The best time to visit Erg Chigaga, season by season

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The desert swings hard between day and night. The season you choose decides whether you spend midday walking or resting, and whether you sleep in a T-shirt or a fleece.

Here is how the year feels on the ground in Erg Chigaga, from the people who live at its edge in Foum Zguid.

The short answer

October to April is the best time to visit Erg Chigaga. Days are warm or mild, the light is soft, and you can walk in the dunes at any hour. October and November are our favourite months: warm, clear days and cool nights.

Season by season

October – November: the best of the year

Warm, clear days and cool nights. The summer heat has gone and the winter cold has not arrived. It is the easiest time for walking, for treks and for a first trip to the desert.

December – February: mild days, cold nights

Days are mild and sunny, often perfect for walking. Nights in the erg get cold, close to freezing, so bring real layers. The days are short: the sun sets early, so evenings by the fire are long.

March – April: warm and windier

Warm days and mild nights. Spring is also the windiest season, and a sandy day is possible. A scarf to cover your face and a bag to keep your camera clean are worth packing.

May and September: hot afternoons

Afternoons are hot, but nights in the camp are warm and beautiful. We start early, rest through the middle of the day, and head out again when the light softens.

June – August: dawn and dusk only

Very hot. The desert is still possible, but only at the edges of the day. We move at dawn and dusk and rest in the shade from late morning to late afternoon. Short trips work better than long treks.

The moon and the stars

Erg Chigaga is far from any city, so the night sky is very dark.

Around the new moon, the Milky Way is at its brightest. Choose these dates if stars are why you are coming.
Around the full moon, the dunes glow silver and you can walk at night without a torch, but you will see fewer stars.

Moon dates are easy to check before you book. Our Starlit Sanctuary journey includes a stargazing guide.

Ramadan

During Ramadan, life in the villages slows down in the day and comes alive after sunset. Be discreet about eating and drinking in public in the villages. The dates move about 11 days earlier each year, so check them for your travel year.

How long to stay

Whatever the season, give the erg at least one full night, and two if you can. From Marrakech that means three days at the very least: see The Silent Sahara. In the hot months, shorter is better. In winter and spring, longer treks are at their best.