Merzouga (Morocco) and Mleiha (United Arab Emirates) are often weighed against each other. This comparison uses seasons, activities and access to help you choose.
| Merzouga | Mleiha | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Morocco | United Arab Emirates |
| Type | Desert | Desert |
| Best time | January to March | December to February |
| Suggested stay | 1–2 days | 1–2 days |
| Main gateway airport | Moulay Ali Cherif Airport (Errachidia) (ERH) | Sharjah International Airport (SHJ) |
| Big Five | Not all five | — |
| Malaria | None | None |
| Families | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Honeymooners | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Photographers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| First-time visitors | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Budget travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Luxury travellers | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Month by month
| Month | Merzouga | Mleiha |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Merzouga if
- you want camel rides, sandboarding, quad biking and dune bashing
- you hope to see foxes and birdlife
Choose Mleiha if
- you are travelling in September to May
- you want hiking and horseback safaris
Frequently asked questions
Which is better, Merzouga or Mleiha?
It depends on when you travel and what you want to see. Mleiha is stronger in September to May.
When is the best time for each?
Merzouga: January to March. Mleiha: December to February.
Sources: Visit Morocco - Errachidia-Midelt-Merzouga · BestDateWeather - Merzouga (ERA5 2016-2025) · Weather and Climate - Merzouga · Visit Sharjah – Mleiha desert immersion · WAM – UNESCO inscribes Sharjah's Faya · Weather Spark – Al Ain climate (inland UAE reference)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.