Empty Quarter (Saudi Arabia) and Merzouga (Morocco) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Empty Quarter | Merzouga | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Saudi Arabia | Morocco |
| Type | Desert | Desert |
| Best time | December to January | January to March |
| Suggested stay | 3–7 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | Najran Airport (EAM) | Moulay Ali Cherif Airport (Errachidia) (ERH) |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Big Five | — | Not all five |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Empty Quarter | Merzouga |
|---|---|---|
| January | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| February | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| March | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| April | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| May | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| June | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| July | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| August | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| September | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| October | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| November | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
| December | ★★★★★ mostly dry | ★★★★★ mostly dry |
How to choose
Choose Empty Quarter if
- you are travelling in October to April
- you want hiking
- you hope to see oryx, gazelles and ostriches
Choose Merzouga if
- you want camel rides, sandboarding and quad biking
- you hope to see birdlife
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Empty Quarter or Merzouga?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Empty Quarter is stronger in October to April.
When is the best time for each?
Empty Quarter: December to January. Merzouga: January to March.
Sources: Arab News – Saudi desert gateway fast becoming the next tourist hotspot (2021) · Wikipedia – 'Uruq Bani Ma'arid · Visit Saudi Booking – Empty Quarter expedition · Weather Spark – Sharurah Domestic Airport climate · Visit Morocco - Errachidia-Midelt-Merzouga · BestDateWeather - Merzouga (ERA5 2016-2025) · Weather and Climate - Merzouga
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.