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Mount Karkom

Mountain

Mount Karkom sits in Israel's southern desert and attracts hikers and archaeologists for prehistoric petroglyphs, stone circles and stark desert panoramas that reward long, dusty walks.

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In this guide

Mount Karkom essentials

Address: Mount Karkom archaeological area, Negev/Arava region, Southern District, Israel
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When to Go

Best Time to Visit Mount Karkom

Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for exploring the desert archaeology.

Spring
Mar-May · 15-25°C
Mild temperatures and wildflowers in some years.
Autumn
Sep-Nov · 20-28°C
Clear skies and comfortable days for field visits.
Winter
Dec-Feb · 5-15°C
Cooler and wetter; some days may be muddy.

Weather & Climate near Mount Karkom

Climate

Mount Karkom's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 3°C to 32°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 75 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
46°
Warmest Month
-2°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Very Good 3° - 13° 7° 25 mm mostly sunny 63% 2.5 m/s 0.7 moderate 10.3h
February Very Good 4° - 15° 8° 26 mm mostly sunny 59% 2.8 m/s 1.0 high 11.0h
March Excellent 7° - 19° 13° 20 mm mostly sunny 54% 3.5 m/s 1.5 high 11.9h
April Ideal 11° - 24° 17° 7 mm mostly sunny 46% 3.5 m/s 1.9 very high 12.8h
May Ideal 14° - 28° 21° 2 mm clear 42% 3.2 m/s 2.4 extreme 13.6h
June Ideal 17° - 31° 24° 0 mm clear 43% 3.1 m/s 2.8 extreme 13.9h
July Ideal 19° - 32° 26° 0 mm clear 44% 3.1 m/s 2.8 extreme 13.8h
August Ideal 19° - 32° 25° 0 mm clear 49% 2.9 m/s 2.5 extreme 13.1h
September Ideal 17° - 30° 24° 0 mm clear 54% 2.7 m/s 2.0 very high 12.2h
October Ideal 14° - 26° 20° 2 mm clear 55% 2.4 m/s 1.4 high 11.3h
November Excellent 9° - 20° 14° 13 mm mostly sunny 55% 2.4 m/s 0.8 moderate 10.5h
December Very Good 4° - 15° 9° 24 mm mostly sunny 59% 2.1 m/s 0.6 moderate 10.1h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Mount Karkom

Mount Karkom is reached by road from the Arava/Negev region. The site is remote and usually visited as part of an organized tour or with a local guide; approach routes use unpaved desert tracks from Route 90 or nearby junctions.

Tips for Visiting Mount Karkom

  • Walk the marked trails to see the petroglyphs; many panels are fragile and should not be touched.
  • Visit at morning or late afternoon for softer light on the rock art and cooler conditions.
  • Combine with a desert drive to the northern Negev to see the landscape that surrounds Karkom.