When to Visit Nouakchott
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
January is one of the most pleasant months in Nouakchott, with high temperatures around 29°C and cooler evenings dipping to 14°C. You'll find virtually no rainfall and comfortable conditions for exploring the city. This is peak season for visitors who want to avoid the intense heat.
February
February sees temperatures starting to climb slightly, with highs around 31°C and lows of 16°C. The weather remains dry and comfortable, making it still a good time for outdoor activities. Evenings can be pleasantly cool compared to what's coming later in the year.
March
March marks the transition toward hotter weather, with temperatures reaching 33°C during the day. Nights remain relatively comfortable at 18°C, and rainfall is essentially nonexistent. The heat is building but hasn't reached its peak yet.
April
April brings consistently hot weather with highs around 34°C and warm nights at 19°C. The dry conditions continue with no meaningful rainfall. This is when you'll really start noticing the desert heat, especially during midday hours.
May
May maintains hot temperatures at 34°C with nights warming to 21°C. The weather stays bone-dry, and the combination of heat and humidity can feel quite intense. Tourist numbers tend to drop as the heat becomes less comfortable for extended outdoor exploration.
June
June sees temperatures around 34°C with warmer nights at 23°C, and you might get a trace of rain though it's barely noticeable. The humidity combined with heat makes this one of the less comfortable months. The Atlantic breeze becomes your best friend during this period.
July
July actually sees a slight temperature drop to 32°C, likely due to increased cloud cover from the approaching wet season. Nights stay warm at 24°C, and you might see occasional light rain. The humidity is quite noticeable at this point.
August
August is the wettest month in Nouakchott, though with only 36mm of rain, it's still quite dry by most standards. Temperatures hover around 33°C with warm nights at 25°C. The occasional rain can actually provide welcome relief from the heat and humidity.
September
September tends to be the hottest month with temperatures reaching 36°C and very warm nights at 26°C. Rainfall matches August at 36mm, making this the tail end of the brief wet season. The combination of heat, humidity, and occasional rain can feel quite oppressive.
October
October sees the year's peak temperatures at 37°C, with nights still warm at 23°C. Rainfall drops significantly to just 5mm as the dry season reasserts itself. This is arguably the most challenging month for visitors not accustomed to intense desert heat.
November
November brings welcome relief as temperatures drop to 34°C with cooler nights at 19°C. Rainfall is minimal, and the weather becomes noticeably more comfortable for outdoor activities. This marks the beginning of the more pleasant tourist season.
December
December continues the cooling trend with highs around 31°C and pleasant evenings at 17°C. Conditions are dry and comfortable, making this one of the best months for visiting. The temperature range allows for enjoyable days without the extreme heat of summer months.