Best Time to Visit Morocco: Month by Month Guide [2026]
When to visit Morocco for the best weather, desert trips, and cultural festivals
Photo by Sem Bogaarts on Pexels
Where
Best time to visit Morocco is March to May and September to November, when temperatures are mild (18-28C / 64-82F) and comfortable for exploring ancient medinas, hiking the Atlas Mountains, and camping under the stars in the Sahara Desert. Summer (June-August) brings extreme heat to Marrakech, Fez, and the interior, with temperatures regularly exceeding 40C (104F) and making outdoor sightseeing exhausting.
Morocco's diverse geography creates several distinct climate zones within one country. Coastal cities like Essaouira and Tangier stay cool year-round thanks to Atlantic breezes. Marrakech and Fez bake in summer but are pleasant in spring and fall. The Atlas Mountains have alpine conditions with snow-capped peaks in winter, and the Sahara Desert is best visited from October to April when daytime heat is manageable and nights are cool enough for comfortable desert camping.
Seasonal Overview
| Season | Months | Temperature | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Mar-May | 18-28C (64-82F) | Hiking, medinas, blooming valleys, rose festival |
| Summer | Jun-Aug | 30-45C (86-113F) | Coast only (Essaouira, Agadir, Tangier) |
| Autumn | Sep-Nov | 18-30C (64-86F) | Desert trips, film festival, comfortable cities |
| Winter | Dec-Feb | 8-18C (46-64F) | Atlas skiing, mild coast, Sahara, lowest prices |
Best Months to Visit Morocco
April is the ideal month for most of Morocco. Marrakech is warm but not scorching at 22-28C (72-82F), the Majorelle Garden and Bahia Palace are at their most beautiful with spring blooms and comfortable temperatures for spending hours wandering the medina. The Atlas Mountains are accessible for day hikes to Berber villages without extreme heat, and the Dades and Todra gorges are spectacular in spring light.
The Valley of Roses near Kelaat M'Gouna holds its annual Rose Festival in May, when thousands of hectares of Damask roses bloom and the air is fragrant for miles. This is a unique experience not found at any other time of year.
October is equally excellent for visiting Morocco. Sahara desert tours are at their best with warm daytime temperatures (25-30C / 77-86F) and cool nights perfect for sleeping under the stars at desert camps near Merzouga or Zagora. The date harvest season in the Draa Valley adds local cultural flavor, and the Marrakech International Film Festival in late November brings global cinema to the Red City.
November offers continued mild weather and the best value of the year before winter rains begin in December. It is an excellent month for photography, with golden afternoon light over the kasbahs and ancient ksour of the south, and quieter tourist sites throughout the country.
Ramadan dates change each year, moving earlier by about 11 days annually. During Ramadan, many restaurants close during daylight hours, the pace of life slows during the day, and some tourist services may have reduced hours. However, evenings come alive with iftar (breaking fast) meals that are generous communal celebrations, and experiencing this period offers unique cultural insight that few tourists get to see.
Quick Travel Facts
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered clearly and concisely
April and October are generally the best months to visit Morocco. Both offer warm but comfortable temperatures across most regions, ideal conditions for Marrakech and Fez, and excellent weather for Sahara desert tours and Atlas Mountain hikes.
The best time to visit the Sahara Desert in Morocco (Merzouga, Erg Chebbi, Zagora) is from October to April. Daytime temperatures are warm but not extreme, and nights are cool enough for comfortable camping under the stars.
Summer (June to August) is very hot in inland cities like Marrakech and Fez, with temperatures often above 40C (104F). It is not ideal for sightseeing or desert trips, but it can be a good time for the Atlantic coast cities such as Essaouira, Agadir, and Tangier, which stay cooler.
The cheapest time to visit Morocco is during winter, from December to February, excluding Christmas and New Year. Prices for flights and accommodation are lower, crowds are thinner, and you can still enjoy mild weather in many regions and good conditions in the Sahara.
For a first trip, plan at least 7–10 days to see Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains, and a Sahara desert tour. With 14 days, you can add Fez, Chefchaouen, or the Atlantic coast. Distances are long, so more time allows a more relaxed itinerary.
Wear modest, lightweight clothing that covers shoulders and knees, especially in medinas and smaller towns. Loose trousers, long skirts, t-shirts, and light long-sleeve shirts work well. Bring a scarf or shawl, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. In winter and in the Atlas Mountains, pack warm layers and a jacket.
Morocco is generally safe for tourists, especially in popular destinations like Marrakech, Fez, and the coastal cities. Petty theft and scams can occur in crowded areas and souks, so keep valuables secure, agree on taxi prices in advance, and use common sense as you would in any busy tourist destination.
Ramadan dates change each year, moving earlier by about 11 days annually. During Ramadan, some restaurants close during the day and services may run on shorter hours, but evenings are lively with iftar meals and a festive atmosphere. You do not need to avoid Ramadan; it can be a rewarding cultural experience if you are flexible.