Best time to visit Petra & Wadi Rum

2 min summary When to go Map & highlights Things to do By bike Families Tips Responsible tourism

Best time to visit Petra & Wadi Rum

Summer temps can reach up to 40°C which puts off most tourists – but offers a less crowded season to visit Petra.

December, January and February are fairly extreme with rain and snow often forecast and night time temps plummeting below freezing in Wadi Rum. April / May and October / November are much more pleasant for hiking and cycling, although this isn’t a secret so expect to share some space. Spring and autumn are considered the best time to visit Petra and Wadi Rum but if you don’t mind early starts or wrapping up to gaze at star-filled skies then fortune favours the brave. Pack lots of layers alongside sun cream, shades, floppy hat and hiking boots.

Call us for the best time to go to Petra and Wadi Rum

Petra & Wadi Rum Weather Chart

MIN °C

MAX °C

RAIN (mm)

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

Our Petra and Wadi Rum Holidays

Best time to visit Petra & Wadi Rum

Andrew Appleyard, qualified archaeologist as well as international sales manager for our supplier Exodus, shares his best time to visit Petra and Wadi Rum: “Visiting Petra during the winter gives the sandstone a much more distinct colour variation whilst in the summer months of June, July and August it's virtually washed out and non-existent. Also, different times of the day offer variations on light with the Treasury in shade during the morning and bathed in sunlight from around midday onwards. Getting up early, around 5am, is the best way to beat the crowds and the heat when visiting Petra.”

Travel Team

If you'd like to chat about Petra and Wadi Rum or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.

01273 823 700

Call us after 9am

Calling from outside the UK

rosy@responsibletravel.com

01273 823 700

Call us after 9am

Calling from outside the UK

rosy@responsibletravel.com

More about Petra and Wadi Rum

Petra & Wadi Rum Travel Guide

Our Petra & Wadi Rum travel guide addresses the issues facing responsible travellers as well as detailing how you can travel like a local in Petra & Wadi Rum including info on food, shopping & people and a brief history of Petra.

Petra & Wadi Rum Map & highlights

We’ve listed our top ten things to do in Petra & Wadi Rum so you can make the most of your time as you learn about everything from Bedouin hospitality to the best place for sunset.

Petra & Wadi Rum activities

Responsible Travel’s top activities invite you to travel beyond Petra and trek the Bedouin trails, visit little Petra by camel and enjoy a hammam in Wadi Musa as well as embarking on a whole host of other Petra & Wadi Rum activities.

Things to do for families in Petra & Wadi Rum

There are plenty of things to do for families in Petra and Wadi Rum with horseback trips, 4x4 excursions and camping in Wadi Rum all perfect ideas for families travelling in Petra with kids.

Petra and Wadi Rum by bike

If you've ever considered cycling to the sandstone citadel of Petra and onwards to the desert folds of Wadi Rum you might also have asked yourself: is it possible? The short answer is, yes; the more in depth response delves into how fit you have to be, recommended routes and the best time to go.

Petra & Wadi Rum travel advice

Our Petra and Wadi Rum travel advice has come straight from the camel’s mouth, so to speak, with expert travellers, Thidara Udomritkul and Andrew Appleyard, providing tips on where to go, food & drink, health & safety and how to travel safely in Jordan.

Responsible tourism in Petra & Wadi Rum

Responsible tourism in Petra & Wadi Rum has been introduced to help you travel right in Jordan with ethical shopping, erosion in Petra and responsible tourism tips all worth paying attention to before and during your trip.

More relevant guides

Written by Chris Owen

Best time to visit Petra & Wadi Rum