Morocco can be visited all year round, but not in the same way everywhere. Between the snowy peaks of the High Atlas, the Sahara dunes, the medinas of Fez and Marrakech and the windswept Atlantic coast, the climate changes a lot from one region to another. Here is our local guides’ advice on the best time to visit Morocco depending on your itinerary.
In short: spring and autumn are ideal
From March to May and from September to November, Morocco enjoys mild temperatures (20 to 28 °C in the cities), bright skies and, in spring, blooming landscapes. It is the perfect time for a full tour combining the imperial cities, the Atlas and the desert, like our 10-day grand tour of Morocco.
Morocco season by season
| Season | Imperial cities | Desert (Merzouga) | Atlas | Atlantic coast |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar-May) | Ideal, 20-28 °C | Ideal, cool nights | Valleys in bloom | Pleasant |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Hot, 35-40 °C | Very hot by day | Cool, hiking | Ideal, 22-28 °C |
| Autumn (Sep-Nov) | Ideal | Ideal | Beautiful colours | Pleasant, warm sea |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Mild by day, 18 °C | Mild days, cold nights | Snow on the peaks | Mild, windy |
The desert: October to April
For a night in the Merzouga desert, October to April is best. Days are sunny and mild, ideal for a camel ride, while nights can drop close to 0 °C in December and January: bring a fleece, camps provide thick blankets. In summer the desert is still accessible, but you set off early and mostly enjoy the sunset.
Marrakech, Fez and the imperial cities
Marrakech and Fez are lovely in spring and autumn. Winter is also a great option: 18 to 22 °C during the day, quieter medinas and lower prices outside the Christmas holidays. In July and August, afternoons can exceed 40 °C: visit in the morning and evening and keep the middle of the day for the riad courtyard.
The Atlas and Chefchaouen
The High Atlas is magnificent from April to June, when the valleys are green and the almond trees in bloom, and again in September-October. In winter the peaks are snowy and some passes may close for a few hours. In the north, Chefchaouen and the Rif mountains are wetter in winter but very pleasant the rest of the year.
The Atlantic coast in summer
When the interior heats up, the coast stays cool thanks to the trade winds. Essaouira rarely goes above 27 °C in summer: the perfect place to end a tour, like our Marrakech & Essaouira 5-day trip.
Ramadan and holidays: what to know
During Ramadan, whose dates move forward about 11 days each year, most sites stay open and visitors can eat normally in restaurants and hotels. The rhythm of the day changes, and the evenings after the fast is broken are especially warm and lively. Check the dates before booking.
Our tip: for a first trip, aim for April-May or October-November. You will enjoy ideal weather everywhere, from the desert to the Atlas. Tell us your dates and we will adapt the itinerary to the season.
Still unsure? Browse our Morocco tours or contact us: we will advise you for free based on your dates.
