The Moroccan Desert in Winter: Cold Nights and What to Pack

Winter is one of the most beautiful seasons for the Moroccan Sahara: crystal-clear skies, low light across the dunes and few visitors. But nights are cold, sometimes below freezing. Here is how to enjoy it without shivering.

The Moroccan desert in winter (November to February) offers mild days of around 15 to 20 °C, very clear skies and quiet dunes, but cold nights, often between 0 and 5 °C in Merzouga and sometimes below freezing in December and January. To sleep well, choose a camp with heated tents or at least one that provides thick blankets, and pack a down jacket, a hat and warm layers. The classic 3-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga crosses the Tizi n'Tichka pass, above 2,200 m, which can occasionally close for a few hours because of snow: keep a spare day. If you are short on time or dislike the cold, the Agafay desert, about 40 minutes from Marrakech, gives you an evening under the stars without the long drive. Outside the Christmas holidays, winter is also one of the cheapest times for the desert.

Desert Temperatures in Winter

Month	Day	Night	Note
November	20-25 °C	5-10 °C	Excellent compromise
December	15-20 °C	0-5 °C	Cold nights, high demand at Christmas
January	15-18 °C	Around 0 °C, frost possible	The coldest month
February	17-22 °C	2-7 °C	Milder again

Indicative values for Merzouga; they vary from year to year.

Most-Booked Desert Tours in Winter

Tour	Rating	Reviews	From
3-day Merzouga and Sahara tour	4.9	22,297	€118
Night in a heated tent in Merzouga	4.8	267	€62
Agafay: sunset camel ride and dinner	4.6	37,612	€14
3-day safari with meals	4.7	14,481	€104

Ratings, reviews and prices taken from GetYourGuide; they may change. Check the listing to see whether tents are heated.

See desert tours available this winter· GetYourGuideFree cancellation up to 24h before on most activities · the best time slots sell out first in high seasonReserve now, pay later on many activities

What to Pack

A down jacket or thick fleece, a hat and gloves for the evening and sunrise.
Thermal layers to sleep in, even in a heated tent.
Sunglasses and sunscreen: the sun is still strong during the day.
A head torch: camps are dimly lit at night.

Merzouga or Agafay in Winter?

Merzouga has the real, tall dunes of Erg Chebbi but needs at least 3 days and a long drive. Agafay is a stone desert, less spectacular, but reachable for an evening from Marrakech. See Agafay or Merzouga and the best camps in Merzouga.

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FAQ — The Desert in Winter

Is it cold in the Moroccan desert in winter?

Days are mild (15 to 20 °C), but nights often drop to 0-5 °C in Merzouga, sometimes below freezing in December and January.

Are the tents heated?

Some camps offer heated tents; others provide thick blankets. Check the listing before booking.

Can you do the 3-day tour in winter?

Yes, it is a lovely season, but the Tizi n'Tichka pass can close for a few hours because of snow: keep a margin in your schedule.

Which desert is best in winter for a short stay?

Agafay, about 40 minutes from Marrakech, for an evening under the stars without the long drive to Merzouga.

Is winter cheaper for the desert?

Outside the Christmas and New Year holidays, yes: it is one of the quietest and most affordable periods.

In Short

Mild days, cold nights: down jacket and heated tent.
Merzouga for the big dunes, Agafay for a short evening.
Keep a margin for the Tichka pass.

The Moroccan Desert in Winter: Cold Nights and What to Pack