Wadi Rum
The months in gold are when the weather, the crowds and the prices work out best.
Wadi Rum is worth visiting for the sheer scale of its desert landscape and quiet nights. Go in March, April, October, or November to avoid extreme heat. Most people find two days sufficient to see the highlights.
Prices and availability come from GetYourGuide. If you book through one of these we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
Two days allows for a full jeep tour and an overnight stay without feeling rushed.
Most visitors take a taxi or bus from Aqaba or Petra directly to the visitor center.
Use the Jordan Pass to cover the entry fee. Show it at the visitor center upon arrival.
The sand is extremely fine and abrasive. Keep electronics in sealed bags and be prepared for dust everywhere.
What it is like
Expect silence and endless sand. The landscape consists of massive sandstone cliffs rising directly from the flat desert floor. You will spend most of your time in a 4x4 vehicle traveling between rock formations and canyons.
Expect grit in your gear. Fine red sand gets into everything, including cameras and bags. Nights are cold even after a warm day, so bring layers.
These are partner links. If you book through one we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. It does not change which places we pick.
Timing your visit
Spring and autumn provide the only comfortable temperatures. In summer, the heat makes daytime exploration difficult. Winter nights often drop near freezing.
Aim for the shoulder months. You get enough daylight to explore without the risk of heat exhaustion during midday treks.
The reality of camp life
Most overnight stays happen in permanent camps managed by local guides. These are not wild camping sites. You get a bed, shared bathrooms, and communal meals.
Do not expect total isolation. Many camps are built in clusters. You will likely hear your neighbors or see other groups during your stay.
These search Amazon. If you buy through one we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. It changes nothing about which places are on this site or what is said about them.
Budgeting for your trip
Budget around 95 JOD per day. This covers your jeep tour, meals, and overnight accommodation in a standard camp. Prices vary based on how many people share the vehicle.
Buy a Jordan Pass before you arrive. It includes the entry fee for the protected area and saves you the standard ticket cost at the gate.
Hotel and flight search by Trip.com. If you book through one of these we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
The Jordan Pass covers the Wadi Rum entry fee, saving you money.
The daily figure is an estimate and does not include flights. The exchange rate is real, and it moves once a day, not by the second.
The background
Wadi Rum (Arabic: وادي رم Wādī Ramm, also Wādī al-Ramm, known also as the Valley of the Moon or Red mountains (Arabic: وادي القمر, romanized: Wādī al-Qamar), is a valley cut into the sandstone and granite rock in southern Jordan, near the border with Saudi Arabia and about 60 km (37 mi) to the east of the city of Aqaba. With an area of 720 km2 (280 mi2) it is the largest wadi (river valley) in Jordan. Several prehistoric civilizations left petroglyphs, rock inscriptions and ruins in Wadi Rum. Today it is a tourist attraction, offering guided tours, hiking and rock climbing. The Wadi Rum Protected Area has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2011.
More of Wadi Rum
Guides that include Wadi Rum
Questions people ask
Do I need a 4x4 to explore?
Yes. The sand is too soft for standard rental cars. Most visitors book a tour through their camp or at the visitor center.
Is there phone signal in the desert?
It is patchy. You will find service near the village and some high ridges, but expect to be offline for most of your time in the deep desert.
What should I pack for the weather?
Pack light, breathable clothing for the day. Bring a fleece or jacket for the evening, as the temperature drops quickly once the sun sets.
Can I walk around the desert alone?
You can, but it is easy to get disoriented. Stick to marked paths if you go on foot, and tell your camp host where you are going.
Are the camps comfortable?
They provide basic comfort. Expect firm mattresses and simple meals like bedouin tea, rice, and meat. Luxury camps with private bathrooms are available for a higher price.