Wadi Rum is one of the famous places in Jordan to visit, thanks to its stunning landscapes shown off in recent Hollywood Movies like Star Wars and the Martian. Wadi Rum’s desert climate makes for hot summer days, and cold winter nights. They have even had a dusting of snow in the winter. While you can visit Jordan’s desert any time of the year, the best time to visit Wadi Rum is Spring and Fall.
Best Time to Visit Wadi Rum: Spring and Fall
Why Visit Wadi Rum in Spring
Mid-March, April, and May are the best time to visit Wadi Rum in the spring. The days are warm, but not too hot, the sun is warm and bright and the nights are not fridged. The weather is usually good, but do keep in mind that the end of winter / early spring is when you can see rain / snow or sandstorms. These are rare, but do check the weather during your time in Jordan.
Why Visit Wadi Rum in Fall
Mid-September, October, to Mid-November is the best time to visit Wadi Rum in the fall. The hot summer days are gone (although it is still very warm in the sun) and the evenings are still warm. If you are visiting in November, bring a warm jacket, it can be cold as soon as the sun goes down and in the early mornings.
Wadi Rum Weather
WInter in Wadi Rum can be colder than you might think. While it is assumed the desert will be scorching in the summer, read about the seasonal temperatures before you come to Jordan. You can read more about Wadi Rum weather here
Visiting Wadi Rum in the Summer and Winter
As I mentioned, you can visit Wadi Rum any time of the year. It is just that spring and fall are best, temperature-wise. I was recently there in July, and as soon as the sun rose, our tent was quite hot (even with air conditioning). In the evening, after the sun set, the air conditioning was nice to sleep. Otherwise, the tents are quite warm all night.
If you are visiting in the winter, the sun is warm, but the nights are very cold. You need warm clothes, and opt for a luxury tent with a heater! Most camps will have bonfires in the evenings for hot tea and warmth.
What to Pack for Wadi Rum
- Flashlight/Torch or headlamp
- Bug Repellant and After Bite (some areas have mosquitos, some do not)
- Snacks and Alcohol (Most camps include meals while you are there, but there are not a lot of snack options. Some Wadi Rum camps serve alcohol and some do not. Buy it in Aqaba or Amman)
- Battery Pack (some tents will have electricity in your room, this is common in the luxury tents. Basic tents will not have plugs. Bring a battery pack to keep your phone charged)
- Sleep Sheet / Pillowcase (this is optional, I don’t pack one, but if you are someone who wants to have your own sleep sheet, bring one for Wadi Rum)
- Water Bottle Filter (a Grayl Water Bottle is something I recommend for every traveller, not just those going to the Middle East. The streets, the forests and even the desert are littered with plastic bottles. With a water bottle filter, you can filter the water in the camp and avoid using the plastic water bottles)
Further Reading on Wadi Rum:
Cute and funny Instagram camel captions
How to get from Amman to Wadi Rum
How to get from Aqaba to Wadi Rum
More Jordan Travel Resources
In order to help make your visit to Jordan as memorable as possible, I have created a number of resources from planning guides to local eats.
If you have just begun the planning, check out 101 Things to do in Jordan to give you some inspiration on the places you want to make sure you have time to see.
Rental Cars are very popular in Jordan, get a quote on renting a car before you arrive.
If you are working on a self-drive itinerary or plan to see the country independently, there is a guide on getting around in Jordan.
If you are thinking of booking a tour, or wondering how much hassle a self drive itinerary can be, check out this post I have on the best Jordan tours to book.
For your time in Amman, check out top things to do in Amman and where to eat.
For your time in Petra, check out our guide to Petra and what to eat in Wadi Musa.
