The best time to visit Morocco is spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November): it is 23 to 29 °C (73 to 84 °F) in the afternoon in Marrakech, nights stay mild and there is little rain. Summer is scorching inland (nearly 38 °C (100 °F) in July–August in Marrakech and Ouarzazate), while winter is sunny by day but cold at night, especially in the desert and the mountains. Morocco’s climate changes a lot between the Atlantic coast, the imperial cities, the Atlas and the desert, so the right month also depends on your itinerary. The map of Morocco helps you place the Atlantic coast, the Atlas and the desert before fixing your stops.
Morocco combines very different climates: a temperate, often windy Atlantic coast, inland cities that are hot in summer, snowy mountains in winter and a pre-Saharan south with marked temperature swings between day and night. Here is how to choose your month, based on the official 1991–2020 climate normals from the Moroccan General Directorate of Meteorology (DGM), published by the World Meteorological Organization.
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When to go to Morocco at a glance
- Best times March to May and late September to November
- Marrakech March to May and October–November; winter is mild by day (19 to 20 °C (66 to 68 °F)) but cool in the evening
- Desert (Merzouga, Zagora) October–November and March–April; nights around 2 °C (36 °F) on average in winter, extreme heat in summer
- Atlantic coast (Essaouira, Agadir) pleasant all year, 21 to 27 °C (70 to 81 °F) in the afternoon; ideal in summer when the interior is stifling
- Atlas hiking from May to October; snow on the peaks in winter
- Avoid July–August for Marrakech, Fez and the desert (intense heat)
- Ramadan variable dates, about 11 days earlier each year; in 2027 it should roughly cover February and the beginning of March
When to go to Morocco by priority
- Best weather: March to May and late September to November; June to September on the Atlantic coast (Essaouira, Agadir)
- Cheapest: June, September and January outside holidays
- Fewest crowds: June and September, the months of lowest attendance in Marrakech
- Events: Rose Festival in Kelaat M’Gouna, usually in May; Gnaoua Festival in Essaouira, usually in June; Ramadan on variable dates (about 11 days earlier each year)
Morocco: the calendar at a glance
🔎 Month by month: Morocco in January · Morocco in February · Morocco in March · Morocco in April · Morocco in October · Morocco in November · Morocco in December
✅ Best months: January, February, March, April, may, October, November, December
❌ Period to avoid: July, August
The climate in Morocco month by month
The table below gives the normals for Marrakech, the starting point of most trips and the gateway to the Atlas and the south. Fez, the Atlantic coast, Ouarzazate and the desert are detailed further down.
| 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 (high at New Year) | Medium | ✅ Sunny by day, cold nights |
| February | 20.7 °C (69 °F) | 7.6 °C (46 °F) | 26 mm (1.0 in) | Medium to high (holidays) | Medium to high | ✅ Mild by day, cool in the evening |
| March | 23.6 °C (74 °F) | 10.3 °C (51 °F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | Medium | Medium | ✅ Spring, the wettest month (35 mm (1.4 in)) |
| April | 25.7 °C (78 °F) | 12.4 °C (54 °F) | 26 mm (1.0 in) | High (spring holidays) | High | ✅ Excellent, greenery and snow on the Atlas |
| May | 29.4 °C (85 °F) | 15.2 °C (59 °F) | 11 mm (0.4 in) | Medium | Medium | ✅ Very pleasant, heat at the end of the month |
| June | 33.6 °C (92 °F) | 17.9 °C (64 °F) | 3 mm (0.1 in) | Low | Low | ⚠️ Already hot in the afternoon |
| July | 37.7 °C (100 °F) | 20.6 °C (69 °F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | Medium | Medium to high | ❌ The hottest month |
| August | 37.4 °C (99 °F) | 21.1 °C (70 °F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | Medium | Medium to high | ❌ Crushing heat |
| September | 32.5 °C (91 °F) | 18.6 °C (65 °F) | 15 mm (0.6 in) | Low | Low | ⚠️ Still hot, better at the end of the month |
| October | 28.5 °C (83 °F) | 15.7 °C (60 °F) | 19 mm (0.7 in) | High (autumn holidays) | High | ✅ Excellent, heat has eased |
| November | 23.1 °C (74 °F) | 10.7 °C (51 °F) | 30 mm (1.2 in) | Medium | Medium | ✅ Mild and bright |
| December | 20.1 °C (68 °F) | 7.3 °C (45 °F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) | High (holidays) | High in late December | ✅ Mild by day, cool nights |
Worth knowing: it rains little in Marrakech (about 220 mm (8.7 in) a year). The real criterion is temperature, often with more than 13 °C (23 °F) difference between afternoon and night.
