The short answer
Cold. Desert nights in December and January fall near freezing, and below it on some nights, even though the days are bright and mild. The swing from afternoon to midnight catches most people out. Good camps provide heavy blankets and some heat the tents, but bring a warm jacket, a hat and gloves.
In more detail
The desert holds little heat once the sun goes. Our New Year planning notes, researched for the 2026 to 2027 season, put desert nights near or below freezing in late December, and our camp guides talk of frost between December and February. By day you can be in a light top on the dunes; by eight in the evening you want everything you packed.
Wind makes it feel colder. Standing on an open dune crest before sunrise, waiting for the light, is the coldest hour of the trip. That is also the moment most people remember, so dress for it rather than skip it.
The upside is the sky. Winter nights are often the clearest of the year, the fire matters, and the camps are quieter than in spring. Ask your camp what it supplies: at the better ones, duvets and a small heater in the tent are normal. It also helps to know that the Atlas pass on the way can see snow in winter, so we leave a little slack in the plan.
Good to know
- Pack a down or fleece jacket, a warm hat and gloves.
- Sleep in a base layer; camp blankets do the rest.
- Bring warm socks for the walk between tent and bathroom.