People pack for desert heat and get caught out by the desert cold. In Wadi Rum the days can be warm while the nights in camp drop hard, so the layer you leave behind is the one you'll miss at 2am. Pack for both ends of the day and for sand getting into everything.
Wadi Rum weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 16°C61°F | 15°C59°F | 21°C70°F | 26°C79°F | 29°C84°F | 35°C95°F | 35°C95°F | 36°C97°F | 33°C91°F | 28°C82°F | 23°C73°F | 17°C63°F |
| Low | 5°C41°F | 4°C39°F | 8°C46°F | 12°C54°F | 15°C59°F | 20°C68°F | 21°C70°F | 22°C72°F | 19°C66°F | 15°C59°F | 11°C52°F | 6°C43°F |
| Rain days | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryHighs sit around 15–17°C (59–63°F) and lows fall to 4–6°C (39–43°F), which feels colder out on open sand after sunset. Rain is rare, one or two days a month. Bring a proper warm layer for the camp and the early jeep start. A hat and gloves aren't overkill on a night under the stars.
Spring
March–MayThis is the sweet spot. Highs climb from 21°C (70°F) in March to 29°C (84°F) in May, with lows of 8–15°C (46–59°F). The afternoons get hot by May, so plan hikes and camel rides for the morning. You'll still want a fleece once the sun drops behind the rock.
Summer
June–AugustHot and bone dry. Highs hit 35–36°C (95–97°F), lows stay at 20–22°C (68–72°F), and it basically never rains. Midday out on the sand is hard work, so cover up with loose long sleeves and a wide hat instead of stripping down. Carry far more water than you think you need.
Autumn
September–NovemberSeptember is still hot at 33°C (91°F), then it cools fast to 23°C (73°F) highs by November with lows of 11–19°C (52–66°F). It's a good time to go. Pack light clothes for the day and a warm layer for the night, because the nights get cooler every week.
What to bring to Wadi Rum
0 of 26 packed- Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20LBags & Luggage
A closed, zip-top bag beats an open tote when sand is blowing on the jeep tour, and the weather sealing around the zips helps keep the grit off your camera and phone.
- Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
Keeps water cold for 24 hours, which counts for a lot when the jeep stops in open sand at 35°C (95°F).
- A warm wrapClothing
A wool wrap you can wear in the jeep or throw over yourself by the fire when the desert night turns cold.
- Anker Prime Power Bank, 27,650mAh 250WTech & Power
Camp power is hit and miss, so a battery big enough to recharge a laptop gets your phone and camera through a night or two.
- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
A sealed cube for sandy socks and dusty clothes, so the grit stays out of everything else in your bag.
- THRIAID Mini First Aid Kit, 100 piecesHealth & Safety
Rough sandstone scrapes and blisters happen a long way from a pharmacy, so carry the basics yourself.
- Epicka 70W Universal Travel AdapterTech & Power
Its EU and UK plugs cover some of the socket types Jordan uses, though not all of them, and five ports charge everything at once when you do find power.
Clothing
- Loose, long-sleeve shirts · 3Best sun protection when highs hit 35–36°C
- Light trousers · 2Cover shoulders and knees in Bedouin villages and camps
- Warm fleece or jacket · 1Winter lows of 4–6°C feel colder on open sand
- Warm hat and glovesWinter nights under the stars
- Scarf or shemaghFor sun and blowing sand
- Wide-brim hatMidday on the sand is hard work in summer
Footwear
- Light hiking shoes or trail runners · 1 pairSandstone scrambles at Burdah and Um Fruth
- Slides for camp · 1 pair
- Hiking socks · 3 pairs
Gear
- Soft duffel instead of a rolling suitcaseMost camps are reached by 4x4 over sand
- HeadlampCamp power is often limited
- Sunglasses
Health and toiletries
- High-SPF sunscreenIt basically never rains Jun–Oct
- Lip balm and moisturizerBone-dry desert air
- Wet wipesSand gets into everything
Documents and money
- Passport
- Visa or Jordan PassCheck entry rules before you fly
- Drone permission paperwork, if bringing oneCustoms can hold drones without it
Tech
- Charging cablesCharge everything in Aqaba or Amman first
What shoes should you pack for Wadi Rum?
Closed shoes with grip. Scrambles up to rock bridges like Burdah and Um Fruth mean climbing over rough sandstone, and soft sand fills sandals in minutes. Light hiking shoes or trail runners work. Bring a pair of slides for the camp.
What do people wear in Wadi Rum?
Loose, long, breathable clothes that cover shoulders and knees. That's respectful in the Bedouin villages and camps, and it's also the best sun protection out here. A scarf or shemagh is worth having for sun and blowing sand. Most visitors look more like hikers than beachgoers, and that's right.
What plugs does Wadi Rum use?
Jordan uses types C, D, F, G and J at 230V, and you can find several of them in the same building. Desert camps often have limited power, sometimes only in the main tent or for a few hours. Charge everything in Aqaba or Amman before you head out, and don't count on a socket by your bed.
Tours and things to do in Wadi Rum
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Wadi Rum.
What should you leave at home for Wadi Rum?
Leave the drone unless you've sorted permission first. Jordan restricts them, and customs can hold one that arrives without paperwork. Skip shorts and tank tops, the white sneakers that sand will ruin, and the rolling suitcase. Most camps are reached by 4x4 over sand, so a soft bag is far easier.
Packing for Wadi Rum: questions people ask
How cold does Wadi Rum get at night?
In winter, lows drop to 4–6°C (39–43°F), and the open desert feels colder than that. Spring nights run 8–15°C (46–59°F) and autumn nights 11–19°C (52–66°F), so bring a warm layer whenever you go.
What should I wear in Wadi Rum in summer?
Loose long sleeves, light trousers and a wide hat. Highs reach 35–36°C (95–97°F), and covering up keeps you cooler than shorts in direct sun.
Do I need hiking boots for Wadi Rum?
Not full boots. Light hiking shoes or trail runners with good grip handle the sandstone scrambles and sand better than sneakers or sandals.
Is there electricity in Wadi Rum desert camps?
Usually some, but it's often limited to shared areas or certain hours. Bring a charged power bank and top up your devices before you arrive.
What is the best month to visit Wadi Rum?
Spring and autumn are the easiest. March to May and October to November give warm days without the 35°C (95°F) heat of summer.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.