Skip to content
Winds of Morocco

Trip planning

The Best Time to Visit Morocco

Spring and autumn suit most itineraries, but the right season depends on where you go: the desert, the Atlas, the Atlantic coast or the imperial cities.

By Winds of Morocco Editorial TeamPublished September 15, 20262 min read

Palm oasis and earthen kasbah below the mountains of southern Morocco
Photo: Unsplash

Quick answer

The best time to visit Morocco for most itineraries is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when cities, the desert and the mountains are all comfortable. Summer is very hot inland but pleasant on the Atlantic coast, while winter brings mild days in Marrakech and Agadir, cold nights in the desert and snow in the Atlas.

On this page

Morocco's climate varies sharply between the coast, the mountains and the desert. A week in April can involve warm afternoons in Marrakech, snow on the Atlas passes and cool evenings in the Sahara. Plan by region, not just by month.

Spring (March to May)

Spring is the most popular season for good reason. Temperatures in the imperial cities are comfortable for walking, the countryside is green, and the desert is warm by day without being extreme. The Rif around Chefchaouen is at its most beautiful.

Expect higher demand for accommodation, especially around European school holidays. Book riads and desert tours early.

Summer (June to August)

Inland cities such as Marrakech and Fes become very hot in the afternoon, and the desert is best avoided in the middle of the day. The Atlantic coast is the place to be: Essaouira stays relatively cool thanks to ocean winds, and Agadir and Tangier are busy with holidaymakers.

  • Sightsee early in the morning and in the evening.
  • Choose accommodation with air conditioning or a pool.
  • Summer is peak season for kitesurfing in Essaouira.

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn mirrors spring: warm, settled weather across most regions and a good time for combining cities with a desert trip. The sea is still warm on the coast in early autumn.

Winter (December to February)

Winter days in Marrakech and Agadir are often sunny and mild, which makes Agadir popular with visitors escaping northern Europe. Nights, however, are cold everywhere inland, and very cold in the desert. Snow can close high mountain passes such as the Tizi n'Tichka for periods of time.

Traditional riads can feel chilly, so check that rooms are heated.

Ramadan

Ramadan follows the Islamic lunar calendar, so its dates move earlier by around 11 days each year. Morocco remains open to visitors, but daytime rhythms slow down, some restaurants close during the day and evenings after sunset become lively. Morocco also switches its clocks during Ramadan, so double-check transport times.

Best time by destination

DestinationBest monthsNotes
MarrakechMarch–May, September–NovemberVery hot summer afternoons
FesMarch–May, September–NovemberCold, sometimes wet winters
Sahara (Merzouga)October–AprilVery cold nights in midwinter
EssaouiraYear-roundWindiest in summer
AgadirYear-roundPopular winter sun destination
ChefchaouenApril–June, September–OctoberCold, rainy winters

For destination-specific advice, see our guides to Marrakech, Essaouira and Chefchaouen.

Frequently asked questions

What is the hottest month in Morocco?

July and August are typically the hottest months inland, especially in Marrakech, Fes and the desert. The Atlantic coast stays noticeably cooler.

Is winter a good time to visit Morocco?

Winter can be a good time for Marrakech and Agadir, with mild sunny days and fewer crowds, but pack warm layers for cold nights and check heating in riads. Desert nights are very cold.

Sources

By

Winds of Morocco Editorial Team

The Winds of Morocco editorial team researches, writes and updates our guides, checking practical details against official and reputable sources.