When to go to Morocco? Climate, Best periods, Annual weather, Temperatures, Tourist seasons..

When to go to Morocco: the best periods

Thanks to its great climatic diversity, it is possible to travel to Morocco throughout the year. All in length, the country also has varied geography that influences the climate: mountains, the Sahara desert in the south, the Atlantic side in the west, and the Mediterranean Sea in the north.

Thus, the best time to go to Morocco depends on the region you want to visit and the experience you want to have there.

When to go to Morocco according to your centers of interest?

• For walking on hiking trails and trekking in the mountains, the months of July and August have perfect weather: the sun is shining, but the heat remains reasonable. It is therefore the best time to discover the Rif and the Atlas.

• To laze around and enjoy the beach on the Atlantic coast or along the Mediterranean, the ideal period is between June and October. However, if you prefer to feel alone in the world, avoid the months of July and August.

• To discover the imperial cities without the tourist crowds, it is better to choose the shoulder seasons, in March and April and from October to mid-November. The temperatures will then be very pleasant during the day, but the nights are cool.

• To live a local cultural experience, the Ramadan period can be an exciting time to travel to Morocco (ask about the dates, they are different each year). When the fast is broken, once the sun has set, Moroccans meet to share a festive meal and will be delighted to share it with passing travelers. On the other hand, you have to be aware that it is less practical to eat properly during the day.

• With a very diverse climate depending on the seasons, regions, and time of day, packing can be a real headache. Here is what you should generally plan for:

1. In winter: on the coast, mid-season clothing is recommended, as well as a waterproof jacket in case of showers and a sweater for the evening. Inland, add extra thickness, the nights are particularly cool there. For mountainous areas, take warm clothes, including a hat, gloves, and a down jacket. In the desert, light clothes for the day and something to cover you for the evening, without forgetting a scarf to protect you from the sand.
2. In summer: if you are traveling on the coast, bring light clothing, a long-sleeved t-shirt for the evening, and a warmer sweatshirt if you are going to the side of Agadir Where Essaouira. For inland regions and the desert, very light, loose clothing made of natural fibers (cotton or linen), a hat, sunglasses, and a scarf to protect you from the sand-laden wind. If you are going to the mountains, take an extra sweater and jacket, as well as good walking shoes.
3. For women, it is better to avoid short clothes, such as shorts or skirts, as well as necklines, especially if you are traveling in less touristy areas.

Annual weather of Morocco

Here is some statistical information on the weather in Morocco to help you in your choice of the best time to favor for your trip:

• In April, May, June, July, August, September, and October, the weather is pleasant across Morocco.

• The climate is favorable all year round to visit Rabat.

• July, August, and September are the hottest months in Rabat, while January and February are the coldest.

• January and November are the wettest months in this city.

• Marrakech, Agadir, Casablanca, Dakhla, El Jadida, Essaouira, Nador, Rabat, Saidia, Tangier, and Bouznika have the best climate, having good weather for at least 11 months of the year. 

• In Agadir, the sea temperature is suitable for swimming all year.

• To obtain all the information on the climate and the weather forecast city by city in Morocco for a specific month, click on the corresponding line below:

Month		Rain		Our opinion
JANUARY	1° to 29°	0 to 8 days*		the weather differs depending on the region*: favorable weather (54%) unfavorable weather (31%)
FEBRUARY	1° to 31°	0 to 7 days*		the weather differs depending on the region*: favorable weather (55%) unfavorable weather (37%)
MARCH	3° to 35°	0 to 9 days*		favorable weather
APRIL	6° to 38°	0 to 6 days*		favorable weather
MAY	11° to 41°	0 to 6 days*		ideal weather
JUNE	16° to 42°	0 to 3 days*		ideal weather
JULY	19° to 43°	1 day		favorable weather
AUGUST	19° to 42°	0 to 5 days*		favorable weather
SEPTEMBER	15° to 41°	0 to 4 days*		ideal weather
OCTOBER	11° to 39°	0 to 5 days*		ideal weather
NOVEMBER	6° to 33°	0 to 8 days*		favorable weather
DECEMBER	3° to 30°	0 to 6 days*		favorable weather

*weather and rainfall vary by geographic area.

