Climate

Most of Mauritania has a Saharan climate, being hot and windy with little or absolutely no rain. The strong desert winds appear in March and April.

However, the coastal area has a milder climate, being relieved by pleasant sea-breezes.

Daytime temperatures in the desert are usually above 38°C (100°F), but in the cooler season the daytime desert temperature can average around 24°C (75°F). Less then 100mm (4 in) of rain falls in the desert annually.

In Nouakchott, the capital, temperatures reach about 33°C (92°F) in the hottest months and average about 13°C (56°F) in the coolest month.

Nouakchott has an average rainfall of 178 mm (7 inches) a year.