When to Visit Mauritania
Climate guide & best times to travel
Best Time to Visit
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Year-Round Essentials
Spring (Mar-May)
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Winter (Dec-Feb)
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Month-by-Month Guide
January
This is prime Mauritania weather, relatively speaking. Daytime temperatures are warm but manageable, though nights can get surprisingly cold in the desert interior. The harmattan winds bring dust, so visibility can be hazy, but it's still the most comfortable time to explore. Tourist numbers are at their peak, particularly for desert expeditions.
February
Similar to January but temperatures start creeping upward as you move through the month. Still excellent for travel, with clear skies and manageable heat during the day. The harmattan continues, so dust is a constant companion. This is your last month of truly comfortable desert exploration before things get serious.
March
The heat starts building noticeably, especially in the interior regions. Coastal areas remain more tolerable thanks to ocean breezes, but desert temperatures are climbing into uncomfortable territory. It's still technically feasible for travel, but you'll need to be more strategic about timing activities for early morning or late afternoon.
April
Now we're entering genuinely hot territory. Temperatures regularly exceed 35°C (95°F) inland, and the heat becomes a real factor in what you can actually do. The coast is your friend this month - Nouakchott and Nouadhibou remain somewhat bearable. Most experienced travelers are wrapping up their trips or have already left.
May
Intensely hot across the country, with interior regions becoming borderline dangerous for extended outdoor activities. Temperatures frequently hit 40°C (104°F) or higher. If you're here, you're either on unavoidable business or seriously underestimated the Sahara. The coast offers marginal relief but it's still oppressively hot.
June
Peak heat arrives, with some of the highest temperatures of the year. The southern regions start seeing hints of moisture in the air as the rainy season approaches, which somehow makes the heat feel worse. This is genuinely difficult weather - not the romantic desert heat of winter, but the kind that makes you question your life choices.
July
The official start of the rainy season in southern Mauritania, though "rainy" is relative - you might see occasional storms rather than sustained rainfall. Temperatures remain brutally hot, and the added humidity in the south makes it feel worse. The coast gets some relief from ocean winds, but it's still far from pleasant.
August
The wettest month in southern regions, though that's not saying much - maybe 50-80mm if you're lucky. Temperatures stay high but might drop slightly during storms. The combination of heat and humidity is challenging. Northern desert areas remain bone-dry and scorching. This is definitely off-season for good reason.
September
The tail end of the rainy season, with precipitation tapering off. Temperatures begin their slow descent from peak summer heat, but it's still very hot. The landscape in southern areas might show some green if the rains were decent. Still not a comfortable time to visit, but marginally better than July or August.
October
Heat starts breaking, particularly toward the end of the month. Daytime temperatures remain hot but become more manageable, especially on the coast. Nights begin cooling off noticeably. This is when experienced travelers start considering returning - it's still warm, but you can function outdoors without feeling like you're in an oven.
November
The weather turns genuinely pleasant, relatively speaking. Daytime temperatures are warm but comfortable, nights are cool, and the oppressive heat is gone. This marks the beginning of tourist season, particularly for desert expeditions and cultural tours. The harmattan winds start picking up, bringing dust but also cooler air.
December
Peak tourist season weather - warm days, cool nights, minimal rainfall, and clear skies (when the dust settles). Desert temperatures are ideal for exploration, though you'll need warm layers for nighttime. The coast can actually feel a bit chilly with ocean winds. This is Mauritania at its most accessible.