Which season is the best to visit Morocco? Morocco travel season and itinerary planning sharing
Morocco is located in northwest Africa, and its special geographical location has created a diverse and unique climate environment. Morocco is generally in the subtropics. The coastal areas are influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, and the climate is mild. The Atlas Mountains that run through the entire territory of Morocco have formed a mountain climate in the central region, and the area bordering the Sahara Desert in the south has a desert climate.
In general, Morocco is sunny all year round and suitable for travel all year round. But Morocco in different seasons has its own unique features and cities suitable for travel. Therefore, if you want to have a good time in Morocco, it is important to choose the travel season! This article will introduce you to the climate characteristics of various regions in Morocco, Morocco’s tourist seasons, the best itinerary planning and dressing suggestions for the four seasons, so that you can better experience the Moroccan style in different seasons!
SPRING IN MOROCCO (MARCH TO MAY)
The central region of Morocco has a variable climate, with hot and dry summers and cool and wet winters. Extremely high temperatures can occur in the summer, while winter nights can be chilly. Therefore, spring is one of the most pleasant seasons in Morocco, with warm and comfortable weather, ranging between 15°C and 35°C from the High Atlas Mountains to the desert. This season is suitable for visiting cities such as Marrakech, Fez and Meknes, as well as for visiting the Sahara Desert or hiking in the Atlas Mountains.
Recommended itineraries
1. Visiting historical and cultural sites in Marrakech and Fez
2. Sahara Desert tours
Our classic Sahara tour: 3-Day Morocco Sahara Desert Tour from Marrakech
Notes
1. There may be rainfall in the mountains in April and May. If you plan to hike in the mountains, be sure to check the weather forecast in advance before departure. It is recommended to bring light rain gear.
2. This period is also one of the peak tourist seasons in Morocco. Although there are many tourists, the crowds are more dispersed compared to summer.
Events and Festivals
Sahara Desert Marathon
The Sahara Desert Marathon is held every April in the Sahara Desert in southern Morocco. Participants must carry their equipment and walk through the harsh environment of the Sahara Desert, hills and dry river valleys in Morocco. It is considered the most difficult race on foot on the earth.
Kalaat M'Gouna Rose Festival
Every May, roses bloom all over the mountains in the Kalaat M'Gouna area of the Dades Valley. People will hold a three-day rose festival during the festival. During the festival, there will be market stalls with rose products, singing and dancing celebrations, and the famous "Miss Beauty" rose beauty contest.
Ramadan and Eid
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, usually in March or April of the Gregorian calendar. Muslims must abstain from food, alcohol, and other physical needs during this time. This time focuses on purifying the soul, focusing on Allah, and practicing self-sacrifice. When the fast ends, on the first day of the tenth month of the Islamic calendar, Eid al-Fitr will be held to celebrate the end of Ramadan. The celebrations are mainly prayers and family gatherings, and usually a sumptuous banquet is held to celebrate.
Morocco Spring Travel Outfits
Morocco has mild temperatures in spring (March, April, and May), with daytime temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius and not too cold at night. When traveling to Morocco at this time, it is recommended to dress in layers and bring light long-sleeved tops and light jackets.
SUMMER IN MOROCCO (JUNE TO AUGUST)
Summer is the hottest and driest season in Morocco. In many cities in the inland areas, the temperature may reach over 40 degrees Celsius, but the climate in coastal cities and high-altitude areas is cool. Therefore, summer is suitable for visiting Moroccan coastal cities such as Casablanca, Rabat and Tangier, or for summer vacation in higher altitude areas such as Ifrane.
The end of June to September is usually the summer school holidays in Morocco and Europe, so this period is also one of the peak tourist seasons in Morocco, but tourists are mainly concentrated in coastal cities and high-altitude areas.
Recommended itineraries
Go to Casablanca and Tanger to enjoy the seaside time, or escape the heat in the Atlas Mountains.
Notes
1. The weather in August is very hot, so it is recommended to arrange a leisure itinerary, such as staying in a special hotel to enjoy time, and arrange the itinerary in the morning or evening.
2. Because it is the peak tourist season, many hotels and hotels need to be booked in advance.
Festivals and Events
Fez Sacred Music Festival
The Fez World Sacred Music Festival is an annual international music festival in Fez, Morocco. Since its inception in 1994, it has been held in early June every year for a week. The music festival is themed on sacred music and brings together artists from all over the world to present diverse religious music, cultural debates and joint performances. It aims to showcase the richness of Islamic civilization, promote dialogue and exchange between Western and North African cultures, and enhance understanding and harmony between different cultures and beliefs through music.
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha, also known as Eid al-Adha, is one of the important festivals in the global Muslim community and serves as a ceremony to end the pilgrimage to Mecca. Moroccan Muslims will slaughter animals such as sheep or goats during this festival to commemorate the Prophet Abraham. After the sacrifice, most of the meat will be donated to those in need, and family gatherings will be held to enjoy a feast together.
