When is the best time to visit Morocco?

Visiting Morocco in March

The weather in March is much like the start of spring in any country. With flowers coming out and the sun shining, the weather is generally between 10°C and 20°C depending on the region, although it can become cooler. Snow and rain become rare at this time of year, but it would be best to pack clothing for all scenarios, as it can be unpredictable.

Visiting Morocco in April - May

This is a popular time to visit due to the favourable spring weather of between 15°C and 35°C from the High Atlas Mountains to the desert. Given the diversity of the landscape, weather can differ significantly from place to place and this is particularly true in spring when showers are common. Labour Day is held on the 1st May. This can lead to the closing of some shops, banks and local schools, which can mean the main sites are busier with locals.

Events & Festivals

• Gnaoua and Sacred World Music festivals (May): Held in Essaouira and Fez respectively. The former unites historical Gnaoua musicians with modern day music, while the latter promotes spirituality and tolerance through music.
• Ramadan (April to May): While it can disrupt your daily routine, if you are fascinated by different cultures and religions, the religious month of Ramadan is an exciting time to visit. The breaking of the fast at sundown is an electric experience.

Visiting Morocco in June

June is one of the hotter months in Morocco, however, different regions like Essaouira and Tangier still stay relatively cool because they’re situated on the coast. If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, Morocco is great to visit in June because tourism is relatively low compared to some of the other months. This is the last month to visit the desert region before there's an influx of insects and snakes in July and August, as well as often unbearable heat.

Visiting Morocco in July - August

July and August are the hottest months in Morocco so are not the ideal months to visit; however, they should not be ruled out. If you’re looking to escape the unpredictable British summers then this is a great time to visit. Coinciding with the school holidays makes this a popular time for families; as such, many hotels and riads do get booked up in advance, particularly those with swimming pools.

Daytime temperatures can reach the mid-40°Cs, so exploring and sightseeing is best done in the morning or evening, making this is a good time to combine activities and relaxation. This is also a great time to visit the Atlantic coast, which at other times of year can feel on the chilly side. 

Whether you are seeking water sports or delicious seafood, Essaouira is a summer highlight. The Atlas Mountains are cooler than the cities, although still very hot. While summer is not ideal if you're wanting to do serious trekking, it is great for short morning walks and lying by a pool with panoramic mountain views.

Visiting Morocco in September

Cooling down after the hot summer months, September is an ideal time to visit Morocco as you can enjoy the pleasant warm weather and clear blue skies the country offers as it heads into autumn. The beaches are not as busy from local holidaymakers, the cities welcome gentle breezes and exploring the desert becomes pleasant again.

Events & Festivals

• Eid al–Adha (September): The 'Feast of Sacrifice' is celebrated by Muslims over three days. Animals are sacrificed in honour of Abraham throughout the country and shops shut down as families gather together, making it a different but interesting time to visit.

Visiting Morocco in October

October is one of the best months to visit Morocco, as temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. This is a great month for hiking in the mountains and visiting the Atlantic coast, with temperatures dropping in November and Essaouira becoming very windy. As such, October is a month that books up quickly, and trips for this time of year should be organised far in advance. 

Visiting Morocco in November - December

The latter months of the year are a great window to explore the imperial cities of Morocco. The sunny but cooler days provide a comfortable climate to discover the colourful sights and sounds of Marrakesh and Fez. Other regional centres, such as the coastal town of Essaouira and the High Atlas Mountains, are not to be missed either, but coastal winds and potential snow in the mountains will naturally bring colder weather; particularly in the evenings. One thing to bear in mind when considering travelling during the winter months is that not all riads — particularly not those in the north of the country — have adequate heating, so it's advisable to bring warm layers of clothing.

Events & Festivals

• The International Film Festival: Held annually to promote and celebrate all forms of cinema, the festival was established in 2001 by King Mohammed VI, and takes place in Marrakesh.