Wadi Rum is climbable year-round, but the experience varies dramatically by season. As someone who lives here and guides climbers through every month, I can tell you exactly what to expect and when to visit for your perfect climbing adventure.
The Quick Answer
Best Overall: October through April (Fall, Winter, Spring)
Peak Season: March-April and October-November (perfect temperatures)
Possible but Challenging: May-September (Summer-very hot)
Month-by-Month Breakdown
January - February (Winter)
Temperature: Days 10-15°C (50-59°F), Nights 0-5°C (32-41°F)
Conditions: Cool to cold, occasional rain
Climbing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent
Pros:
- ✓ Cool temperatures perfect for strenuous climbs
- ✓ Can climb all day without heat concerns
- ✓ Fewer tourists-more solitude
- ✓ Clear, crisp air with excellent visibility
- ✓ After rain, desert may bloom with wildflowers
Cons:
- • Mornings can be very cold-need warm layers
- • Occasional rain (2-3 days per month)
- • Overnight camping requires good sleeping bags
- • South-facing routes stay cold all day
Best For: Long routes, multi-pitch climbs, summit camping (with warm gear), challenging grades
March - April (Spring)
Temperature: Days 20-25°C (68-77°F), Nights 8-12°C (46-54°F)
Conditions: Perfect! Warm days, cool nights
Climbing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Outstanding
Pros:
- ✓ Ideal temperatures for all types of climbing
- ✓ Wildflowers bloom after winter rains
- ✓ Long daylight hours
- ✓ Comfortable camping conditions
- ✓ All routes accessible without heat concerns
Cons:
- • Peak tourist season-more crowded
- • Higher prices for accommodation
- • Popular routes may have queues
- • Book guides and camps in advance
Best For: Everything! First-time visitors, families, all ability levels, multi-day trips
May - June (Late Spring/Early Summer)
Temperature: Days 30-35°C (86-95°F), Nights 15-20°C (59-68°F)
Conditions: Getting hot, dry
Climbing: ⭐⭐⭐ Good (with precautions)
Pros:
- ✓ Fewer tourists-more availability
- ✓ Lower prices
- ✓ Still manageable with early starts
- ✓ Pleasant evenings and nights
Cons:
- • Heat becomes challenging by midday
- • Must start climbs at dawn (5-6 AM)
- • Need more water-dehydration risk increases
- • South and west faces too hot after morning
Best For: Experienced climbers, shaded north faces, shorter routes, early morning climbing
July - August (High Summer)
Temperature: Days 38-45°C (100-113°F), Nights 20-25°C (68-77°F)
Conditions: Very hot, intense sun
Climbing: ⭐⭐ Challenging
Pros:
- ✓ Very few tourists-total solitude
- ✓ Lowest prices of the year
- ✓ Warm nights perfect for sleeping under stars
- ✓ Shaded routes still climbable early morning
Cons:
- • Extreme heat-dangerous without precautions
- • Must finish climbing by 10-11 AM
- • Rock too hot to touch in afternoon
- • High risk of heat exhaustion/stroke
- • Limited route selection (north faces only)
Best For: Heat-tolerant climbers, short shaded routes, canyon exploration, experienced desert travelers
Summer Safety Warning:
I don't recommend summer climbing for first-time visitors or those unfamiliar with desert conditions. Heat illness is a real danger. If you do visit in summer, hire a guide who knows the shaded routes and can manage heat safety.
September (Early Fall)
Temperature: Days 32-37°C (90-99°F), Nights 18-22°C (64-72°F)
Conditions: Still hot but improving
Climbing: ⭐⭐⭐ Good
Similar to May-June. Heat is still significant but manageable with early starts. Conditions improve as the month progresses. By late September, climbing becomes quite pleasant again.
October - November (Fall)
Temperature: Days 22-28°C (72-82°F), Nights 10-15°C (50-59°F)
Conditions: Perfect! Warm days, cool nights
Climbing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Outstanding
Pros:
- ✓ Ideal temperatures for all climbing
- ✓ Stable weather-rarely rains
- ✓ Comfortable camping
- ✓ Beautiful autumn light for photography
- ✓ All routes accessible
Cons:
- • Peak season-book early
- • More tourists on popular routes
- • Higher prices
Best For: Everything! All ability levels, all route types, perfect for first-time visitors
December (Early Winter)
Temperature: Days 12-18°C (54-64°F), Nights 2-8°C (36-46°F)
Conditions: Cool, occasional rain
Climbing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Excellent
Similar to January-February. Cool temperatures perfect for climbing, but bring warm layers. Fewer tourists make this a great time for those who don't mind cooler weather.
Special Considerations
Ramadan
During Ramadan (dates vary by year), many local businesses have adjusted hours. Guides and camps still operate, but meal times may be different. It's actually a beautiful time to visit and experience Bedouin hospitality during iftar (breaking fast).
School Holidays
Jordanian school holidays (summer and Eid holidays) can bring more domestic tourists. International visitors are less affected, but popular sites may be busier.
Plan Your Perfect Climbing Trip
No matter when you visit, I can help you make the most of the conditions. I know which routes are best for each season, where to find shade in summer, and how to stay comfortable in winter. Let's plan your perfect Wadi Rum adventure.
Contact Me to Plan Your TripMy Personal Recommendations
For First-Time Visitors: March-April or October-November. Perfect weather, all routes accessible, comfortable camping.
For Experienced Desert Climbers: January-February. Cool temperatures, fewer crowds, excellent for challenging routes.
For Budget Travelers: May or September. Good conditions with lower prices and fewer tourists.
For Solitude Seekers: December-February. Fewer visitors, peaceful desert experience, great climbing conditions.
Climate information based on decades of local Bedouin knowledge and weather patterns. Additional details sourced from "Treks and Climbs in Wadi Rum, Jordan" by Tony Howard, used with permission.
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