When to go to Marrakech
The best months to visit Marrakech are March, April, May, October and November. Afternoons range between 23 and 29 °C (73 and 84 °F), ideal for exploring the medina, souks and gardens, and evenings stay pleasant on a terrace. April and October coincide with school holidays: book early. For the other cities, our page Morocco in March compares the DGM normals.
- December to February: 19 to 21 °C (66 to 70 °F) in the afternoon and lots of sun, but 6 to 8 °C (43 to 46 °F) at night. Bring a sweater and check that your riad is heated.
- June and September: already 32 to 34 °C (90 to 93 °F) in the afternoon. Possible if you sightsee early in the morning and late in the day, with lower prices.
- July and August: nearly 38 °C (100 °F) average high, and nights around 21 °C (70 °F). Choose accommodation with a pool and air conditioning; the Ourika Valley, about an hour by road, offers a little coolness.
- For a weekend: November and February offer a good balance of weather, crowds and prices.
The seasons in Morocco: pros and cons
Spring (March to May): the best season for a tour
This is the most versatile period. Temperatures are mild across the country, the countryside is green after the winter rains and the Atlas peaks often keep snow until spring.
- Pros: ideal conditions to combine cities, mountains and desert, roses in bloom in the Dadès Valley in May
- Cons: strong demand during spring holidays, possible showers in Fez and the north in March–April
Summer (June to August): heat inland, coolness on the coast
The interior becomes very hot: 35 to 40 °C (95 to 104 °F) in the afternoon in July–August in Marrakech, Fez, Ouarzazate and Errachidia. The Atlantic coast stays temperate: 22 °C (72 °F) in Essaouira and 27 °C (81 °F) in Agadir in August.
- Pros: beaches at Agadir, Taghazout and Essaouira, high-mountain hiking (Toubkal), long days, festivals
- Cons: exhausting sightseeing in Marrakech and Fez, desert best avoided, more expensive flights and ferries with the holidays and the return of Moroccans living abroad
- Who is it for? Travelers who favor the Atlantic coast and the mountains
Autumn (September to November): the other ideal season
The heat eases gradually from mid-September. October and November offer conditions comparable to spring, with nights still mild in the desert. For this second ideal season, our page Morocco in November details the still-mild desert nights and the cities to favor.
- Pros: excellent period for the Merzouga or Zagora desert, soft light, good balance between coast and interior
- Cons: crowds and high prices during the autumn holidays, first rains in Fez and the north in November
Winter (December to February): sun, snow and cold nights
The sun is generous and afternoons are mild (19 to 22 °C (66 to 72 °F) in Marrakech and Agadir), but nights are cold inland: an average low of 2 °C (36 °F) in January in Ouarzazate and Errachidia, and a negative average in Ifrane, in the Middle Atlas. Snow falls on the High and Middle Atlas.
- Pros: clear light, moderate prices outside the holidays, snowy Atlas landscapes, skiing at Oukaïmeden when snow conditions allow
- Cons: very cold nights when camping in the desert, mountain passes sometimes closed or slowed by snow, more frequent rain in the north (Fez, Chefchaouen)
- Who is it for? Winter sun lovers in Marrakech or Agadir, and travelers well equipped for the desert
When to go to Morocco by region
The differences are considerable between the coast, cooled by the ocean, and the interior. Comparison of the normals for five representative stations (Marrakech is in the main table):
| Month | Fez | Essaouira | Agadir | Ouarzazate | Errachidia (gateway to the desert) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16.0 °C (61 °F) / 3.7 °C (39 °F) | 18.4 °C (65 °F) / 11.1 °C (52 °F) | 21.2 °C (70 °F) / 8.4 °C (47 °F) | 17.3 °C (63 °F) / 1.8 °C (35 °F) | 15.9 °C (61 °F) / 2.0 °C (36 °F) |
