When is the best time to visit Marrakech? March to May and October to November: afternoons are 23 to 29 °C (73 to 84 °F), evenings are mild and there is little rain. Winter is sunny and mild by day (19 to 20 °C, or 66 to 68 °F) but cool at night. July and August are scorching, with an average high of nearly 38 °C (100 °F).
Marrakech has a semi-arid climate, at the foot of the High Atlas. It rains little (about 220 mm (8.7 in) a year), so the issue is not so much rain as heat. The gap between afternoon and night is large: 13 to 17 °C (23 to 31 °F) on average depending on the month. To visit the medina, souks, palaces and gardens, on foot and often in the sun, choose a season when it is no hotter than 30 °C (86 °F). The Ramadan calendar and peak holiday periods also affect the atmosphere and prices. Here is how to choose, based on the official normals for the Marrakech-Ménara station.
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When to go to Marrakech at a glance
- Best times March to May and October–November
- Winter sun December to February, mild in the afternoon, cool in the evening
- Hottest month July, with an average high of 37.7 °C (100 °F) (37.4 °C (99 °F) in August)
- Coolest month January, with 19.1 °C (66 °F) in the afternoon and 5.9 °C (43 °F) at night
- Wettest month March, with only 35 mm (1.4 in)
- Driest month July (2 mm (0.1 in))
- Ramadan variable dates, about 11 days earlier each year
- Cheapest time June, September and January, outside holidays and festivals
When to go to Marrakech by priority
- Best weather: March to May and October to November, with April and October at the top
- Cheapest: June, September and January, outside holidays and festivals
- Fewest crowds: June, September and November
- Events: International Film Festival in late November or early December; Ramadan on variable dates (roughly February to early March in 2027)
For your visits on the ground, see our guide to what to see in Marrakech. April is one of the best months: compare with our ideas for where to go in April.
Marrakech: the calendar at a glance
🔎 Month by month: Marrakech in February · Marrakech in November · Marrakech in December
✅ Best months: February, March, April, may, October, November
❌ Period to avoid: July, August
The climate in Marrakech month by month
The table below gives the normals for the Marrakech-Ménara station, at the airport, about 5 km (3 mi) from the medina. It is the reference station for the city.
| Month | High (°C) | Low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19.1 °C (66 °F) | 5.9 °C (43 °F) | 25 mm (1.0 in) | Medium (year-end) | Medium | ⚠️ Mild and sunny by day, cold at night |
| February | 20.7 °C (69 °F) | 7.6 °C (46 °F) | 26 mm (1.0 in) | Medium (winter holidays) | Medium | ✅ Sun and mild afternoons |
| March | 23.6 °C (74 °F) | 10.3 °C (51 °F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | Medium | Medium | ✅ Spring, wettest month but light rain |
| April | 25.7 °C (78 °F) | 12.4 °C (54 °F) | 26 mm (1.0 in) | High (Easter, holidays) | High | ✅ One of the best months |
| May | 29.4 °C (85 °F) | 15.2 °C (59 °F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | Medium | Medium → high | ✅ Hot but pleasant, mild evenings |
| June | 33.6 °C (92 °F) | 17.9 °C (64 °F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | Medium | Medium | ⚠️ Very hot in the afternoon |
| July | 37.7 °C (100 °F) | 20.6 °C (69 °F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | Medium to high | Medium → high | ❌ The hottest, exhausting sightseeing |
| August | 37.4 °C (99 °F) | 21.1 °C (70 °F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | High | High | ❌ Strong heat, warm nights |
| September | 32.5 °C (91 °F) | 18.6 °C (65 °F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | Medium | Medium | ⚠️ Still hot early in the month |
| October | 28.5 °C (83 °F) | 15.7 °C (60 °F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | High (autumn holidays) | High | ✅ Excellent month, mild and bright |
| November | 23.1 °C (74 °F) | 10.7 °C (51 °F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | Medium | Medium | ✅ Mild and quiet, cool evenings |
| December | 20.1 °C (68 °F) | 7.3 °C (45 °F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | High (holidays) | High | ⚠️ Mild by day, cold in the evening, year-end holidays |
Worth knowing: according to the same normals, it rains at most 4 to 5 days a month in winter and spring, and almost never from June to August. The feeling of cold comes mostly from the nights: less than 8 °C (46 °F) on average from December to February, in riads that are often poorly insulated.
Sunshine: about 3,250 hours of sunshine a year at Marrakech-Ménara according to the 1981–2010 normals published by NOAA, from 217 hours in February to 360 hours in June, the sunniest month. Even in winter there are more than 215 hours of sunshine a month.
The seasons in Marrakech: pros and cons
Spring (March to May): the ideal season
March is mild (24 °C (75 °F)) and, paradoxically, the wettest month of the year, with only 35 mm (1.4 in). April (26 °C (79 °F)) is often considered the best month: the gardens are in bloom and the High Atlas peaks are still snow-capped on the horizon. May gets hot (29 °C (84 °F)), with very pleasant evenings on the terraces.
