Best time to visit Morocco: Weather, Seasons and Travel Tips
Planning a trip to Morocco but not sure when to go? With its diverse landscapes ranging from sun-soaked deserts to breezy Atlantic coastlines, Morocco offers something unique in every season.
Depending on whether you’re interested in wandering the medinas of Marrakech, surfing the waves of the Atlantic or camping under the stars in the Sahara, choosing which season to visit can make a big difference in your experience.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the seasonal differences in Morocco’s weather, highlight the best month for specific activities, and share tips so you can visit during the season best for your trip type.
Autumn (Fall) in Morocco (September - November) 🍂
I visited Morocco in autumn, and it turned out to be the perfect season for the kind of trip I wanted - an extension of summer, especially as we knew we were heading back to northern Europe for much cooler weather in late September.
In mid-September, we had warm but not scorching weather (think tops of 30°C) for exploring Marrakech and learning about Berber culture from local villages on the way to the Sahara Desert, although we did get a bit of rain on our last day returning from our 3 day Sahara Desert Tour. If we had gone a bit later in October, this would have been the best time for comfortable weather in Marrakech and the Sahara Desert.
The days were sunny and comfortably warm with temperatures ranging from 17–25°C. Cooler evenings meant that made it easier to sleep - even in the desert. I felt like the temperature was warm enough to sleep under the stars (low 20°C at 8pm), although it did drop later on.
Best for: Desert tours, city exploration, general travel
Travel tips:
Bring layers. Even though the days are warm (breatheable materials like linen are your best friend), I brought a jacket and long linen pants for the evening in the desert.
Wear sun protection, especially in the earlier months if you’re spending a lot of time outside without shade.
Autumn is a also a good season for balancing good weather with decent prices.
Winter in Morocco (December - February) ❄️🏄♂️
Winter is Morocco’s quietest season, which makes it a great time for budget travellers, those looking for a warm winter escape or anyone looking to avoid crowds.
Cities like Marrakech still see sunny days with tops of 20°C, but mornings and evenings can be quite cool (5–10°C) - especially since many riads and guesthouses don’t have central heating.
I didn’t travel in winter myself, but I heard from my tour guides that it’s the best and most popular time to visit the Sahara because the cooler weather means you’re not constantly sweating - though you'll want to pack thermals and warm layers for overnight desert camps.
It’s also a great time to explore the cities as you’ll likely find lower prices at the riads and smaller crowds at attractions and museums.
Meanwhile, the snow-capped Atlas Mountains offer a completely different side of Morocco with multi-day ski tours and a playground for winter climbers.
If snow sports are not your thing and you’re interested in surfing, head to the Atlantic for nearly constant swell, creating beautiful waves all along the coast - surf season is September through to March.
Best for: Warm winter escapes, budget trips, cultural travel, snow sports, surfing
Travel tips:
Be prepared for temperature swings - sunny days and cold nights
Choose riads that offer heating in the rooms (central areas are often designed to be open air).
Spring in Morocco (March - May) 🌺
My friend Kat visited Morocco in Spring, which is one of the best times to visit Morocco and was perfect for what she wanted - a warm escape from UK weather and a cultural experience.
She very kindly shared her experience with me below as my first guest writer!
Expect daytime temperatures to range from 20–28°C, with cooler nights in the mountains or desert.
Surprisingly, it turned out a bit cooler than expected, especially in the evenings, particularly in places like Fes and the Sahara, and I didn't see a drop of rain during my 10-day trip, which happened to line up with the Easter break.
I ended up wearing a light-medium jacket every night, and even needed a puffer jacket for the nippier nights in Fes and the desert.
Adhering to Morocco's modest dress code (shoulders and knees covered) was a breeze, as long sleeves were actually quite comfy given the cooler temps during mid April.
For that classic, desert vibe, going in late April or early May is your best bet.
Marrakech and the Sahara were the warmest spots during the day, perfect for soaking up the sun
However, even though it was a hot day, camel riding in the Sahara was surprisingly bearable, thanks to a handy Tuareg scarf for sun protection and the fact that most tours head out for sunset, when it's much cooler.
Chefchaouen, the Blue City had cooler mornings and nights, which was spot on for exploring the hilly old town and tackling all those stairs.
Best for: City exploration, cultural travel, hiking, scenic road trips
Travel tips:
Book accommodation early, especially around Easter and school holidays.
A light jacket or layers are still helpful, especially in the evenings.
Summer in Morocco (June - August) ☀️
Summer in Morocco can be intense - especially inland. Cities like Marrakech, Fes, and Ouarzazate regularly hit highs of 38–45°C, making midday sightseeing uncomfortable and air conditioning a necessity.
The Sahara Desert is best avoided during this period unless you're comfortable with extreme heat.
Kat’s tour guide said his longest break in the year is actually during summer becauseof the intense heat - so be warned if you’re coming from June onwards.
However, Morocco's Atlantic coastline is a different story. Places like Essaouira, Agadir, and Taghazout stay much cooler thanks to ocean breezes, making them popular with beachgoers and surfers.
Best for: Coastal escapes, surfing, budget travel (fewer inland tourists)
Travel tips:
Plan sightseeing early in the day or in the evening.
Inland cities tend to be less crowded, and you may find lower accommodation prices.
I skipped the summer season for this trip and opted to hang out in Europe instead, but if I went back during this time, I’d explore the coast and learn to surf in Sidi Kaouki, a small town/beach 30km from Essaouira that offers long beach breaks which is great for those learning to surf.
When is the cheapest time to visit Morocco?
January to February (winter) and July to August (summer) generally have cheaper accommodation
Budget travel tip: Avoid school holidays and Ramadan (if you want open restaurants!)
FAQs
Is Morocco too hot in summer?
Summer in Morocco can be intense especially at inland cities like Marrakech and Fes, and the Sahara Desert. Summer is a great time to visit Morocco’s Atlantic coastline which are popular with beachgoers and surfers.
Can you visit the Sahara in winter?
You can still visit the Sahara Desert in winter as the days are still warm (tops of 20°C) with cool evenings (5-10°C), making it a popular choice for those who don’t like to sweat. Make sure to pack thermals and layers for the cooler evenings, and lighter clothing for daytime.
When is the rainy season in Morocco?
“Rainy season” in Morocco is in winter (December to February), however since Morocco is mostly desert, it’s significantly less rainy than other parts of the world like South East Asia.
What is the best time to visit Marrakech?
Autumn or Spring are the best times to visit Marrakech as the weather is warm and pleasant, making it perfect for sightseeing. However if you’re on a budget, winter is a great time as there are less crowds.
Planning your trip to Morocco? Read the rest of my Morocco series for itinerary ideas and my top travel tips.
