Climate and monthly weather forecast
Nouakchott, Mauritania

englishespañol中文
Share
The Nautique Grand Mosque in Nouakchott, Mauritania
The Nautique Grand Mosque in Nouakchott, Mauritania

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]

Frequently asked questions

What is the coldest month in Nouakchott?

During January and December, Nouakchott registers its lowest temperatures, averaging a high of 29.1°C (84.4°F).

How many days does it rain in Nouakchott?

In Nouakchott, during the entire year, the rain falls for 7 days and collects up to 94mm (3.7") of precipitation.

When is the sea coldest in Nouakchott?

The months with the coldest seawater are February through May, with an average sea temperature of 19°C (66.2°F).

What are the months with the most sunshine in Nouakchott?

The months with the most sunshine in Nouakchott are March through May, with an average of 9h of sunshine.

What is the month with the highest UV index in Nouakchott?

The months with the highest UV index in Nouakchott are March through September, with an average maximum UV index of 12.

What is the driest month in Nouakchott?

April and May are months without rainfall.

When does it rain in Nouakchott?

January through March, June through December are months with rainfall.

When are the longest days in Nouakchott?

The month with the longest days in Nouakchott, Mauritania, is June, with an average of 13h and 12min of daylight.

What is the wettest month in Nouakchott?

The month with the most rainfall in Nouakchott, Mauritania, is August, when the rain falls for 2 days and typically aggregates up to 36mm (1.42") of precipitation.

What is the month with the warmest sea water in Nouakchott?

September is the month with the warmest seawater in Nouakchott, Mauritania, with an average sea temperature of 27°C (80.6°F).

What time of the year is the hottest in Nouakchott?

October stands out as Nouakchott's warmest month, with an average high-temperature of 36.4°C (97.5°F) and a low-temperature of 22.1°C (71.8°F).

What is the month with the shortest days in Nouakchott?

December has the shortest days of the year in Nouakchott, with an average of 11h and 6min of daylight.

Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Nouakchott?

Nouakchott, Mauritania, does not utilize Daylight Saving Time (DST). GMT timezone is used throughout the entire year.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Nouakchott?

The month with the least sunshine is December, with an average of 7h of sunshine.

What is the month with the lowest UV index in Nouakchott?

December is the month with the lowest UV index in Nouakchott, with an average maximum UV index of 7.

Average temperature
Nouakchott, Mauritania

Average temperature - Nouakchott, Mauritania

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is October (36.4°C).
The months with the lowest average high temperature are January and December (29.1°C).

The month with the highest average low temperature is September (24.5°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (13.7°C).

[Resources]

Average rainfall
Nouakchott, Mauritania

Average rainfall - Nouakchott, Mauritania

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is August (36mm).
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are April and May (0mm).

[Resources]

Average rainfall days
Nouakchott, Mauritania

Average rainfall days - Nouakchott, Mauritania

The months with the highest number of rainy days are August and September (2 days).
The months with the least rainy days are March, April, May, June, October, November and December (0 days).

[Resources]

Average sea temperature
Nouakchott, Mauritania

Average sea temperature - Nouakchott, Mauritania

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is September (27°C).
The coldest months (with the lowest average sea temperature) are February, March, April and May (19°C).

[Resources]

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Nouakchott, Mauritania

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Nouakchott, Mauritania

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 13h and 12min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 11h and 6min).

The months with the most sunshine are March, April and May (Average sunshine: 9h).
The month with the least sunshine is December (Average sunshine: 7h).

[Resources]

Average UV index
Nouakchott, Mauritania

Average UV index - Nouakchott, Mauritania

The months with the highest UV index are March, April, May, June, July, August and September (UV index 12).
The month with the lowest UV index is December (UV index 7).

[Resources]

Nouakchott, Mauritania

Weather forecast for your location

1. Click Locate me button
2. Allow the app to use your location