Merzouga is a village in south-eastern Morocco at the edge of Erg Chebbi, a field of high sand dunes. It is one of Morocco's most visited desert areas, with visits usually built around camel treks and camp stays.
- Country
- Morocco
- Type
- Desert
- Best time
- January to March
- Suggested stay
- 1–2 days
- Main gateway airport
- Moulay Ali Cherif Airport (Errachidia) (ERH)
- Big Five
- Not all five
- Malaria
- None
Why go to Merzouga
- Erg Chebbi dunes, among the highest in Morocco
- Camel rides at sunset and sunrise
- Overnight stays in desert camps
- Sandboarding
- Seasonal Dayet Srij lake
Best time to visit Merzouga
Based on average weather and wildlife seasons, the best period to visit Merzouga is January to March.
Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for camel treks and camp stays.
Summer is very hot, with daytime highs that can exceed 40°C.
Winter days are mild but nights in camp can approach freezing.
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4–18 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| February | 7–20 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| March | 11–24 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| April | 15–29 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| May | 20–34 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| June | 24–38 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| July | 28–42 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| August | 27–41 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| September | 22–36 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| October | 17–30 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| November | 10–23 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| December | 5–18 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
What you can see
Wildlife you may see in Merzouga includes camels, foxes and birdlife.
Things to do
Getting there
The nearest airport is Errachidia, about two to three hours by road from Merzouga. Many visitors arrive on overland tours from Marrakech or Fes that take a full day or more.
Trips to Merzouga
No trips are listed for this destination yet. Send a request and we will check with providers.
Plan by travel style
- Merzouga for families
- Merzouga for a honeymoon
- Merzouga for photographers
- Merzouga for a first safari
- Merzouga on a budget
- Merzouga for luxury travel
Compare with
- Merzouga vs White Desert
- Merzouga vs Liwa
- Merzouga vs Ras Al Khaimah Desert
- Merzouga vs Sharqiya Sands
- Merzouga vs Khor Al Adaid
- Merzouga vs Empty Quarter
Travelling to Merzouga from
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Merzouga?
Generally January to March. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons for camel treks and camp stays.
How many days do I need in Merzouga?
Most visitors spend 1 to 2 days there, not counting travel days.
How do I get to Merzouga?
The nearest airport is Errachidia, about two to three hours by road from Merzouga. Many visitors arrive on overland tours from Marrakech or Fes that take a full day or more.
Sources: Visit Morocco - Errachidia-Midelt-Merzouga · BestDateWeather - Merzouga (ERA5 2016-2025) · Weather and Climate - Merzouga
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.