September 22, 2025ALI YAKOUBI

Best Time to Visit Morocco: Weather & Tourism Insights

With your compass pointing toward Morocco, the final step is choosing the Best Time to visit Morocco while weighing weather, must-see sights, and overall tourism rhythms during your visit. This guide walks you through the ideal months to explore Morocco’s imperial cities, coasts, mountains, and desert.

Morocco is varied… but how warm does it get?

The month you choose to visit Morocco—and the regions you plan to explore—shapes your entire experience.
Because conditions range from snowy peaks in the Atlas to balmy Atlantic beaches and sun-baked Saharan dunes, it’s wise to time your visit carefully. Below you’ll find a month-by-month look at Morocco, including peak periods to dodge and key holidays to note.

When is the Best Time to Visit Morocco?

The quick answer: March to May and September to November. Following the Northern Hemisphere seasons:

Late November to February is winter.
March to May is spring.
June to August is summer.
September to early November is autumn.

Looking at typical temperatures in Marrakech—a popular base—you can see why shoulder and cooler seasons draw the biggest crowds:

Spring average temperatures: ~20–24°C (68–75°F)
Summer average temperatures: ~28–32°C (82–90°F)
Fall average temperatures: ~22–26°C (72–79°F)
Winter average temperatures: ~12–15°C (54–59°F)

If intense heat isn’t your thing, lean toward winter and the edges of spring and fall. If you can handle warmth and prefer thinner crowds, early spring and late autumn are comfortable times to wander the medinas and monuments.

Peak Tourist Season in Morocco

The highest visitor numbers usually arrive in spring and fall—especially in Marrakech, Fes, and Chefchaouen—when daytime temperatures are pleasant for city sightseeing and day trips. Coastal hubs like Essaouira, Agadir, and Tangier enjoy their own popularity waves from late spring through early fall, thanks to steady breezes and beach days. Interior destinations can be sweltering at midsummer; the coast is milder but more humid. Winter brings more rain on the Atlantic rim and snow to higher elevations.

To sidestep peak crowds, aim for March, April, October, or November for the cities; June and September can be sweet spots on the coast.

Should You Visit Morocco in the Summer?

Expect serious heat inland in July and August—Marrakech and Fes can be toasty, and the Sahara is scorching. Even locals pace themselves in midsummer afternoons. Coastal towns feel easier thanks to the ocean breeze, but humidity rises. If you’re traveling with young children and aren’t planning a beach-first itinerary, midsummer can be challenging away from the water.

Best Time to Visit Morocco by Location

Imperial Cities (Marrakech, Fes, Meknes, Rabat)

These cultural heavyweights are mostly inland.

Best time for the cities: March, April, May, late September, October, or November for walkable temperatures and lively souks.

Tough time for the cities: June to August can feel overwhelming in the midday sun; early September may still be hot for heat-sensitive travelers.

Sahara Desert (Merzouga/Erg Chebbi, Zagora/Erg Chigaga)

A camel trek or desert camp is a highlight, but timing is everything.
Best time for the Sahara: March and April, or October and November—cooler evenings and manageable daytime warmth.

Tough time for the Sahara: June to August is extremely hot; mid-winter nights can be very cold.

Atlantic Coast (Essaouira, Agadir, Taghazout)

Surf, seafood, and seaside promenades define Morocco’s west coast.

Best time for the Atlantic: May, June, September, and October—pleasant temperatures and reliable breezes.

Tough time for the Atlantic: July and August can be crowded and humid; December to February is cooler and wetter, with rougher seas.

Mediterranean Coast (Tangier, Tetouan, Al Hoceima)

Warmer waters and dramatic coves characterize the north.

Best time for the Mediterranean: Late spring to early summer (May–June) and September for warm water and fewer crowds.

Tough time for the Mediterranean: Late July and August bring heavier crowds and stickier heat; mid-winter can be rainy and cool.

Atlas Mountains (High Atlas, Middle Atlas, Rif)

Trekking, villages, and crisp air await in the ranges.

Best time for the Atlas: April to June and late September to October—clear trails and moderate temperatures.

Tough time for the Atlas: Peak summer can be hot at lower elevations; winter brings snow, ice, and trail closures at altitude.

