Weather
The Sahara occupies one-third of the African continent, with varying weather conditions across the desert's subregions. In the far northwest corner, in Morocco, November is the end of autumn. The desert air gets chilly after dark, and even during the day, you'll want to dress in warm layers: average temperatures are in the upper 50s, with highs around 70 and lows in the mid-40s. Expect crisp, sunny days without a lot of wind—perfect for desert excursions—and cold nights ideal for sitting around a crackling campfire.
For more information, see our article on Morocco in November.
Crowds & Costs
November falls outside of the peak tourist season in Morocco. Though it's dry in the desert, of course, it's a relatively rainy month throughout the rest of the country, and tourism numbers are done throughout Morocco's key destinations.
It's good news if you're planning on spending time in the Moroccan Sahara: you'll have fewer crowds to deal with, and you'll save money on hotel rooms, too. Still, traveling in the desert is logistically complex—you'll want to make plans well ahead of time, particularly if you have certain excursions or accommodations in mind.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What To Do
November, with its sunny weather, pleasant daytime temperatures, and relatively few crowds, is a great time for outdoor activities in the desert. Go for a Jeep adventure or a camel ride on the dunes at Erg Chebbi or Erg Chigaga (or both, if you have time).
It's a good month to explore desert towns at a relaxed pace—you won't have to constantly seek shade or shelter, as you would in summer—and to seek out world-class photo ops at Ouarzazate, the desert oasis nicknamed the "Hollywood of Morocco." Check out the Cinema Museum of Ouarzazate to learn about the filming of “Lawrence of Arabia” and various other film and TV projects that have used this spectacular landscape as a set.
By night, enjoy stargazing—the days are slightly shorter now than they are in summer, but the weather is perfect for relaxing by an open fire after dark. If you're interested in skiing or snowboarding, that's an option, too, in the nearby Atlas mountains.
Events in November
November 18 - Independence Day A major holiday around the country as Morocco celebrates independence from France. Throughout the Moroccan Sahara, oasis towns host parades and festivals.
Visiting the Morrocan Sahara in November? Check out these itineraries.
Moroccan Highlights: Fes, the Sahara Desert, & Marrakech - 6 Days This whirlwind trip takes you to Morocco's top attractions, including Fes, the Sahara Desert, and Marrakech.
Marrakech & Grand Tour of the Sahara Desert - 6 Days Explore the peaks of the High Atlas mountains and the vast sandy landscapes of the Sahara on this outdoorsy tour.
Morocco's Imperial Cities & the Sahara Desert - 13 Days See Casablanca, Fes, Essaouira, the Erg Chebbi Dunes and more on this well-rounded trip plan.
More Helpful Information
Sahara Desert in October
Sahara Desert in December
How to Get to the Sahara Desert
4 Must-Visit Regions in Morocco's Desert
Getting Around Morocco