Sahara Desert Temperatures: Extreme Heat Year-Round

The Sahara is the world's hottest large desert. Temperatures vary by season, latitude, and elevation, but extremes are the norm.

Seasonal Temperature Ranges

Season	Months	Avg Daytime High	Extremes	Nighttime Low
Summer	Jun–Sep	35–50°C (95–122°F)	Up to 57°C (135°F) (record 58°C in shade, disputed)	20–30°C (68–86°F)
Spring	Mar–May	30–40°C (86–104°F)	45°C+	15–25°C (59–77°F)
Autumn	Oct–Nov	30–40°C (86–104°F)	40°C+	15–25°C (59–77°F)
Winter	Dec–Feb	20–30°C (68–86°F)	35°C	Can drop below 0°C (32°F) (esp. high elevations, clear nights)

Diurnal Swing: 20–30°C (36–54°F) day-night difference common due to dry air, no cloud cover, low humidity.
Latitude Gradient: Southern Sahara (Sahel border) cooler/wetter; Northern Sahara (Mediterranean fringe) milder winters.
Elevation Effect: High plateaus (Tassili n'Ajjer, Tibesti) significantly cooler; frost/snow possible in winter.
Sand Surface Temps: Can exceed 80°C (176°F) at midday summer—lethal to unadapted life.