Best Time to Visit Morocco
Best Time to Visit Morocco
The best time to visit Morocco is in the spring (mid-March to May) or autumn (September to October). The weather is warm but pleasant, in contrast to the cold temperatures and snow in winter or the scorching heat of summer.
The coastal regions can be visited year-round. In winter, they are pleasantly mild, while summer temperatures hover around 70°F.
The High Atlas Mountains are also accessible all year, though winter brings cold weather. Summer can still be too hot for long hikes, but if you don’t mind the heat, conditions are good from April to October. Outside these months, snow covers the peaks, making hiking more dangerous but offering spectacular panoramas.
The Islamic festival of Ramadan impacts travel in Morocco. Dates vary each year, so it’s worth considering them when planning your trip.
Visiting Morocco in January – February
This is a great time to visit if you prefer to travel away from the crowds and experience authentic Moroccan life, which is less visible in the hotter months. It’s mostly sunny and mild, though it can rain (good for wildflowers), and there might be snow in the mountains. The desert is ideal now, but nights are very cold.
Visiting Morocco in March
The weather in March resembles early spring in many countries. With blooming flowers and sunshine, temperatures range from 50°F to 68°F, depending on the region, but it can be cooler. Snow and rain are rare this time of year, but packing clothes for all scenarios is advisable due to the unpredictable weather.
Visiting Morocco in April – May
This is a popular travel time due to the favorable spring weather, with temperatures between 59°F and 95°F, from the High Atlas Mountains to the desert. The diverse landscape means the weather can vary greatly, especially in spring when showers are common. May 1st is Labor Day, leading to the closure of some shops, banks, and schools, making major attractions busier with locals.
Events & Festivals
- Gnaoua and Sacred World Music Festivals (May): Held in Essaouira and Fès. The former combines historic Gnaoua musicians with modern music, while the latter promotes spirituality and tolerance through music.
- Ramadan (Fri, Feb 28, 2025 – Sat, Mar 29, 2025): Though it may disrupt your daily routine, the religious month of Ramadan is an exciting time to visit if you’re interested in different cultures and religions. Breaking the fast at sunset is an electrifying experience.
Visiting Morocco in June
June is one of the hotter months in Morocco, but coastal areas like Essaouira and Tangier remain relatively cool. If you seek peace and tranquility, June is great for visiting, as tourism is relatively low. This is the last month to visit the desert before July and August bring an influx of insects, snakes, and often unbearable heat.
Visiting Morocco in July – August
July and August are the hottest months and not the ideal time to visit. However, if you want to escape the unpredictable U.S. summer, this is a great time. It coincides with school holidays, making it a popular time for families, so many hotels and riads, especially those with pools, book up in advance. Daytime temperatures can exceed 109°F, so it’s best to explore in the mornings or evenings. It’s also a good time to visit the Atlantic coast, which can be cool at other times. Whether you seek water sports or delicious seafood, Essaouira is a summer highlight. The Atlas Mountains are cooler than the cities, though still very hot. While summer isn’t ideal for serious hiking, it’s great for short morning hikes and relaxing by the pool with mountain views.
Visiting Morocco in September
After the hot summer, September cools down, making it an ideal time to visit Morocco. You can enjoy pleasant warm weather and clear blue skies as the country transitions into autumn. The beaches are less crowded with local vacationers, the cities are refreshed by gentle breezes, and desert exploration becomes enjoyable again.
Events & Festivals
- Eid al-Adha (September): The ‘Festival of Sacrifice’ is celebrated by Muslims over three days. Animals are sacrificed in honor of Abraham across the country, and businesses close as families gather, offering a unique and interesting time for a visit.
Visiting Morocco in October
October is one of the best months to visit Morocco, with cooler, more pleasant temperatures for sightseeing. It’s a great month for mountain hiking and visiting the Atlantic coast, with falling temperatures in November and strong winds in Essaouira. Therefore, October bookings fill up quickly, and travel plans should be organized well in advance.
Visiting Morocco in November – December
The last months of the year are a great time to explore Morocco’s imperial cities. The sunny but cooler days provide a pleasant climate for discovering the colorful sights and sounds of Marrakech and Fès. Other regional centers like the coastal town of Essaouira and the High Atlas Mountains are also not to be missed, but coastal winds and possible snow in the mountains bring colder weather, especially in the evenings. One thing to note when traveling in winter is that not all riads, particularly in the north, are adequately heated, so packing warm clothes is advisable.
Events & Festivals
- International Film Festival: Annually promoting and celebrating all forms of cinema, the festival was launched by King Mohammed VI in 2001 and is held in Marrakech.
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