"When should we go?" is one of the first questions our guests ask when planning a desert trip. The answer depends on what you can tolerate — cold nights or hot afternoons — and on what else you want to see on the way. The best time to visit the Sahara in Morocco is, for most travellers, autumn and spring, but every season has its own charm and its own practicalities.
Here is our month-by-month guide, based on the routes we drive to Merzouga, Zagora and Agafay.
The short answer
- Best overall: October–November and March–April.
- Clearest skies and fewest crowds: December–February, if you do not mind cold nights.
- Most beautiful valleys: late April–May, with roses and green oases.
- Most challenging: June–August, very hot in the afternoon.
Month by month
The figures below are approximate typical values for the Merzouga area; Zagora is similar, Agafay a little milder.
| Month | Daytime | Night | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16–20°C | 0–4°C | Sunny, cold nights, clearest skies |
| February | 18–22°C | 2–6°C | Pleasant days, almond blossom |
| March | 22–26°C | 6–10°C | Warming up, sometimes windy |
| April | 26–30°C | 10–15°C | Excellent, occasional sandy winds |
| May | 30–35°C | 15–20°C | Roses in the Dades, hot afternoons |
| June | 36–40°C | 20–24°C | Very hot, go early and late |
| July | 40–45°C | 24–28°C | Extreme heat, sand baths season |
| August | 40–44°C | 24–28°C | Extreme heat, possible storms |
| September | 34–38°C | 18–22°C | Still hot, improving at month's end |
| October | 28–32°C | 13–17°C | Ideal, date harvest |
| November | 22–26°C | 6–10°C | Ideal, saffron harvest in Taliouine |
| December | 17–20°C | 1–5°C | Cool, festive season, cold nights |
Autumn: October and November
For many, this is the best time to visit the Sahara. The summer heat has gone, the days are warm and golden, the nights are cool but comfortable, and the palm groves are busy with the date harvest. In November, the saffron fields of Taliouine bloom purple — a lovely detour on our 7-day grand tour.
Winter: December to February
Sunny days, cold nights and the clearest, most star-filled skies of the year. Desert camps provide thick blankets and luxury camps have heating; bring warm layers anyway. Snow can occasionally close the Tizi n'Tichka pass for a few hours, so we keep some flexibility in the schedule. Christmas and New Year are busy: book early.
Spring: March to May
Spring brings green valleys, almond blossom in February and March and the roses of Kelaat M'Gouna in late April and May, celebrated by a rose festival. It can be windy, and a sandy afternoon now and then is part of the experience. Easter holidays are popular. See our Dades and Valley of Roses guide.
Summer: June to September
It is very hot in the desert, often above 40°C in the afternoon. A summer trip is still possible — and the nights under the stars are warm and magical — if you adapt: leave early, rest in the shade at midday, ride camels at sunset and sunrise only, and choose accommodation with a pool or air conditioning. In July and August, some Moroccan visitors come to Merzouga for traditional hot-sand baths. If heat worries you, combine the desert with the cooler Atlantic coast on our Sahara and Atlantic coast tour.
The best time of day
Whatever the season, the best time to visit the Sahara each day is at both ends of it. The hour before sunset and the hour after sunrise bring soft light, long shadows on the dunes, cooler air and the calmest winds — that is when camel rides and photos are planned. The middle of the day is for driving, a long lunch in the shade or a nap in the camp. At night, the temperature drops quickly, so keep a warm layer within reach even after a hot day.
Other things to consider
- Ramadan: its dates move about 11 days earlier each year. Travel continues normally; some restaurants close during the day in small towns, and evenings are festive.
- School holidays: Christmas, Easter and summer are busier; book camps and riads in advance.
- Moon phase: for stargazing, choose dates close to the new moon; for moonlit dunes, the full moon.
- Agafay: being close to Marrakech and a little higher, it is enjoyable almost all year — see our Agafay desert guide.
So, what is the best time to visit the Sahara?
If you can choose, go in October, November, March or April. If you can only travel in winter, embrace the cold nights for the extraordinary skies. If you travel in summer, adapt your rhythm and add the ocean. Our general best time to visit Morocco guide covers the rest of the country.
Plan your desert trip
Tell us your dates on WhatsApp and we will tell you honestly what to expect and how to adapt the route: our 4-day Merzouga tour, the Zagora desert tour or a longer circuit from our guide to multi-day tours from Marrakech. And do not forget our Sahara packing list.