The climate of Morocco

Located on the African continent, between Algeria and Mauritania, and not far from the coasts of Spain, Morocco has generally mild winters and hot summers.

The weather in Morocco varies a lot due to its geography, the region you are in, and even depending on the time of day. Thus, the country has four distinct types of climates:

• The Mediterranean on the north coast.

• Oceanic along the Atlantic coasts.

• Continental within the country.

• Desert to the south, in the Sahara desert.

The climate of Morocco on the Atlantic coast

The country has approximately 1300 km of coastline overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, a perfect playground for beach and water sports enthusiasts! Summers are exceptionally hot and gorgeous, with mild winters. The only exception: the month of August near Essaouira and Agadir can be cool due to the humic winds that blow almost every day. Between May and August, it is also very likely that a thick fog will form in the morning. Don't worry, it quickly gives way to the sun! The rainy period extends from November to March. If you want to swim, keep in mind that the Atlantic waters are chilly all year, even in the summer. It may therefore be wise to bring a light suit.

The climate on the northern coast of Morocco

The northern coast of Morocco, which overlooks the Mediterranean Sea, enjoys a Mediterranean climate:

• Summers are hot and dry.

• Spring and autumn offer very pleasant sunny days. It can even be very hot from the beginning of April.

• Winters are less wet there than on the Atlantic coast, especially on the side of Tangier, to the northwest.

Set back from the coast, in the Rif mountains, the climate is much cooler and the winters are harsh, with frequent snowfalls. Fog is also very present until the end of May.

The Climate inside the country

The interior of the country enjoys a continental climate. The weather is, therefore, warmer and drier than on the Atlantic coast. The climate is very pleasant, especially in cities like Marrakesh, where the thermometer often exceeds 20°C in winter. If you are afraid of the heat, however, summer should be avoided: it is not uncommon for temperatures to approach 40°, which can be stressful.

The Climate in the south of the country

Very sparsely populated, southern Morocco experiences a desert climate with the presence of the Western Moroccan Sahara. The temperatures in summer are particularly high there, sometimes making the days difficult to bear. Visit this region, therefore, favors winter, as well as the shoulder seasons. Small originality: the Sahara desert extends to the coast, so you can find more moderate temperatures there thanks to the Atlantic Ocean and its many sea breezes.

Crowds and tourist seasons

Find out when is the high tourist season in Morocco (and therefore, the period when the tourist affluence is highest) and when is the low tourist season with our data and graphs.

Morocco tourist seasons

• Morocco's low seasons are January, February, March, June, and November.

• Middle season in Morocco: May and September

• Morocco's peak season months are April, July, October, and December.

• Very high season in Morocco: August

Hotel prices in Morocco by months

Overall, the month when the price of a hotel room is the cheapest in Morocco is November. It is, therefore, a good time to leave to save money! Conversely, August is statistically the highest month of the year in the hotel industry.

The average price to rent a car in Morocco

Renting a car in Morocco costs an average of €25 per day. This price varies from €27 depending on the month. Thus, in May, renting a car for a 24-hour period costs €15 on average: this is the best time to get the best price! Conversely, in November this average price is €42.

Festivals and main events in Morocco

Here are some unmissable festivals and cultural events celebrated in Morocco:

• March, Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles This is the benchmark women's off-road rally, which has been held in the heart of the Moroccan desert since 1990.

• At the end of April, Printemps Musical des Alizés in Essaouira The city of Essaouira hosts a musical event in honor of chamber music. The free concerts allow you to get to know the big names in this kind of music.

• At the end of June, the Festival of Sacred Music of the World in Fes Each year, the medina becomes a musical scene where musicians from all over the world perform, honoring spiritual music.

• July, Timitar Festival in Agadir This festival allows you to discover the Amazigh or Berber culture, since 2003. Many shows, workshops, and conferences are organized in Agadir.

• July 30, Throne Day in Morocco This holiday commemorates the anniversary of the enthronement on July 30, 1999, of King Mohammed VI. It is celebrated with many fireworks and parades.

• September, Tanjazz in Tangier This is one of Morocco's prestigious jazz festivals, featuring artists from a dozen countries.

• October-November, Saffron Festival in Taliouine The streets of Taliouine have become theaters where people sing and dance to the sound of Gnaoua music.