The average temperature in desert biomes varies widely depending on the specific type of desert and the time of year. Generally, deserts are characterized by their extreme temperatures. During the day, temperatures can soar to well above 100°F (38°C) in many hot deserts, while at night, they can drop dramatically, sometimes reaching below freezing.
For instance, the Sahara Desert can experience daytime temperatures of around 104°F (40°C) and nighttime lows that can plummet to around 50°F (10°C). In contrast, cold deserts, like the Gobi Desert, have average temperatures that can range from 70°F (21°C) in summer to -40°F (-40°C) in winter.
This significant temperature fluctuation is primarily due to the lack of moisture in desert biomes, leading to minimal humidity and consequently, little heat retention at night. It’s this extreme temperature variation that defines the harsh living conditions for flora and fauna in these habitats.