Best Time to Visit Morocco

You may be wondering when the best time to visit Morocco and Marrakech is. A simple answer is: Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November) are ideal times for a trip to Marrakech and tours of Morocco. During these months, the temperatures are pleasantly mild, and there are fewer crowds, making it easier to explore the city and the country. In this article, you will learn in detail what each season has to offer and how to best plan your trip.

Do you want to go on a tour of Morocco? The best months for this are April - May and October and November. The climate is not too hot, and it's pleasant all over the country. The best time to visit Marrakech is during Spring (March to May) and Fall (September to November) when it offers mild temperatures and fewer tourists.

The summer in Marrakech (June to September) is characterized by intense heat, but it can be attractive with its vibrant nightlife and opportunities to cool off in pools.

The winter months (December to February) offer mild weather and fewer tourists, making it a great time for an authentic experience of Marrakech.

Never forget that traveling outside the recommended 'best time' can also be appealing. The regions and places are not as crowded with tourists then, accommodations and rentals are often cheaper. You can always have good or bad luck with the weather - no matter what season.

The best time to travel to Morocco depends on the region you wish to visit. Coastal areas and the interior lie in different regions, so I recommend different travel times for each.

My tip: Visit the saffron harvest in October to November around Marrakech. The Atlas Mountains are also still good to visit then. The temperatures in the Western Sahara are a bit cooler and not so dry hot. The south, especially Marrakech, is a popular travel destination at that time. Unfortunately, accommodations are the most expensive then. Still cheaper than our level.

The main tourist season for Morocco is during the summer holidays in July and August. Especially the French love to travel to this French-speaking country at that time. The low season is generally from May to September.

Tours in northern Morocco for sightseeing and beach holidays are also ideal during these months. With an average of 26 degrees during the day, conditions are perfect.

Do you want to visit Marrakech and the southern regions on a tour? Then avoid the summer months of July and August. It gets very dry and hot then. Not everyone can cope with these conditions.

View tips and highlights for a Morocco tour (backpacking) here

I was in Marrakech at the beginning of November. During the day, it was pleasantly 18 - 20°, and it got fresh at night. A warmer jacket should definitely be in your travel luggage. If you plan an excursion to the Atlas Mountains (which is definitely worth it), you must not forget the warm jacket and possibly rain protection. Here, the temperatures were noticeably cooler.

The west and north can be pleasantly traveled from May to October. Especially along the coast, the Atlantic provides cooling. Temperatures around 26° C are pleasant and ideal.

In the south and east (Western Sahara, Marrakech, and Agadir), it is way too hot for Europeans during the summer months of July and August. Temperatures far above 30° C up to 40° C are then common.

South of the Atlas Mountains, there is a desert climate (very hot). In the coastal region of the Western Sahara, the annual average temperature is 31°C. In summer, the Scirocco blows hot, dusty winds from the Sahara. The hot and dry desert climate is extreme in summer. If you want to travel to the Sahara, the months in autumn, winter, and spring are best for that.

Only along the coast of the Western Sahara is the climate more pleasant, as there is always some wind. You can explore this region well between April and November.

In between lies the Atlas Mountains with a continental climate. Here it can snow heavily in winter, and the temperatures are correspondingly low. The months of March to May as well as October and November are the best travel times.

Between April - May, it is still not too hot, but sandstorms in the Sahara and rain in the north can be troublesome. All other regions can be traveled well during these months.

Here you will find my detailed information for a trip to Marrakech.

To give you a clear idea of the climate in Marrakech, I have created a climate table for you. The average annual temperature in Marrakech is 19.6 °C. On average, the sun shines about 8.6 hours a day. The average temperatures in Marrakech range from 6°C to 37°C. Precipitation varies between 0 and 135 mm.

The highest average daily temperatures in Marrakech in May, June, and July range from 28 to 37 °C, with July being the warmest month at an average of 28.3 °C. From June to September, the average temperatures in Marrakech regularly exceed 30 degrees Celsius, and in the interior, temperatures can rise to 45 degrees in the peak summer.

Marrakech, also known as "the red city," is famous for its temperate climate, which is heavily influenced by the seasons. The city, located in the west of Morocco, offers pleasant weather year-round, making it an ideal travel destination. The climate in Morocco, especially in Marrakech, is shaped by the seasons, which significantly influence the travel weather and determine the ideal times for various travel activities. Weather can vary in the different climate zones of Morocco, but in Marrakech, it's pleasant all year round. Although the weather is pleasant year-round, each season affects the city's attractiveness in its own way.

