A large part of the world’s inland waters, including streams, rivers, ponds, lakes and reservoirs is subject to occasional, recurrent or even permanent drying. Moreover, the occurrence and intensity of drying events are increasing in many areas of the world because of climate change, water abstraction, and land use alteration. Yet, knowledge on the ecology and biogeochemistry of intermittent inland waters, especially during dry phases, is scarce. This precludes a comprehensive understanding of patterns and processes in whole hydrographic networks including all, also intermittently dry, inland waters. In this talk, I will review current knowledge on carbon cycling in intermittent inland waters and discuss knowledge gaps and future research needs.