| March | 19.9 °C (68 °F) / 6.6 °C (44 °F) | 19.4 °C (67 °F) / 13.3 °C (56 °F) | 23.4 °C (74 °F) / 12.3 °C (54 °F) | 22.7 °C (73 °F) / 8.2 °C (47 °F) | 22.1 °C (72 °F) / 8.8 °C (48 °F) |
| April | 22.0 °C (72 °F) / 8.3 °C (47 °F) | 19.5 °C (67 °F) / 14.1 °C (57 °F) | 23.2 °C (74 °F) / 14.1 °C (57 °F) | 26.7 °C (80 °F) / 11.9 °C (53 °F) | 26.1 °C (79 °F) / 13.0 °C (55 °F) |
| July | 35.1 °C (95 °F) / 17.9 °C (64 °F) | 21.9 °C (71 °F) / 17.7 °C (64 °F) | 26.7 °C (80 °F) / 19.2 °C (67 °F) | 38.8 °C (102 °F) / 22.7 °C (73 °F) | 39.5 °C (103 °F) / 25.8 °C (78 °F) |
| August | 35.1 °C (95 °F) / 18.3 °C (65 °F) | 22.4 °C (72 °F) / 18.1 °C (65 °F) | 27.0 °C (81 °F) / 19.5 °C (67 °F) | 37.5 °C (100 °F) / 22.1 °C (72 °F) | 38.2 °C (101 °F) / 24.9 °C (77 °F) |
| October | 26.1 °C (79 °F) / 12.6 °C (55 °F) | 22.2 °C (72 °F) / 17.0 °C (63 °F) | 26.1 °C (79 °F) / 16.7 °C (62 °F) | 27.5 °C (82 °F) / 13.3 °C (56 °F) | 26.8 °C (80 °F) / 14.2 °C (58 °F) |
| November | 20.2 °C (68 °F) / 8.1 °C (47 °F) | 20.5 °C (69 °F) / 14.4 °C (58 °F) | 24.1 °C (75 °F) / 12.9 °C (55 °F) | 21.7 °C (71 °F) / 7.2 °C (45 °F) | 20.6 °C (69 °F) / 7.7 °C (46 °F) |
Fez, Meknes and the north
Fez is the wettest of the major tourist cities: about 54 to 66 mm (2.1 to 2.6 in) of rain a month from November to April, against 1 mm (0.04 in) in July. Summer is as hot as in Marrakech (35 °C (95 °F) in July–August). The best windows are April–May and late September–October. Chefchaouen and the Rif follow the same logic. As the blue city follows this rhythm, a stay in Chefchaouen is also best planned for spring or early autumn.
Essaouira and the Atlantic coast
Essaouira has one of the most regular climates in the country: 18 to 23 °C (64 to 73 °F) in the afternoon all year, nights that are never cold and almost no rain from June to September. The wind often blows hard, especially in summer, making it a renowned kitesurfing and windsurfing spot. It is the best escape from Marrakech in July–August. Kitesurfing, wind and summer mildness: a stay in Essaouira is a real getaway when the interior of the country becomes scorching.
Agadir, Taghazout and the Souss
Agadir is the country’s beach destination: 21 to 27 °C (70 to 81 °F) in the afternoon depending on the season, and only 32 to 49 mm (1.3 to 1.9 in) of rain in the wettest months (November to January). It is a winter sun option and a comfortable beach destination in summer, but the Atlantic stays cool, even in August. Winter sun or summer beach despite the cool Atlantic: our Agadir travel guide helps you choose according to your priorities.
Ouarzazate, the valleys and the desert (Merzouga, Zagora)
There is no official station at Merzouga: the normals for Errachidia, about two hours by road north of the Erg Chebbi dunes, and those for Ouarzazate give a good idea of the pre-Saharan climate. It rains very little, but the temperature range is large: nearly 39 °C (102 °F) in the afternoon in July, around 2 °C (36 °F) at night in January. The dunes, lower down, are even hotter in summer. Aim for March–April and October–November. In winter, camping remains possible with good blankets and warm clothes. These 2 °C (36 °F) nights in January in the desert are detailed in our page Morocco in January, with camping tips.
The High and Middle Atlas
In Ifrane, in the Middle Atlas, the average January low is -1 °C (30 °F) and more than 110 mm (4.3 in) of precipitation falls per month from November to March. In the High Atlas, Toubkal (4,167 m (13,671 ft)), the highest peak in North Africa, can be climbed without specific equipment from May–June to October. In winter, the ascent requires crampons, an ice axe and an experienced guide.
Region-by-region summary: the right month depending on the part of the country you are targeting.
