The best time to visit Morocco is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Days are warm, around 22–30°C in Marrakech, the Sahara is comfortable, and the mountains are clear. Summer is very hot inland but pleasant on the Atlantic coast, and winter is sunny with cold nights and snow in the Atlas.
Morocco month by month
The table gives a general picture for the main inland route between Marrakech, the desert and Fes. Temperatures are typical daytime highs in Marrakech and are approximate. Actual weather varies from year to year.
| Month | Marrakech high | Conditions | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | About 18°C | Sunny days, cold nights, snow on the Atlas | Cities, quiet desert, low prices |
| February | About 20°C | Mild, some rain in the north, almond blossom | Cities, desert, southern valleys |
| March | About 23°C | Warming up, green valleys | Everything |
| April | About 25°C | Warm, occasional showers and desert wind | Everything; peak season |
| May | About 29°C | Warm to hot, roses in bloom near Kelaat M'Gouna | Desert, trekking, cities |
| June | About 33°C | Hot inland, coast mild | Coast, mountains |
| July | About 37°C | Very hot inland and in the desert | Essaouira, high Atlas trekking |
| August | About 37°C | Very hot; beaches busy with local holidaymakers | Coast, north |
| September | About 32°C | Heat easing, clear skies | Everything from mid-month |
| October | About 28°C | Warm days, date harvest in the oases | Everything; peak season |
| November | About 22°C | Mild, cooler nights, some rain | Cities, desert |
| December | About 19°C | Sunny, cold nights, busy at Christmas and New Year | Cities, desert with warm clothes |
Spring and autumn: the two best seasons
From March to May the countryside is at its greenest. Wildflowers cover the foothills, rivers run full with snowmelt, and the valleys south of the Atlas are in blossom. Daytime temperatures suit walking in medinas and sitting outside. April is the busiest month, especially around Easter, so riads and desert camps should be booked well ahead.
Autumn has similar temperatures with a different landscape: drier, golden, and very clear. Early September can still be hot in the south, so the second half of the month through October is the most reliable window. Dates are harvested in the palm groves of the Draa and Ziz valleys in October. Rain returns in November, mostly in the north, but showers rarely last long.
Summer: where it works and where it does not
June to August is hard going inland. Marrakech and Fes often reach 38–42°C in the afternoon, and Merzouga can go beyond 45°C. Sightseeing is still possible if you start at 08:00, rest from midday to 17:00 and choose accommodation with a pool and air-conditioning.
Summer is the right season for other parts of the country. Essaouira is cooled by Atlantic trade winds and typically stays around 22–25°C. The north coast near Tangier is warm with sea breezes. The High Atlas above 1,800 metres is 10°C or more cooler than Marrakech, which makes it the main season for climbing Mount Toubkal (4,167 m). A summer trip that works well combines Marrakech with the coast, for instance on a private day trip to Essaouira from Marrakech.
Winter: sun, snow and cold nights
December to February brings clear blue skies in the south and daytime temperatures of 17–20°C in Marrakech. Nights fall to around 5°C, and many traditional riads are built to stay cool, so ask whether rooms have heating. Fes and the north are colder and wetter than Marrakech.
Snow settles on the High Atlas from roughly December to March. The Tizi n'Tichka pass is cleared quickly but can close for a few hours after heavy snowfall, so keep some flexibility in a desert itinerary. Outside the Christmas and New Year weeks, winter is the quietest and best-value period. Read more in our guide to Morocco in winter.
Best time for the Sahara desert
For Merzouga and Zagora, aim for October to early May. March, April, October and November give the best balance: days of roughly 22–30°C and cool nights. In December and January the days are pleasant, around 17–20°C, but nights in camp can drop to freezing, so bring warm layers.
From June to August the desert is extremely hot and some camps reduce their operations. If summer is your only option, plan the camel ride for sunset, choose a camp with air-conditioned tents and keep the stay to one night. Spring can bring strong winds and short sandstorms. They are part of the desert and usually pass within a few hours.
See Merzouga weather by month for detail, or look at our Sahara desert tours from Marrakech to compare routes.
Best time by region
- Marrakech: March to May and late September to November. Winter is also good if you do not mind cool evenings.
- Fes and the Middle Atlas: April to June and September to October. Winters are cold and damp.
- Chefchaouen and the Rif: April to June and September to October. Winter and early spring are rainy.
- Essaouira and the Atlantic coast: pleasant all year, with the warmest and windiest weather from June to September.
- High Atlas trekking: late April to October for valley and summit walks. Winter ascents need crampons, ice axes and experience.
- Sahara: October to early May.
Ramadan, holidays and crowds
Ramadan, the month of fasting, moves about ten or eleven days earlier each year, so check when it falls before you book. Morocco stays open to visitors and tours run as normal. During the day some cafés and restaurants outside tourist areas close, alcohol is harder to find, and business hours shorten. After sunset the streets fill and the atmosphere is festive. Our guide to travelling in Morocco during Ramadan explains what changes.
The busiest periods are Easter, October, and the weeks around Christmas and New Year. Accommodation costs more and the best riads and camps sell out. For fewer people and good weather, try early March, late May, late September or November.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Morocco?
April and October are the best all-round months, with warm days across the cities, mountains and desert. They are also the busiest, so book early.
When is the cheapest time to go?
Generally mid-January to February and the hottest part of summer inland, when demand is lowest. Prices rise sharply at Christmas, New Year and Easter.
Is Morocco too hot in July and August?
Inland cities and the Sahara are very hot, often above 38°C. The Atlantic coast, the north and the High Atlas are comfortable, so adjust your route instead of cancelling.
Does it rain much in Morocco?
Rain falls mainly between November and March and mostly in the north and the mountains. The south and the desert are dry for most of the year.
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