Western Sahara, Western Sahara: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

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Ready to pack for Western Sahara, Western Sahara? If you're planning to go to Western Sahara, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Western Sahara, Western Sahara

Based on the climate and weather in Western Sahara, Western Sahara, the best time to go is November. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Western Sahara, Western Sahara

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Western Sahara, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Western Sahara, Western Sahara by month

January

If you visit Western Sahara during January, you will probably see that it is mild and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Western Sahara has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Western Sahara may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. It's important that you choose the correct type. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and require your devices to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

February

If you vacation in Western Sahara during February, you will probably find that it is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Western Sahara has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Western Sahara may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Be careful to pick the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our fave is this one

March

If you visit Western Sahara during March, you are likely to find that it is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Western Sahara has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Western Sahara may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Check that you pick the right kind. A lot of adapters currently sold are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

April here is pretty consistently hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Western Sahara has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Western Sahara may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Take care to choose the right kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plugs and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

May

If you visit Western Sahara during May, you will probably find that it is extremely hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C). Humidity is generally around 40 during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Western Sahara has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Western Sahara may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Be careful to get the correct kind. Most adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

June

If you vacation in Western Sahara during June, you may notice that it can be sizzling and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 30 and 40% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Western Sahara has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Western Sahara may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Be sure to find the correct kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

July

July is scorchingly hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 100s F (high 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Western Sahara has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Western Sahara may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Be sure to find the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

August

If you vacation in Western Sahara during August, you will probably find that it is a scorcher and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 100s F (high 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 30 and 40% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Western Sahara has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Western Sahara may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Take care to choose the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters available online are simply plugs and expect your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most locations.

September

If you are traveling to Western Sahara in September, you will notice that it can be blisteringly hot and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 90s F (mid 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Western Sahara has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Western Sahara may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Make sure to choose the right kind. Many adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

October

Traveling to Western Sahara in October, you will notice that it is consistently hot and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Western Sahara has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Western Sahara may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Check that you pick the necessary kind. Many adapters currently sold are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

November

If you visit Western Sahara during November, you will probably see that it is a perfect temperature and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (high 10s C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Western Sahara has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Western Sahara may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. Check that you get the correct kind. The majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most areas.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

December

If you are traveling to Western Sahara in December, you will notice that it is balmy and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Western Sahara has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Emergency phone

    For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Western Sahara may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. It's important that you find the correct type. The vast majority of adapters that you can buy are simply plugs and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

What to do in Western Sahara, Western Sahara

Western Sahara, located on the northwest coast of Africa, is a beautiful and unique destination for tourists seeking unparalleled adventure and cultural experiences. Though the region is politically disputed, it is still a great place to visit, characterized by sand dunes, beaches, mountains, and historical sites. The following are some top tourist attractions in Western Sahara that are sure to amaze and captivate visitors.

1. Laayoun - Laayoun is the largest city and capital of Western Sahara. It is a vibrant place with rich history, beautiful architecture, shopping centers, and museums. Laayoun hosts an annual international cultural festival, which is popular for its colorful music, dance, and food.

2. Smara – Located in the middle of the desert, Smara is an oasis of the Sahara. It is a hub of Sahrawi culture and traditions, and visitors can explore the local architecture, handicrafts, and traditional music in the town. The notable feature of the city is the mausoleum of the founder and national hero of the Polisario Movement, Seyid El-Wali.

3. Dakhla - Dakhla is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts. The town is situated on a huge bay, and tourists can enjoy swimming, kitesurfing, windsurfing, and fishing. Visitors also have the opportunity to see dolphins, sea turtles, and even whales during their visits.

4. El Ouatia - Another major fishing destination, El Ouatia is a small town on the Atlantic coast, with a laid-back fishing village atmosphere. Visitors can stroll through the beach, watch the sunset, indulge in local seafood, and observe the vibrant fishing activities along the harbor.

5. Boujdour - Boujdour is a place of huge historical importance for the indigenous Sahrawi people. The region was previously a center of nomadic life, and currently features the ruins of ancient cities dating back to thousands of years. The region also hosts the annual International Camel Festival, featuring traditional dances and camel races.

6. Foum El Oued - Foum El Oued is a scenic valley formed by the Oued Assaka river canyon, and is a perfect spot for nature lovers. Visitors can explore the beautiful landscapes, see the rare bird species, or hike through the valleys and canyons.

7. Tifariti - Tifariti is a town in some parts of the contested territory, and offers rich history to explore. Visitors can see the ruins of an ancient town, the Moroccan Wall, and visit the war museum.

In conclusion, Western Sahara offers visitors to its many interesting places that are sure to make any trip an unforgettable one. From the glorious beaches and watersports hub of Dakhla to the vibrant cultural festivals in Laayoun, there is a diverse range of things to do in this beautiful region. Visitors are sure to have an amazing experience exploring the unique and ancient culture of the Sahrawi people. So, pack your bags and head to Western Sahara now!

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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