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Jordan Valley
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valley
The Jordan Valley forms a central segment of the Great Rift Valley, stretching for 105 kilometers from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea. It is a profound geographic depression, with the point where the Jordan River enters the Dead Sea sitting at approximately 430 meters below sea level, the lowest spot on the Earth's land surface. The valley's climate is semi-arid to arid, meaning year-round agriculture is only feasible through extensive artificial irrigation systems fed by the Jordan River. Historically, the valley was one of the earliest cradles of human civilization, evidenced by the ancient ruins of Jericho, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Politically, the territory is of immense strategic importance today, serving as the border between Israel, the West Bank, and Jordan. The region also acts as a critical ecological flyway for millions of migratory birds traveling between Europe and Africa annually.
- Location: Israel
- Top sights: Khirbat Fallah · Khirbat al Shaykh Rashid · ein asakout
- Nearby: Afula (37 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 11 | 12 | 15 | 19 | 23 | 27 | 29 | 29 | 27 | 24 | 18 | 13 |
| Rain mm | 93 | 79 | 40 | 20 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 12 | 40 | 79 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Road 90 runs the entire length of the valley, providing easy access to various points of interest along the river and the border area via well-maintained asphalt.
Best season
Winter and spring are the most pleasant times to visit; summer temperatures in this low-lying rift valley frequently exceed 40 degrees Celsius, making hiking dangerous.
Terrain & paths
The terrain is a mix of arid desert slopes and lush riparian vegetation near the Jordan River, with much of the area sitting well below sea level in the tectonic rift.
What to bring
Essential gear includes wide-brimmed hats, light-colored clothing, and high-capacity water containers; binoculars are highly recommended for birdwatching along the migration route.
Parking
Designated parking areas can be found at nature reserves, religious sites like Qasr el Yahud, and various gas stations or rest stops along the main north-south highway.
Safety
Avoid entering fenced areas near the border which may contain minefields; stay hydrated and monitor for signs of heat exhaustion in the intense valley heat.
Time needed
Depending on the number of stops, a drive through the valley takes about 2-3 hours, while exploring specific nature sites can easily fill half a day or more.
Geography
Facts
- The valley sits at the lowest point on Earth (-430 meters).
- The total length of the valley is approximately 105 kilometers.
- The Jordan River is the only permanent water source in the region.
- Jericho, located in the valley, is among the world's oldest cities.
- The valley is a major agricultural hub for the state of Israel.
- About 500 million migratory birds fly over the valley each year.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Jordan Valley (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How low is the Jordan Valley?
Parts of the valley lie over 200 meters below sea level, reaching over 400 meters at the Dead Sea.
What is the main economic source in the valley?
Agriculture is dominant, especially the cultivation of dates, bananas, and vegetables.
Can you swim in the Jordan River?
Access to the water is possible at special baptismal sites like Qasr el Yahud or Yardenit.
How is the climate in the Jordan Valley?
It is very hot and dry; in summer, temperatures often rise above 40 degrees Celsius.
Are there historical sites in the valley?
Yes, Jericho, one of the oldest cities in the world, and the ancient site of Bet She'an are located there.
Jordan Valley: where is it located?
Jordan Valley is located in Israel.
Jordan Valley: what is there to see?
Highlights include Khirbat Fallah, Khirbat al Shaykh Rashid, ein asakout.
Jordan Valley: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
Jordan Valley: why is it worth visiting?
The Jordan Valley forms a central segment of the Great Rift Valley, stretching for 105 kilometers from the Sea of Galilee to the Dead Sea.
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