Sahara Desert Weather by Month: Hot Days, Cold Nights in Merzouga
How hot the Sahara gets by day, how cold the nights are in camp, and the best months for a desert tour from Marrakech or Fes.
How hot the Sahara gets by day, how cold the nights are in camp, and the best months for a desert tour from Marrakech or Fes.
Short answer: the Sahara around Merzouga is hot by day and cool to cold at night for most of the year. From December to February days are mild and sunny but nights in camp can drop close to freezing. From June to August daytime temperatures often pass 40°C. The most comfortable months for a desert trip are March to May and September to November.
The figures below are typical ranges for Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes. Every year is a little different, and the desert swings more between day and night than any city you will visit in Morocco.
| Months | Day | Night in camp | What it feels like |
|---|---|---|---|
| December to February | About 16 to 20°C | About 0 to 5°C | Bright, mild days; cold nights. Bring a warm layer. |
| March and April | About 22 to 28°C | About 8 to 14°C | Ideal temperatures; spring winds can lift the sand. |
| May | About 30 to 35°C | About 16 to 20°C | Warm to hot; still good with an early start. |
| June to August | Often above 40°C | About 25 to 28°C | Very hot. Tours start early and rest in the middle of the day. |
| September | About 33 to 36°C | About 20°C | Hot days, warm evenings. |
| October and November | About 20 to 28°C | About 8 to 15°C | Warm days, fresh nights: one of the best times to go. |
No, as long as you pack for the night. Winter is a beautiful time in the Sahara: clear skies, soft light and comfortable afternoons for the camel trek. After sunset the temperature falls fast. Camps provide heavy blankets, and luxury camps have proper beds in private tents, but you will want a fleece or down jacket, a hat and warm socks for dinner around the fire and for the sunrise walk up the dunes.
It is very hot, but a summer desert trip still works if you plan around the heat. Drives start early, the hottest hours are spent in the shade, and the camel trek leaves late in the afternoon so you reach the high dunes as the sun goes down. Drink more water than you think you need, and wear a hat and a light scarf.
March to May and September to November give warm days and comfortable nights. Winter is excellent if you do not mind cold evenings, and it is the quietest season in the camps. Summer suits travellers who handle heat well and are happy with early starts.
Whatever the season, Merzouga needs at least three days from Marrakech. Compare our private Sahara desert tours, see the 4-day Sahara tour, or read our guide to luxury vs standard desert camps and the best time to visit Morocco.
Marrakech
From € 325.00 based on 7 person This price is based on 7 travelers. Price varies for different group sizes.
Marrakech
From € 385.00 based on 7 person This price is based on 7 travelers. Price varies for different group sizes.
Marrakech
From € 225.00 based on 7 person This price is based on 7 travelers. Price varies for different group sizes.
Days in February are usually mild and sunny, around 16 to 20°C, but nights in camp can fall close to freezing. With the camp's blankets and a warm jacket for the evening it is a very good month to go.
From June to August daytime temperatures around Merzouga often pass 40°C. Tours start early, rest in the shade at midday, and the camel trek leaves late in the afternoon.
March, April, October and November are the most comfortable, with warm days and cool nights. May and September are hotter but still good.
Do not count on heating. Luxury camps give you a proper bed and heavy blankets in a private tent, which is warm enough for most travellers, but bring a warm layer for the evening outside.
