Coastal zones are generally mild and comfortable; inland areas have warm days and cool nights. Rain remains scarce and sand/dust can still be raised by winds.
Darymaister CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Average temperature across Western Sahara in December.
Laâyoune-Boujdour corridor
December returns to quiet, cool coastal conditions with crisp mornings and daytime highs typically in the mid-to-high teens. Coastal winds can be blustery and the odd low-pressure system will produce the year’s most likely rain, though long dry spells remain the norm. It’s an understated winter - bring a warm jacket for evenings and you’ll find Laâyoune calm and relatively uncrowded for visits to museums and cafes.
December’s coastal mornings can be brisk with temperatures between 15-20°C in Dakhla; the lagoon is quieter and the town settles into a slow rhythm. Occasional low clouds and splashy Atlantic swells occur but heavy rain remains uncommon. For travellers seeking solitude and steady winds on select days, December offers calm enjoyment of the lagoon - just bring layered clothing and a wetsuit for cooler water.
Smara and surrounding desert
December returns to clear sun and very cool nights inland, with daytime highs commonly in the high teens to low twenties and nighttime temperatures that may approach single digits. The desert’s dryness is at its most obvious-humidity is negligible and stars are brilliant on cloudless nights. Bring warm layers for evening and early morning, and arrange logistics ahead as some services scale back in the off-season.
Aousserd, Bir Gandouz area
December brings mild, sunny days and crisp nights - daytime highs around the high teens to low twenties and star-filled evenings. The southern plains are quiet and travel-friendly, with excellent visibility for long-distance photography and stargazing. For visitors, this is a comfortable time to explore remote dune systems with guided support and reliable transport.
There are no major festivals or events in Western Sahara during December to be aware of.
See how December compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.