“When should we go?” We hear this question in almost every enquiry. The answer depends on where in Morocco you want to go. Between the Atlantic coast, the peaks of the High Atlas and the dunes of the Sahara there are sometimes only a few hours of driving, but completely different weather. Here is the best time to visit Morocco by region, month and type of trip.
The short answer
For a classic Morocco tour with imperial cities, Atlas and desert, March to May and September to November are ideal. Days are warm and sunny, nights in the desert are pleasant, and in spring the almond trees and roses are in bloom. But winter has many fans too: fewer tourists, clear air and snow on the Atlas peaks.
Four climate zones in one country
- Atlantic coast (Casablanca, Rabat, Essaouira, Agadir): mild all year. Rarely above 28 degrees in summer, often windy in Essaouira.
- Imperial cities and Marrakech: hot summers up to 40 degrees, mild winters with 18 to 20 degrees during the day and cool nights.
- High Atlas (Imlil, Toubkal, Tichka pass): cool to cold. From December to March there is often snow above 2,500 metres.
- Sahara (Merzouga, Zagora, Chegaga): dry. Very hot summers, mild winter days but nights close to 0 degrees.
Morocco weather month by month
| Month | Marrakech (day) | Sahara (day / night) | Our verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | approx. 18 °C | 18 °C / 2 °C | Sunny, cold nights, snow in the Atlas |
| February | approx. 20 °C | 21 °C / 5 °C | Almond blossom, good time to travel |
| March | approx. 23 °C | 25 °C / 9 °C | Very good |
| April | approx. 25 °C | 29 °C / 13 °C | Ideal, book Easter early |
| May | approx. 29 °C | 33 °C / 17 °C | Ideal, rose festival in the Dades Valley |
| June | approx. 33 °C | 38 °C / 22 °C | Hot, coast and mountains pleasant |
| July | approx. 37 °C | 43 °C / 26 °C | Very hot in the south |
| August | approx. 37 °C | 41 °C / 25 °C | Very hot in the south |
| September | approx. 32 °C | 36 °C / 20 °C | Good from mid-month |
| October | approx. 28 °C | 30 °C / 14 °C | Ideal |
| November | approx. 22 °C | 23 °C / 8 °C | Very good, quiet |
| December | approx. 19 °C | 19 °C / 3 °C | Sunny, book Christmas early |
These are average values and can vary from year to year.
Best time by type of trip
Desert tour and a night in a desert camp
Best from October to April. In spring and autumn the nights are pleasant too. In winter bring a warm jacket; the tents have thick blankets. More in our article on the Merzouga desert tour.
Trekking in the Atlas and Toubkal
For Toubkal from Imlil without snow gear, May to October is best. Desert trekking in Chegaga and in Jbel Saghro suits October to April, when it is not too hot in the south.
Imperial cities and Marrakech
Marrakech, Fes and Rabat can be visited almost all year. Only in July and August do the medinas get very hot in the afternoon. We then plan sightseeing in the morning and the midday break at a riad with a pool.
Tour with the Atlantic coast
Essaouira is a year-round destination. In summer it is much cooler there than inland, perfect for the end of a long tour.
Already know when you are travelling?
Then tell us the dates and your wishes. We will suggest the right route for the season.
Plan my own tripRamadan and holidays
During Ramadan many Moroccans fast from sunrise to sunset. For travellers this is no problem: hotels, riads and tourist restaurants stay open. Some shops close earlier, and in the evening after the fast is broken the atmosphere in the streets is especially lovely. Around Easter, the autumn half-term and Christmas accommodation fills up quickly. It is best to enquire two to three months ahead.
Also read our Morocco travel tips on clothing, money and safety.
Questions about the weather?
Write to us. We are on the ground and will tell you honestly what it is like right now.
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