The climate of Nouakchott
Nouakchott, the capital of
Mauritania, is dominated by the Köppen climate classification BWh, also known as subtropical desert. This climate zone is characterized by extremely low annual rainfall, coupled with high temperatures. Geographically, Nouakchott is positioned close to the tropics and is encompassed by the vast Sahara desert, factors that heavily contribute to its desert climate.
Throughout the year, this coastal desert city witnesses substantial fluctuations in temperatures, transitioning from pleasantly warm to intensely hot. The monthly highest temperatures range from 29.1°C (84.4°F) in the cooler months of
January and
December, and ascend to a blistering 36.4°C (97.5°F) in
October. Simultaneously, the lowest temperatures seem relatively mild in comparison, spanning from 13.7°C (56.7°F) in January to 24.5°C (76.1°F) in
September.
Rainfall in Nouakchott is a scarce event with an almost negligible presence during the majority of the year. However, a dramatic increase is observable in the months of
August and September, reaching 36mm (1.42") and 31mm (1.22") respectively, unlike the remainder of the year when rainfall ranges from 0mm (0") to 2mm (0.08"). It's worth noting that this pattern of concentrated rainfall within a brief period reflects the city's experience of desert 'wet seasons'.
The best time to visit Nouakchott
Visitors seeking the best overall climate conditions in
Nouakchott would be rewarded between
November and
March. During this period, the city enjoys an optimal mild climate with limited rainfall. Specifically, during these months expect maximum temperatures to lie between 29.1°C (84.4°F) to 33.1°C (91.6°F) and minimum temperatures from 13.7°C (56.7°F) to 18.3°C (64.9°F). Coupled with up to 8 hours of sunshine and an average UV Index of 8 to 10, this period provides the perfect balance for various outdoor activities without the intense mid-year heat.
The worst time to visit Nouakchott
The least favourable months to visit
Nouakchott are arguably
August and
September. These months not only record the maximum volume of rainfall with 36mm (1.42") and 31mm (1.22") respectively, but they also experience the highest minimum temperatures of 24.2°C (75.6°F) and 24.5°C (76.1°F). Despite featuring 8 hours of daily sunshine, the combination of high heat and precipitation can result in muggy days that might be uncomfortable for some travellers.
Spring weather in Nouakchott
Between
March to
May,
Nouakchott experiences its spring months, characterized by gradually increasing temperatures. The seasonal averages ascend from a high of 31.6°C (88.9°F) in March to 33.4°C (92.1°F) in May. Simultaneously, the lows slowly rise from 16.3°C (61.3°F) to 19.1°C (66.4°F) by the end of spring. Interestingly, these spring months hardly witness any rainfall, with precipitation values hovering around 1mm (0.04") or less.
Summer weather in Nouakchott
June marks the onset of summer in
Nouakchott, which lasts until
August. This period is distinguished by escalating temperatures, reaching their annual zenith with averages ranging from highs of 34.6°C (94.3°F) in June to 32.4°C (90.3°F) in August, and lows hovering from 21.4°C (70.5°F) to a high of 24.2°C (75.6°F) in August. On the contrary, rainfall is abundant during August with an abrupt rise to 36mm (1.42").
Autumn weather in Nouakchott
September to
November constitutes the autumn season in
Nouakchott, characterized by a decline in temperatures and consequent relief from the intense summer heat. Averages dwindle from a high of 34.9°C (94.8°F) in September to 33.1°C (91.6°F) by November, while low temperatures also decrease from 24.5°C (76.1°F) to 18.3°C (64.9°F). Rainfall, however, remains consistent with 31mm (1.22") in September, before tapering off to 1mm (0.04") by November.
Winter weather in Nouakchott
Lasting from
December to
February, winter in
Nouakchott offers a reprieve from the scorching temperatures of previous months. Decidedly cooler, the weather presents highs from 29.1°C (84.4°F) to 32.6°C (90.7°F) and lows from a brisk 13.7°C (56.7°F) to 17.5°C (63.5°F). Regaining its desert identity, the city records minimal rainfall during these months, ranging from 0mm (0") to 2mm (0.08"), maintaining the arid conditions characteristic of the vast Sahara desert.
Weather in January
As the year begins in
Nouakchott,
Mauritania, the weather is characterized by a combination of warmth and dryness. There is a noticeable difference in the temperatures with highs reaching 29.1°C (84.4°F) and lows dropping to 13.7°C (56.7°F).
Weather in January »Weather in February
The climate remains fairly consistent in
Nouakchott as
February offers slightly warmer temperatures. With only 2mm (0.08") of rainfall, the second month of the year continues the dry spell from
January. It continues to exude warmth during the day and coolness at night, embracing a pattern that
Mauritania is well-known for.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As
Nouakchott traverses into the month of
March, the temperatures rise subtly in a steady progression from the preceding months. The arid conditions persist with 1mm (0.04") of rainfall recorded, which is negligible. March is relatively untainted by clouds with the number of rainy days plummeting down to zero.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Nouakchott,
Mauritania, welcomes
April with even warmer temperatures, cementing the gradual rise in heat since the beginning of the year. The lack of rain and the steady increase in sunlight hours echo the morphing climate, sliding slowly into the hotter times of the year.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Riding on the back of
April,
May further accelerates the warmth, pushing the mercury higher in
Nouakchott. Once again, there is an absence of rainfall, reinforcing the dry spell prevalent since the year's onset. The extension of daylight hours coupled with the persistent heat positions May as a hive for outdoor activities.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June marks the onset of the summer months in
Nouakchott,
Mauritania. With scorching temperatures peaking at 34.6°C (94.3°F) and an increased sea temperature of 21°C (69.8°F), the city engages in a fervid dance with the sun. June continues the unbroken chain of rainless days, upholding the established dry and clear-skied condition.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
As
Mauritania enters the heart of the summer season,
July delivers the most substantial shift in
Nouakchott's climate dynamic yet. The city records substantial rainfall of 12mm (0.47"), breaking the dry spell prevalent throughout the previous months.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August asserts itself as the wettest month in
Nouakchott, recording a significant 36mm (1.42") of rain, a growth from the 12mm (0.47") precipitation in
July. The availability of rain does not, however, compromise the warmth with temperatures persistently high.
Weather in August » Weather in September
Kicking off the autumn season,
September delivers both heat and precipitation in
Nouakchott. The temperatures peak at 34.9°C (94.8°F), while rainfall decreases to 31mm (1.22"), transitioning smoothly from the peak monsoon month of
August.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
As
Nouakchott steps into
October, there is a palpable pivot in the city's climate. The temperatures relax slightly from the previous month's highs, while rainfall reduces drastically to a sparse 7mm (0.28"), alluding to the onset of the dry season.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November, the last month of the autumn in
Nouakchott, is hot month, with an average temperature ranging between max 33.1°C (91.6°F) and min 18.3°C (64.9°F). A mild drop in Nouakchott's average high-temperature is observed in November, transitioning from a fiery hot 36.4°C (97.5°F) in
October to a tropical 33.1°C (91.6°F).
Weather in November » Weather in December
In closing the year,
December echoes the climate pattern of
January, marking the completion of a full weather cycle in
Nouakchott. The temperatures, daylight hours, and UV index adopt a similar stance as during the year's commencement.
Weather in December » [Resources]