Best Time to Visit Morocco

Your Seasonal Guide to Morocco's Climate & Travel Conditions

Morocco's Climate Overview

Morocco's diverse geography creates a wide range of climates across the country. From the Mediterranean coast to the Sahara Desert and the Atlas Mountains, each region has its own optimal travel season.

Generally, the best times to visit Morocco are during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when temperatures are pleasant throughout most of the country. However, your ideal travel time depends on your destination and planned activities.

300+ Sunny Days Annually
Mild Winters
Varied Regional Climates
Limited Rainfall

Quick Guide

Best Overall: Spring & Autumn
Shoulder Seasons: Good with some trade-offs
Peak Season: Higher prices & crowds
Low Season: Best deals, some limitations

Morocco's Seasons

A detailed breakdown of what to expect during each season in Morocco.

Spring (March - May)

Temperatures: 15°C - 25°C (59°F - 77°F)

Spring is arguably the best time to visit Morocco. The weather is pleasantly warm without being too hot, and the landscape is lush and green after winter rains. Wildflowers bloom across the countryside, creating beautiful scenery.

Pros:

  • Pleasant temperatures throughout the country
  • Beautiful green landscapes and blooming flowers
  • Ideal for hiking in the Atlas Mountains
  • Good conditions for desert tours

Cons:

  • Can be crowded during Easter holidays
  • Occasional rain in northern regions

Best For:

Hiking Desert Tours City Exploration Photography

Summer (June - August)

Temperatures: 25°C - 40°C+ (77°F - 104°F+)

Summer brings intense heat to most of Morocco, especially in inland areas and the desert. Coastal regions remain more temperate, making them popular summer destinations. This is the low season for most tourism except in coastal areas.

Pros:

  • Lower prices and fewer crowds inland
  • Great for beach holidays on the coast
  • Long daylight hours for sightseeing
  • Festivals and cultural events

Cons:

  • Extreme heat in desert and inland cities
  • Not suitable for strenuous activities
  • Coastal areas can be crowded

Best For:

Beach Holidays Coastal Cities Festivals Budget Travel

Autumn (September - November)

Temperatures: 18°C - 28°C (64°F - 82°F)

Autumn is another excellent time to visit Morocco. The summer heat subsides, making conditions comfortable for exploring cities, mountains, and desert regions. The harvest season brings fresh produce and cultural celebrations.

Pros:

  • Pleasant temperatures throughout Morocco
  • Ideal for all types of travel and activities
  • Beautiful autumn colors in northern regions
  • Harvest festivals and cultural events

Cons:

  • Can be busy, especially in October
  • Days become shorter as season progresses

Best For:

All Activities Cultural Tours Desert Trips Mountain Trekking

Winter (December - February)

Temperatures: 8°C - 20°C (46°F - 68°F)

Winter brings cooler temperatures and occasional rain to coastal and northern regions, while the Sahara Desert experiences cold nights. The Atlas Mountains receive snow, creating opportunities for winter sports. Southern regions remain mild and pleasant.

Pros:

  • Lower prices and fewer tourists
  • Mild temperatures in southern regions
  • Skiing opportunities in the Atlas Mountains
  • Clear skies for stargazing in the desert

Cons:

  • Cold nights in desert and mountain regions
  • Rain in northern coastal areas
  • Some mountain passes may be closed
  • Shorter daylight hours

Best For:

Skiing Southern Morocco Cultural Immersion Stargazing

Regional Climate Guide

Morocco's diverse geography means weather varies significantly by region.

Imperial Cities

Marrakech, Fes, Meknes, Rabat

Best Time: Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Summer Temp: 30°C - 40°C (86°F - 104°F)
Winter Temp: 8°C - 20°C (46°F - 68°F)

Inland cities experience hot summers and mild winters. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions for exploring medinas and historical sites.

