The desert is hot by day and cold by night, sunny and sometimes windy. Dressing well makes a big difference to your trip. Here is what we, Bedouins, wear, and what I advise our guests to bring to Wadi Rum.
The golden rule: cover up and layer
It may sound strange, but in the desert you are cooler with your skin covered. Light, loose clothes protect you from the sun and the wind. And because the temperature drops fast after sunset, think in layers: what you wear at noon is never what you need at 9 pm.
The ideal desert outfit
- Top: a loose shirt or T-shirt in cotton or linen, light colours
- Bottom: light trousers or a long skirt; shorts are fine in the desert in summer, less so in the village
- Head: a hat, a cap or a scarf. Our guides will happily show you how to tie a shemagh, the Bedouin scarf
- Eyes: good sunglasses, the light on the sand is strong
- Evening: a fleece or a warm jacket, all year except in the middle of summer
Which shoes for the desert?
Comfortable trainers or light walking shoes are perfect: you will walk on sand and climb on rocks. Sandals are nice on the dunes but not for the canyons. For a climb or a scramble, bring proper hiking shoes with a good grip. Many people like to walk barefoot on the dunes: the sand is soft, but hot in summer afternoons.
What to wear by season
- Winter (Dec to Feb): warm layers, a down jacket, a hat and warm socks for the night, which can fall below zero
- Spring and autumn: T-shirt by day, fleece or jacket at night
- Summer (Jun to Sep): very light covering clothes, a hat, sun cream; a light layer is enough at night
All the temperatures month by month are in our guide to the Wadi Rum weather.
Respecting local culture
Jordan is a Muslim country and Wadi Rum Village is a traditional Bedouin village. In the village, shoulders and knees covered are appreciated, for women and men. In the desert and at camp, people are relaxed: dress comfortably. Swimsuits are not for the desert.
Our packing list
- Light covering clothes and one warm layer
- Hat or scarf, sunglasses, sun cream, lip balm
- Trainers or walking shoes
- A head torch for the night
- A reusable water bottle
- A small bag for the night if you sleep in the desert
- Your own towel if you sleep at camp
- Cash in Jordanian dinars
No need for a sleeping bag: at camp we provide mattresses, sheets, duvets and blankets.
Ready for the desert?
Half day, full day with a night under the stars, climbs and treks: discover our Wadi Rum tours and prices.
— Eid, your Bedouin guide at Wadi Rum Best Tours
