Travellers often ask me what the weather is like in Wadi Rum. The short answer: sunny almost every day of the year. The longer answer: the desert changes a lot between day and night, and between January and July.
Wadi Rum sits on a high desert plateau, so it is cooler than Aqaba by the sea. The air is dry, the sky is clear, and as soon as the sun goes down the temperature drops fast. Here is the weather month by month, as we live it with our guests.
Wadi Rum weather at a glance
Average temperatures by month. They give you the trend: in the desert a summer afternoon can go above 38°C, and a clear winter night can fall below zero.
| Month | Day | Night | Rainy days | Our tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14°C | 2°C | 3 | The coldest month: warm layers for the evening |
| February | 16°C | 3°C | 2 | Sunny days, frosty nights |
| March | 20°C | 6°C | 3 | The desert wakes up, a few showers possible |
| April | 25°C | 11°C | 2 | One of the best months of the year |
| May | 30°C | 14°C | 1 | Warm days, very pleasant nights |
| June | 33°C | 16°C | 0 | Hot: go out early and late |
| July | 34°C | 18°C | 0 | The hottest month, warm nights |
| August | 34°C | 18°C | 0 | Hot and very quiet in the desert |
| September | 32°C | 16°C | 0 | Still hot at midday, lovely evenings |
| October | 27°C | 13°C | 1 | One of the best months of the year |
| November | 21°C | 8°C | 1 | Golden light, cool nights |
| December | 16°C | 4°C | 2 | Cold nights, very clear skies |
Winter: December to February
Days are mild and bright, around 14 to 16°C, perfect for walking. Nights are another story: 2 to 4°C on average, and sometimes below zero in January. The air is so clear that the stars feel close enough to touch.
- Good for: hiking, photography, quiet days, stargazing
- Bring: a down jacket, a hat and warm socks for the evening
- At camp: we give you thick duvets and extra blankets
Spring: March to May
The favourite season of many travellers. March is still fresh, April is close to perfect, and May starts to feel like summer in the afternoon. After a rainy winter, small flowers appear between the rocks.
- Day: 20 to 30°C | Night: 6 to 14°C
- Good for: every activity, from the jeep tour to climbing
- Book ahead: April is our busiest month
Summer: June to September
It is hot: 32 to 34°C on average, often more in the early afternoon. We adapt the day: we leave early, rest in the shade during the hottest hours, and enjoy the sunset. Nights stay warm, 16 to 18°C, ideal for sleeping outside.
- Good for: early risers, sunsets, nights under the stars
- Bring: a hat, sunglasses, sun cream and light covering clothes
- Drink: at least 3 litres of water a day; we always carry water in the 4×4
Autumn: October and November
For me, October is the most beautiful month: warm days around 27°C, soft evenings and a golden light on the rocks. November gets cooler, with nights around 8°C. Fewer people than in spring, and the same beauty.
- Good for: everything, especially a Wadi Rum overnight stay
- Bring: a warm layer for the night, especially in November
Not sure which month to choose?
Read our guide to the best time to visit Wadi Rum, or send us your dates: we tell you honestly what to expect.
Wind, rain and sandstorms
Rain is rare: a few days a year, mostly between December and March. When it rains hard, water can run in the valleys for a few hours, so we change the route if needed. The rocks need a day to dry before climbing.
Windy, dusty days happen, mostly in spring. A real sandstorm is not frequent and usually passes in a few hours. Your guide knows where to shelter and when to wait. More about sandstorms in Wadi Rum.
What to pack for the desert weather
- Layers: a T-shirt for the day and a warm jacket for the evening, in every season except summer
- A hat or a scarf, sunglasses and sun cream
- Closed shoes or good sandals for the sand and the rocks
- A head torch for the night at camp
- A reusable water bottle
Our full list is in what to wear in the desert.
Whatever the season, we adapt the tour to the weather of the day. That is the advantage of a guide who was born here.
— Eid, your Bedouin guide at Wadi Rum Best Tours
