When Is The Best Time To Travel To Morocco - Which Month, For What?

If you are thinking of visiting Morocco, one of the most important considerations is the time of year. So when is the best time to travel to Morocco?

Morocco is a year-round travel destination. However, the best time to visit Morocco depends on what you plan on doing and which parts of the country you want to see. In my opinion, the ideal time for a Moroccan trip is in Autumn or spring when the weather is not too hot and the crowds are a little thinner.

In this article, We'll look at the different seasons for visiting Morocco depending on what landscape you are interested in seeing. We've also included some info in case you want to attend some of Morocco's most famous and colourful festivals.

The best time to visit the Sahara Desert in Morocco is during the cooler months. This is because the desert experiences extremely high temperatures in the summer. Here are the recommended times to plan your visit:

This is during late autumn and the beginning of winter. The scorching summer heat starts to subside, and the weather becomes more comfortable for desert exploration. The days are warm and sunny, with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), making it ideal for Morocco camel treks, desert camping, and enjoying the sand dunes.

Similar to late autumn, early spring offers pleasant temperatures in the Sahara Desert. The weather is warm during the day, with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). This period also coincides with the blooming of desert flowers, adding extra beauty to the landscape.

It's important to note that while the daytime temperatures in these months are generally pleasant, Night temperatures in the Morocco desert can be surprisingly low (even dropping below 0°C). Keep this in mind when deciding what to wear in the Sahara desert, remember to bring layers and warm clothing!

Honestly, we don't recommend planning your trip for the summer months. In the peak summer months (June to August), temperatures exceed 40°C (104°F). The heat is challenging for outdoor activities and limits your ability to fully enjoy the experience.

If you are not used to this type of heat, it's easier than you think to fall victim to sunstroke. Fully consider your options and be prepared for what to expect before booking Morocco desert trekking tours in the summer.

The Atlas Mountains offer outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to fit some hikes into a North African travel itinerary. The two recommended seasons for hiking in Morocco are Spring and Autumn:

During spring, the weather in the Atlas Mountains is generally mild and pleasant, making it an ideal time for trekking and generally the best time to climb Toubkal. The snow from winter starts to melt, revealing beautiful landscapes, blooming flowers, and flowing rivers.

The temperatures are comfortable for hiking, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). However, it's important to note that higher elevations experience cooler temperatures. Check beforehand whether it's likely to snow and come prepared with appropriate gear.

Autumn is another fantastic time to trek in the Atlas Mountains. The summer heat subsides, but the landscapes are still vibrant. It's worth mentioning that the crowds are relatively smaller compared to the peak tourist season. Average temperatures range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F), providing comfortable trekking conditions.

Even though most people prefer to trek in the warmer months. It is possible to hike during winter in Morocco. If you are planning on climbing Mt. Toubkal or other peaks in the colder months, you will likely need crampons and ice axes. We recommend joining a guided tour for a Toubkal winter ascent.

The coastal cities of Morocco such as Essaouira and Rabat enjoy a moderate climate throughout the year. The ocean breeze means that, unlike the desert, the coast is a good place to be in summer. Note that these warm months coincide with the European summer holidays, which is the peak tourist season in Morocco. Beaches and other attractions are usually packed over this time.

If you want to miss the crowds, opt for spring (April -May) or autumn (September - October). During these seasons the coastal cities of Morocco experience pleasant temperatures with fewer tourists compared to the peak summer season.

The weather is generally mild, with average temperatures ranging from 18°C to 27°C (64°F to 81°F). Good for strolling along the beach, exploring the city's attractions, and enjoying outdoor activities. This time of year, there are plenty of things to do in Casablanca, Essaouira, Agadir, and Tangier. Sea temperatures are also pleasant for swimming and water sports.

Taghazout Bay is one of the most popular beach towns in Morocco. In summer (June-August), this otherwise peaceful town is flooded by locals making the most of sunny days on the sand and in the water. However, if you are looking to hit the waves, winter is actually the right time to visit!

During summer, the days are hot but the sea is flat. Winter in Taghazout still enjoys warm weather and mild water temperatures with much better waves for surfing. Plus, Taghazout is much nicer and more peaceful to visit 'off-season'. For this reason, Skyhook runs Taghazout Bay surf, yoga and meditation trips between December and June.

Morocco is known for its vibrant festivals and cultural events that showcase the country's rich heritage. Here are five festival highlights throughout the year;

The Fes Festival of World Sacred Music is held annually in the city of Fes. It brings together artists and musicians from around the world. The festival features concerts, performances, workshops, and lectures, creating a captivating atmosphere of spiritual and artistic exchange.

Marrakech International Film Festival attracts acclaimed filmmakers, actors, and industry professionals from around the globe. It showcases a wide range of international films, including both feature films and documentaries.

While here, check out the other top things to do in Marrakech.

The Mawazine Festival, also known as Rhythms of the World, takes place in Rabat and is one of the largest music festivals in Africa. It features a diverse lineup of renowned international and Moroccan artists. Most concerts require tickets but budget-savvy travelers can also find some free performances.

The Rose Festival is held in the town of Kelaat M'Gouna in the Dades Valley. It celebrates the blooming of Damask roses that grow abundantly in the region. Visitors can witness the colourful procession, enjoy musical performances, and explore the local market where rose products like oils, perfumes, and cosmetics are sold.

The Imilchil Marriage Festival, also known as "Souk Aam," is a unique cultural event that celebrates the traditional Berber wedding customs in the High Atlas Mountains. The festival brings together families from different villages to arrange marriages, celebrate with music and dance and showcase traditional attire and jewellery.

Morocco is a beautiful destination with warm and welcoming people, delicious food and interesting landscapes. However, just like any destination in the developing world, there are occasional unrests and situations that could make travel less than ideal.

We always recommend following the news on any country you intend to visit. If there's anything to be unsure of, have a look at a reputable travel advisory site such as GOV.UK.