Best Time to Visit Morocco: Month-by-Month Weather and Travel Guide
The best time to visit Morocco is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). In these months the days are warm but not extreme, the nights are comfortable, and you can enjoy cities, mountains and the Sahara desert in one trip. Winter (December to February) is good for sunny city breaks and for snow in the Atlas, but desert nights are very cold. Summer (June to August) is very hot inland and in the desert, although the Atlantic coast stays pleasant. This guide gives you the weather and the pros and cons for each season and region, a month-by-month table, and tips for Ramadan and festivals, so you can choose the right dates for your own trip.
Weather changes from year to year and from place to place, so treat the temperatures below as general ranges and check a forecast close to your travel date.
Best Time to Visit Morocco at a Glance
| Question | Short answer |
|---|---|
| Best overall seasons | Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) |
| Best for the Sahara desert | October to April, when days are warm and not extreme |
| Best for Marrakech and the cities | March to May and October to November |
| Best for the beach and surf | June to September for swimming, autumn and winter for surf |
| Best for hiking in the Atlas | April to June and September to October |
| Cheapest time | Summer in the cities and desert, and January to February |
| Hardest time | July and August inland, when it can be very hot |
Morocco by Season
Spring (March to May)
Spring is many travellers’ favourite season. The countryside is green, the cities are warm and pleasant, and the desert is comfortable by day. By May it gets hot in the south, and sand winds are possible in the desert. It is also a popular season, so book hotels, riads and camps early.
Summer (June to August)
Inland Morocco is very hot in summer. Marrakech and the desert can pass 40 degrees in the afternoon, so sightseeing happens early or late. If you travel in summer, plan beach time on the Atlantic coast, such as Essaouira, or cooler mountain villages in the High Atlas. Prices are often lower and crowds smaller in the cities. Desert trips are possible but short, with activities at sunrise and sunset.
Autumn (September to November)
September can still be hot, but from October the heat eases and evenings become pleasant. October and November are excellent for the Sahara, the cities and road trips. Clear skies make this a great time for photography and for sleeping in a desert camp.
Winter (December to February)
Winter days are often sunny and mild in Marrakech and the south, but nights are cold, and desert camps can be near freezing after dark. The High Atlas gets snow, and some mountain roads and passes can close. Winter is a good time for city breaks, for surf on the Atlantic coast, and for travellers who prefer fewer crowds and lower prices. Bring warm layers.
Month-by-Month Guide
| Month | What to expect | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| January | Cool days, cold nights, snow in the mountains | City breaks, skiing, quiet travel |
| February | Cool and often sunny, still cold at night | Cities, almond blossom in the south |
| March | Warming up, fresh and green | All-round trips, hiking |
| April | Warm and pleasant | Desert, cities, hiking |
| May | Getting hot in the south | Rose season in the valleys, mountains |
| June | Hot inland, mild on the coast | Beach, Essaouira, high mountains |
| July | Very hot inland | Coast and cool mountain villages |
| August | Very hot inland | Coast, busy local holidays |
| September | Still hot, easing late in the month | Coast, late-month cities |
| October | Warm days, pleasant evenings | Desert, cities, road trips |
| November | Mild days, cooler nights | Desert, cities, photography |
| December | Cool, colder nights, busy at New Year | Sunny city breaks, snow in the Atlas |
Best Time by Region
Sahara desert and Merzouga
The best months for the Sahara are October to April. Days are warm, skies are clear and camp nights are comfortable, though December and January are cold after sunset. From May to September it gets very hot, so rides and walks start late in the afternoon. Read our guide to the desert camp and camel ride in Merzouga to see what a night in the dunes looks like, and our guide to the Erg Chebbi dunes for the best viewpoints.
Marrakech, Fes and the imperial cities
March to May and October to November are the most comfortable months for walking in the medinas. In July and August it is often too hot to be outside in the middle of the day. Winter is mild but can be rainy and chilly in the evenings, especially in Fes.
Atlas mountains
Late spring and early autumn are best for trekking, with clear paths and mild temperatures. Winter brings snow and skiing but also closed passes. In summer the high valleys are a cool escape from the heat of the plains.
Atlantic coast: Essaouira, Agadir and Taghazout
The coast is milder and breezier than the inland. Summer is the best time for swimming, although the Atlantic water is cool and Essaouira can be windy. Autumn and winter are popular with surfers, and Agadir stays warm and sunny for much of the year.
Ramadan and Festivals
Ramadan follows the Islamic calendar, so it moves about 10 or 11 days earlier each year. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. Morocco remains open to visitors, hotels and tours run, and the evenings are lively after the fast ends. But many local cafés and restaurants are closed or quiet during the day, opening hours change, and the pace is slower. Be discreet when you eat or drink in public, and dress modestly. Eid al-Fitr, at the end of Ramadan, and Eid al-Adha are national holidays when many Moroccans travel and prices for transport and hotels can rise. Check the dates for your year before you book.
Morocco also has festivals through the year, such as music events in Essaouira and Fes, the rose festival in the Dades valley and date harvest events in the south. Dates change, so confirm them locally if a festival matters to your plans.
Crowds, Prices and Booking
- Busiest: Easter, spring, October to early November and Christmas to New Year. Book riads and camps early.
- Quieter and cheaper: January to February, and July to August in the cities and desert.
- Local holidays: August and the Eid holidays are busy on the coast and on roads.
What to Pack for Each Season
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | Light layers, a fleece, a scarf, comfortable shoes |
| Summer | Light cotton, a hat, sunscreen, a scarf, a swimsuit |
| Autumn | Light layers, a fleece for evenings, walking shoes |
| Winter | Warm jacket, hat, gloves, thermal layer, boots |
For clothes advice, read our guide on what to wear in Morocco for women, and for money tips see our Moroccan dirham guide.
Plan Your Trip
Once you know your dates, our list of things to do in Merzouga and our guide to camel trekking in Merzouga will help you fill your days. For a general overview of the country and its climate, see Morocco on Wikipedia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Morocco?
April and October are two of the best months. The weather is warm, the days are long and both cities and desert are comfortable.
What is the best time to visit the Sahara desert in Morocco?
October to April. Avoid the middle of summer if you do not like heat, and bring warm clothes for December and January nights.
Is Morocco too hot in summer?
Inland and in the desert it can be very hot in July and August. The Atlantic coast and the mountains are cooler, so summer can still work with the right plan.
Is it cold in Morocco in winter?
Days are often sunny and mild, but nights are cold, especially in the desert and mountains. Bring layers and a warm jacket.
Is Ramadan a bad time to visit?
Not necessarily. Tours and hotels continue, evenings are lively and the atmosphere is special. But some daytime restaurants close, and opening hours change. Plan a slower pace.
When is the cheapest time to visit Morocco?
Usually January to February, and the hot summer months in the cities and the desert.
Choose Your Dates With Local Help
We are a local Merzouga team and we can tell you what the desert is like in your travel month. Message us on WhatsApp at +212 620 628 083 or use our contact page, share your dates and what you would like to do, and we will help you plan your days and your desert camp.