New Year in the Moroccan Desert: Celebrate 2027 in a Sahara Camp
Most people welcome the new year in a crowded city square. A smaller group chooses something very different: a camel ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes, a dinner served in a Berber tent, a bonfire, drums and a midnight countdown under one of the clearest night skies in the world. If you are planning New Year in the Moroccan desert, this guide shows what the night is really like, how cold it gets, how to book and how to build the trip around it.
Our team runs a desert camp in Merzouga at the foot of the dunes, so we have a clear view of what makes a New Year’s Eve in the Sahara work, and what catches first-time guests off guard.
Why spend New Year in the Sahara
The desert is one of the few places where the night itself is the event. There is no light pollution from a big city, so the stars are sharp and the silence is real. A midnight celebration here feels personal, closer to a gathering around a fire than a party in a hall.
- Clear skies: December is one of the driest months in the region, so your chances of a starry midnight are good.
- A different kind of celebration: live music, a warm dinner and shared company replace crowds and noise.
- Quieter dunes: winter is the low season, so the dunes feel empty during the day.
- A strong start to the year: a sunrise over the dunes on January 1 is hard to beat.
How cold is it in Merzouga in winter
Daytime temperatures in December and January are usually mild, often in the high teens Celsius, and warmer in direct sun. After sunset the desert loses heat quickly. Average night lows are around 6 to 7°C, and some nights can drop close to freezing, especially when the sky is clear and there is no wind to trap warmth.
That swing of 10 degrees or more between afternoon and night is what surprises most guests. Dry desert air makes the sun feel warm and the shade feel cool, so dress in layers from the moment you arrive.
What a New Year’s Eve in a Sahara camp looks like
Programs differ from camp to camp, so always confirm the details before booking. A typical December 31 follows this rhythm.
Afternoon: arrival and camel trek
Guests arrive from Merzouga in the mid-afternoon, change into warm clothes and start the camel trek in Merzouga toward the camp. The ride takes around an hour or more, and the low winter sun makes the dunes glow orange and red.
Sunset: climb a dune
Walk up a nearby dune for sunset. Put on your warm layer as soon as the sun drops, because the temperature falls fast after dark.
Evening: New Year’s dinner
Dinner is served in the tent or around the fire. Festive menus in the region often feature harira soup, roasted meat, couscous or tagine, fruit and pastries, with mint tea throughout. Ask your camp what is on the menu and whether dietary needs can be met.
Before midnight: music and fire
Berber and Gnaoua drumming is a common part of a desert celebration. Guests sit by the bonfire, sing, clap and wait for the countdown. It is a good moment to meet other travelers, since many guests arrive alone or as couples.
Midnight: the countdown
The celebration is simple and warm. Expect a countdown, wishes in several languages, music and a toast with tea, and then a walk away from the fire to look at the sky.
January 1: sunrise
Wake up early, dress warmly and climb the dune again for the first sunrise of the year. Then enjoy breakfast and ride back toward Merzouga.
How cold is the Sahara on New Year’s Eve
Colder than most guests expect. Daytime temperatures in December are usually comfortable, often in the high teens Celsius, but average night lows are around 6 to 7°C, and some nights fall close to freezing. After midnight the cold is at its sharpest, especially in the hours before sunrise.
One traveler who spent New Year’s Eve in the dunes described temperatures near zero after dark and said hoodies were not enough. The lesson is simple: pack for winter, not for the desert you imagine. For a deeper guide to sleeping and staying warm, read our article on sleeping in a Merzouga desert camp in winter.
What to pack for New Year in the desert
- Warm jacket or down layer for the evening and the sunrise.
- Thermal base layer, which also works as sleepwear.
- Wool socks, a hat, a scarf and light gloves.
- Closed shoes for walking in sand, plus a small flashlight or headlamp.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm for the daytime.
- A small bag for the night, because main luggage is often left at the base.
- A change of clothes for dinner, ideally warm and comfortable.
Dress in three thin layers instead of one heavy coat, so you can adjust during the day and the night.
Which tent should you choose for New Year’s Eve
Comfort matters more in winter than in any other season, and it matters most on a long night. A proper bed, thick blankets and a private bathroom change the whole experience.
- Standard tent: a good value if you pack well and ask for extra blankets.
- Luxury tent: a strong choice for most guests, with better beds, more privacy and a private bathroom. See our luxury desert camp options.
- Royal Bivouac: the most comfortable option, with canopy beds, private bathrooms and air-conditioning. Look at the Royal Bivouac if you want a warm, private base for the night.
Is the desert good for New Year’s Eve
The answer depends on the kind of night you want.
- Choose the Sahara camp if you want stars, silence, music and a small group.
- Choose a city such as Marrakech if you want restaurants, clubs and big events.