Month-by-Month Breakdown of when to visit Morocco

Need a calendar view to pinpoint the Best Time to visit Morocco? Here’s a month-by-month rundown.

January – excellent for city sightseeing with lighter crowds; chilly in the mountains and damp on the coast.
February – comfortable for Marrakech and Fes; snow sports possible in the High Atlas (e.g., Oukaïmeden) when conditions allow.
March – prime for cultural touring and desert trips before serious heat arrives.
April – great for the Sahara, the Atlas foothills, and coastal escapes—warm but not oppressive.
May – classic month across Morocco: blooming valleys (think Rose Valley) and lively festivals.
June – lean coastal or mountain; inland afternoons are hot.
July – one of the hottest periods; stick to breezy shores or plan early/late city strolls.
August – similar to July; beach towns shine, but urban heat lingers inland.
September – easing off summer heat; wonderful for city breaks and surf, though early in the month can still be warm.
October – arguably the standout month for the Sahara, cities, and treks—pleasant days and cooler nights.
November – mild for monuments and medinas; watch for early winter showers on the Atlantic.
December – cozy for riad stays and cultural visits inland; coasts are cool and sometimes stormy—crowds rise around year-end holidays.

Important Dates When Traveling to Morocco

Your Best Time to visit Morocco may overlap with cultural seasons and festivals—great opportunities if you plan ahead.

Ramadan (ninth month of the Islamic calendar): Daytime fasting means some cafés and shops adjust hours; tourist services generally keep operating. Be discreet about eating and drinking in public.
Eid al-Fitr & Eid al-Adha: Major holidays that can affect opening times and transport demand.
Throne Day (July 30) and Independence Day (November 18): National celebrations; expect festivities and possible closures.
Festival season: Rose Festival in the Dades/Kelaa M’Gouna area (usually May); Gnaoua & World Music Festival in Essaouira (often early summer); Mawazine in Rabat (typically late spring/early summer).
Weather notes: Atlantic rains and bigger swells arrive from roughly November to February; hot, dry winds (the local “chergui”) can push temps higher inland late summer; occasional sand or dust events affect the desert and far south.

Best Time to Book a Morocco Vacation

If you’re targeting spring or fall, secure lodging well in advance—riads and boutique stays fill quickly. Booking flights 2–6 months ahead often yields better fares on popular routes. For summer beach trips or winter city breaks, you’ll find more availability, but still compare options early for the best choices.

Other FAQs about visiting Morocco

What is The Best Month to Visit Morocco?

If we had to crown just one, October edges it: warm days, cooler nights, and fewer extremes than midsummer or midwinter.

What is The Hottest Month in Morocco?

Late July and August are typically the hottest, especially inland; temperatures can spike well above 40°C in parts of the south and interior.

Which Month is Cheapest to Visit Morocco?

Deep winter (January–February) and peak summer (July–August) often bring lower rates away from beach hot spots; spring and fall are priciest. Morocco can still be budget-friendly with savvy planning.

When Should You visit the Sahara Dunes in Morocco?

Aim for October or November, or March and April for comfortable days and crisp stargazing nights. December to February is doable, but pack for cold evenings.

Is Morocco Cheap or Expensive?

Overall, Morocco can be very affordable. Shoestring travelers can keep daily costs modest in cities and smaller towns, while upscale riads and luxury desert camps offer premium experiences if you’re splurging.

How Long Should You Stay in Morocco?

It depends on your wish list. Quick highlights fit into 5–7 days (one region or a city plus a side trip). For a richer loop—cities, mountains, and desert—8–10 days is a sweet spot; two weeks lets you slow down.

Best Times to Visit Morocco – Monthly Guides

Explore the Best Time to visit Morocco with monthly pointers to catch its colors, flavors, and landscapes at their most inviting.

ALI YAKOUBI

Ali Yakoubi, Senior Tour Operator & Travel Guide in Morocco, has spent years designing and leading immersive journeys across the country—from Marrakech’s medinas to the Atlas Mountains and Sahara dunes. With a background in tourism and hospitality, Ali excels at crafting detailed, worry-free itineraries, coordinating trusted local partners, and turning complex logistics into smooth experiences. Beyond guiding, he shapes product strategy and quality standards for tour programs, ensuring every trip is authentic, safe, and thoughtfully planned for travelers of all styles.