Weather in Нуакшот: What to Expect by Month

Нуакшот sits on the Atlantic coast of Mauritania, where the Sahara Desert meets the ocean. The city’s climate is arid year-round, with almost no rainfall for most of the year. Travelers will find warm to hot temperatures in every season, though the heat is most intense from June to October.

The dry season dominates Нуакшот’s weather, with January through December offering little to no precipitation. Even during the rare months with rain, such as August and September, downpours are brief and sporadic. Sunshine is abundant, with clear skies prevailing for most of the year.

Temperatures in Нуакшот remain warm throughout the year, with daytime highs often exceeding +30 °C. The hottest months are September and October, when the mercury can climb to +34 °C and +36.3 °C respectively. Nights offer slight relief, especially in January and February, when lows dip to +15.7 °C and +17.8 °C.

From May to October, the heat in Нуакшот becomes more consistent, with average temperatures hovering around +25.6 °C to +29.6 °C. The coolest period arrives in December and January, though even then, daytime highs reach +30.3 °C and +30.4 °C. Travelers should prepare for warm conditions regardless of the season.

Нуакшот is one of the driest capital cities in the world, with most months recording less than 3 mm of rain. The only exceptions are August and September, when brief showers bring 22.2 mm and 24.9 mm respectively. Even then, rain is unpredictable and rarely disrupts travel plans.

From November to June, Нуакшот sees virtually no rainfall, with totals often below 1 mm. The dry air and lack of humidity make the heat more tolerable, though travelers should still take precautions against the sun. The rare rain in July or October is usually light and short-lived.

For a trip to Нуакшот, lightweight and breathable clothing is essential year-round. During the hottest months, from June to October, opt for loose-fitting fabrics to stay cool in temperatures above +30 °C. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses will help protect against the strong sun, even in December or January.

While rain is rare, a compact umbrella or light rain jacket may be useful if visiting Нуакшот in August or September. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as the city’s sandy terrain can be challenging in the heat. Don’t forget sunscreen—UV levels remain high throughout the year.