The best time for a Sahara desert tour in Morocco is from March to May and from late September to November, when days are warm, nights are cool and the light is beautiful. Winter (December to February) is also very good if you pack for cold nights. Summer (June to August) is possible but very hot, with afternoons often above 40°C in Merzouga, so trips are planned around early mornings and evenings.
Approximate average daytime highs and night-time lows. Real temperatures vary from year to year.
| Month | Day | Night | Our verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 17°C | 3°C | Good, very cold nights |
| February | 20°C | 6°C | Good, cold nights |
| March | 24°C | 9°C | Very good, some windy days |
| April | 28°C | 13°C | Excellent, some windy days |
| May | 33°C | 17°C | Very good, getting hot |
| June | 38°C | 22°C | Hot, early starts needed |
| July | 43°C | 26°C | Very hot |
| August | 41°C | 25°C | Very hot |
| September | 35°C | 20°C | Good from mid-month |
| October | 28°C | 14°C | Excellent |
| November | 22°C | 8°C | Very good |
| December | 17°C | 4°C | Good, festive crowds, cold nights |
For live forecasts before you travel, check Maroc Météo, the national weather service.
Pleasant days, cool nights and long evenings make spring the most popular season. The almond and rose blossoms in the valleys on the way are a bonus. The only drawback is wind: spring is the season when sandy winds are most likely, and a windy afternoon can hide the view for a few hours. Easter weeks are busy, so book ahead.
By late September the summer heat breaks, and October is one of the best months of the year: warm, stable and clear. November brings cooler nights and fewer visitors. It is also date harvest time in the oases of the Ziz and Draa valleys.
Winter days in the desert are often sunny and pleasant, perfect for walking on the dunes. Nights, however, can drop close to 0°C. Good camps provide thick blankets, and luxury camps often have heated tents. The High Atlas may have snow, which makes the drive over Tizi n'Tichka stunning, though occasionally slower. Christmas and New Year are very busy; book early. Pack well with our desert clothing guide.
Summer is hot. Camel treks start late in the afternoon and return early in the morning, and the middle of the day is for resting in the shade. Nights are warm, which some travellers enjoy, and the sky is often perfect for stars. If you travel in summer, choose a camp with good shade or air conditioning, drink a lot of water and read our Sahara safety tips. A cooler alternative close to Marrakech is a sunset activity in the Agafay desert.
For the rest of the country, our best time to visit Morocco guide covers cities, mountains and the coast.
If you can choose, go in April or October. If you travel in winter, the desert is still magical; just pack a warm jacket. In summer, keep the trip short and choose a comfortable camp. Whatever the month, our private Sahara tours from Marrakech run all year, and we adapt the timing of each day to the season.
