Jordan packing list for families: Petra and Wadi Rum
Jordan packs hiking, desert camping, and a float in the Dead Sea into one trip, often in the same week. This list helps your family dress for big temperature swings and lots of steps.
Photo by Brian Kairuz on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Jordan: Petra & Wadi Rum
- Petra is a lot of walking. The Siq to the Treasury is the easy part, and the Monastery is several hundred steps up. Plan two shorter days rather than one marathon with kids.
- Wadi Rum is warm by day and cold at night, even in spring and fall. Pack a fleece and a warm hat for each child for the desert camp.
- At the Dead Sea, keep the water out of eyes and any small cuts, and keep floats short for little ones. Water shoes help on the salty, rocky shore.
Jordan: Petra & Wadi Rum
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Carry-on8
Clothing7
Shoes3
Beach & pool1
Little ones5
Health & toiletries3
Documents & tech5
Desert tones
Terracotta, sand, sage, bone
For the grown-ups
- Linen in sand and terracotta
- A light layer for cool desert evenings
- Sturdy sandals or sneakers
For the kids
- Breathable long sleeves for sun
- A sun hat with a chin strap
- Trail shoes for hikes
For photos
- Warm tones glow at golden hour
- Sage or white keeps it fresh
Jordan: Petra & Wadi Rum weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 54°F 12°C | Cool winter, chilly at Petra with occasional rain and cold desert nights | Clear, crisp winter nights for stargazing at Wadi Rum camps |
| February | 57°F 14°C | Cool winter, chilly at Petra with occasional rain and cold desert nights | Clear, crisp winter nights for stargazing at Wadi Rum camps |
| March | 63°F 17°C | Spring: mild, sunny days and wildflowers, the busiest season | Spring wildflowers on the hillsides around Petra and the north |
| April | 72°F 22°C | Spring: mild, sunny days and wildflowers, the busiest season | Spring wildflowers on the hillsides around Petra and the north |
| May | 81°F 27°C | Spring: mild, sunny days and wildflowers, the busiest season | |
| June | 87°F 31°C | Hot summer, very hot at the Dead Sea and in Wadi Rum by midday | |
| July | 90°F 32°C | Hot summer, very hot at the Dead Sea and in Wadi Rum by midday | Jerash Festival brings music and performances to the Roman ruins in summer |
| August | 90°F 32°C | Hot summer, very hot at the Dead Sea and in Wadi Rum by midday | |
| September | 85°F 29°C | Hot summer, very hot at the Dead Sea and in Wadi Rum by midday | |
| October | 77°F 25°C | Fall: warm, settled days and cool evenings | Comfortable fall weather for full days at Petra |
| November | 65°F 18°C | Fall: warm, settled days and cool evenings | Clear, crisp winter nights for stargazing at Wadi Rum camps Comfortable fall weather for full days at Petra |
| December | 57°F 14°C | Cool winter, chilly at Petra with occasional rain and cold desert nights | Clear, crisp winter nights for stargazing at Wadi Rum camps |
Jordan: Petra & Wadi Rum with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Jordan: Petra & Wadi Rum with kids?
The best time is Mar–May, Oct–Nov. Fall: warm, settled days and cool evenings
What's the weather like in Jordan: Petra & Wadi Rum?
Typical daytime highs range from about 54°F (12°C) in January to about 90°F (32°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Jordan: Petra & Wadi Rum?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Jordan: Petra & Wadi Rum?
Types C, F and G, bring an adapter.
What's your top tip for Jordan: Petra & Wadi Rum with kids?
Petra is a lot of walking. The Siq to the Treasury is the easy part, and the Monastery is several hundred steps up. Plan two shorter days rather than one marathon with kids.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.