Nouakchott, Mauritania Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Nouakchott
Nouakchott has a tropical wet-and-dry climate, marked by year-round warmth split between a rainy season and a pronounced dry season. Average daytime highs range from about 84°F (29°C) in January to around 97°F (36°C) in October, and the city records roughly 9 days of measurable precipitation a year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: October - highs near 97°F (36°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 84°F (29°C)
- Record high: 116°F (47°C) · Record low: 52°F (11°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: August (3 rainy days) · Sunniest: April (11.7 h sun/day)
- Climate type: tropical wet-and-dry - year-round warmth split between a rainy season and a pronounced dry season
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on October. Highs average 97°F (36°C) and overnight lows stay near 77°F (25°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 84°F (29°C) and lows around 62°F (17°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 116°F (47°C) and dropped as low as 52°F (11°C).
Rain, sun and snow
August is usually the wettest month. It brings about 0.8 inches (21 mm) of rain over 3 days, while January is the driest. April brings the most sunshine, averaging 11.7 hours of sun a day.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 84° | 62° | 0 | 0.0 in | 9.6 h/day | 23% |
| February | 86° | 64° | 0 | 0.0 in | 10.4 h/day | 29% |
| March | 89° | 65° | 0 | 0.0 in | 11.1 h/day | 38% |
| April | 90° | 68° | 0 | 0.0 in | 11.7 h/day | 48% |
| May | 90° | 70° | 0 | 0.0 in | 11.7 h/day | 52% |
| June | 93° | 74° | 0 | 0.0 in | 11.2 h/day | 53% |
| July | 86° | 75° | 2 | 0.4 in | 10.8 h/day | 73% |
| August | 88° | 78° | 3 | 0.8 in | 10.6 h/day | 74% |
| September | 93° | 79° | 2 | 0.8 in | 10.6 h/day | 66% |
| October | 97° | 77° | 1 | 0.1 in | 10.3 h/day | 47% |
| November | 92° | 69° | 0 | 0.0 in | 9.8 h/day | 33% |
| December | 85° | 64° | 0 | 0.0 in | 9.5 h/day | 28% |
Nouakchott month by month
Nouakchott weather in January
January brings highs around 84°F (29°C), lows near 62°F (17°C), about 0 wet days - typically the coldest month and the driest month of the year in Nouakchott.
Nouakchott weather in February
February brings highs around 86°F (30°C), lows near 64°F (18°C), about 0 wet days.
Nouakchott weather in March
March brings highs around 89°F (32°C), lows near 65°F (18°C), about 0 wet days.
Nouakchott weather in April
April brings highs around 90°F (32°C), lows near 68°F (20°C), about 0 wet days - typically the sunniest month of the year in Nouakchott.
Nouakchott weather in May
May brings highs around 90°F (32°C), lows near 70°F (21°C), about 0 wet days.
Nouakchott weather in June
June brings highs around 93°F (34°C), lows near 74°F (23°C), about 0 wet days.
Nouakchott weather in July
July brings highs around 86°F (30°C), lows near 75°F (24°C), about 2 wet days.
Nouakchott weather in August
August brings highs around 88°F (31°C), lows near 78°F (25°C), about 3 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Nouakchott.
Nouakchott weather in September
September brings highs around 93°F (34°C), lows near 79°F (26°C), about 2 wet days.
Nouakchott weather in October
October brings highs around 97°F (36°C), lows near 77°F (25°C), about 1 wet days - typically the hottest month of the year in Nouakchott.
Nouakchott weather in November
November brings highs around 92°F (33°C), lows near 69°F (21°C), about 0 wet days.
Nouakchott weather in December
December brings highs around 85°F (30°C), lows near 64°F (18°C), about 0 wet days.
Seasons in Nouakchott
March through May
March through May in Nouakchott brings hot afternoons, with daytime highs averaging 90°F (32°C) and nights around 68°F (20°C); precipitation is infrequent.
June through August
June through August in Nouakchott is hot, with daytime highs averaging 89°F (32°C) and nights around 75°F (24°C); precipitation is infrequent.
September through November
September through November in Nouakchott is intensely hot, with daytime highs averaging 94°F (34°C) and nights around 75°F (24°C); precipitation is infrequent.
December through February
December through February in Nouakchott is hot, with daytime highs averaging 85°F (30°C) and nights around 63°F (17°C); precipitation is infrequent.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Nouakchott?
Is Nouakchott hot in summer?
Is Nouakchott cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Nouakchott get in a year?
Best time to visit Nouakchott
The best time to visit Nouakchott is generally January to May and July, when these months combine the driest skies with the most comfortable heat. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 88°F (31°C).
Pack for Nouakchott with lightweight, breathable clothing and strong sun protection for the hot months. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - October nights average 77°F (25°C).
Nouakchott temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.