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Deserts

Top 10 Deserts in the World

A practical list of notable arid regions and dry environments to visit. Discover the best times to go and what to expect on the ground.

10 places3 min readUpdated 27 September 2026
Top 10 Deserts in the World: A Practical Guide for Travelers
The short answer

Selecting the top 10 deserts in the world depends on your tolerance for heat and desire for isolation. Many of these sites are best visited between October and March to avoid extreme temperatures.

The following list focuses on major arid landscapes and dry environments that offer unique geography or historical significance. These locations are rated based on accessibility and seasonal weather patterns.

1

Patagonian Wilderness

Towers of Paine (upper) and Paine Horns (lower); both are part of Cordillera Paine, in Magallanes Region, the most southern one of Chile.
Photo: Karen Chan 16 y Miguel.v ( local | logs | global ) (originales), y Jorge Morales Piderit (montaje)., CC BY 4.0

This park in southern Chile sits in a transition zone between subpolar forests and dry steppes. It features mountains, glaciers, and lakes. It is best to visit between November and March. You will experience long daylight hours during these months. Expect high winds at any time of year. The park is 112 km from Puerto Natales.

Suits
Hikers and nature photographers.
Worth knowing
Prepare for sudden weather changes and high winds even in summer.
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2

Agra Mausoleum

Taj Mahal·India
Taj Mahal, Agra. FP on the English Wikipedia.
Photo: Yann; edited by Jim Carter, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble tomb on the banks of the Yamuna River. It was commissioned in 1631. The complex includes formal gardens, a mosque, and a guest house. It took over twenty years to finish construction. Visit between October and February. The weather is cool enough to walk the grounds comfortably.

Suits
History enthusiasts and architecture fans.
Worth knowing
Expect extreme crowds and long security queues early in the morning.
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3

Ethiopian Rock Churches

Lalibela·Ethiopia
Biete Ghiorgis
Photo: Sailko, CC BY 3.0

Lalibela is known for its monolithic churches cut directly into rock. It serves as a center for pilgrimage. These sites date back to the 7th century and represent a significant part of Ethiopian history. Plan your visit between October and March. This period avoids the heavy rainy season.

Suits
Cultural travelers and history researchers.
Worth knowing
Accessing the remote town requires a domestic flight or a long bus journey.
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4

Highland Lake

Lake Atitlán·Guatemala
El Lago de Atitlán, Guatemala, fotografiado desde el Transbordador espacial

Lake Atitlán sits within the Sierra Madre mountain range in Guatemala. It is the deepest lake in Central America. The lake is surrounded by highlands and provides a temperate climate compared to the lowlands. November through April is the best time for clear skies. Avoid the wettest months to ensure better views.

Suits
Those looking for mountain scenery and local culture.
Worth knowing
Transport between the villages on the lake is primarily by boat.
Planning Lake Atitlán?

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5

Argentine Ice Field

The terminus of the Perito Moreno Glacier, in the Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina.
Photo: Fernando, CC BY-SA 4.0

This glacier is located in Los Glaciares National Park. It is one of the most accessible ice formations in the region. The glacier spans 250 square kilometers. It is fed by the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Visit from November to March. These months offer the most reliable weather for viewing.

Suits
Travelers wanting to see active glacier calving.
Worth knowing
The glacier is a significant distance from the nearest town, El Calafate.
Planning Perito Moreno Glacier?

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6

Brazilian Archipelago

Baía dos Porcos
Photo: Eduardo Muruci, CC BY-SA 3.0

This archipelago consists of 21 islands located 354 km off the coast of Brazil. Only the main island is inhabited. The area is a designated district of Pernambuco. It is known for its remote location in the Atlantic. August through November is the best window for visitors. The seas are calmer during these months.

Suits
People looking for secluded beaches and marine life.
Worth knowing
The island limits the number of daily visitors through a mandatory environmental tax.
Planning Fernando de Noronha?

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7

Ancient Necropolis

Pyramids of the Giza Necropolis.
Photo: KennyOMG, CC BY-SA 4.0

The Giza complex includes the Great Pyramid and the Great Sphinx. These structures date back to the Fourth Dynasty. The site is located on the edge of the Western Desert. It is a short trip from Cairo city center. Visit between October and March. Midday heat in the summer months can be dangerous for walking.

Suits
Fans of ancient history and archaeology.
Worth knowing
Expect persistent vendors and aggressive sales tactics near the site entrances.
Planning Giza pyramid complex?

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8

Taiwanese Skyscraper

Taipei 101·Taiwan
The Tuned Mass Damper in Taipei 101.
Photo: Someformofhuman, CC BY-SA 4.0

Taipei 101 is a 101-story building standing 508 meters tall. It was once the tallest building in the world. The structure features high-speed elevators that transport passengers to the 89th floor quickly. October through December offers the best visibility. The weather is generally mild during this time.

Suits
Urban explorers and architecture fans.
Worth knowing
The observation deck can become very crowded during weekends and holidays.
Planning Taipei 101?

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9

The Red City

Marrakesh·Morocco
Marrakesh, Morocco
Photo: Thomas Leuthard, CC BY 2.0

Marrakesh is one of the four imperial cities of Morocco. It is known for its red sandstone walls and history. The city was founded around 1070. It remains a major cultural and religious center. March, April, October, and November provide comfortable temperatures for walking the city streets.

Suits
Travelers interested in markets and historic city layouts.
Worth knowing
Navigating the dense city streets can be confusing for first-time visitors.
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10

Colorado River Dam

Hoover Dam·United States
Aerial view of Hoover Dam, Nevada-Arizona.
Photo: Mariordo (Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz), CC BY-SA 4.0

This concrete dam sits on the border of Nevada and Arizona. It was constructed during the 1930s. The project was a massive engineering undertaking during the Great Depression. It created a large reservoir. Visit in March, April, October, or November. Summers in the Black Canyon are excessively hot.

Suits
Engineering and history enthusiasts.
Worth knowing
Parking is limited and often requires a fee at the nearby structures.
Planning Hoover Dam?

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What people wish they had broughtFor the places on this page

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Research your specific dates before booking travel to these locations. Checking local weather alerts can save you from difficult conditions.

Questions people ask


What is the best time to visit these locations?

Most of these sites are best visited during the cooler months of autumn and spring. Avoid summer if the location is in an arid or desert region.

Do I need a visa for these countries?

Visa requirements vary by your citizenship. You should check the official government portal for each country before you book your trip.

Are these places safe for solo travelers?

Safety levels vary by location. Always research current travel advisories and stay in well-populated areas.

How much should I budget for these trips?

Costs vary significantly based on your travel style and the local economy. Research flight prices and local daily expenses for each destination separately.

Which of these is the most difficult to reach?

Lalibela and Fernando de Noronha are generally considered the most difficult to reach due to their remote locations.

Somewhere to stay on this trip

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More of this, as we publish it

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