The Moroccan Sahara can be visited all year, but the experience changes a lot with the season. Days can be very hot in summer, and nights can be cold in winter. Here is what to expect, so you can choose the right time for your desert tour.
The short answer
The best months are March to May and October to November. Days are warm and sunny, nights are cool but comfortable in the camp, and the light on the dunes is beautiful at sunset and sunrise.
Spring: March to May
Spring is one of the most popular times for a Sahara trip. Daytime temperatures in Merzouga are pleasant, and nights are fresh but not cold. It is a great time to combine the desert with the Atlas Mountains and the imperial cities.
Summer: June to August
Summer is very hot in the dunes. Afternoon temperatures in Merzouga can reach 40 to 45 °C. If you travel in summer, plan your camel ride for sunrise and sunset, rest in the middle of the day and drink a lot of water. Nights stay warm, and some travellers enjoy sleeping under the open sky.
Autumn: September to November
September is still hot, but October and November are among the best months of the year. The heat is gone, the sky is clear, and the drives over the Atlas are pleasant. If you have a free choice, mid-October is hard to beat.
Winter: December to February
Winter days in the desert are mild and sunny, but nights are cold and can drop close to freezing. Good camps give you warm blankets, and some luxury camps have heating. Bring a warm jacket and a hat for the sunrise. The Tizi n’Tichka pass can close for a short time after snow, so allow some flexibility. Christmas and New Year are busy, so book early.
Month by month at a glance
- January and February: sunny, mild days, cold nights. Quiet season.
- March and April: excellent. Warm days, cool nights.
- May: warm to hot, still very good.
- June to August: very hot; desert activities only early and late.
- September: hot at first, getting better.
- October and November: excellent. Our favourite time.
- December: cool and sunny, busy around the holidays.
What else to consider
- Ramadan: tours run as normal, but some restaurants are closed during the day.
- Wind: spring can bring windy days with blowing sand. A scarf helps.
- Crowds: Easter, Christmas and New Year are the busiest weeks.
Ready to plan?
Whatever the season, a private tour lets us adapt the timing to the weather: camel rides at the best light, rest in the heat of the day and a camp that suits the season. See our 3-Day Merzouga Desert Tour, the 3-Day Luxury Desert Tour, or all our Morocco tours. Also read our Sahara packing list.