- Pros: ideal temperatures for walking in the medina, flowering gardens, good conditions for the Atlas and the Agafay desert
- Cons: strong demand during spring holidays and Easter, riad prices rising
- Our tip: late March, early April outside the holidays, or May offer the best balance of weather and crowds
Summer (June to August): intense heat
It almost never rains, but the heat is strong: nearly 34 °C (93 °F) in the afternoon in June, and about 37 to 38 °C (99 to 100 °F) in July–August, with peaks well above that during heat waves. Nights stay warm (about 21 °C (70 °F)). The city is best visited early in the morning and in the evening; afternoons are spent in the shade or by a pool.
- Pros: guaranteed sun, riad prices sometimes lower in June, pleasant pools
- Cons: exhausting sightseeing, stifling souks in the middle of the day, more expensive flights in July–August
- Our tip: if you travel in summer, choose accommodation with a pool and combine with cooler Essaouira or the Atlas valleys
The chergui: this very hot, very dry wind from the Sahara blows most often in July and August. Laden with dust, it adds to the heat: stay in the shade, drink plenty of water and protect your eyes.
Autumn (September to November): the second good season
September is still hot early in the month (32.5 °C (91 °F)), then the heat eases. October (28.5 °C (83 °F)) is excellent: golden light, mild evenings, a few rare showers. November (23 °C (73 °F)) is quiet and mild, with cooler nights (11 °C (52 °F)).
- Pros: pleasant temperatures, fewer people outside the autumn holidays, good conditions for the desert and hiking
- Cons: strong demand during the autumn holidays, shorter days in November
- Our tip: the second half of October (outside the holidays) and November are among the best windows of the year
Winter (December to February): winter sun and cold nights
Winter is sunny and mild in the afternoon (19 to 21 °C (66 to 70 °F)), which makes it a popular destination to escape the gloom. But nights are cold (6 to 8 °C (43 to 46 °F) on average) and riads, built for the heat, are sometimes poorly heated. Snow covers the High Atlas peaks, and mountain roads can be disrupted.
- Pros: sun, pleasant temperatures for sightseeing, beautiful views of the snowy Atlas
- Cons: cold evenings, crowds and high prices over the year-end holidays and winter holidays
- Who is it for? City breaks in the sun, checking the riad’s heating
When to go to Marrakech by type of trip
| Trip | Best time | Where? |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend in the medina | October to May, outside the holidays | Medina, souks, Jemaa el-Fna, palaces |
| Gardens | March to May | Majorelle Garden, Secret Garden, Agdal, Ménara |
| Hiking in the Atlas | April to June, September–October | Imlil, Ourika Valley |
| Night in the Agafay desert | October to April | Agafay, about 1 hour by road |
| Pool and relaxation | May–June, September–October | Palmeraie, riads with pool |
| Tight budget | June, September, January (outside holidays) | Medina |
| Family trip | April and autumn school holidays | Medina, gardens, Agafay, Ourika |
Ramadan and major events in Marrakech
Ramadan follows the lunar calendar: it starts about 11 days earlier each year, and its exact date is only confirmed by the sighting of the crescent moon. In 2027 it should roughly cover February and the beginning of March. Traveling to Marrakech during Ramadan is still possible: monuments are open, but hours may be reduced, some restaurants frequented by Moroccans close during the day, and the evenings, after the fast is broken, are very lively. According to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 19 August 2026), eating or drinking, swearing, smoking or chewing gum in public in the daytime during Ramadan may cause offence.
| Period | Event | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Lunar calendar (in 2027, roughly February to early March) | Ramadan | Reduced hours, nighttime atmosphere, daytime closures |
| End of Ramadan | Eid al-Fitr | Public holidays, shops closed part of the time |
| Lunar calendar | Eid al-Adha (feast of the sacrifice) | Public holidays, family travel, busy transport |
| Usually late November – early December | Marrakech International Film Festival | Hotels in higher demand, program to be checked |
| Late December | Year-end holidays | Heavy crowds and higher prices |
Comparing Marrakech with the rest of Morocco
Marrakech is often combined with Essaouira on the Atlantic coast, the Atlas or the desert. Their climates are very different: Essaouira stays temperate all year, the Atlas is cold and sometimes snowy in winter, and the Merzouga desert is scorching in summer. In winter, the Oukaïmeden resort, about 80 km (50 mi) from Marrakech and at 2,620 m (8,596 ft) the highest in Africa, offers skiing from December to March when snow conditions allow; it has become irregular in recent years, so check before you go. For a full circuit, aim for spring or autumn. All the regional comparisons are on our page when to go to Morocco. For a coastal getaway to complement this circuit, our page on planning your trip to Essaouira gives useful pointers.
Marrakech weather month by month
Marrakech in January: Sun and mild afternoons (19 °C (66 °F)), but cold nights (6 °C (43 °F)). Snow on the Atlas. A good month for sightseeing, outside the year-end holidays.
