)
Makeup remover (I love the individual wipes, they also work great for a face wash, so that is one less item to bring)
Small earrings, just to keep it simple. They bring the outfit together and are stylish if your hair is up.
Side note: I also recommend bringing some sort of allergy medication. I also like to bring acetaminophen, anti-diarrheal, and an antiacid for emergency purposes.
Airplane Bag
For any trip I have my suitcases, I also like to bring an airplane bag with all the flight essentials.
Headphones (These work perfectly for movie watching and are noise canceling!)
A good book (I love my Kindle!)
Passport (Here is one I use, I can fit my ID, credit cards, and cash)
Blanket (I freeze when I fly)
Save room for any snacks you purchase at the airport and a water bottle.
Extras Essentials For Your Packing List:
Cash (Most taxis and shopping stalls prefer it).
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Camera (This should be at the top of the list!)
Any electrical charges needed
Remember to bring your adapter. I love this one and it works well with my curling iron too!
Thank you for reading!
If you have any specific questions, do not hesitate to comment down below! Or you can email us!
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