Traditional mud-brick kasbah with a wooden rooftop terrace under a blue sky in southern Morocco, on the road to Merzouga

Best Time to Visit Merzouga and the Sahara Desert

Sleeping under the stars in the dunes of Erg Chebbi is the highlight of most trips to Morocco. But the Sahara is a land of extremes, and the season you choose makes a big difference to your experience. Here is our local guide to the best time to visit Merzouga.

The short answer: spring and autumn

The most comfortable months for a desert tour are March to May and September to November. Days are warm and sunny, evenings are mild, and the light over the dunes at sunrise and sunset is at its most beautiful. These are also the busiest months, so it is worth booking your tour a few weeks in advance.

Spring (March to May)

Spring is a favourite with travellers. The Atlas Mountains are still capped with snow early in the season, the valleys of the Dades and Draa are green, and temperatures in the desert are pleasant during the day. Nights can still be cool, so bring a warm layer for the camp. Occasional sand winds are possible in spring.

Summer (June to August)

Summer in the Sahara is very hot, with daytime temperatures that can climb above 40°C. A desert trip is still possible: we plan the camel ride for late afternoon, when the heat drops, and the night under the stars is warm and magical. If you travel in summer, drink plenty of water, wear a scarf and choose a camp with good shade and ventilation.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is arguably the best season of all. The summer heat fades, the skies are clear and the dunes glow orange in the evening light. It is also date harvest season in the oases around Erfoud and the Ziz Valley.

Winter (December to February)

Winter days in the desert are sunny and pleasant, and there are fewer visitors. The catch is the cold at night: temperatures can drop close to freezing. Good desert camps provide thick blankets, and luxury camps often have heated tents. The crossing of the High Atlas can occasionally be affected by snow, so a flexible itinerary is useful.

Tips for any season

Pack layers: the desert can be hot by day and cold by night all year round.
Protect yourself from the sun with sunglasses, sunscreen and a scarf (it also keeps the sand away).
Plan at least one night in the desert: the sunset and sunrise over the dunes are unforgettable.
From Marrakech, allow at least 3 days: the drive to Merzouga crosses the High Atlas and takes most of a day each way.

Ready to plan your Sahara trip?

Whatever the season, our local team will build the right itinerary for you. Popular choices include our 3-day Marrakech to Merzouga and back, the 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes and the 5-day Marrakech desert tour. Contact us and we’ll reply within 24 hours.