The best time to visit Morocco is spring, from mid-March to May, and autumn, from September to early November. Days are warm, nights are comfortable, and conditions are good almost everywhere, from the cities to the desert. That said, Morocco has mountains above 4,000 meters, two coastlines and a slice of the Sahara, so the right month depends on where you are going and what you want to do. This guide goes through the year region by region and month by month.
The Short Answer
| If you want to… | Go in… |
|---|---|
| See the imperial cities in comfort | March to May, late September to November |
| Sleep in the Sahara | October to April |
| Hike in the High Atlas | May to June, September to October |
| Climb Toubkal without snow | June to September |
| Enjoy the beach | June to September |
| Surf the Atlantic coast | October to March |
| Find the lowest prices | November to February, except the year-end holidays |
Morocco’s Climate by Region
Marrakech and the Inland Cities
Marrakech, Fes and Meknes have hot summers and cool winters. In July and August, afternoons in Marrakech regularly reach 38 to 45°C, and sightseeing is only pleasant early in the morning and after sunset. Winter days are often sunny and mild, around 18 to 20°C, but nights can fall close to freezing and many traditional houses have little heating. Fes and Meknes are wetter in winter than Marrakech.
The Atlantic Coast
The ocean keeps Casablanca, Rabat, Essaouira and Agadir mild all year. Summers are warm rather than hot, winters are cool with some rain in the north. Essaouira is windy from late spring through summer, and mornings on the coast are often misty. The sea is cool even in August.
The North and the Mediterranean
Tangier, Chefchaouen and the Mediterranean coast have a climate close to that of southern Spain: hot dry summers and cool, rainy winters. The Rif mountains are green in spring and can be cold and wet from December to February. The beach season at Al Hoceima and Saidia runs from June to September.
The Atlas Mountains
Temperature drops quickly with altitude. Valleys such as Ourika and villages like Imlil are several degrees cooler than Marrakech, which makes them a refuge in summer. Snow covers the high peaks from about November to April, and the small ski area of Oukaimeden operates in winter when there is enough of it. In the Middle Atlas, Ifrane sees regular snow and hard frosts.
The Sahara and the South
The desert has extreme swings. From June to August, daytime temperatures at Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga often pass 45°C and many camps close. From October to April, days are warm and bright, while winter nights can approach 0°C. Spring sometimes brings strong wind and sandstorms.
Morocco Month by Month
January and February
The coldest months, and the quietest outside the New Year period. Expect sunny days in the south, rain in the north and snow in the mountains. This is a good time for Marrakech, the desert (with warm clothes for the night), Agadir and surfing at Taghazout. In February, almond trees blossom in the valleys of the south. Prices are low and monuments are uncrowded.
March
Spring arrives. The countryside turns green, temperatures rise and days lengthen. It is an excellent month for the cities and the desert. Showers are still possible in the north, and snow remains on the high passes.
April and May
The best all-round period. Warm but not hot, with wildflowers in the mountains and full rivers in the gorges. Easter holidays bring a peak in visitors and prices in April. In May, roses are harvested in the valley near Boumalne Dades, and walking in the Atlas is at its best. By late May the desert is already getting hot.
June
Summer begins. The inland cities become hot, though mornings and evenings remain pleasant. The coasts and mountains are ideal. Several of the country’s music festivals traditionally take place around this time, including the Gnaoua festival in Essaouira.
July and August
Very hot inland and in the desert, which is best avoided. This is high season on the beaches, especially on the Mediterranean and around Agadir, as Moroccan families and Moroccans living abroad take their holidays. Ferries, coastal hotels and roads in the north are busy. For travelers, the best choices are the Atlantic coast, the high mountains, a summer ascent of Toubkal or kitesurfing in Dakhla.
September
The heat eases through the month, the sea is at its warmest and the summer crowds leave. It is a very good month for the coast and the mountains, and from mid-month for the cities.
October and November
The second ideal season. Warm days, soft light and comfortable nights make October perfect for the desert and the southern valleys, where dates are harvested around Zagora and Erfoud. November is cooler, with the first rains in the north and the first snow on the summits, but still very good for the cities and the south. The surf season starts on the Atlantic.
December
Short days and cold nights, with clear winter sunshine in the south. Marrakech and the desert are popular over Christmas and New Year, when prices rise sharply and the best riads and camps sell out weeks ahead. The first half of the month is quiet and good value.
Ramadan and Religious Holidays
Ramadan follows the lunar calendar and moves about eleven days earlier each year, so check its dates for the year of your trip. During the month, most Moroccans fast from dawn to sunset. Travel remains entirely possible and can be a memorable experience, especially at dusk when the fast is broken, but you should expect changes: many cafés and local restaurants close during the day, opening hours of shops and monuments are shorter, and the pace slows in the afternoon. Restaurants in hotels and tourist areas generally stay open. Out of respect, avoid eating, drinking and smoking in the street during daylight.
The two main religious holidays, Eid al-Fitr at the end of Ramadan and Eid al-Adha about ten weeks later, are family celebrations. For two or three days, many businesses close and public transport is crowded as people travel home. Book transport in advance around those dates.
High Season, Low Season and Prices
- Peak periods: Easter, April, October, and the last week of December. Book accommodation and desert camps early.
- Beach high season: July and August on all coasts.
- Low season: mid-November to mid-December and January to February in the cities; June to August in the desert and inland south.
What to Pack by Season
- Spring and autumn: light clothes for the day, a sweater or light jacket for evenings, and a rain layer for the north.
- Summer: loose, light clothing that covers shoulders and knees, a hat, sunscreen and a windproof layer for the Atlantic coast.
- Winter: a warm jacket, layers and warm sleepwear. Houses and desert camps are cold at night.
- All year: comfortable walking shoes and a scarf, useful against sun, sand and cool evenings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hottest month in Morocco?
July and August. Inland cities and the desert are very hot, while the Atlantic coast stays moderate.
Is Morocco worth visiting in winter?
Yes, particularly Marrakech, the south and the desert, which are sunny and quiet. Bring warm clothes for the evenings and expect rain in the north.
When is the best time for a Sahara desert trip?
October, November, March and April offer the best balance of warm days and bearable nights. December to February is also good if you are prepared for the cold after dark.
Does it rain much in Morocco?
Rain falls mainly from November to March and mostly in the north and the mountains. The south is dry for most of the year, and rainfall varies a great deal from one year to the next.