Western Desert in February

April through September offers the sweet spot for Western Desert travel. Daytime temperatures hover around 25°C, perfect for hiking and exploring. Nights get cold though - sometimes dropping below freezing in winter. Pack layers. Summer is brutal. Temperatures regularly hit 45°C, and the sun feels like it's trying to kill you. Many tracks close, and even experienced desert travelers avoid this period. October and March sit on the edge - still hot but manageable if you start early and rest during midday. The wet season, such as it is, runs roughly December to March. Don't expect much rain, but when it does fall, it can turn tracks into quagmires and strand you for days. Wildflower season after rare winter rains transforms the desert into something magical, but you can't predict when this will happen. Check weather forecasts religiously, and have flexible dates. Desert weather can change plans quickly.