Merzouga Weather by Month: Temperatures & Rain (2026 Guide)

What Is the Weather Like in Merzouga?

Merzouga has a hot desert climate: very dry, very sunny, with big differences between day and night. The village sits at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes in south-east Morocco, and the numbers explain why it feels like the “real” Sahara:

• Rain: only about 53 mm per year on average, spread over a few short showers.
• Sunshine: from about 9 hours a day in winter to more than 12 hours in early summer.
• Heat: average highs go from about 17°C (62°F) in January to 41°C (107°F) in July.
• Dry air: average humidity drops to about 12% in July, which is why you feel thirsty quickly in summer.

The most important thing to understand is the day–night difference. In most months, the night is 12 to 15°C colder than the afternoon. Sand loses its heat fast once the sun goes down, and there are no clouds to keep the warmth in. That is why a warm sweater is part of every packing list, even in spring.

Which Month Has the Best Weather in Merzouga?

Here is the Merzouga weather by month, with average temperatures, rain, humidity and sunshine:

Source: Climate-Data.org, Merzouga (temperatures, rain and humidity 1991–2021; sunshine 1999–2019). These are long-term averages: a single day can be several degrees warmer or colder.

How to read this table:

• March–April and October–November are the most comfortable months for most travellers: warm afternoons (24–29°C in spring, 22–29°C in autumn) and cool nights. Camel rides, dune walks and sandboarding are easy at any time of the day.
• December–February are mild and sunny by day (17–19°C) but cold at night (3.5–6°C on average).
• June–August are very hot (38–41°C highs). Activities move to early morning and sunset.
• May and September are in between: hot in the middle of the day (32–35°C), very pleasant in the evening.

Season by season: what the weather means for your trip

Spring (March–May): the days warm up quickly, from about 24°C in March to 32°C in May, and the days get longer (10.7 to 12.3 hours of sun). It is a great season for long camel treks and for climbing the big dunes for sunset. By May, plan your outdoor time in the morning and late afternoon.

Summer (June–August): this is the hottest and driest time, with humidity as low as 12% in July. Fewer travellers come, so the dunes are quiet. Summer is also the traditional season of the Merzouga sand baths, when local people and visitors bury themselves in hot sand.

Autumn (September–November): the heat goes down month by month, from about 35°C in September to 22°C in November. October is, on average, the wettest month, but that still means only about 8 mm of rain. Most days are bright and clear.

Winter (December–February): the sky is clear, the light is soft and golden, and the nights are long, which is good news for stargazing. You need warm clothes for the evening and the early morning.

If you are still choosing your dates, our guide to the best time to visit Merzouga compares the seasons by crowds, prices and events, not only weather.

How Cold Does It Get in the Sahara Desert at Night?

Colder than most people expect. In Merzouga, the average low is 3.5°C (38°F) in January and 4.8°C (41°F) in December. On the coldest winter nights, the temperature can get close to freezing, especially just before sunrise.

In spring and autumn, nights are fresh but comfortable: around 10°C (50°F) in March and 9–16°C (49–61°F) in November and October. In summer, even the nights stay warm, with average lows of 23–26°C (73–80°F) from June to August.

What this means at the camp:

• Our luxury tents have soft beds, thick blankets and air conditioners, so you can sleep warm in January and cool in July.
• The coldest moment is the sunrise. If you climb a dune to watch it, wear a jacket, a hat and closed shoes. The sand is cold in winter mornings.
• The campfire evening with Berber music is the warmest place in the camp after dinner, and the stars are brightest on these clear, dry nights.

Does It Rain in Merzouga?

Yes, but rarely. Merzouga gets about 53 mm of rain per year on average, usually in a few short showers. The wettest months in the long-term data are October (about 8 mm) and February (about 7 mm). June and July get almost nothing.

When rain does come, it can be heavy. In autumn 2024, after exceptional storms in south-east Morocco, water came back to Lake Yasmina among the dunes and to dry areas around Merzouga. Locals said the basin had been dry for almost 20 years (Hespress / AFP report). Events like this are rare, but they show that the desert is not completely without water.

For the full story of rain, oases and hidden water in the desert, read does it rain in the Moroccan Sahara Desert?

Frequently Asked Questions About the Weather in Merzouga

The Merzouga weather is easy to summarise: almost always dry and sunny, hot in summer, mild in winter, and cool to cold at night for most of the year. Spring and autumn give the softest conditions, winter gives clear days and cold starry nights, and summer is for travellers who like heat and early mornings.

Whatever month you choose, pack for two climates: light clothes and sun protection for the day, and warm layers for the evening. Our desert camp packing list covers the details, and our desert activities page shows what you can do in each season. When you are ready, choose between our luxury desert camp and the Royal Desert Camp.