Sahara weather by month (Merzouga)
Approximate average daytime highs and night lows. Camps deep in the dunes run a few degrees colder at night than the towns.
| Month | Day high | Night low | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18 °C | 3 °C | Good, cold nights | Clear, crisp days. Nights in camp can approach freezing. |
| February | 21 °C | 5 °C | Good | Warming days; the first sandstorm season begins late in the month. |
| March | 25 °C | 9 °C | Best | Ideal temperatures. Windy spells possible. |
| April | 29 °C | 13 °C | Best | Warm days, mild nights. Easter brings crowds. |
| May | 34 °C | 18 °C | Fair, getting hot | Hot middays; go early and late. |
| June | 39 °C | 22 °C | Hot | Midday heat limits activities to dawn and dusk. |
| July | 43 °C | 26 °C | Avoid | Regularly above 40 °C. Some camps reduce service. |
| August | 41 °C | 25 °C | Avoid | Still extreme heat; occasional storms. |
| September | 36 °C | 21 °C | Fair | Heat easing through the month. |
| October | 29 °C | 15 °C | Best | Warm days, comfortable nights, clear skies. |
| November | 23 °C | 8 °C | Best | Mild and quiet. Pack a warm layer for night. |
| December | 18 °C | 4 °C | Good, cold nights | Christmas and New Year are the busiest dates of the year. |
What each season is really like
Autumn (October–November) is the most reliable season: warm, calm, and clear, with the summer heat gone. It is the best time for a first desert trip.
Winter (December–February) has perfect days and the clearest night skies, but cold nights. It is when a comfort or luxury camp earns its price. Christmas and New Year sell out early.
Spring (March–April) matches autumn for temperature, adds green palm groves on the drive, and occasional windy days. After winter rain, the Dayet Srji lake near Merzouga can fill and attract flamingos.
Summer (June–September) is for travellers who can only go then. Plan everything for dawn and dusk, and consider the Agafay Desert near Marrakech for a shorter, less punishing evening.
Does the best time differ between Moroccan deserts?
Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)
Follows the table above. The most visited dunes, so the season and holiday crowds matter most here.
Zagora
A similar climate, slightly milder in winter. The short 2-day trip makes it a reasonable shoulder-season option.
Erg Chigaga
More remote and exposed: hotter in summer and colder at night in winter. October–November and March–April only, ideally.
Agafay Desert
Close to Marrakech and higher, so less extreme. Works most of the year as an evening trip, even in summer.
Best time to visit the Sahara: frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit the Sahara in Morocco?
October and April are the best single months. Daytime temperatures sit around 25–30 °C, nights in the dunes are comfortable, skies are clear, and you avoid both the summer heat and the coldest winter nights. March and November are close behind; March can be windy and November nights are cooler.
Is it too hot to visit the Moroccan desert in summer?
In July and August, daytime temperatures in Merzouga regularly exceed 40 °C and the dunes are hotter still. Tours still run, but everything happens at dawn and dusk and the middle of the day is spent in the shade. If summer is your only option, choose a camp with good shade, drink far more water than you think, and avoid any midday camel ride.
How cold does the Sahara get at night in winter?
From December to February, night temperatures around Merzouga fall to about 0–5 °C, and dune camps can feel colder than the towns. Camps provide heavy blankets; a warm hat, a fleece and thick socks make a big difference. Winter days are pleasant, around 18–21 °C, and skies are usually very clear.
When is sandstorm season in the Moroccan Sahara?
Strong winds are most common from late February to April, sometimes into May. A sandstorm usually lasts a few hours to a day or two. Camel treks may be shortened or replaced by a 4x4 transfer. It is rarely dangerous, but a scarf, sunglasses and a zip bag for your phone and camera are worth packing.
Can you visit the Sahara during Ramadan?
Yes. Desert tours and camps run normally during Ramadan, and meals are served to visitors. Some roadside cafés close during the day, and drivers and guides will be fasting, so be patient around late afternoon. Ramadan moves about 11 days earlier each year; check the dates for your year before booking.
When is the best time for stargazing in the Sahara?
Any clear night away from the full moon. Plan your camp night within a few days of the new moon for the darkest sky. The bright core of the Milky Way is best seen from spring to early autumn; winter nights are the clearest and longest, but cold.