Things to Do in Mauritania in February

February Weather in Mauritania

32°C (90°F) High Temp

16°C (61°F) Low Temp

2 mm (0.08 inches) Rainfall

45% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Ideal temperature range 16-32°C (61-90°F) - warm days perfect for desert exploration without the scorching 45°C+ (113°F+) summer heat
Virtually no rainfall (2mm/0.08in total) means reliable conditions for Sahara camping and overland travel with no risk of flash floods in wadis
Cool evenings 16°C (61°F) make traditional desert camping comfortable without expensive air-conditioned accommodations
Prime bird migration season brings European species to Banc d'Arguin - February offers the highest species diversity of the entire year

Considerations

Harmattan winds carry Sahara dust creating hazy conditions and potential respiratory irritation for sensitive travelers
Extreme temperature swings of 16°C (29°F) between day and night require layered clothing and can be jarring for unprepared visitors
European winter holiday season drives up accommodation prices by 30-40% compared to shoulder months despite being peak tourist time

Best Activities in February

Sahara Desert Camping Expeditions

February offers the only comfortable window for multi-day Sahara camping with perfect 16°C (61°F) nights that don't require air conditioning and 30°C (86°F) days ideal for camel trekking. No rainfall risk means reliable stargazing conditions and accessible desert tracks. Local Maure guides are most active during this prime season.

Booking Tip: Book 3-4 weeks ahead as licensed desert guides fill up during European winter holidays. Expect to pay 8,000-12,000 MRU for 3-day expeditions including meals and traditional tents. Look for guides certified by the Ministry of Tourism. See current expedition options in the booking section below.

Banc d'Arguin Birdwatching Tours

February is peak migration season with over 200 species present including European flamingos, spoonbills, and pelicans escaping northern winter. Cool 20-25°C (68-77°F) morning temperatures are ideal for extended observation periods before midday heat. This UNESCO site sees its highest biodiversity concentration in February.

Booking Tip: Morning tours (6-10am) offer best viewing before temperatures rise. Book through Park-authorized operators 2-3 weeks ahead, typically 15,000-20,000 MRU including permits and boat transport. Afternoon tours available but species are less active. See current tour availability in booking section below.

Chinguetti Ancient Library Tours

February's dry conditions protect the medieval manuscripts while comfortable 25°C (77°F) indoor temperatures make extended visits pleasant. This UNESCO World Heritage site's private family libraries are most accessible during the tourist season when caretaker families are present full-time.

Booking Tip: Arrange through local cultural associations in advance - individual library visits cost 2,000-3,000 MRU per person. Traditional tea ceremony often included. Best visited mid-morning after overnight cooling but before afternoon heat. Current cultural tour options available in booking section below.

Nouakchott Fish Market and Atlantic Coast

February's cool mornings make the bustling Port de Pêche fish market tolerable for visitors, with peak activity 5-9am when boats return with night catches. Atlantic waters are coolest at 18-20°C (64-68°F) but still swimmable, and consistent trade winds make it ideal for traditional sailing experiences.

Booking Tip: Early morning market tours (5-8am) avoid midday heat and crowds. Expect 3,000-5,000 MRU for guided cultural tours including traditional breakfast. Fishing boat excursions run 10,000-15,000 MRU for half-day trips. See current cultural and fishing tour options in booking section below.

Oualata Fortress and Caravan Route Exploration

February's clear, dry weather provides optimal visibility for exploring this remote UNESCO site and ancient trans-Saharan trading post. Cool nights make the 250 km (155 mile) overland journey from Néma more comfortable, and traditional architecture tours are most comprehensive when families are in residence during tourist season.

Booking Tip: Requires 4WD vehicle and experienced driver - organize through Néma-based operators 2-4 weeks ahead. Budget 25,000-35,000 MRU for 2-day trips including accommodation and meals. Road conditions best checked day of departure. Current overland tour options in booking section below.

February Events & Festivals

Mid to Late February

Festival of Ancient Cities

Rotating celebration of Mauritania's four UNESCO cities (Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt, Oualata) featuring traditional Hassaniya poetry, camel races, and ancient manuscript exhibitions. Local artisans demonstrate traditional leather work and jewelry making.

Early February

Imraguen Cultural Week

Indigenous fishing community celebrations at Banc d'Arguin featuring traditional dolphin-assisted fishing demonstrations (observation only), storytelling, and seasonal fish preparation techniques passed down through generations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system for 16°C (29°F) temperature swings - lightweight wool or fleece for cool mornings and breathable cotton for 32°C (90°F) afternoons

Dust mask or bandana for Harmattan winds - fine Sahara dust can irritate respiratory systems and penetrate standard sunglasses

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index 7 intensified by sand reflection requires serious sun protection

Closed-toe shoes with good tread for sand dunes and rocky terrain - sandals insufficient for desert trekking

Warm sleeping bag rated to 10°C (50°F) for desert camping - nights drop to 16°C (61°F) but desert conditions feel colder

High-capacity power bank and dust-proof phone case - limited electricity in remote areas and sand infiltration damages electronics

Water purification tablets - bottled water expensive in desert regions, local wells may not meet international standards

Long pants and long sleeves in lightweight fabric - cultural sensitivity requirements and protection from sun and sand

Quality sunglasses with UV protection - essential for reflected desert glare and wind-blown sand particles

Headlamp with extra batteries - early morning activities and limited rural electricity make flashlight essential

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations before January 15th to avoid 30-40% price increases as European tourists finalize February travel plans - Nouakchott hotels particularly affected

Carry small denomination MRU notes (500-1,000) for local guides and market purchases - larger bills often can't be changed in remote areas

Learn basic Hassaniya greetings ('As-salāmu ʿalaykum' and responses) - shows cultural respect and opens doors with local families, especially important in conservative regions

Pack extra phone storage and offline maps - photo opportunities are exceptional but internet connectivity drops significantly outside Nouakchott, GPS essential for desert navigation

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating nighttime cold in desert - many tourists pack only for 32°C (90°F) days and suffer in 16°C (61°F) nights without proper layers

Scheduling too much for midday hours - even February's moderate temperatures make 12-4pm uncomfortable for active sightseeing, locals rest during these hours

Not bringing cash in small denominations - credit cards rarely accepted outside luxury hotels, ATMs scarce beyond Nouakchott, and change for large bills impossible in rural areas