Mauritania
Country · Africa, Western Africa
Mauritania is a country in Western Africa, bordering Algeria, Mali, Senegal, and Western Sahara. Its capital is Nouakchott, and the country has a population of about 5.3 million people across an area of approximately 1 million square kilometers. Travelers come here to explore desert landscapes and historic architecture.
Highlights
This guide covers 3 notable sights. For architecture and cultural heritage, the country features the Saudi Mosque and the Chinguetti Mosque. These are complemented by the Ancient Ksour of Ouadane, Chinguetti, Tichitt and Oualata, which is a UNESCO-recognized site.
Food and drink
Visitors can sample Caravane cheese, which is a local food item.
When to go
The weather at the capital follows a consistent pattern. From January to May, temperatures are moderate, with highs ranging from 25 °C to 31 °C and minimal rainfall. The hottest months occur between June and October, with highs reaching 33 °C. August and September are the wettest months, seeing 10 to 11 days of rain each. For cooler and drier conditions, November and December are suitable, with highs between 27 °C and 30 °C.
Practical notes
The currency is the Mauritanian ouguiya. Arabic and French are the languages spoken. Electrical outlets use plug type C with a voltage of 220 V. Driving is on the right side of the road. The time zone is UTC±00:00. The calling code is +222 and the internet country code is .mr.
Food and drink to try in Mauritania
- Caravane cheese
Top sights in Mauritania
Weather by month
The warmest month is October, with an average high of 33 °C. Rain is spread fairly evenly through the year.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | 25 | 27 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 30 | 31 | 33 | 33 | 31 | 27 |
| Average low, °C | 16 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 24 | 21 | 18 |
| Rainfall, mm | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 25 | 27 | 4 | 1 | 3 |
| Rainy days | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 11 | 10 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Nouakchott (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.