What is the best month to visit the Sahara in Morocco?

April, May, October and November are usually the best: warm sunny days and comfortable nights in the desert camp.

Is it too hot to visit the Sahara in summer?

It is very hot in the middle of the day, often 40°C or more, but camel rides at sunset and sunrise are still very enjoyable. We plan the day around the heat.

How cold is the Sahara at night in winter?

From December to February, nights in Merzouga can be close to freezing. Camps provide thick blankets, so bring warm layers and you will sleep well.

When are sandstorms most common?

Windy days and sandstorms are more common in spring. They usually last a few hours, and we adjust the program to stay safe and comfortable.

When should I book a desert tour?

For spring, Easter, Christmas and New Year, book several weeks ahead. In other seasons, a few days to a week ahead is often enough.

Best Time to Visit the Sahara in Morocco: Month by Month

By Mohamed El Amraoui, founder of Camel Ride Trips · local team in Rissani since 2014 · Updated 16 October 2026

Quick answer

When is the best time to visit the Sahara in Morocco?

The best months are March to May and late September to November: warm, sunny days and comfortable nights in the desert camp. December to February is also lovely in the daytime but cold at night. June to August is very hot, so we plan the camel ride for sunset and sunrise and you rest in the shade at midday.

The Sahara month by month

These are typical conditions around Merzouga and the Erg Chebbi dunes. Every year is a little different.

Months	Daytime	Night in the camp	Our verdict
March – May	Warm, about 22–32°C	Mild to cool	⭐ Excellent. Spring is the most popular season.
June – August	Very hot, often 40°C or more	Warm	Possible, with early and late activities
September – November	Warm, about 25–33°C	Mild to cool	⭐ Excellent. Golden light, fewer crowds than spring.
December – February	Pleasant, about 15–20°C	Cold, close to 0°C	Very good, with warm layers

Spring (March to May)

Spring is the favorite season for many travelers: the days are warm, the nights are comfortable, and after a rainy winter the palm groves and oases are green. It is also the busiest season, especially around Easter, so book your tour and desert camp early. Spring can bring windy days, and sometimes a sandstorm; if that happens, we adapt the plan and wait for the wind to calm before the camel ride.

Summer (June to August)

Summer in the Sahara is hot, but it is still possible and many families travel in July and August. The secret is timing: we ride camels into the dunes in the late afternoon, enjoy the sunset, sleep under the stars when the air cools down, and ride back at sunrise. In the middle of the day, you rest at the camp or the kasbah hotel. Choose a camp with good shade, and drink plenty of water.

Fall (September to November)

Fall is our own favorite. The heat of summer is gone, the light on the dunes is soft and golden, and there are fewer visitors than in spring. October and November are perfect for longer trips, like a 10-day grand tour combining the imperial cities and the desert.

Winter (December to February)

Winter days in the Sahara are sunny and pleasant, and the starry sky is at its clearest. The nights, however, are cold, often close to freezing. Camps provide thick blankets, so bring warm layers and you will sleep well. The Tizi n'Tichka pass over the High Atlas can have snow, which is beautiful but can slow the drive from Marrakech. Christmas and New Year are very busy in Merzouga, so book well ahead.

What to pack for the desert

All year: sunglasses, sunscreen, a scarf to protect your face from sun and sand, comfortable closed shoes, and a small bag for the camp night.
Spring and fall: light clothes for the day and a warm layer for the evening.
Summer: loose, light clothing that covers your arms and legs, a hat and a refillable water bottle.
Winter: a warm jacket, a hat and gloves for the night and sunrise.

Which tour fits each season?

In spring and fall, every tour is a good choice, and the 5-day Marrakech to Merzouga tour gives you two nights to enjoy the dunes. In summer, shorter trips like the 2-day Fes to Merzouga tour or the 3-day tour from Marrakech work well. In winter, a slower trip with a Luxury tent is the most comfortable, such as the 12-day luxury desert tour. Not sure how long to go? Read our guide on how many days you need in Morocco.

Best Time to Visit the Sahara Desert in Morocco