Marrakech in February: A little milder (21 °C (70 °F)), very sunny. Winter holidays: book early. Ramadan could begin in February in 2027.
Marrakech in March: Spring (24 °C (75 °F)). Wettest month, with only 35 mm (1.4 in). Excellent for the medina and the gardens.
Marrakech in April: One of the best months (26 °C (79 °F)). Spring holidays and Easter: prices and demand rise.
Marrakech in May: Hot but pleasant (29 °C (84 °F)), very little rain. Ideal evenings on a terrace.
Marrakech in June: Very hot (34 °C (93 °F)). Fewer people, prices often softer. Sightsee early in the morning.
Marrakech in July: The hottest (37.7 °C (100 °F)) and driest. Favor a riad with a pool, or Essaouira.
Marrakech in August: Still scorching (37.4 °C (99 °F)), warm nights (21 °C (70 °F)). Strong demand with the holidays.
Marrakech in September: Hot early in the month (32.5 °C (91 °F)), more pleasant afterward. Few crowds: a good month for flexible travelers.
Marrakech in October: Excellent month (28.5 °C (83 °F)). Autumn holidays: book early.
Marrakech in November: Mild (23 °C (73 °F)), quiet, cooler nights. The film festival is usually held in late November or early December.
Marrakech in December: Mild by day (20 °C (68 °F)), cold in the evening (7 °C (45 °F)). Very popular for the year-end holidays.
When to book your stay in Marrakech
For spring holidays, autumn holidays, the year-end holidays and winter holidays, book your riad 2 to 4 months ahead: well-located small riads have only a few rooms and fill up quickly. In June, September or January (outside the holidays), a few weeks is generally enough.
Marrakech-Ménara airport is only a few kilometers from the medina.
Planning your trip to Marrakech
- Entry requirements: see the entry requirements for Morocco on our country page, and check the official sources there before you travel.
- Safety: according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 19 August 2026), terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Morocco, including in places visited by foreign nationals, and the land and sea borders between Morocco and Algeria are closed: do not try to cross them. Check your government’s latest travel advice before you go.
- Currency: the Moroccan dirham (MAD). Our currency converter helps you estimate your budget.
- Water: according to the U.S. State Department (travel.state.gov, last updated July 30, 2026), tap water is not potable in many areas, while bottled water and beverages are generally safe.
- Drones: according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 19 August 2026), you must get permission from the Directorate General for Civil Aviation to fly a drone in Morocco; otherwise you risk fines and confiscation of your equipment.
To plan your visit, see our Marrakech guide. To combine with Fez, the desert or the coast, see when to go to Morocco and our Morocco travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Marrakech?
April and October, followed by March, May and November: 23 to 29 °C (73 to 84 °F) in the afternoon, little rain and mild evenings. If possible, avoid school holidays to keep prices down.
Is Marrakech too hot in summer?
Yes for sightseeing: the average high reaches 37.7 °C (100 °F) in July according to the 1991–2020 normals, with higher peaks during heat waves. Visit early in the morning and in the evening, and choose accommodation with a pool.
Is Marrakech cold in winter?
Afternoons are mild (19 to 21 °C (66 to 70 °F) from December to February), but nights drop to 6–8 °C (43–46 °F) on average. Bring a sweater and a jacket, and check that your riad is heated.
Does it rain a lot in Marrakech?
No: about 220 mm (8.7 in) a year. The wettest month, March, receives only 35 mm (1.4 in) on average, over 4 to 5 days.
Can you go to Marrakech during Ramadan?
Yes. Sites stay open and the evening atmosphere is special. Expect reduced hours and restaurant closures during the day, and be discreet about eating or drinking in the street.
What is the cheapest time to go to Marrakech?
June, September and January, outside school holidays and year-end holidays. Prices are at their highest during spring holidays, autumn holidays, the year-end holidays and in July–August.
What is the sunniest month in Marrakech?
June, with about 360 hours of sunshine according to NOAA’s 1981–2010 normals. The city gets about 3,250 hours of sunshine a year, and more than 215 hours a month even in winter.
When should you go to Marrakech to avoid the crowds?
In June, September and January outside the holidays. In spring and autumn, prefer the weeks outside school holidays.
Is Christmas or New Year in Marrakech a good idea?
Yes for the sun: in December it averages 20 °C (68 °F) in the afternoon but 7 °C (45 °F) at night, and it rains little (24 mm (0.9 in) over the month). It is, however, a period of heavy crowds and high prices: book your riad early, check that it is heated and bring a sweater for the evenings.
Our sources
- NOAA (World Meteorological Organization data): 1991–2020 normals for the Marrakech-Ménara station (airport); sunshine: 1981–2010 normals (NOAA)
- Wikipedia, article « Chergui (wind) », consulted in October 2026
- Entry, safety and health information read on 26 October 2026: UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Morocco (GOV.UK, updated 19 August 2026), and U.S. Department of State, Morocco country information (travel.state.gov, last updated July 30, 2026)
- Wikipedia, article « Oukaïmden (ski resort) », consulted in October 2026
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.
