Best Time to Visit Merzouga: Desert Weather by Month
The Erg Chebbi dunes are many travellers' dream in Morocco. But the desert has its extremes: freezing winter nights, crushing summer heat. Picking the right season changes the whole experience.
The best time to visit Merzouga is autumn (October to November) and spring (March to April): days are around 23 to 29 °C and nights stay bearable, around 9 to 15 °C. Winter (December to February) has pleasant days, about 18 to 21 °C, but very cold nights, sometimes close to 0 °C: choose a camp with a heated tent and plenty of blankets. Summer (June to August) is extreme, with average highs of about 39 to 43 °C: camel rides happen only at sunrise and sunset. In spring, the wind can whip up sand on some days. From Marrakech, Merzouga is reached on a 3-day tour (from about €86 to €118 on GetYourGuide); in October, November and over the spring holidays, the best tours fill up quickly.
Merzouga Weather Month by Month
| Month | Avg. high | Avg. low | Our verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18 °C | 4 °C | Very cold nights |
| February | 21 °C | 6 °C | Cold nights, Ramadan in 2027 |
| March | 25 °C | 10 °C | Very good |
| April | 29 °C | 14 °C | Very good, possible wind |
| May | 33 °C | 18 °C | Hot |
| June | 39 °C | 23 °C | Very hot |
| July | 43 °C | 27 °C | Extreme |
| August | 41 °C | 26 °C | Extreme |
| September | 35 °C | 21 °C | Hot |
| October | 29 °C | 15 °C | Excellent |
| November | 23 °C | 9 °C | Excellent |
| December | 18 °C | 5 °C | Very cold nights |
Indicative regional climate averages; day-night swings in the desert are large.
Most-Booked Tours
| Tour | Rating | Reviews | Duration | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-day Merzouga tour from Marrakech | 4.9 | 22,297 | 3 days | €118 |
| 3-day desert safari, meals included | 4.7 | 14,481 | 3 days | €104 |
| Merzouga, dunes and Sahara in 3 days | 4.6 | 6,436 | 3 days | €86 |
| Night in a heated tent and camel ride | 4.8 | 267 | 2 days | €62 |
Ratings, reviews and prices taken from GetYourGuide; they may change.
See tours to Merzouga· 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
See also the Merzouga desert, the desert in winter, the best desert camps and which desert to choose.
Where to Stay
A camp in the dunes for the experience, or a hotel on the edge of the erg for more comfort. In winter, check for thick blankets or a heated tent.
See camps and hotels in Merzouga· Booking.comFree cancellation on many properties · the best-rated places fill up firstNo prepayment needed on many offers: lock in your room now
FAQ — Best Time to Visit Merzouga
What is the best month to visit Merzouga?
Is it cold at night in the Merzouga desert?
Can you visit Merzouga in summer?
Are there sandstorms in Merzouga?
How many days do you need for Merzouga from Marrakech?
In Short
- October-November and March-April: the best time.
- Freezing winter nights, extreme summer heat.
- Book early in high season.