| Month | Marrakech | Fez and the north | Atlantic coast (Essaouira, Agadir) | Desert (Merzouga, Zagora) | High Atlas (hiking) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | ✅ Sunny, cold nights | ⚠️ Cool and wet | ✅ Mild | ⚠️ Very cold nights | ⚠️ Snow, with a guide |
| February | ✅ Mild by day | ⚠️ Cool and wet | ✅ Mild | ⚠️ Cold nights | ⚠️ Snow, with a guide |
| March | ✅ Spring | ⚠️ Wet | ✅ Mild | ✅ Ideal | ⚠️ Snow, with a guide |
| April | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Spring | ✅ Mild | ✅ Ideal | ⚠️ Snow, with a guide |
| May | ✅ Very pleasant | ✅ Spring | ✅ Mild | ⚠️ Rising heat | ✅ Hiking |
| June | ⚠️ Hot | ⚠️ Hot | ✅ Pleasant, windy | ❌ Extreme heat | ✅ Hiking |
| July | ❌ The hottest | ❌ Heat (35 °C (95 °F)) | ✅ Pleasant, windy | ❌ Extreme heat | ✅ Hiking |
| August | ❌ Crushing heat | ❌ Heat (35 °C (95 °F)) | ✅ Pleasant, windy | ❌ Extreme heat | ✅ Hiking |
| September | ⚠️ Still hot | ⚠️ Better at the end of the month | ✅ Pleasant | ⚠️ Still hot | ✅ Hiking |
| October | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Pleasant | ✅ Mild | ✅ Ideal | ✅ Hiking |
| November | ✅ Mild | ⚠️ Rain returns | ✅ Mild | ✅ Ideal | ⚠️ Snow possible |
| December | ✅ Mild by day | ⚠️ Cool and wet | ✅ Mild | ⚠️ Very cold nights | ⚠️ Snow, with a guide |
✅ favorable conditions, ⚠️ possible with reservations, ❌ to avoid. Summary based on the normals cited on this page and the regional advice above.
When to go to Morocco by type of trip
| Trip | Best time | Where? |
|---|---|---|
| First trip (imperial cities) | March to May, October–November | Marrakech, Fez, Meknes, Rabat |
| Weekend in Marrakech | October to May, outside the holidays | Marrakech and surroundings (Agafay, Ourika) |
| Desert and night camping | March–April, October–November | Merzouga (Erg Chebbi), Zagora, M’Hamid |
| Beach and winter sun | November to March (mild air, cool sea) | Agadir, Taghazout |
| Summer beach | June to September | Essaouira, Agadir, Taghazout |
| Surfing, kitesurfing | Surfing in autumn–winter, kite in spring–summer | Taghazout, Essaouira |
| Atlas hiking, Toubkal | May to October | Imlil, Aït Bouguemez Valley |
| Tight budget | June, September, January (outside holidays) | Marrakech, Fez, Agadir |
| Family trip | Spring and autumn school holidays; Atlantic coast in summer | Marrakech, Essaouira, Agadir |
Ramadan and major events
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. Traveling during this period is still possible: sites are open, but many restaurants outside tourist areas close during the day, and the atmosphere comes alive at sunset. 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 | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Lunar calendar (in 2027, roughly February to early March) | Ramadan: reduced hours, daytime closures, lively evenings | The whole country |
| End of Ramadan | Eid al-Fitr (festival marking the end of the fast) | The whole country |
| Usually in May | Rose Festival | Kelaat M’Gouna (Dadès Valley) |
| Usually late May or June | World Sacred Music Festival | Fez |
| Usually in June | Gnaoua and World Music Festival | Essaouira |
| Usually late November – early December | International Film Festival | Marrakech |
Morocco month by month
January: Sun and mild afternoons (19 °C (66 °F) in Marrakech, 21 °C (70 °F) in Agadir), but cold nights, close to 2 °C (36 °F) in Ouarzazate. Snow on the Atlas.
February: Very sunny and a little milder. A good month for Marrakech and Agadir, desert feasible with warm clothes. Winter holidays: book early.
March: Spring settles in: 23.6 °C (74 °F) in Marrakech, green countryside; yet it is the wettest month in Marrakech (35 mm (1.4 in)).
April: One of the best months everywhere: 26 °C (79 °F) in Marrakech, 22 °C (72 °F) in Fez, pleasant desert. Strong demand during spring holidays: book early.
May: Hot and dry, ideal for combining cities and desert early in the month. Rose Festival in the Dadès Valley.
June: Already 31 to 36 °C (88 to 97 °F) inland. The Atlantic coast and high mountains become the best options. Gnaoua Festival in Essaouira usually.
July: The hottest month in Marrakech (37.7 °C (100 °F)) and Errachidia (39.5 °C (103 °F)). Favor Essaouira (21.9 °C (71 °F)), Agadir or the Atlas.
August: Same situation as July: extreme heat inland, temperate and windy coast, hiking possible on Toubkal.
September: Heat remains strong early in the month (32.5 °C (91 °F) in Marrakech), then eases. Low prices and few people: a good month for flexible travelers.
October: Excellent across the country: 28.5 °C (83 °F) in Marrakech, desert pleasant again, sea still warm on the coast. Strong demand during the autumn holidays.
