Climate and monthly weather forecastAtar, Mauritania

The climate of Atar

Atar, Mauritania is identified as a BWh or subtropical desert climate, according to the Köppen climate classification. The climate is characterized by high temperatures, significantly low rainfall, and low relative humidity. The city experiences intense heat all through the year.

In terms of temperature fluctuation, the highest average is 41.5°C (106.7°F) in July and the lowest average is 14.3°C (57.7°F) in January, indicating the extreme heat in the desert region. Despite experiencing relatively low rainfalls around 3mm (0.12") to 11mm (0.43") between May and September, the city receives minimal precipitation, and the number of rainy days can be counted on one hand. The relative humidity remains consistently low in Atar, ranging between 17% to 27%, reinforcing the city's classification as a desert climate.

Consistently, sunshine is abundant throughout the year varying from around 9.4 hours to 9.9 hours. This excess of sunlight is associated with a desert region. Furthermore, the pressure reading shows minor changes throughout the year, from a minimum of 1009.2mb to a maximum of 1017.5mb. Atar experiences substantial winds with an average of 15.2km/h (9.4mph) to 18.2km/h (11.3mph), observable by the wind patterns.

The best time to visit Atar

Though Atar experiences extreme weather conditions, certain times of the year are better for tourism than others. The months of November through January offer comparatively cooler temperatures, ranging from 14.3°C (57.7°F) to 30.6°C (87.1°F). Additionally, the aridity is slightly less pronounced as relative humidity remains at 24%, making this the most favorable period for travelers to visit this desert city.

The worst time to visit Atar

From June through to September, the temperature in Atar climbs to oppressive highs, reaching up to 41.5°C (106.7°F). The humidity also increases slightly during these summer months, making the hot temperatures feel even more intense. Coupled with the heat, these months also bring the highest rainfall of the year, between 3mm (0.12") and 11mm (0.43"). This combination of heat and humidity can make these months uncomfortable for visitors.

Spring weather in Atar

During spring, from March to May, Atar experiences a significant increase in temperature. The average high temperature in this period ranges from 32.3°C (90.1°F) to 38.3°C (100.9°F). Rainfall is minimal, with only 3mm (0.12") falling in May. This minimal rainfall ties in with the low relative humidity, reinforcing Atar's desert climate. The average daylight increases from 12 hours in March to 13.1 hours in May, offering longer days and the opportunity to explore.

Summer weather in Atar

The summer months mark an extreme phase in Atar, with average high temperatures soaring to a sweltering 41.5°C (106.7°F) in July. This period also marks an increase in daily sunshine hours, reaching 9.9 hours. Relative humidity experiences a slight uptick, going from 18% in June to 27% in August. Despite the high temperatures, winds provide some relief blowing from 17.7km/h (11mph) to 15.6km/h (9.7mph).

Autumn weather in Atar

During Autumn, from September to November, average high temperatures range from 39.2°C (102.6°F) to 30.6°C (87.1°F). This period sees a sharp decline in rainfall, from 11mm (0.43") in September to only 1mm (0.04") in November. Sunshine hours reduce from 9.8 hours to 9.7 hours. The pressure appears to be more stable during this season, averaging 1012mb to 1013.9mb.

Winter weather in Atar

During the winter months, Atar's weather shows a drop in average high temperatures, from 30.6°C (87.1°F) in November down to 26.2°C (79.2°F) in January. This period also shows a reduction in hours of daylight from 11.2 to 10.9 hours, making the days shorter and a bit more bearable. Moreover, the average wind increases to 18.2km/h (11.3mph) in December, which could provide a brief respite from the otherwise stifling heat.

Weather in January

January offers the onset of a new year in Atar, Mauritania with welcoming temperatures ranging from 14.3°C (57.7°F) to 26.2°C (79.2°F). Dominated by dry conditions and vast clear skies, it provides an excellent period for outdoor sightseeing. Weather in January »

Weather in February

As the calendar turns to February, a slight hike in temperature is observed in Atar, Mauritania. This month's weather is characterized by warm afternoons and mild nights while the wind speed drops slightly compared to January. Weather in February »

Weather in March

Transitioning into March, Atar grapples with an escalating heatwave. This invariably results in a harsher climate with temperatures escalating from 18.5°C (65.3°F) to 32.3°C (90.1°F). Despite the temperature rise, the rainfall remains elusive, marking March as another arid month. Weather in March »

Weather in April

Atar's weather progresses towards its peak hot conditions in April. The significant increase showcases a searing climate, with temperatures soaring from 21.7°C (71.1°F) to 35.1°C (95.2°F). Yet, it's another month devoid of rainfall, reinforcing the extensive dry season Atar experiences. Weather in April »

Weather in May

With May comes a notable shift in Atar's weather dynamics, presenting the advent of the first minor rainfall. The city records 3mm (0.12") of rainfall, ending the persistent dry season that dominated the first quarter of the year. However, temperatures continue to rise, leading to hot and humid conditions. Weather in May »

Weather in June

Entering mid-year, June features a further augmentation in temperature within Atar. The heat continues unabated with daytime temperatures reaching up to 40.3°C (104.5°F). A minor rise in rainfall is recorded, indicating the onset of the brief rainy season in this arid city. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July represents the climatic zenith in Atar with temperatures hitting a sweltering 41.5°C (106.7°F). This is the hottest month of the year presenting oppressive conditions. Coupled with this, there's a rise in rainfall from June to July, hinting at the city's brief monsoon season. Weather in July »

Weather in August

As August unfolds, Atar witnesses a downtrend in temperature with daytime temperatures dropping slightly from July. Despite a lower temperature range, relative humidity increases making the city feel warmer than it is. It also marks the rainiest month of the year with Atar recording a ringing 9mm (0.35") of rain. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September ushers in a cooler atmosphere in Atar, but with a relative increase in night-time temperatures compared to August. Despite a fall in temperature, September distinguishes itself with the highest level of moisture, as indicated by the 29.5°C (85.1°F) minimum temperature recorded. Weather in September »

Weather in October

Entering the final quarter of the year, October brings a noticeable drop in temparature in Atar. Yet, temperature still remains high with daytime temperatures hitting about 36.3°C (97.3°F). Notably, rainfall plummets to 1mm (0.04"), marking it as one of the most arid months of the year. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November marks a significant retreat from the high temperatures in Atar. The temperature span slides from 20.5°C (68.9°F) to 30.6°C (87.1°F), ensuring a pleasant month for residents and visitors alike. The transition from intense summer to pleasant fall is marked by a drastic drop in rainfall. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December culminates the year with milder and cozier weather in Atar. The gradual drop in temparature continues, with readings ranging from 15.9°C (60.6°F) to 27.4°C (81.3°F). Even as the temperatures plunge, the weather remains arid, marking December as the driest of the winter months. Weather in December »