October is one of the best months to visit Morocco: the summer heat eases (28.5 °C (83 °F) in the afternoon in Marrakech), there is little rain (19 mm (0.7 in)) and the desert is pleasant again. The only real caveat: autumn school holidays, which push up demand and prices.
This page covers the weather in Morocco in October region by region, what you can do and what to plan for. To compare with the rest of the year, see our page on the best time to visit Morocco.
For entry requirements and safety advice, including areas the UK and US governments advise against visiting, see our page on entry requirements for Morocco.
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Morocco in October: key facts
- Verdict: ✅ excellent across the country
- Marrakech: 28.5 °C (83 °F) in the afternoon, 15.7 °C (60 °F) at night, 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain
- Desert (Merzouga, Zagora): pleasant again, nights still mild
- Atlantic coast: 22 °C (72 °F) in Essaouira, 26 °C (79 °F) in Agadir
- Atlas: hiking still possible, before the snow
- Plan ahead: autumn school holidays (high demand)
Weather in Morocco in October
| City | Max | Min |
|---|---|---|
| Marrakech | 28.5 °C (83 °F) | 15.7 °C (60 °F) |
| Fez | 26.1 °C (79 °F) | 12.6 °C (55 °F) |
| Essaouira | 22.2 °C (72 °F) | 17.0 °C (63 °F) |
| Agadir | 26.1 °C (79 °F) | 16.7 °C (62 °F) |
| Ouarzazate | 27.5 °C (82 °F) | 13.3 °C (56 °F) |
| Errachidia (gateway to the desert) | 26.8 °C (80 °F) | 14.2 °C (58 °F) |
October marks the transition between the scorching inland summer and the mildness of autumn. In Marrakech, afternoon highs go from 32.5 °C (91 °F) in September to 28.5 °C (83 °F) in October, then 23 °C (73 °F) in November. The gap between day and night remains marked inland and in the desert: pack a layer for the evening. The first autumn rains mainly affect the north (Fez, the Rif) at the end of the month and in November.
Where to go in Morocco in October
- Marrakech: bearable heat for the medina, the souks and the gardens; pleasant terraces in the evening. Details on the best time to visit Marrakech.
- Fez, Meknes, Chefchaouen: pleasant, one of the best windows of the year along with April-May.
- Desert (Merzouga, Zagora, M’Hamid): one of the two best periods, with March-April, for a night in a desert camp.
- Atlantic coast (Essaouira, Agadir, Taghazout): mild; autumn also marks the start of the surf season.
- High Atlas: hiking and the climb of Toubkal are still possible in October without specific equipment; snow can arrive afterwards.
Things to do in Morocco in October
- Imperial cities tour: Marrakech, Fez, Meknes, Rabat without the summer heat.
- The southern road: Ouarzazate, the Dades and Draa valleys, kasbahs, then the Erg Chebbi dunes.
- Hiking: Imlil Valley, Toubkal, Ait Bouguemez Valley.
- Surf and beach: Taghazout and Agadir for surfing, Essaouira for the town and the beach.
- Day trips from Marrakech: Agafay desert, Ourika Valley.
Itinerary idea: 8 to 10 days in October
- Marrakech (2-3 days): medina, souks, gardens, palaces; half a day in the Ourika Valley or the Agafay desert.
- Kasbah route (2 days): Tizi n’Tichka pass, Ait Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, then the Dades Valley.
- Desert (1-2 days): Erg Chebbi dunes at Merzouga, night in a desert camp.
- Fez (2 days): medina, tanneries, madrasas; you can return via the Middle Atlas.
- Coastal variation: replace Fez with Essaouira (2 days) to finish by the ocean.
Distances are long between Marrakech, the desert and Fez: expect long days on the road, or plan a domestic flight for the return. In October, set off early in the morning to enjoy the mildest temperatures on the road.
What to avoid in October
- Booking late for the autumn school holidays, especially in small medina riads
- Underestimating how cool desert nights are
- Heading into the High Atlas late in the month without checking the weather at altitude
Events in October
October has no major nationwide festival with a known fixed date. In 2027, Ramadan is expected to fall roughly in February and early March (the UK FCDO says it next starts in February 2027, GOV.UK, updated 19 August 2026), so October is not affected. The Marrakech International Film Festival is usually held in late November or early December. Festival dates change every year: check them with the organisers.
Crowds and prices
October is a high-demand month, especially over the autumn school holidays, when families head for Marrakech and the coast. Book flights and riads 2 to 4 months ahead for those dates. In early October, before the holidays, crowds are more moderate.
What to pack
- Light, covering clothes for the medinas (shoulders and knees covered)
- A sweater or fleece for the evening, warm clothes for a night in the desert
- Walking shoes for the Atlas
- A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- A scarf against wind and sand
Before you go
Check the entry requirements, including passport validity for your stay, on our page on entry requirements for Morocco.
If October does not suit you
Neighbouring months: November is mild and bright (23 °C (73 °F) in Marrakech), ideal for the desert, with the rains returning in the north; late September is cheaper but still hot. In spring, Morocco in April offers comparable conditions.
Other destinations in October: compare with Tunisia, Egypt or Tenerife. All our ideas: where to go in October.
To plan your trip, read our Morocco travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in Morocco in October?
Mild and sunny: 28.5 °C (83 °F) in the afternoon in Marrakech, 26 °C (79 °F) in Fez and Agadir, 22 °C (72 °F) in Essaouira according to the 1991-2020 normals. Little rain (19 mm (0.7 in) in Marrakech) and cool nights inland.
Can you swim in Morocco in October?
Yes on the Atlantic coast (Agadir, Taghazout, Essaouira), but the Atlantic stays cool in Morocco, even in summer. Marrakech hotel pools are still pleasant in the afternoon.
What is the hottest city in Morocco in October?
Among the stations listed, Marrakech, with an average maximum of 28.5 °C (83 °F), ahead of Ouarzazate (27.5 °C (82 °F)) and Errachidia (26.8 °C (80 °F)).
Is October a good time for the desert?
Yes, it is one of the two best periods with March-April: warm but bearable days and nights still mild for a desert camp.
Is Morocco expensive in October?
Demand is high over the autumn school holidays. Book 2 to 4 months ahead for those dates, or travel in early October.
Can you climb Toubkal in October?
Yes, October is still part of the hiking season (May to October) without specific equipment. Check the weather at altitude, as snow can arrive in late autumn.
Our sources
- Morocco’s General Directorate of Meteorology, via the World Meteorological Organization 1991-2020 climate normals (NOAA archive)
- UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Morocco (GOV.UK, updated 19 August 2026; Ramadan dates), read 26 October 2026
- Data already published on our page on the best time to visit Morocco
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.