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Desert camp in Wadi Rum
Raya Sharbain · CC BY-SA 4.0
Wadi Rum · When to go

Best time to visit Wadi Rum

Wadi Rum's seasons, day and night temperatures, the best months for camping and stargazing, and why the moon matters.

In short

  • Best: March–May and late September–November.
  • Summer days are very hot (35 °C+); winter nights can approach freezing.
  • For stars, pick nights around the new moon.

Month by month

Approximate averages for Rum village (≈ 950 m).
MonthDay maxNight minNotes
Jan≈ 16 °C≈ 2 °CCold nights; clear skies
Feb≈ 18 °C≈ 4 °CCold nights
Mar≈ 22 °C≈ 7 °CGreat hiking
Apr≈ 27 °C≈ 11 °CPeak season
May≈ 31 °C≈ 15 °CWarm; good
Jun≈ 35 °C≈ 18 °CHot
Jul≈ 36 °C≈ 20 °CVery hot middays
Aug≈ 36 °C≈ 20 °CVery hot middays
Sep≈ 33 °C≈ 17 °CHot early, better late
Oct≈ 28 °C≈ 13 °CPeak season
Nov≈ 22 °C≈ 8 °CExcellent; cold nights
Dec≈ 17 °C≈ 4 °CCold nights

Book tours in Wadi RumLive times, prices and free cancellation terms on GetYourGuide.

Check availability

Moon phases and stargazing

A full moon lights the desert beautifully but hides the Milky Way. For stars, plan your camp night within a few days of the new moon; for moonlit walks, choose the full moon.

Rain and flash floods

Rain is rare, but winter storms can cause flash floods in wadis. Camps follow local warnings; in an emergency call 911.

Spring (March–May)

The favourite season: warm days, cool nights, occasional desert flowers after winter rain and long light for photography. Camps are busiest in April and around Easter; book ahead.

Summer (June–August)

Daytime heat often passes 35 °C, so tours start early and resume after 4 PM. Nights are pleasantly warm — ideal for sleeping outdoors on a mattress under the stars, which many camps offer. Some travellers love the quiet; others find the midday heat too much.

Autumn (September–November)

Heat eases from late September; October and November have some of the clearest skies and most comfortable temperatures of the year. Nights cool quickly from November.

Winter (December–February)

Days are sunny and mild, but nights can drop close to freezing. Choose a camp with heating or plenty of blankets, and bring proper warm clothes. Fewer visitors make it a peaceful time to visit.

Holidays

During the Eid holidays and Gulf school breaks, camps fill with regional visitors. Check the events calendar when planning.

Best months by traveller

TravellerBest monthsWhy
Hikers and climbersMarch–April, October–NovemberCool mornings, long dry days
StargazersOctober–February, near the new moonClear, dry air and long nights
FamiliesApril, May, OctoberWarm evenings, safe midday temperatures
PhotographersAutumn and winterLow sun, crisp light, few vehicles
Budget travellersJune–August, December–FebruaryQuieter camps, easier last-minute booking

Ramadan, Eid and school holidays

Camps stay open in Ramadan, which in 2027 is expected to begin around 8 February and end with Eid al-Fitr around 9–10 March (moon-sighting dependent). Daytime tours run as normal, and dinner is often served right after sunset. Eid al-Adha, expected around 16–17 May 2027, and Gulf school holidays bring many regional visitors; desert weekends (Thursday and Friday nights) are also busier with Jordanians. Book early for those dates.

Daylight and timing

Sunset ranges from about 5:40 PM local time in December to about 7:40 PM in June. Afternoon jeep tours are timed to end at a sunset viewpoint, so in winter they start soon after lunch. If you arrive late in the day in winter, you may only have time for a short sunset tour before dark.

Frequently asked questions

Is Wadi Rum too hot in summer?

Middays are very hot, but early-morning and late-afternoon tours plus a night in camp are still enjoyable. Avoid hiking at midday.

When is the best time for stargazing in Wadi Rum?

Clear winter and autumn nights around the new moon; summer nights are warmer for sleeping outside.

Is Wadi Rum good in winter?

Yes — days are sunny and mild and skies are clear, but nights can approach freezing. Choose a camp with heating or extra blankets and bring warm clothes.

What is the worst time to visit Wadi Rum?

Midday in July and August, when the heat is fierce. Even then, early and late tours and a night in camp are enjoyable.

Is Wadi Rum open during Ramadan?

Yes — camps and jeep tours operate as normal; dinner is often served right after sunset.

Sources and official information

Facts were checked against these official sources in November 2026. Opening hours, prices and timetables change, so confirm before you go.

JordanTravel.com is an independent guide, not the official site of the Jordan Tourism Board, the Government of Jordan or any operator. Some links are affiliate links: tours go to GetYourGuide and hotels go to Booking.com, and we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Antoine Taveneaux · CC BY-SA 3.0
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Pick your destinations, buy the Jordan Pass before you fly, book Petra guides and Wadi Rum camps early for spring and autumn, and leave time for the long desert drives.