Sunrise and Sunset time

Wadi Rum is often referred to as ‘Mars-like’ or unearthly, as the landscape mirrors that of another planet. The desert features a wonderful variety of red and yellow sands, combined with the dark tones of the gradient base of the surrounding mountains. Together, these colours create a magical scene, and is most impressive during the times of sunrise and sunset.
We are able to customise activities of any length to suit guest’s interests, however, we generally try to structure guests visits with a combination of half days of physical activity and half days of more leisurely activities. If you feel you can cope with the dry heat of the desert and want to explore what is required for full day or multi day active programs, please contact us by email. Otherwise, please see some of our recommendations below for rewarding half day activities, combined with enjoyable sightseeing options.

Wadi Rum sunrise and sunset times are important when planning your arrival, departure and various activities. These times of the day are cherished by photographers and highlight the dazzling red colours of the desert. We also offer sunrise ballooning and many guests time the end of their 4×4 tours to finish at a sunset viewpoint.

Wadi Rum is located in Southern Jordan near the equator which means the day length varies by only 3 hours throughout the year. Sunrise remains near to 06:00 year-round, while sunset is at 16:45 in the middle of winter, and 19:45 in the middle of summer. When planning your trip, it is important to know that daylight savings time in Jordan commences after the last Thursday in February, until after the last Thursday in October.

Seasonal Wadi Rum sunrise and sunset times by month

During daylight savings over winter (November, December, January, February) sunrise is approximately 06.00. Sunset is approximately 16.30-17.30.
In summer (June, July, August) sunrise is approximately 06.00. Sunset is approximately 19.00.
Outside of daylight savings in Spring (March, April, May) and Autumn (September, October), sunrise is approximately 05.30-06.30 and sunset approximately 17.00-19.00
We start our tour an hour before the time of sunrise and sunset.

Times on specific dates are available below. The effective dates for daylight savings are here.

Tour Options & Prices

The best viewpoints in Wadi Rum are very remote. Sunrise and Sunset tours include transport to and from a scenic viewpoint in the Wadi Rum desert. Nights can get cold in the winter, so please remember to check the weather prior to your arrival. Our tours start 60 minutes before dusk and dawn.

What's include: English speaking guide
Sunrise Price: JOD25* per person
(3ppl – JOD20 each, 4ppl+ – JOD15 each)
Sunset Price: JOD15* per person
(3ppl – JOD10 each, 4ppl+ – JOD7.5 each)
*Please note: minimum 2 people

Sunrise & Sunset Tours in Wadi Rum

Sunrise and sunset are important for Bedouins as they signify call to prayer in our Islamic faith. For travellers in Jordan, enjoying a sunrise and sunset in Wadi Rum is one of the highlights. The red desert is amplified at dawn and dusk, with the light constantly altering the colours. As the sun slowly rises or sets, the sandstone cliffs appear to take different shapes. The soft light and the unique UNESCO surroundings are every photographer’s dream! On these tours, we seek out picturesque, isolated locations, ensuring the stillness of the desert to maximise your experience. And don’t worry, we will help you take photos, therefore no selfie stick is needed!

Things to do in Wadi Rum

Wondering what to do in Wadi Rum?

Wadi Rum 4x4 Jeep Tour

Wadi Rum is famous for its landscapes and unique rock formations that boast a myriad of colours that change with the sunlight throughout the day. The soft sand means difficult terrain, therefore the best and most popular way to access all parts of the Protected Area is by 4WD. Each vehicle has been modified to include comfortable seating on the rear tray, allowing visitors panoramic views of the impressive scenery as they travel through it. Guests have the opportunity to enjoy adventure packed tours, with numerous great photo opportunities.

Wadi Rum Camel Experiences

Camels have been used for thousands of years as the primary mode of transport. They are an important part of our history, connecting Asia to Europe through the Middle East. In recent centuries, shipping and trains have surpassed this traditional form of transport, however in Wadi Rum you can still experience this prominent part of our culture. Camel rides offer you a step back in time, giving you an insight into the development of international relations and trade, and how our world was linked. The Wadi Rum landscapes are a genuine representation of the Arabian Peninsula, as the junction of the three old world continents. Camel rides in Wadi Rum provides tourists with a safe and fun opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the region. The UNESCO World Heritage area has received appreciation for its natural beauty and is one the most memorable and picturesque landscapes to undertake this special experience.

Trekking, Hiking & Scrambling

There are a variety of hiking opportunities in the Wadi Rum region which include short walks through canyons, multi-day walks through the valley and ascents to one of the many peaks in the area. Depending on the time of year, the timing of these journeys is important, but we can assist in helping you customise your journey to suit your preferences. In addition to simple walking trails, there are also more complicated routes which require more technical scrambling.

Sunrise and Sunset time

Wadi Rum Hot Air Ballooning

Our hot air balloon trips depart from the launch site each morning at sunrise. This requires guests to stay the previous night in the camp to ensure arrival at the launch site in time for sunrise. The balloon tours last approximately 2 hours, depending on the wind speed. Guests will return to the camp in the late morning for breakfast.

Petroglyph Tours

We offer a number of special tours, or add on activities, to maximise our guests experience in Wadi Rum. Our tours include local guides that have extensive knowledge on the history of the petroglyphs and inscriptions in the area, and who have worked on identifying, preserving and documenting these precious landmarks.

Wadi Rum Nomad Tour

Bedouins are famous throughout the world for their unique cultures and their abilities to survive in some of the world’s most extreme environments. Bedouin communities have inhabited Wadi Rum for centuries and have retained autonomy for much of that time. For this reason, Wadi Rum is the perfect place to gain exposure to the hospitality of the Bedouins. By staying in our camp, you will experience much of what it means to be a Bedouin in the modern world. To further enhance your experience, we offer tours that allow you to visit some of the remaining nomadic groups who live within the Wadi Rum Protected Area and continue to live like our ancestors.

Sandboarding

Sandboarding uses the same equipment as snowboarding and involves riding down a sand dune whilst either sitting or standing. The desert offers thrills as you carve a path down a sand dune. Wad Rum has several large, soft sand dunes that offer great opportunities for thrill seekers to get their fix while visiting the desert! The red sand provides opportunities for great photos, as riders kick up sand, while turning sharply in the soft sand.

Desert of a Million Stars!

Wadi Rum is elevated at 1,000 metres with clear nights skies majority of the year. This combination provides visibility for one of the best stargazing experiences in the world. By night, you get a clear view of the Milky Way streaking across the sky, and will recognise shooting stars and satellites passing overhead, plus an endless number of stars. We can help you spot planets and different constellations and provide you with the significance of different stars and their relevance in the Arab world.