Coastal Areas

Essaouira, Casablanca, Tangier

Best Time: May-Oct
Summer Temp: 22°C - 28°C (72°F - 82°F)
Winter Temp: 10°C - 17°C (50°F - 63°F)

Coastal regions enjoy milder temperatures year-round with refreshing sea breezes. Summers are comfortable while winters can be rainy but rarely cold.

Atlas Mountains

Toubkal, Imlil, Ourika Valley

Best Time: May-Jun, Sep-Oct
Summer Temp: 15°C - 30°C (59°F - 86°F)
Winter Temp: -5°C - 10°C (23°F - 50°F)

Mountain weather varies with altitude. Summer offers the best trekking conditions, while winter brings snow for skiing. Always be prepared for sudden weather changes.

Sahara Desert

Merzouga, Zagora, M'Hamid

Best Time: Oct-Apr
Summer Temp: 35°C - 45°C+ (95°F - 113°F+)
Winter Temp: 5°C - 20°C (41°F - 68°F)

The desert experiences extreme temperature variations. Days can be hot while nights are cold, especially in winter. Avoid summer months due to extreme heat.

Northern Morocco

Chefchaouen, Tetouan, Rif Mountains

Best Time: Apr-Jun, Sep-Oct
Summer Temp: 25°C - 35°C (77°F - 95°F)
Winter Temp: 5°C - 15°C (41°F - 59°F)

The north has a Mediterranean climate with more rainfall than other regions. Springs are particularly beautiful with lush green landscapes and blooming flowers.

Southern Morocco

Ouarzazate, Taroudant, Tafraoute

Best Time: Oct-Apr
Summer Temp: 30°C - 40°C (86°F - 104°F)
Winter Temp: 10°C - 25°C (50°F - 77°F)

Southern regions enjoy warm, sunny weather for most of the year. Winters are mild and pleasant, making this an ideal winter sun destination.

Monthly Weather Guide

A detailed month-by-month breakdown of Morocco's climate.

Month Marrakech Fes Essaouira Merzouga Travel Advice
January 8-18°C 6-16°C 10-17°C 5-20°C Cold nights, good for southern regions
February 9-19°C 7-17°C 11-18°C 7-22°C Almond blossoms, still cool
March 11-22°C 9-19°C 12-19°C 10-25°C Spring begins, good for travel
April 13-24°C 11-21°C 13-20°C 14-29°C Ideal conditions, flowers bloom
May 16-28°C 14-24°C 15-21°C 18-33°C Perfect weather, peak season begins
June 19-32°C 17-28°C 17-22°C 22-38°C Hot inland, pleasant coast
July 22-37°C 20-33°C 19-23°C 25-41°C Very hot, best for coast
August 22-37°C 20-33°C 19-23°C 24-40°C Peak heat, coastal areas popular
September 19-32°C 18-29°C 18-23°C 21-36°C Heat subsides, excellent for travel
October 16-27°C 15-24°C 16-22°C 16-31°C Ideal conditions, harvest season
November 12-22°C 11-19°C 14-20°C 11-25°C Cooler, still good for travel
December 9-19°C 8-17°C 12-18°C 7-21°C Cold nights, good for southern regions

Festivals & Special Events

Plan your visit around Morocco's vibrant cultural calendar.

Spring Events

  • Mar-Apr Almond Blossom Festival - Tafraoute
  • Apr Rose Festival - Kelaa M'Gouna
  • May Cherry Festival - Sefrou
  • May-Jun Gnaoua World Music Festival - Essaouira

Summer Events

  • Jun Festival of Sacred Music - Fes
  • Jul National Festival of Popular Arts - Marrakech
  • Aug Honey Festival - Immouzzer
  • Aug Wedding Festival - Imilchil

Autumn Events

  • Sep Date Festival - Erfoud
  • Oct International Film Festival - Marrakech
  • Nov Olive Festival - Rif Mountains
  • Nov Independence Day Celebrations - Nationwide

Ready to Plan Your Moroccan Adventure?

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