- Choose the Agafay desert if you want a shorter trip from Marrakech, with rocky scenery instead of dunes.
The Sahara is a long drive from the main cities, but that distance is what keeps it quiet. If you want real dunes, Merzouga and Erg Chebbi are the classic choice.
How to get to Merzouga for New Year
Merzouga lies in southeastern Morocco, roughly 350 km from Marrakech and 280 km from Fes. Allow a full travel day from either city, and give yourself time to rest before the evening.
- From Marrakech: a 3- or 4-day tour usually crosses the High Atlas, stops in Ouarzazate and the valleys, and reaches the dunes on December 31.
- From Fes: a 2- or 3-day route passes through the Middle Atlas and Ziz Valley before arriving in Merzouga.
- By private driver or rental car: the best option if you want a flexible schedule and stops along the way.
Do not try to rush it. Arriving on December 30 and staying two nights is calmer, and you will not miss the camel ride if the road takes longer than planned.
Celebrate New Year 2027 in the Sahara
Welcome 2027 among the golden dunes of Merzouga with a camel trek, traditional Moroccan dinner, live Berber music and an unforgettable night under the stars. Contact our team to check availability and plan your New Year desert experience.
A simple 4-day New Year itinerary from Marrakech
- December 29: Marrakech to Ouarzazate via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, with a stop at Ait Ben Haddou.
- December 30: Ouarzazate to the Dades Valley, with time for the gorge. Read our Dades Gorge travel guide to plan this stop.
- December 31: drive to Merzouga, ride into the dunes and celebrate midnight at the camp.
- January 1: sunrise, breakfast and the return journey toward Marrakech or Fes.
How to book a New Year’s Eve camp in Merzouga
New Year is one of the busiest periods of the winter season, so good camps fill early. Booking several weeks ahead, or earlier, is wise.
- Confirm the exact program for December 31, including dinner, music and any special menu.
- Ask what is included in the price: transfer, camel ride, dinner, breakfast and bedding.
- Ask about heating, extra blankets and the type of tent for winter nights.
- Check whether there is a minimum stay and what the cancellation policy is.
- Ask about alcohol. Policies vary from camp to camp, and many do not serve it, so confirm in advance if it matters to you.
- Tell the camp about children, dietary needs and mobility, so the night is planned properly.
At Relaxing Desert Camp, our team can answer these questions before you pay anything. Contact us with your dates and group size, and we will help you plan the night and the route.
Other ways Morocco celebrates the new year
December 31 is a modern international tradition in Morocco, and many cities mark it with restaurant dinners and events. A second, older celebration comes in mid-January: Yennayer, the Amazigh New Year, observed around January 13 and 14, which leads into the year 2977 in the Amazigh calendar. In Amazigh communities it is marked with a family meal, special dishes, songs and stories.
If your dates are flexible, you can combine both. Spend December 31 in the dunes, and come back in mid-January to see local traditions in the villages.
Tips for the best New Year in the desert
- Arrive early on December 31 to enjoy the whole experience, not only the dinner.
- Keep your phone warm in an inside pocket, since cold drains batteries fast.
- Bring cash in small notes for tips and local purchases.
- Keep your hands free for the camel ride, and use a small backpack.
- Drink water during the day and avoid heavy meals before the camel ride.
- Respect the quiet of the desert after midnight, since other guests are sleeping.
FAQ’s
Can you spend New Year’s Eve in the Sahara desert in Morocco
Yes. Many camps in Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes host guests on December 31 with a camel ride, a special dinner, music and a bonfire. Details vary, so confirm the program in advance.
How cold is the Sahara on December 31
Days are mild, but nights are cold, with average lows around 6 to 7°C and some nights near freezing. Bring warm layers, wool socks, a hat and gloves.
How far in advance should I book a desert camp for New Year
As early as you can. New Year is a peak period for the winter season, and the best tents and dates sell out first.
Is a New Year desert trip suitable for families and couples
Yes, if you plan for the cold and the late night. Choose a comfortable tent, tell the camp about children, and keep the schedule relaxed.
How many days do I need for a New Year trip to the Sahara
Three to four days from Marrakech or Fes is a comfortable minimum. It gives you time to see the Atlas, stop in the Dades Valley and arrive in the dunes before sunset on December 31.
Is there alcohol at a desert camp in Morocco
It depends on the camp, and many do not serve it. If it matters to you, ask before you book.
A New Year in the Moroccan desert is quiet, warm in spirit and unforgettable. You trade the countdown crowd for a bonfire, drums, mint tea and a sky full of stars. With the right tent, warm clothes and an early booking, it becomes the kind of night people talk about for years. When your dates are ready, book your New Year stay at Relaxing Desert Camp and welcome 2027 in the Sahara.