Sahara Desert Tours
Merzouga Weather by Month: Temperatures and the Best Time for the Dunes
Published November 5, 2026 by Morocco Amazing Tours
The short answer: Merzouga is hot by day for most of the year and cold at night in winter. The most comfortable months are March to May and October to November, with days in the mid-20s °C and cool nights. December and January bring sunny days around 17 to 18°C and nights near freezing. June to August reach 38 to 42°C in the afternoon, so visits are kept short and active hours moved to dawn and dusk.
Merzouga temperatures month by month
| Month | Average high | Average low | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | About 17°C | About 3°C | Cold nights, clear skies, quiet |
| February | About 20°C | About 6°C | Cool nights, very pleasant days |
| March | About 24°C | About 10°C | Excellent; occasional wind |
| April | About 28°C | About 13°C | Excellent; sand wind possible |
| May | About 33°C | About 18°C | Hot afternoons, warm nights |
| June | About 38°C | About 23°C | Very hot; activities at dawn and dusk |
| July | About 42°C | About 26°C | Extreme heat; short desert stays only |
| August | About 40°C | About 25°C | Extreme heat; possible storms |
| September | About 35°C | About 21°C | Hot, improving at the end of the month |
| October | About 28°C | About 15°C | Excellent; date harvest |
| November | About 22°C | About 8°C | Excellent days, chilly nights |
| December | About 18°C | About 4°C | Crisp, clear, near-freezing nights |
Approximate long-term averages for the Erfoud and Merzouga area; individual days can be several degrees warmer or colder.
The day-night gap
Sand and dry air lose heat quickly after sunset, so the temperature can drop 15°C or more between afternoon and midnight. That is why camps provide thick blankets in winter, and why a warm layer belongs in every desert bag, even in spring.
Merzouga in December and winter
Winter is one of the most beautiful times in the dunes: soft light, clear air, very few insects and fewer visitors. Expect bright days you can spend in a T-shirt, cold mornings and nights close to 0°C. Bring a down jacket, a hat and warm socks, and choose a camp with good blankets or heating; see what to expect in a desert camp. On the way, the Atlas passes can see snow, which occasionally slows the drive.
Merzouga in summer
From June to August, afternoons are extremely hot. It is still possible to visit with a short, well-planned stay: arrive late afternoon for the camel trek, sleep under the stars, ride back at sunrise and spend the middle of the day in an air-conditioned hotel with a pool. Drink much more water than usual and protect your head from the sun.
Wind, rain and sand
- Wind: spring can bring sandy winds that blur the horizon for a few hours; a scarf over the face helps.
- Rain: rare. Occasional storms, mostly in late summer and autumn, can fill the seasonal lake of Dayet Srji.
- Sun: strong all year; sunglasses and sunscreen are essential.
What to wear
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Winter | Down jacket, fleece, hat, warm socks, layers for the day |
| Spring and autumn | Light layers, one warm jacket for the night, scarf |
| Summer | Loose light clothes, hat, high-SPF sunscreen, refillable water bottle |
More in our desert packing guide and best time to visit the Sahara. Our Merzouga desert tours run all year, with timings adapted to the season.
Frequently asked questions
How cold does Merzouga get at night?
In December and January nights often drop to around 0 to 4°C. From June to August they stay around 23 to 26°C.
Is December a good time to visit Merzouga?
Yes. Days are sunny and mild and the dunes are quiet. Pack warm clothes for the evening and choose a camp with good blankets or heating.
Is it too hot to visit the Sahara in summer?
Afternoons reach 38 to 42°C, so plan a short stay with activities at sunrise and sunset and rest during the day.
What is the best month to visit Merzouga?
March, April, October and November offer the best balance of warm days and cool nights.
Plan it with us: Sahara desert in Morocco, Desert tours from Marrakech and Morocco desert tours.
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