It doesn't need to be a desert. In fact a label isn't relevant. Its the temperature, humidity etc that is relevant. But seeing that labels ae important to you here is definition of desert
A dry, often sandy region of little rainfall and sparse vegetation.
Moe specifically
What's a Desert?
A desert can be defined as an area that receives an average annual rainfall of 12 inches or less. A desert region is usually defined by a combination of factors such as climate, topography, and plant and animal communities.
The Chihuahuan Desert is one of four deserts in North America. 
It is the largest of all in the continent.
Temperatures in deserts are dependent upon latitude and elevation. Temperatures in the Chihuahuan Desert are cool because, even though it is the farthest south, it is the highest desert in North America.
Humidity in desert regions is normally very low, thus affecting our perception of heat. You would feel warmer in a moist climate along a coastline than you would in a desert, even though the temperature in the desert is the same or even higher. The primary reason for this is that your perspiration evaporates quickly in dry air, cooling your skin. Generally strong winds in desert regions aid in this process. But don't be fooled by the perceived lower temperature. It's still hot! You should drink plenty of water and wear proper clothing while outdoors in a desert region.
.Soils in desert regions may be simple or very complex. Usually little organic matter may be found in desert soils and they tend to be very hard -- with the obvious exception of dune area. Water retention in desert soils is typically very poor.