The best time to visit Morocco is during spring (mid-March to May) or autumn (September to October). The weather is warm but pleasant. The winters can be very cold with snow in the mountains. The summers can be very hot.

The High Atlas Mountains can also be visited all year round, although it does get cold in winter. The summer may still be a bit hot to embark on any long-distance hikes, but if the heat doesn’t bother you then conditions are fine any time between April and October. Outside these months, there is snow on the peaks, which makes hiking more dangerous, but creates some spectacular panoramas.

The coastal regions can be visited year-round. In the winter they are pleasantly mild, while in the summer temperatures can be around the mid-20°Cs. Basically, you can enjoy the highlights of Morocco from September to June. We put together a Month by Month overview for travelling in Morocco:

Visiting Morocco in January – February

A great time to visit if you prefer to travel away from crowds, allowing you to see Moroccans going about their daily life more authentically than during the hotter months. It is generally sunny and mild, but there is the chance of rain (good for wildflowers), and snow in the mountains. The desert is perfect for visiting now, but gets very cold at night.

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 spring weather between 15°C and 35°C from the Hight 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 depending on the moon calendar): 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. Some cities in the northern part of Morocco is ideal to visit. You can have some fresh fish in the city of Asilah or go diving in Belyounech. 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 in the south, 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 like Essaouira or the village of Sidi Kaouki.

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 (Around September, changes every year depending on the moon calendar): 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 and becoming very windy later on. As such, October is a month that books up quickly, and trips for this time of year should be organized 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 Marrakech and Fez. Other regional centres, such as the coastal town of Essaouira and the 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.

Events & Festivals

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