Sahara (Merzouga) in March

October through April is Sahara season. Period. Summer temperatures hit 50°C (122°F) and most camps close entirely. Even locals retreat indoors during July and August. The sweet spot? November to February offers perfect daytime temperatures around 20-25°C, though nights drop to 5°C or lower. Pack layers — the temperature swing is dramatic. March and April warm up but remain comfortable, with fewer crowds than peak winter months. December and January see the most visitors, especially around Christmas and New Year. Book camps well in advance during these months. But here's a secret: October and April offer the best balance of good weather and smaller crowds. May can work if you don't mind heat, but June starts getting brutal. Ramadan affects the experience significantly. Restaurants close during daylight hours and the atmosphere feels different. Check Islamic calendar dates before booking.