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Best Time to Visit Merzouga
Merzouga can be visited all year, but each season feels very different. Here is our local guide to the weather month by month, the best periods for camel rides and adventure activities, and what travellers from Hong Kong should pack.
When is the best time to go?
The best months for Merzouga are March, April, May, October and November. Days are warm and sunny (around 20–30 °C), nights are pleasant, and conditions are ideal for camel rides, quads, buggies and sleeping in the dunes. The air is dry, so even warm days feel much fresher than a humid Hong Kong afternoon.
Winter (December to February) is a popular choice for Christmas and Chinese New Year trips, with clear skies and fewer visitors – but nights can be close to freezing, so pack proper warm layers. Summer (June to August) is very hot, though still possible if you rest in the afternoon and book a tent with air-conditioning.
- Spring: perfect weather, some windy days
- Autumn: warm days, calm and clear
- Winter: sunny days, cold nights, few visitors
- Summer: very hot – plan early mornings and evenings
What to expect
- Spring (Mar–May) – 20–32 °C by day. Green oases, desert lakes after rain, occasional sandy winds.
- Summer (Jun–Aug) – 38–45 °C by day. Hot but dry; warm nights under the stars.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov) – 25–35 °C in September, cooling to 20 °C in November. Very stable weather.
- Winter (Dec–Feb) – 15–22 °C by day, 0–6 °C at night. Clear skies, fewer tourists.
- Wind & sand – Sandy winds are more common in spring; they usually last only a few hours.
- Rain – Rare – a few days a year. After rain the seasonal lakes fill and attract birds.
Merzouga weather table
Average values – every year is a little different.
| Month | Day | Night | Our tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 17 °C | 3 °C | Clear and quiet; bring a warm jacket |
| February | 20 °C | 5 °C | Sunny days, cold nights |
| March | 24 °C | 9 °C | Great month, some windy days |
| April | 28 °C | 13 °C | Excellent for all activities |
| May | 32 °C | 17 °C | Warm; ideal sunsets |
| June | 38 °C | 22 °C | Hot; rest at midday |
| July | 43 °C | 26 °C | Very hot; A/C tent recommended |
| August | 41 °C | 25 °C | Very hot; early starts |
| September | 36 °C | 20 °C | Warm and calm |
| October | 29 °C | 14 °C | One of the best months |
| November | 22 °C | 8 °C | Pleasant days, cool nights |
| December | 18 °C | 4 °C | Festive season, cold nights |
Busy periods and special dates
Merzouga is busiest around Easter, in October and November and between Christmas and New Year. Book early for these dates, especially for luxury and deluxe tents.
During Ramadan (the dates change every year) life in the villages is quieter during the day, but the camps work normally and guests eat as usual. It is a special time to experience the evening breaking of the fast with local families.
What to pack for the desert
- Sunglasses, sun cream and a hat or scarf – all year
- Light, long-sleeved clothes for the day
- A warm jacket or fleece for the evening (October to April)
- Comfortable shoes or sandals for the sand
- A small backpack for the camel ride
- A torch or phone light, and a power bank
Tips from Merzouga locals
- Stay at least one night in the dunes – day trips miss the sunset and stars
- Two nights let you add a 4×4 trip or quads without rushing
- In summer, ride camels at sunset and sunrise only
- In winter, ask for extra blankets – they are always available
- Full moon nights are bright; new moon nights are best for stars
- Check the weather a few days before – we are happy to advise
Frequently asked questions
July is usually the hottest month, with daytime temperatures above 40 °C. August is similar.
Yes – often colder than visitors from Hong Kong expect. From November to March nights can drop to 0–6 °C. Our tents have thick blankets and we always have extra ones.
Sandy winds are most common in March and April. They usually last a few hours, and the camp has protected tents.
Yes. Plan activities early in the morning and at sunset, rest in the afternoon and choose a deluxe tent with air-conditioning.
Yes. Late January and February bring sunny days of around 17–20 °C and very clear night skies. Just pack a warm jacket for the evenings.
Any clear night is spectacular, but the darkest skies are around the new moon, especially in autumn and winter.
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