November: Mild and bright (23 °C (73 °F) in Marrakech, 24 °C (75 °F) in Agadir), ideal for the desert. Rains return to Fez and the north.
December: Mild afternoons, cold nights in the south and mountains, snow on the Atlas. Quiet until mid-December, then very high crowds and prices for the holidays. These cold nights and holiday crowds are detailed in our page Morocco in December, region by region.
When to book your trip to Morocco
For spring holidays, autumn holidays and the year-end holidays, book your flights and riads 2 to 4 months ahead: well-located small riads in the medinas of Marrakech and Fez have few rooms and fill up quickly. In summer, flights to Morocco are in high demand with the return of Moroccans living abroad: plan ahead then too. In the low season (June, September, January), a few weeks is generally enough.
Planning your trip to Morocco
- Entry requirements: see the entry requirements for Morocco on our country page, and check the official sources there before you travel.
- Currency: the Moroccan dirham (MAD). Use our currency converter to 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.
For more details, see our complete travel guide to Morocco. Looking for other winter sun? Compare with when to go to the Canary Islands or when to go to Egypt, or see our ideas for where to go in November, December and January.
Also worth reading: our Marrakech guide, as well as when to go to Tunisia and when to go to Portugal to compare with other nearby destinations.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Morocco?
April, May, October and November are the most favorable months for a full tour: 23 to 29 °C (73 to 84 °F) in the afternoon in Marrakech, little rain, mild nights in the desert.
When should you go to Marrakech?
From March to May and in October–November, when average highs are between 23 and 29 °C (73 and 84 °F). Winter is sunny (19 to 21 °C (66 to 70 °F) in the afternoon) but cool in the evening. Avoid July and August, with an average high of nearly 38 °C (100 °F).
When should you go to the Moroccan desert?
In March–April and October–November. In summer, afternoons approach 40 °C (104 °F); in winter, nights drop to around 2 °C (36 °F) on average, hence the value of warm clothes for camping.
Can you go to Morocco in July or August?
Yes, favoring the Atlantic coast: Essaouira does not exceed 22 °C (72 °F) in the afternoon on average and Agadir 27 °C (81 °F). Marrakech, Fez and the desert are very hot then; the high Atlas mountains, on the other hand, are pleasant.
Can you travel in Morocco during Ramadan?
Yes. Sites stay open and the evening atmosphere is special, but many restaurants close during the day outside tourist areas.
Does it snow in Morocco?
Yes, on the High and Middle Atlas in winter. In Ifrane, the average January minimum temperature is -1 °C (30 °F). Snow can occasionally close the passes.
What is the worst time to go to Morocco?
For a tour of the interior (Marrakech, Fez, Ouarzazate, desert), July and August are the most difficult months: nearly 38 °C (100 °F) in the afternoon in Marrakech according to the 1991–2020 normals. The Atlantic coast (Essaouira, Agadir) stays pleasant in summer, however.
When is the rainy season in Morocco?
It rains mostly from November to April, and little: in Marrakech, the wettest month is March (35 mm (1.4 in)), against 2 to 5 mm (0.1 to 0.2 in) from June to August. The north (Fez, Rif) and the Middle Atlas are wetter, and snow can fall on the Atlas in winter.
What is the cheapest month to go to Morocco?
June and September are generally the most affordable months, outside school holidays: it is hot inland, but the coast is pleasant. Prices rise during spring holidays, autumn holidays and the year-end holidays.
Can you go to Morocco in winter?
Yes. In Marrakech it is 19 to 21 °C (66 to 70 °F) in the afternoon from December to February, with lots of sun, but nights are cold (6 to 8 °C (43 to 46 °F) on average). Agadir is a good option for seaside winter sun. In the desert, nights drop to around 2 °C (36 °F) in January, and snow can fall on the Atlas.
When should you go to Essaouira or Agadir?
All year. Essaouira stays between 18 and 23 °C (64 and 73 °F) in the afternoon and has almost no rain from June to September, but the wind blows hard, especially in summer (ideal for kitesurfing). Agadir is warmer (21 to 27 °C (70 to 81 °F) in the afternoon depending on the season) and suits the beach in summer as well as winter sun; the Atlantic stays cool there, even in August.
Our sources
- Moroccan General Directorate of Meteorology, via the World Meteorological Organization 1991–2020 climate normals (NOAA archive): stations at Marrakech-Ménara, Fès-Saïs, Essaouira, Agadir-Inezgane, Ouarzazate, Errachidia and Ifrane
- 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)
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.
