Merzouga Weather: Average Monthly Temperatures & Best Time to Visit

Understanding Merzouga's Desert Climate

Merzouga, located in southeastern Morocco near the Algerian border, experiences a typical Saharan desert climate characterized by extreme temperature variations between day and night, and significant differences between seasons. This guide provides detailed monthly weather information to help you plan your perfect desert adventure.

Monthly Temperature Averages (Day/Night in °C and °F)

| Month | Avg. High (°C/°F) | Avg. Low (°C/°F) | Daily Mean (°C/°F) | |-------|------------------|------------------|-------------------| | January | 18°C / 64°F | 3°C / 37°F | 10.5°C / 51°F | | February | 21°C / 70°F | 6°C / 43°F | 13.5°C / 56°F | | March | 25°C / 77°F | 10°C / 50°F | 17.5°C / 64°F | | April | 29°C / 84°F | 14°C / 57°F | 21.5°C / 71°F | | May | 34°C / 93°F | 18°C / 64°F | 26°C / 79°F | | June | 39°C / 102°F | 22°C / 72°F | 30.5°C / 87°F | | July | 42°C / 108°F | 25°C / 77°F | 33.5°C / 92°F | | August | 41°C / 106°F | 24°C / 75°F | 32.5°C / 91°F | | September | 36°C / 97°F | 20°C / 68°F | 28°C / 82°F | | October | 30°C / 86°F | 15°C / 59°F | 22.5°C / 73°F | | November | 23°C / 73°F | 9°C / 48°F | 16°C / 61°F | | December | 19°C / 66°F | 4°C / 39°F | 11.5°C / 53°F |

Seasonal Weather Overview

Spring (March - May)

• Temperatures: 25-34°C (77-93°F) day / 10-18°C (50-64°F) night
• Conditions: Warm days, cool nights, minimal rainfall
• Pros: Pleasant weather, fewer tourists, blooming desert plants
• Cons: Occasional sandstorms (especially in April-May)

Summer (June - August)

• Temperatures: 39-42°C (102-108°F) day / 22-25°C (72-77°F) night
• Conditions: Extremely hot days, warm nights, very dry
• Pros: Lowest tourist numbers, dramatic desert experience
• Cons: Intense heat can be challenging for activities

Autumn (September - November)

• Temperatures: 23-36°C (73-97°F) day / 9-20°C (48-68°F) night
• Conditions: Gradually cooling, comfortable days, cool nights
• Pros: Ideal temperatures, clear skies, great for stargazing
• Cons: Somewhat busier than summer

Winter (December - February)

• Temperatures: 18-21°C (64-70°F) day / 3-6°C (37-43°F) night
• Conditions: Mild days, cold nights, occasional frost
• Pros: Comfortable daytime temperatures, few tourists
• Cons: Very cold at night, shorter daylight hours

Best Time to Visit Merzouga

Optimal Months

1. March-April: Pleasant temperatures, blooming desert
2. October-November: Warm days, cool nights, clear skies
3. February & December: Cool but comfortable, fewer tourists

Months to Consider Carefully

• May & September: Can be very hot but manageable
• June-August: Only for those who can handle extreme heat
• January: Cold nights but beautiful clear days

What to Pack by Season

Spring/Fall

• Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime
• Warm layers for evenings
• Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Light jacket or sweater

Summer

• Light, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing
• Wide-brimmed hat and high SPF sunscreen
• Sunglasses with UV protection
• Light scarf for sun and sand protection
• Plenty of water bottles

Winter

• Layered clothing (thermals recommended)
• Warm jacket for evenings
• Gloves and warm hat for early mornings/nights
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Warm sleepwear for desert camping

Weather Phenomena to Be Aware Of

Sandstorms (Haboobs)

• Most Common: March-May
• Duration: Few hours to a full day
• What to Do: Seek shelter, protect cameras/electronics, cover face

Temperature Extremes

• Hottest Month: July (up to 48°C/118°F possible)
• Coldest Month: January (can drop below freezing at night)
• Largest Daily Swing: Up to 30°C (54°F) difference between day and night

Rainfall

• Annual Average: Less than 50mm (2 inches)
• Wettest Months: November & December
• Note: Rain is rare but can cause flash floods in dry riverbeds (wadis)

Monthly Activities Guide

January-March

• Weather: Cool to mild days, cold nights
• Activities: Daytime desert exploration, cultural visits
• Packing Tip: Warm layers essential for early morning and evening

April-May

• Weather: Warm days, cool nights
• Activities: All desert activities, photography, camel treks
• Packing Tip: Sun protection and light jacket for evenings

June-August

• Weather: Extremely hot days, warm nights
• Activities: Early morning/late evening activities, stargazing
• Packing Tip: Lightweight, breathable fabrics and plenty of water

September-October

• Weather: Hot days, pleasant nights
• Activities: All desert activities, photography
• Packing Tip: Sun protection and layers for temperature changes

November-December

• Weather: Mild days, cold nights
• Activities: Desert exploration, cultural experiences
• Packing Tip: Warm clothing for evenings and early mornings

Climate Change Considerations

• Observed Changes: Gradual temperature increases over past decades
• Impact: Longer, hotter summers, more extreme temperature fluctuations
• Travel Impact: Best times to visit may shift in coming years

Local Weather Wisdom

• "The desert is coldest one hour before dawn" - Plan your sunrise excursions accordingly
• "When the wind comes from the south, prepare for heat; from the north, expect cooler temperatures"
• "Red sky at night, traveler's delight; red sky at morning, traveler take warning" - Applies to desert weather patterns

Contact Us

For personalized advice on when to visit Merzouga based on your preferences, contact our local experts:

Email: [email protected]
WhatsApp/Phone: +212675203319 / +212668534981

Note: All temperatures are approximate and based on historical averages. Actual conditions may vary.