Merzouga in December means sunny days, clear skies and cold, starry nights in the Erg Chebbi dunes. It is one of the best months for a camel ride and a night in a desert camp, as long as you pack for the cold after dark. This guide to Merzouga in December covers the weather, sunrise and sunset times, the Christmas and New Year rush, what to do and what to pack. It comes from our family team, who live and work in Merzouga all year.
Is Merzouga in December a good idea?
Yes. December is one of our favourite months in the desert. The heat of summer is long gone, so you can walk the dunes at midday and enjoy every minute of the camel ride. The air is dry and the sky is usually clear, which makes the stars brilliant at night. The only real challenge is the cold after sunset, and good layers solve it.
Our best time to visit Morocco guide explains how December compares with the rest of the year. For the whole country in the cold months, read Morocco in winter.
Merzouga in December: the weather
Days in Merzouga in December are sunny and mild. Weather and Climate gives an average high of about 20 °C and an average low of about 7 °C. Rough Guides gives a similar picture, with days of about 18 to 23 °C and nights of about 5 to 7 °C. Out in the open dunes, nights can drop close to freezing, especially late in the month.
Rain is rare. The same climate data shows about 5 mm of rain and around two rainy days in the whole month. Wind can pick up some afternoons, so a scarf for your face is useful. Our Morocco in November guide shows how the season changes in the weeks before.
Sunrise and sunset in Merzouga in December
December has the shortest days of the year. In nearby Errachidia, Gaisma gives a sunrise of about 7:03 AM and a sunset of about 5:13 PM in early December. At the solstice, sunrise is about 7:14 AM and sunset about 5:18 PM. That gives you roughly ten hours of daylight.
Plan your day around the light. The sunset camel ride in Merzouga leaves in the middle of the afternoon, so you reach the top of a dune before the sun goes down. For sunrise, you climb a dune behind the camp at about 6:45 AM, with a warm layer and a hot tea in hand. Read sunset in Morocco for more on the best light.
Nights in a desert camp in December
The night is the magic part of Merzouga in December. After dinner, the camp team lights a fire and plays Berber drums, and everyone gathers close to the flames. The cold makes the mint tea taste even better. Read Sahara desert camp meals to see what is served at dinner.
Our camps have warm blankets, and luxury tents give you a real bed and your own bathroom. Still, bring proper layers to sleep in. Read a night in a Sahara desert camp to see what the tents are like, and compare camps in Merzouga vs Zagora.
Stars and the Geminid meteor shower
The dry winter air and long nights make Merzouga in December great for the stars. The bright centre of the Milky Way is not visible from November to January, but the sky is still crowded with stars. Read our full guide to stargazing in Merzouga.
December also brings the Geminids, one of the best meteor showers of the year. According to the Farmers’ Almanac, the 2026 peak falls on the night of 13 to 14 December. A thin crescent moon sets around 9 PM, so the rest of the night is dark. Under a dark sky you may see 75 to 150 meteors an hour. If your dates are flexible, plan your desert night around it.
Christmas and New Year in Merzouga in December
Early December is quiet in the dunes. Rough Guides notes that the Sahara is especially popular in December, and that the desert is calmer before the holiday rush. From around Christmas to New Year, many families and groups arrive, and the best camps fill up early.
If you want your desert night on 24 or 31 December, book as soon as your dates are fixed. A New Year’s Eve in the dunes is quieter than a city party, with a fire, drums and a sky full of stars. Read New Year in the Sahara for a sample plan, and check how much a Morocco desert tour costs.
Things to do in Merzouga in December
The mild days are perfect for being active in the dunes. In summer, most activities happen early or late. In December you can enjoy them in the warm afternoon sun.
- Camel ride: The sunset ride into Erg Chebbi takes up to about 1 hour 30 minutes. See our camel ride guide.
- Sandboarding: The sand is cool and comfortable to walk on. Read sandboarding in Merzouga.
- Quad, buggy and dirt bike: Our own guided rides run with a guide and a 4×4 following the group. Read about quad biking and dirt bike rides.
- Gnawa music: Visit the village of Khamlia, where Gnawa musicians play for visitors.
- A full day of exploring: Browse all the things to do in Merzouga and the history of Sijilmasa near Rissani.
What to pack for Merzouga in December
- A warm jacket: A down or fleece jacket for the evening and the sunrise.
- Layers to sleep in: Thermal leggings, warm socks and a hat for the night.
- Sun protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen and a cap, because the winter sun is still strong.
- A scarf: To cover your face from wind and sand on the camel ride.
- Closed shoes: The sand is cold in the evening, so sandals are not enough.
- Some cash: Our camp takes cards, but shops and cafés on the road usually take cash only.
For full lists, read what to wear in the Sahara desert and what to pack for the Sahara desert.
How to get to Merzouga in December
Most travellers come from Marrakech or Fes. From Marrakech, the road crosses the High Atlas by the Tizi n’Tichka pass, which can see snow in winter, so a local driver who knows the road helps. Read what the drive from Marrakech to the Sahara is really like and our route guide from Fes to Merzouga.
Because the days are short, we like a slower pace in winter. Our 4 day Marrakech Sahara desert tour gives you two nights near the dunes and a full day to explore. Short on time? The 3 day tour from Marrakech and the 3 day Sahara tour from Fes also work well. Still deciding? Read 3 or 4 day desert tour from Marrakech.
FAQ: Merzouga in December
How cold is Merzouga in December?
Days are mild, around 20 °C. Nights average about 7 °C and can drop close to freezing in the open dunes.
Does it rain in Merzouga in December?
Very little. Climate data shows about 5 mm of rain and around two rainy days in the month.
Is Merzouga in December busy?
Early December is quiet. The last week, from Christmas to New Year, is the busiest time, so book early for those dates.
Can I sleep in the desert camp in December?
Yes. Camps have warm blankets, and luxury tents have real beds and private bathrooms. Bring warm clothes to sleep in.
Planning Merzouga in December? Send us your dates and we will save you a place by the fire in our desert camp.
Message us on WhatsApp