Things to Do in Mauritania in September
September weather, activities, events & insider tips
September Weather in Mauritania
Is September Right for You?
Advantages
- Cooler than peak summer - September marks the tail end of the hot season with temperatures dropping from the brutal 42°C (108°F) highs of July-August. Evenings actually become pleasant at 25°C (77°F), making outdoor activities possible after 5pm.
- Minimal crowds at major sites - September sits squarely in Mauritania's low season, meaning you'll have places like the ancient cities of Chinguetti and Ouadane nearly to yourself. No jostling for photos at the Eye of the Sahara or waiting for guides.
- Best rates of the year - Hotels in Nouakchott and Atar typically drop prices by 30-40% compared to November-February peak season. You can negotiate camel trek rates more successfully when guides aren't fully booked.
- Dust storm season creates dramatic photography - The harmattan winds pick up in September, creating those otherworldly orange skies and atmospheric conditions that make for stunning desert photography. The light quality around sunset becomes extraordinary.
Considerations
- Extreme midday heat limits activities - Between 11am and 5pm, temperatures regularly hit 36-38°C (97-100°F) with a UV index of 10. You'll realistically lose 6 hours of sightseeing time daily unless you're comfortable with genuine heat exhaustion risk.
- Dust storms disrupt travel plans - September sees increased harmattan winds carrying Saharan dust. Flights to interior airports like Atar get delayed or cancelled maybe 15-20% of the time. Visibility on desert tracks can drop to under 50 m (164 ft) without warning.
- Limited infrastructure stays limited - September's low season means some guesthouses in smaller towns like Terjit operate on reduced schedules or close entirely. The already sparse restaurant options in places like Chinguetti become even more limited.
Best Activities in September
Adrar Region Desert Exploration
September is actually ideal for exploring the Adrar plateau despite the heat - the key is timing your movements for early morning (5am-10am) and late afternoon (5pm-7pm). The rock formations around Atar and the desert landscapes show dramatic color shifts in September's dust-filtered light. Temperatures in the rocky plateaus run about 3-5°C (5-9°F) cooler than the open desert. The lack of tourists means you can negotiate better rates for 4x4 rentals with drivers, typically 25,000-35,000 MRU per day for multi-day trips.
Chinguetti Ancient Library Visits
The medieval libraries of Chinguetti are perfectly suited to September's heat - these thick-walled mud-brick buildings stay remarkably cool inside, often 10°C (18°F) below outside temperatures. September's low tourist numbers mean private viewings of ancient Quranic manuscripts are easier to arrange. The walk between the old city's libraries takes only 15-20 minutes in early morning before heat becomes oppressive. The surrounding palm groves provide shade for rest breaks.
Banc d'Arguin National Park Birdwatching
September catches the very beginning of migratory bird season at this UNESCO World Heritage coastal park. While peak migration hits October-November, early arrivals start appearing in late September alongside resident flamingos, pelicans, and terns. The cooler coastal temperatures (typically 28-32°C or 82-90°F) make this infinitely more comfortable than interior desert sites. Boat trips through the shallow waters work best in early morning when wind stays calm and birds are most active.
Nouakchott Fish Market and Coastal Activities
The capital's fishing port comes alive at dawn (5am-8am) when boats return with catches, and September's slightly cooler mornings make this timing actually pleasant. The Atlantic coast provides genuine relief from interior heat - expect temperatures 5-8°C (9-14°F) cooler than downtown. The beach at Plage de Nouakchott works for swimming in late afternoon when the sun's intensity drops. September sees fewer tourists at the fish market, meaning more authentic interactions with fishermen and better photography opportunities without crowds.
Terjit Oasis Palm Grove Walks
This genuine oasis 45 km (28 miles) from Atar offers the best heat escape in Mauritania. The canyon setting and dense palm coverage create microclimates up to 12°C (22°F) cooler than surrounding desert. Natural pools fed by springs stay around 22-24°C (72-75°F) year-round - absolutely perfect for cooling off after morning hikes. September's low visitor numbers mean you might have entire sections of the palm grove to yourself. The 2 km (1.2 mile) main trail through the oasis takes about 45 minutes at a leisurely pace.
Richat Structure (Eye of the Sahara) Overflights
September's dust storms actually enhance aerial views of the Richat Structure by creating dramatic atmospheric conditions and side-lighting that emphasizes the circular formations. Small plane charters from Atar offer the only proper view of this 50 km (31 mile) wide geological formation. Morning flights (6am-9am) provide clearest visibility before afternoon dust picks up. The 45-minute flight circles the structure multiple times at various altitudes. Ground visits are possible but the scale makes aerial perspective essential for understanding the site.
September Events & Festivals
Nouakchott Date Harvest Season
September marks the main date harvest across Mauritania's oases. Markets in Nouakchott, particularly Marché Capitale and Marché Cinquième, overflow with fresh dates in varieties you won't find exported - try the local tichtar and admane varieties. Prices drop to about 500-800 MRU per kilogram for premium dates. It's not a formal festival but the cultural significance of fresh date season means increased activity at oases and special date-based dishes appearing at local restaurants.