October to April: Sahara season
For desert tours, mid-October to mid-April is the clear recommendation. Daytime temperatures at Erg Chegaga usually sit between 20 and 28 °C — warm enough to walk barefoot in the sand, cool enough for an afternoon dune hike.
Nights get properly cold in December and January; at camp it can drop below 5 °C. That sounds off-putting, but it is one of the most beautiful parts: a razor-sharp starry sky, thick blankets, a fire. Just pack one warm layer — more in our packing list.
Summer: coast yes, dunes no
From June to late August, temperatures around M'hamid regularly climb above 42 °C. We do not run multi-day desert tours in that period — we would rather say so honestly than sell trips nobody enjoys.
The Atlantic coast, on the other hand, works well in summer: the trade wind keeps Essaouira and Taghazout mostly below 30 °C. Marrakech also works in the early morning and evening, with a long riad break over midday.
Spring and autumn in the Atlas
For trekking in the Anti-Atlas and the valleys, March to May is the finest window: almond trees in bloom, green river oases, and often snow still on the passes as a backdrop. The second good corridor is September to November.
The Draa river carries the most water after spring rains — that is when the palm oases between Agdz and Zagora are at their most impressive.
Ramadan and holidays
Travelling during Ramadan is perfectly possible and has its own quiet beauty — the towns come alive in the evening. Expect reduced daytime hours at small restaurants and plan driving legs considerately. We will tell you during planning whether your dates are affected.
