Climate and monthly weather forecast
Mauritania

Mauritania, situated in Northwest Africa, features diverse geography that ranges from the vast, arid Sahara Desert in the north to the Senegal River and wetlands in the south. The Köppen climate classification places Mauritania in the "Bwh" category, signifying a Tropical and Subtropical Desert Climate. In essence, Mauritania experiences high temperatures throughout the year with a mean annual temperature equal to or above 18°C (64.4°F). Precipitation levels are low, with the majority of the country being too arid to support most types of vegetation.

The ideal time to visit Mauritania is during the cooler months, which run from November to March. Temperatures during this period range between 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F), providing a relatively more comfortable environment for outdoor activities and exploration. Rainfall is minimal during these months, making it an excellent time for wildlife viewing, particularly bird watching along the Senegal River in the south.

The hottest months, from May to September, are the most challenging time to visit Mauritania. Temperatures can soar above 40°C (104°F), especially in the northern desert regions, making outdoor activities quite strenuous. In addition, this period marks the rainy season in the south, leading to increased humidity and potential issues with travel infrastructure.

Spring in Mauritania, spanning from March to May, sees a steady increase in temperatures. The northern regions start to heat up, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C (104°F), while the southern regions see a more moderate increase, with temperatures from 30°C (86°F) to 35°C (95°F). Precipitation remains low across the country, but by the end of spring, the southern regions start to experience the first showers of the incoming rainy season.

Summer, from June to August, is the hottest period in Mauritania. The northern desert regions experience extreme heat, with temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C (104°F). The southern regions also face high temperatures, usually between 35°C (95°F) and 40°C (104°F). The rainy season begins in earnest in the south, with precipitation reaching up to 100mm (3.94") in August.

Autumn, from September to November, offers some relief from the extreme summer heat. Temperatures begin to drop, especially in the northern desert regions, averaging between 30°C (86°F) to 35°C (95°F). Rainfall diminishes significantly, with the rainy season coming to an end in the south.

Winter in Mauritania, from December to February, is the coolest period. Temperatures across the country range from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F). Precipitation is almost nonexistent during these months, making the climate drier and more comfortable for visitors. This period marks a stark contrast to the country's typically arid and hot conditions, providing an opportune time for travel and exploration.

January is one of the coldest months in Mauritania, nestled in the heart of the country's winter season. The mean temperatures fluctuate between 20°C (68°F) and 25°C (77°F) across the country, providing a much-needed respite from the usual high heat. In the capital city Nouakchott, located on the Atlantic coast, the average temperature in January ranges from 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F), providing a pleasant and moderate climate for visitors. Weather in January »

February signifies the end of winter in Mauritania and the beginning of a slow ascent into the warmer months. Temperatures during February gradually rise, but remain relatively moderate compared to what the later months will bring. In the capital city, Nouakchott, average temperatures for February range from 16°C (60.8°F) to 27°C (80.6°F). Weather in February »

As Mauritania transitions into March, the country enters its spring season. This month represents the early stages of the hot season, with temperatures beginning to rise across the nation. In Nouakchott, the coastal capital, average temperatures in March range from 18°C (64.4°F) to 30°C (86°F), maintaining a degree of moderation due to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean. Weather in March »

April in Mauritania represents the progression of spring and is characterized by a marked increase in temperature. This transition towards the scorching summer months becomes more apparent as the days grow hotter. In the capital city Nouakchott, average temperatures for April fluctuate from 19°C (66.2°F) to 33°C (91.4°F), providing relatively moderate conditions due to the moderating influence of the Atlantic Ocean. Weather in April »

The month of May in Mauritania sees the end of spring and the beginning of the intense summer season. Temperatures during this month continue to rise sharply, making it one of the hotter periods of the year. In Nouakchott, the coastal capital, the temperatures in May typically range between 20°C (68°F) and 35°C (95°F). Weather in May »

June in Mauritania signals the full onset of summer, characterized by soaring temperatures that dominate the country's landscape. As the heat intensifies, the arid conditions Mauritania is known for become more pronounced. In the capital city Nouakchott, average temperatures for June range between 22°C (71.6°F) and 37°C (98.6°F). Weather in June »

July marks the peak of summer in Mauritania, where temperatures can reach their highest levels. With the intense heat enveloping the country, this month is one of the most challenging times to visit, particularly in the northern and inland regions. In the coastal capital of Nouakchott, temperatures in July typically fluctuate between 23°C (73.4°F) and 37°C (98.6°F). Weather in July »

August continues the trend of extremely hot weather in Mauritania, maintaining the challenging conditions experienced in July. As one of the peak summer months, August is characterized by its searing temperatures and the intensification of the rainy season in the south. In Nouakchott, the coastal capital city, temperatures during August typically range from 24°C (75.2°F) to 37°C (98.6°F). Weather in August »

September in Mauritania brings a welcome change in weather as the harsh summer begins to wane and the country transitions into autumn. However, temperatures during this month remain high, reflecting the country's desert-dominated climate. In the capital city, Nouakchott, average temperatures in September range from 23°C (73.4°F) to 35°C (95°F). Weather in September »

October in Mauritania represents a further transition into autumn, with temperatures across the country continuing to gradually decrease from the intense summer highs. In Nouakchott, the coastal capital, average temperatures in October typically range from 20°C (68°F) to 33°C (91.4°F). Weather in October »

November in Mauritania marks the advent of the winter season, offering a noticeable shift from the intense heat of the preceding months. The country's temperatures continue to decrease, providing more comfortable conditions for travel and exploration. In the coastal capital of Nouakchott, temperatures in November generally vary between 17°C (62.6°F) and 30°C (86°F). Weather in November »

December in Mauritania marks the full onset of the winter season. Despite the country's location in the tropics, temperatures continue to decline during this month, offering relief from the intense heat that characterizes much of the year. In Nouakchott, the coastal capital, average temperatures in December range from 15°C (59°F) to 28°C (82.4°F). Weather in December »