When is the best time to visit the Sahara in Morocco?
Temperatures, wind, crowds and festivals: a month-by-month guide to choosing the right season for your desert trip to Merzouga or Zagora.
By Ismail2 min read
The Moroccan Sahara can be visited all year round, but the experience changes a lot with the seasons. Here is what to expect, from the people who drive there every week.
The short answer: October to April
For most travellers, the best time to visit the desert is from October to April. Days are warm and sunny, camel rides are comfortable at any hour, and the nights in the camp are cool enough to enjoy the fire.
Season by season
Autumn (September to November)
Our favourite season. The summer heat fades, the light is golden and the dates are being harvested in the palm groves of the Draa and Tafilalet. Daytime temperatures in Merzouga are typically between 25 and 32 °C, and nights are mild.
Winter (December to February)
Sunny, crisp days around 18 to 22 °C, but cold nights, sometimes close to freezing. Camps provide thick blankets, and luxury camps are often heated. The High Atlas may be snowy on the way, which makes the Tizi n'Tichka pass even more beautiful. Bring a warm jacket, a hat and layers.
Spring (March to May)
Warm days and blooming valleys: the Valley of Roses flowers in late April and May. Spring is also the windiest season, and a sand storm can occasionally blur the horizon for a few hours. It rarely spoils a trip, but keep a scarf at hand.
Summer (June to August)
The desert is very hot: 40 to 45 °C in the afternoon is common in Merzouga. Tours are still possible, with early starts, a long rest during the hottest hours and the camel ride at sunset, when temperatures drop. Nights in the camp are warm, and some travellers prefer to sleep outside under the stars.
What about crowds?
The busiest periods are the Christmas and New Year holidays and Easter. Book a few weeks ahead for those dates, especially if you want a luxury camp. The rest of the year, the desert is vast enough to feel empty.
Our advice
- Pack layers whatever the season: the difference between day and night can exceed 20 °C.
- Choose the right length: with 3 days you can reach Merzouga, with 5 you can enjoy it without long drives every day.
- Ask us about your dates: we will tell you honestly what to expect and adapt the itinerary.