The best time to travel to Morocco and particularly Marrakech is in spring and fall when temperatures are mild and the tourist crowds are fewer. But summer and winter also have their charms, offering unique experiences not found in other seasons. Let's take a closer look at the weather conditions of each season and find out which activities they best support.

Spring in Marrakech, which lasts from March to May, is a time of renewal and awakening. The city blossoms with a variety of colors and scents flowing from its many gardens and parks. Average daytime high temperatures range from 23 to 27 degrees Celsius, providing ideal conditions for exploring the city's historical sights and attractions.

This season is particularly suitable for visiting the famous historical attractions of Marrakech, such as the Koutoubia Mosque and the Bahia Palace. Guided tours are especially popular during this time and provide an excellent opportunity to learn about the fascinating history and culture of the city. Additionally, there is less tourist density during these months, allowing you to enjoy the city's beauty in peace.

Summer in Marrakech, lasting from June to September, is a time of intense heat and radiant sunshine. Despite the high temperatures, which often exceed 35 degrees Celsius, summer attracts many tourists with its long, sunny days and low precipitation. The highest temperatures in Marrakech during the summer often exceed 35 degrees Celsius. Even at night, temperatures rarely drop below 15 degrees Celsius.

During this time, temperatures in the south can often exceed 40°C due to the Scirocco winds. Although the summer heat can be unbearable for some, it also allows for the experience of the city's vibrant nightlife and enjoying warm nights under the stars. Despite the heat, spring and fall are recommended as the best times to travel to avoid the extreme summer heat.

For explorations of cities like Marrakech or Essaouira, I would advise against summer.

Autumn, lasting from September to November, offers ideal conditions for city and culture lovers. The temperatures are mild and pleasant, and the city is less crowded, making it ideal for tours and exploring Marrakech.

This season provides the perfect opportunity to familiarize yourself with the culture and traditions of Morocco. Tours through the old medina, its narrow streets, and diverse markets like the Souk Semmarine are particularly popular.

However, you should note that from November to April, an average of four rainy days per month can be expected in Marrakech.

Winter in Marrakech, lasting from December to February, is a time of tranquility and relaxation. The city is less crowded, and the temperatures are mild, allowing for a relaxed trip. Winter has pleasant mild maximum temperatures around 20°C and minimum temperatures around 6°C, which is ideal if you prefer cooler temperatures.

At night, temperatures in January, the coldest month, can drop to an average of 5.9 °C. Despite the cooler temperatures, winter is an excellent time to visit Marrakech, particularly for those who wish to avoid mass tourism and experience the city in its most authentic state. Pack a warm jacket, and the red city and "Pearl of the South" in the southwest of Morocco are ideal. In summer, it gets very hot in Marrakech with temperatures reaching up to 50°. Then it is very dry.

My tips: The best time to discover the city is from mid-February to mid-May or from late September to mid-November. During this time, temperatures are pleasant (20° to 25°), there is little rain, and lots of sunshine. If you come in December - January, you can expect winter sunshine and temperatures up to 20°, but there are also occasional rain showers and it snows in the Atlas Mountains.

View attractions for Marrakech with tips & tricks here

The best time to book accommodations and flights to Marrakech is outside of peak season to secure better prices and availability. This typically means booking at least three to six months in advance.

It is also important to consider travel times, as flight and accommodation prices can rise in various vacation regions during holiday and peak season.

LOOKING FOR A HOTEL? For finding a good hotel, we recommend the platform Booking.com. We always book our accommodations on this platform or directly with American Express, as we receive additional discounts with the American Express Platinum credit card (see details, it's only worth it for frequent travelers).

Essaouira is always worth a visit, but for the weather, I would recommend the time from March to mid-November. During this time, it rarely rains, and the pleasant temperatures allow you to experience the city in all its beauty.

However, if you are mainly coming for water sports (kitesurfing or surfing) or for swimming in Essaouira, you should plan your visit during the summer months. Because despite strong sun, the Atlantic Ocean can be very fresh even in late spring. Music fans should definitely plan their visit around the time of the Gnaoua Festival.

Another helpful tip is to research in advance when Ramadan begins and thus the fasting period starts. During the fasting month of Ramadan, restaurants and cafes (throughout Morocco) are usually completely closed during the day and only open in the evening at the start of the Iftar.

When is your favorite travel time for the beautiful North African country?

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