Things to do · Merzouga
Merzouga, at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes, has a true desert climate: almost no rain, intense sun, scorching summers and cold winter nights. Here is what each month is really like, with average temperatures, rainfall and sunshine from ten years of measured data, and what it means for a night in a desert camp. Figures are averages for 2015 to 2024 from ERA5 reanalysis data (via Open-Meteo).
Month by month
Average high 18°C (64°F), low 4°C (39°F). About 5 mm of rain on 1 day, and around 10 hours of sunshine a day. Pleasant days around 18°C but nights near freezing in the dunes. Camps provide heavy blankets; bring a warm jacket and hat.
Average high 20°C (68°F), low 7°C (44°F). About 6 mm of rain on 2 days, and around 10 hours of sunshine a day. Warm days and cold nights. Clear skies make for superb stargazing.
Average high 24°C (76°F), low 11°C (51°F). About 8 mm of rain on 1 day, and around 11 hours of sunshine a day. Warm days and cool nights, one of the best months for a desert trip. Occasional sandstorms are possible in spring.
Average high 29°C (85°F), low 15°C (60°F). About 1 mm of rain on 0 days, and around 12 hours of sunshine a day. Warm to hot days and mild nights. A very good month for camel treks at sunrise and sunset.
Average high 33°C (92°F), low 20°C (67°F). About 2 mm of rain on 1 day, and around 12 hours of sunshine a day. Hot afternoons around 33°C. Plan camel rides and dune walks for early morning and evening.
Average high 38°C (100°F), low 24°C (75°F). About 0 mm of rain on 0 days, and around 13 hours of sunshine a day. Very hot, often near 38°C. Desert trips still run, but expect to rest through the middle of the day.
Average high 42°C (107°F), low 28°C (82°F). About 0 mm of rain on 0 days, and around 12 hours of sunshine a day. The hottest month, with afternoons often above 40°C. Only for heat-lovers; ride at dawn and dusk.
Average high 40°C (105°F), low 27°C (81°F). About 1 mm of rain on 0 days, and around 12 hours of sunshine a day. Extremely hot, similar to July. Choose a camp with good shade and plenty of water.
Average high 35°C (95°F), low 22°C (72°F). About 16 mm of rain on 2 days, and around 11 hours of sunshine a day. Still hot but easing, with the occasional storm. Nights become comfortable again.
Average high 29°C (84°F), low 16°C (61°F). About 5 mm of rain on 1 day, and around 10 hours of sunshine a day. Warm days and cool nights, one of the best months for the Sahara.
Average high 23°C (73°F), low 10°C (49°F). About 6 mm of rain on 1 day, and around 10 hours of sunshine a day. Mild days and cold nights. Excellent conditions for camel treks and stargazing.
Average high 19°C (65°F), low 5°C (41°F). About 6 mm of rain on 1 day, and around 10 hours of sunshine a day. Sunny days around 18°C and cold nights. Popular over New Year, so book camps early.
In December, Merzouga averages a high of 19°C (65°F) and a low of 5°C (41°F), with about 6 mm of rain on 1 days and around 10 hours of sunshine a day. Sunny days around 18°C and cold nights. Popular over New Year, so book camps early.
In July, Merzouga averages a high of 42°C (107°F) and a low of 28°C (82°F), with about 0 mm of rain on 0 days and around 12 hours of sunshine a day. The hottest month, with afternoons often above 40°C. Only for heat-lovers; ride at dawn and dusk.
Yes, but it is extremely hot. August averages a high of 40°C (105°F) and a low of 27°C (81°F), with about 1 mm of rain and around 12 hours of sunshine a day. Ride the dunes at dawn and dusk, rest in the shade through the afternoon, and choose a camp with good shade and plenty of water. October to April is far more comfortable.
In March, Merzouga averages a high of 24°C (76°F) and a low of 11°C (51°F), with about 8 mm of rain on 1 days and around 11 hours of sunshine a day. Warm days and cool nights, one of the best months for a desert trip. Occasional sandstorms are possible in spring.
July is the hottest month, with an average high of 42°C (107°F) and lows around 28°C. The hottest month, with afternoons often above 40°C. Only for heat-lovers; ride at dawn and dusk.
January has the coldest nights, with an average low of 4°C (39°F), while days still reach about 18°C. Pleasant days around 18°C but nights near freezing in the dunes. Camps provide heavy blankets; bring a warm jacket and hat.
Most rain falls in March and September, with about 8 mm and 16 mm respectively. The driest month is June.
For comfortable sightseeing weather, with highs between 20°C and 30°C and few rainy days, the best months are February, March, April, October and November. Desert nights are cold from November to March whatever the daytime temperature; camps supply blankets, but bring warm layers.
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