Eid al-Adha is determined according to the date of the Islamic calendar, usually in July of the Gregorian calendar. If you want to experience Eid al-Adha, you can choose to go to Morocco during Eid al-Adha to participate in local celebrations and learn about local culture and traditions.
Time of Eid al-Adha 2025 in Morocco: Mon, 17 Jun 2024.
Imilchil Wedding Festival
Imilchil Wedding Festival is a special festival in the rural town of Imilchil in the Berber community of the Atlas Mountains. It is held in September every year in early autumn. According to legend, a couple chose to commit suicide here because their parents forbade them to get married. The Imilchil Wedding Festival was established to commemorate this pair of ill-fated lovers. At the Imilchil Wedding Festival, people will perform the legend of the ill-fated lovers, and many couples also get engaged at this festival. During the festival, traditional wedding celebrations will also be held, including: wedding ceremony, dance and music performances.
Morocco Summer Travel Outfits
Morocco's summer is hot, and the temperature often exceeds 40 degrees Celsius. Therefore, it is recommended to wear light and cool clothes, bring breathable, light and loose clothes, and remember to take sun protection measures.
Autumn in Morocco (September to November)
Morocco's autumn climate is still warm, but not as hot as summer, making it the best time to travel to Morocco. This is the best time to travel to the desert, as it won't be too hot during the day and the temperature won't drop sharply at night. November is the rainy season in the mountains and around Fez, and Ifrane may even have its first snow of the year. If you want to enjoy the snow, consider scheduling your trip during this period.
Recommended itineraries
1. Explore the Sahara Desert and go camping in the desert
2. Visit historic cities in the north and central regions
Our Northern Morocco tour: 5-Day Northern Morocco Tour: A Blend of History and Culture
Notes
1. Between October and November, it is the rainy season in coastal areas, so it is recommended to check the weather forecast before traveling.
2. Autumn is also the peak tourist season in Morocco, with many tourists, so the trip must be arranged early.
Festivals and Events
Erfoud Date Festival
The Erfoud Date Festival is an important traditional event to celebrate the date harvest. It is usually held in October every year for three days, and the activities include traditional music, dance and parades. During the festival, there are various markets and exhibitions, where you can buy date products such as date candy and date wine, taste local specialties, and buy souvenirs or handicrafts.
Morocco Autumn Travel Outfits
Morocco has mild and pleasant weather in autumn, with daytime temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius and little rainfall. It is recommended to wear layered clothes and bring some vests and jackets that are easy to put on and take off to cope with the temperature changes during the day.
Winter in Morocco (December to February)
Many cities in Morocco have quite comfortable weather in December and January, with daytime temperatures still between 15 and 20°C, but the temperature difference between day and night is large. The nighttime temperature in inland cities and desert areas may drop sharply to below 5°C, and it may snow in southern mountainous cities. Therefore, winter is the season to go skiing in the High Atlas Mountains.
Click here to read Morocco weather, travel outfits and travel tips in January.
Recommended itinerary
Atlas Mountains skiing trip
Notes
The temperature difference between day and night is large, so you need to prepare clothes with different warmth levels.
Winter is the off-season for tourism in Morocco, with fewer tourists, but there will be a large influx of tourists during Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year. Travel agencies, hotels, etc. will be fully booked, so remember to book rooms in advance.
Festivals and Events
Marrakech International Film Festival
Founded in 2001, the Marrakech International Film Festival is the largest film festival in Morocco and is usually held in December every year. Excellent films from all over the world will be screened at the event, including feature films, short films, documentaries and other types of works. Film forums and seminars are usually held during the event, inviting filmmakers, directors, actors and film critics from all over the world to discuss and exchange ideas on the film industry.
Winter Travel Outfits in Morocco
Winter is the coldest time in Morocco, with a large temperature difference between morning and evening. The daytime temperature is between 8 and 20 degrees Celsius, and it is slightly cooler at night. It is recommended to wear warm enough clothes, and bring sweaters, long-sleeved shirts and jackets.
If you want to know more about Morocco festivals and cultural events, please refer to our blog: Morocco traditional festivals and national holidays.
Planning to travel to Morocco? You can refer to these itineraries:
3-Day Morocco Sahara desert Tour: Departing from Marrakech
5-day Northern Morocco Tour: a blend of history and culture
7-Day Morocco Tour: Departing from Marrakech
10-Day Morocco Tour: Departing from Casablanca
13-Day Morocco Tour: Departing from Casablanca
Want to customize your Morocco travel itinerary? Welcome to contact us:
Email: contact@chrtours.com
WhatsApp: (+212) 713053383
WeChat: MLGred2016
