Weather in Nouakchott

Planning your day in the city of Nouakchott? Here you will find the most up-to-date weather information, including detailed forecasts and helpful charts, to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

Nouakchott is characterized by a hot desert climate (Köppen classification BWh), which means high temperatures year-round and extremely low rainfall. The weather here is predominantly sunny and dry throughout most of the year.

There are no distinct seasons in the traditional sense in Nouakchott. A hotter period can be distinguished, lasting roughly from May to October, when average maximum temperatures regularly exceed 30-35°C, peaking in September-October. The remaining months, nominally "winter", are also warm, with average maximum temperatures around 28-31°C and cooler nights.

Precipitation in Nouakchott is a rare phenomenon. A small number of rainy days, if they occur, fall mainly in August, September, and October, but even in these months, the total amount of precipitation is minimal or non-existent. For most of the year, the sky remains cloudless, making Nouakchott one of the sunniest cities in the world.

Warm weather prevails in Nouakchott all year round, though temperature patterns have their specific features. January is considered the coolest month, when the average temperature is about 22.4°C. During the day, the air warms up to a comfortable 28.0°C, while at night it cools down to an average of 16.7°C. The hottest period falls during the months from June to October. Peak heat is observed in September and October, when the average temperature reaches 30.5°C, and daily highs regularly rise to 34.8-36.0°C.

Summer months in Nouakchott, covering the period from June to October, are characterized by consistent heat. Daytime temperatures during this time stably exceed 30°C. For example, in June, the average maximum reaches 35.1°C, and in October, it can rise to 36.0°C. In September, the daytime heat is also significant, with an average maximum of around 34.8°C. At the same time, in July and August, maximum temperatures are usually in the range of 31.3°C - 32.1°C, but invariably remain above 30°C. Nights in the summer period are also very warm: the average minimum temperature in June and July is 23.8°C, and in August and September, it rises to 25.3°C - 26.2°C. This season is distinguished by dry heat, which is felt throughout the day.

The so-called "winter" months, from December to March, bring milder but still very warm weather to Nouakchott. Daily average temperatures range from 22.4°C in January to 24.8°C in March. During the day, the thermometer usually shows a pleasant 28°C - 31°C. Nights become noticeably cooler, with average minimum values from 16.7°C to 18.6°C, creating a tangible contrast with the daytime warmth. Throughout the year, a significant difference between day and night temperatures is observed in Nouakchott, often amounting to 10-12°C. This diurnal variation is particularly pronounced in the cooler months, making evenings and nights refreshing, whereas during peak heat (July-September) it smooths out somewhat, amounting to about 7-9°C.

Nouakchott is one of the most arid cities in the world, which is clearly reflected in rainfall statistics. Throughout the year, practically no measurable amount of rain falls in the city. Data shows 0 mm of precipitation for every month, highlighting the extreme aridity of the climate of Mauritania in this region.

Despite zero recorded rainfall, a slight spike in humidity is observed in late summer and early autumn. In August and September, an average of 3 "wet days" are recorded, and in October – 1 such day. It is important to understand that with 0 mm of precipitation, these "wet days" are likely characterized by very high humidity, morning dew, fog, or extremely insignificant, practically unmeasurable precipitation in the form of drizzle. One should not expect full-fledged rains during this period.

During the remaining nine months of the year – from January to July, as well as in November and December – neither "wet days" nor precipitation are registered in Nouakchott. Thus, the city lives in conditions of a practically continuous dry season. Travelers planning a trip to Nouakchott need not worry about rain but should be prepared for dry air and intense solar radiation.

When planning a trip to Nouakchott, it is important to choose your wardrobe correctly, considering the hot desert climate and minimal rainfall throughout the year. The basis of your luggage should consist of light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Give preference to light colours, which reflect the sun's rays better. Do not forget a wide-brimmed hat for protection from the scorching sun, high-quality sunglasses, and cream with a high SPF factor – the sun here is very active year-round.

Despite the general heat, noticeable daily temperature fluctuations are observed in Nouakchott, especially in the period from December to March, when nights can be perceptibly cooler (minimum temperatures drop to 16-18°C). Therefore, the principle of layering will be very useful: take a light jacket, jumper, or shawl to throw on in the evening. In the hottest months (June-October), even nights remain warm, but a light cover-up may be useful in air-conditioned rooms. Given the almost complete absence of rainfall (0 mm in most months and only a few "wet days" with imperceptible precipitation in August-September), you will likely not need an umbrella. However, it is worth taking care of comfortable closed shoes for walking around the city, which will protect your feet from dust and heat.

Additionally, it is worth taking moisturizing cream and lip balm, as the air in Nouakchott is very dry. If you plan to visit religious sites, ensure you have modest clothing covering your shoulders and knees. In general, your wardrobe should be oriented towards comfort in conditions of high temperature and intense solar radiation, with the possibility of warming up during the cooler evening and night hours in the "winter" season.