In short: May is one of the best months to visit the Moroccan desert, sitting right at the tail end of the ideal Oct-Apr window before the brutal summer heat sets in. Expect warm, sunny days around 30-35C, comfortable nights, and dunes that are far more pleasant to climb than in July or August.
What is the weather like in the Morocco desert in May?
May is shoulder season, and it feels like it. Around Erg Chebbi near Merzouga, daytime temperatures typically climb into the low-to-mid 30s C, occasionally brushing 38C in a late-May heat spike, but the killer 40C+ days that define June through September are still mostly ahead. The real gift of May is the nights: after sunset the Sahara cools quickly, and while it is no longer the near-freezing cold of a January night, you will still want a light layer once the sun drops. Skies are almost always clear, sandstorms are less common than in early spring, and the light at dawn and dusk over the dunes is spectacular. When I have crossed the desert in May, the mid-afternoon hours were the only time I actively sought shade.
Is May a good time for a desert tour?
Yes, with one honest caveat: plan your day around the heat. May still falls within the sensible visiting season, so you get warm weather without the crushing summer temperatures, and crowds are lighter than the October peak. The classic rhythm works beautifully here, drive or hike in the cooler morning, rest through the hottest part of the afternoon, then head onto the dunes for a camel trek at golden hour. Camel treks and 4×4 excursions are almost always scheduled for late afternoon and sunrise for exactly this reason. If you can only pick a few months for a Sahara trip, May belongs on the shortlist alongside October and April.
Which desert should you visit, and how far is it?
Morocco has more than one “desert,” and the distances matter in May when you want to minimise midday driving. Erg Chebbi at Merzouga has the postcard dunes, some reaching around 150m, the tallest in the country. From Marrakech it is roughly 560km and 9-10 hours, so it is usually done as a 3-day tour with an overnight in the Dades or Todgha area. From Fes it is closer, about 470km and 7-8 hours. Erg Chigaga, near M’Hamid, is remoter and reached by 4×4, better if you want fewer people. If you are short on time, Zagora is about 360km and 7 hours from Marrakech, feasible as a 2-day trip, though its dunes are smaller. And do not confuse any of these with Agafay, the rocky stone desert just 40 minutes from Marrakech, which has lunar landscapes but no real sand dunes. For the full breakdown, see our Morocco Desert guide.
What should you pack for the desert in May?
Pack for hot days and cool nights. Light, loose, long-sleeved cotton protects you from the sun far better than a tank top, and a scarf or cheche is genuinely useful against both glare and the occasional gust of sand. Bring a light jacket or fleece for the evening at camp, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and more water than you think you need. Closed shoes are handy for rocky sections, though many people go barefoot on the dunes at sunset. A power bank matters too, desert camps often run on limited solar electricity.
How much does a May desert tour cost?
Prices in May are reasonable because it is shoulder season, not peak. A shared 3-day Merzouga tour from Marrakech typically runs around 80-150 EUR per person, usually covering transport, a night in a desert camp, and a camel trek. Private tours and more comfortable “luxury” camps cost more, while a shorter 2-day Zagora trip is generally cheaper given the reduced distance. Always confirm exactly what is included, meals, camp category, and whether entries and the camel ride are covered, before you book. For itinerary options, see this related guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is May too hot for the Morocco desert? No. May is warm but still within the comfortable Oct-Apr-style window. Days reach the low-to-mid 30s C, with the extreme 40C+ heat arriving mainly from June onward.
Do I need warm clothes at night in May? Yes, a light layer. Desert nights cool down noticeably after sunset even in May, though it is not the deep cold of winter.
How many days do I need for Merzouga from Marrakech? Plan for 3 days given the ~560km, 9-10 hour distance each way. A rushed 2-day trip suits Zagora (~360km) far better.
Are the dunes at Agafay good in May? Agafay is a rocky stone desert 40 minutes from Marrakech, not sand dunes. It is great for a quick escape and sunset dinners, but for real dunes head to Erg Chebbi or Erg Chigaga.
Will there be sandstorms in May? They are possible but less frequent than in early spring. Clear, sunny skies are the norm, so pack a scarf just in case.
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