Mauritania is located in the tropics, but is heavily influenced by the Sahara Desert and thus does not display typical tropical weather. The county’s climate has quite drastic temperature extremes and very little rain throughout the year.

While most of Mauritania sees very little precipitation, the rainy season in the south takes place from July to September. During this period, rainfall does increase. June to September marks the hot season for the rest of the country, during which time conditions can become unbearable with temperatures rising to highs of 90°F.

Cool season in the Sahara Desert, and in most other parts of the country, occurs between March and May. Temperatures during this time can drop as lows as 50°F, and even cooler at night time in the desert areas. More rain is experienced, but in the desert region, rainfall tends not to exceed 100 mm per year.

Best Time to Visit Mauritania

Mauritania is not generally overrun by tourists, which means that travelers will not have to factor crowds into the decision of when to come, but the best time to visit the country really depends on what you'd like to do. The gorgeous national parks are best viewed between December and January, when conditions are clear, but temperatures not scorching. Otherwise, those in search of pleasant traveling conditions should arrive between March and May, when the weather is most comfortable.