Best Time to Visit Morocco: A Season-by-Season Guide
When to visit Morocco for the desert, the mountains, the coast and the cities, season by season, with what to expect during Ramadan and what to pack.
Morocco is a year-round destination, but the right time to go depends on what you want to do. The country stretches from the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts to the High Atlas and the Sahara, so a warm day in Marrakech can be a cold night in the desert. Here is how the seasons play out across the regions travellers visit most.
Spring: March to May
Spring is one of the best times to visit almost anywhere in Morocco. Days are warm without being hot, the countryside is green after the winter rains and wildflowers cover the lower slopes of the Atlas. It is an excellent season for a desert trip, for hiking in the Rif around Chefchaouen and for exploring the medinas of Fes and Marrakech on foot.
Summer: June to August
Summer is hot inland. Marrakech, Fes and the desert can be very warm in the middle of the day, so sightseeing is best planned for mornings and evenings. The coast is where summer shines: Essaouira stays comparatively fresh thanks to the Atlantic trade winds, and beaches from Agadir to Taghazout fill with families. The mountains also offer cooler air.
Autumn: September to November
Autumn rivals spring as the favourite season. The summer heat eases, the sea is still warm and the light is soft. It is a great time for the desert, for road trips through the Dades and Todra gorges and for the Atlantic coast, where surf conditions around Taghazout start to build.
Winter: December to February
Winter days are often sunny and mild in Marrakech and along the southern coast, which makes the season popular with travellers escaping colder climates. Nights are cold, though, especially in the desert, where temperatures can drop sharply after sunset. Snow falls on the High Atlas, and some mountain roads can close for short periods. For surfers, winter brings some of the most consistent Atlantic swells.
Travelling during Ramadan
The dates of Ramadan follow the lunar calendar, so the month moves about eleven days earlier each year. Travelling during Ramadan is perfectly possible and can be a memorable experience. Some cafés and restaurants close during the day, opening hours may change, and the evenings come alive after sunset when families break the fast. Eating and drinking discreetly in public during the day is a respectful gesture.
What to pack, whatever the season
- Layers, because temperatures change a lot between day and night
- A warm jacket for the desert or the mountains from October to April
- Comfortable walking shoes for medinas and trails
- Sun protection all year round
- Clothing that covers shoulders and knees, which is appreciated in towns, villages and religious sites
Choose your trip by season
- Spring and autumn: desert trips to Merzouga and heritage visits such as Fes Medina and Craft Workshops
- Summer: the Atlantic coast, with a family weekend in Essaouira
- Autumn and winter: surf and sunshine with a surf and yoga week in Taghazout
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