Weather in Wadi Rum

About Wadi Rum

This vast red sandstone valley pulses with silence broken only by Bedouin songs around evening campfires, where hundred-metre cliffs glow crimson as the sun descends. The Wadi is one of Earth's most theatrical landscapes, a stage where desert nomads have performed life's ancient rituals for millennia. Under starlight, the Milky Way stretches so vivid it feels touchable.

Country

Jordan

Best months to visit

April, May, June, July, September, October

Currency

JOD

Language

Arabic

Things to do in Wadi Rum

Camp in Bedouin camps under the stars with traditional hospitality Trek through canyons between towering rock formations Visit Lawrence of Arabia's historical sites and film locations Hike to high viewpoints offering panoramic desert vistas Ride camels or 4x4s through sculpted sand and rock Participate in Bedouin cooking and music traditions

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

12C

Cool, and mostly sunny skies.

February

14C

Cool, and mostly sunny skies.

March

18C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

April

23C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

May

28C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

June

30C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

July

32C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

August

33C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

September

31C

Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

October

26C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

November

19C

Mild and comfortable, and mostly sunny skies.

December

14C

Cool, and mostly sunny skies.

Wadi Rum's red sand and towering sandstone monoliths have starred in countless films, but nothing prepares you for standing among them at sunset, the rock glowing deeper red as Bedouin guides brew sweet tea over a fire. A night in a desert camp under an astonishing canopy of stars, followed by a 4x4 tour past ancient rock inscriptions and natural bridges, is one of Jordan's defining experiences.

Best areas to stay in Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum Village

The small Bedouin village and visitor centre at the entrance to the protected area, where most tours and camp transfers depart.

Desert Camps

Bedouin-style tented camps scattered through the desert, ranging from simple to luxury 'martian' bubble tents, offering overnight stays under the stars.

Khazali Canyon

A narrow canyon with ancient Thamudic and Nabataean inscriptions carved into its walls, a common stop on 4x4 tours.

Jebel Umm Fruth Rock Bridge

A natural rock bridge that can be climbed for views across the desert, a popular sunset photo spot.

Getting to Wadi Rum

✈

Flights

Fly to Amman (AMM) or Aqaba (AQJ) from London with Royal Jordanian or budget carriers, then drive to Wadi Rum (around 1 hour from Aqaba, 3-4 hours from Amman).

⏱

From London

~5-6 hours direct from London plus the onward drive to Wadi Rum

🚕

Getting around

4x4 desert tours with Bedouin guides are required within the protected area; hired cars or taxis cover the approach roads.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Wadi Rum?

March to May and September to November offer the most comfortable desert temperatures; summer days can be brutally hot, while winter nights get very cold.

How do I get to Wadi Rum?

It's around a 1-hour drive from Aqaba or 3-4 hours from Amman; hired cars, taxis, and tours from Aqaba or Petra all run regularly to the visitor centre.

Do I need a guide to explore Wadi Rum?

Yes — independent driving into the protected area is restricted, and local Bedouin guides with 4x4 vehicles are required for desert tours and camp stays.

What is there to do in Wadi Rum besides driving around?

Camel treks, rock climbing on the sandstone domes, hot air balloon flights at sunrise, and visits to Lawrence's Spring and ancient Thamudic inscriptions are all popular.

Can I combine Wadi Rum with Petra?

Yes, they're commonly combined as Wadi Rum is roughly a 1.5-2 hour drive from Petra, making a classic two-stop itinerary in southern Jordan.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Sleeping out under the stars in the desert was one of the most magical nights of our entire trip. Our Bedouin guide's stories around the campfire made it even better.

Claire D. · April 2024

★★★★★

The 4x4 tour through the canyons and dunes was thrilling, and the rock bridge sunset is exactly as photogenic as the pictures suggest. Book a camp with good reviews, they vary a lot.

Omar H. · October 2023

★★★★☆

Combined this with Petra and it was the perfect contrast, ancient ruins followed by total desert silence. The hot air balloon at sunrise was an unexpected highlight.

Beth N. · March 2024